In the golden age of using social media to brag about your vacation, the stakes feel high for some.

In reality, our posts and the thoughts behind them are quite meticulous. But it comes at a cost. A literal cost.

These days people are shelling out the big bucks in preparation for their holiday even before they've stepped foot on the plane. It's all about making sure you look and feel your best while vacationing. Hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars are being spent to pluck, wax, trim and polish every surface on the human body to make sure one is camera-ready at any moment.

And then there's the matter of your holiday wardrobe.

Watch: Horoscopes at the airport. Post continues below.

If you think it's totally outrageous to place such importance on priming your mind, body, soul and wardrobe just to take some nice pictures on holidays - fair.

But feeling fabulous while on holiday is something lots of us enjoy, including myself.

Over on TikTok Katherine Denton has gone somewhat viral after posting her travel prep for her six-week jaunt in Europe. Among her prep was getting Botox, picking up new luggage, arm waxing, some new wardrobe items which she gets tailored, a facial, a haircut, laser on her legs, eyebrow tinting and topped off with a mani/pedi.

She captioned it with: "I never said I was low maintenance."

Now I have to say, I feel somewhat reassured after watching her video. While Katherine's holiday prep stretches beyond my budget, the sentiment remains - a lot of effort has gone into getting ready for a vacation.

So to put my money where my mouth is so to speak, here's a little breakdown of what I spend before jetting off on a holiday... and I never said I was low maintenance either.

Routines ahead of a holiday.

Total: $1450.

To be fair, some of my domestic trips have been cheaper or the same price as that pre-holiday routine... Just to make sure I'm not the only person being real about the effort behind the scenes, I decided to ask around the office for some backup.

Eliza Sorman Nilsson,Mamamia'sEditor-In-Chief.

Total: $1110.

Isabella Ross,Mamamia'sSenior News Writer.

Total: $480

Shannen Findlay,Mamamia'sContent Producer.

Total: $410.

While it seems like my travel prep routine has blown out in comparison to others, it's all part of getting excited and ready for a fun holiday ahead. But what's for sure is this - I better start saving now for next year's travel plans!

Feature Image: Supplied/TikTok.