Traveling to a North American Cup (NAC) is an exciting milestone for young fencers — and a big planning moment for families. One practical question comes up every season: what does a NAC weekend really cost?
This post shares a realistic budget example for a Y10/Y12 fencer (competing in two events with one parent traveling), plus a checklist of “easy-to-miss” expenses and parent-friendly tips that can help reduce surprises.
A Sample NAC Cost Breakdown (Y10 / Y12)
Here’s one common scenario: one parent + one fencer, traveling for a weekend NAC, competing in two events. Numbers vary by city and season, but this is a realistic starting point.
| Tournament fee | $130 |
| Event fees (Y10 + Y12) | 2 × $95 |
| Flights (parent + fencer) | 2 × $380 |
| Hotel (3 nights) | $700 |
| Food | $300 |
| Estimated total | $2,080 |
This estimate does not include ground transportation, checked bag fees, coaching support, or gear replacements.
Costs That Are Easy to Miss
Many families budget the “big five” (fees, flights, hotel, food), then get surprised by extras. Here are common add-ons:
- Ground transportation (Uber/Lyft, rental car, parking)
- Checked bag fees for fencing gear
- Coach fees or club support costs
- Extra hotel night if events run long
- Snacks, drinks, tips, and small daily purchases
- Gear wear & replacement (blades, cords, tips, body cords)
Money-Saving & Planning Tips From Parents
Every family’s priorities are different — some optimize costs aggressively, others prioritize convenience. These tips are about planning smarter (and reducing surprises), not changing anyone’s goals.
Travel
- Book flights early or use points/miles.
- Check nearby alternate airports.
- Consider arriving a day earlier if it avoids price spikes.
- If your schedule allows, flexible flight times can lower fares.
Lodging
- Room-share with another fencing family.
- Hotels 10–15 minutes from the venue are often cheaper.
- Use loyalty points or free-night awards when possible.
- Ask your club if there’s a team hotel block.
Food
- Do one grocery run for breakfast + snacks.
- Mix eating out with simple hotel meals.
- Pack a few “competition day” staples to avoid venue prices.
Transportation & Gear
- Share rides / rentals with teammates.
- Use hotel shuttles when available.
- Check bag policies — fencing gear can trigger fees.
- Replace blades/cords before travel to avoid last-minute purchases.
Every Family’s NAC Budget Will Look Different
Some families travel with siblings, split costs with other parents, or add extra days. Others choose one NAC per season and focus on local/regional events. There’s no “right” number — but having real information helps families choose what works best for them.
Open conversations about costs help families plan smarter — and help our community support long-term participation.
Join the Conversation
If you’ve traveled for a NAC, we’d love to learn from you:
- What did your NAC weekend cost (roughly)?
- What expenses surprised you?
- What are your best tips for saving or planning smarter?
Make Planning Easier with FencingBuddies
We’re building tools to help families stay organized across tournaments — results, notes, and long-term progress — so planning decisions are easier over time.
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