For many families, the holiday season is the best time of the year – and unfortunately often the most expensive. Between accommodation, meals, activities and little extras, the expenses can quickly mount up immeasurably.
But there is another way: with a well-thought-out holiday budget and a few simple tricks, you can enjoy a relaxing family holiday without getting into financial difficulties afterwards.
Why do we often spend too much money on holiday?
The holiday season is closely linked to emotions: Relaxation, adventure, enjoyment – you want to escape the daily grind. It is precisely this desire that often leads to out-of-control spending. Many people indulge in the motto “Now I’m going to treat myself” during the holidays without paying attention to the budget. In addition, there are spontaneous decisions, excursions, souvenirs or restaurant visits that were not planned. Children’s wishes (“Can I have that?”) are also fulfilled more often in a relaxed atmosphere than in everyday life.
Another point: In unfamiliar surroundings, you often lack an overview of prices and alternatives. It’s easy to end up in overpriced tourist traps or buy more than you need out of convenience.
Talking about money – especially when planning holidays
According to our survey, only one in three families talks openly about money. Yet holiday planning is an ideal opportunity for couples, families or parents with children to consciously address the topic of finances.
A joint discussion about wishes and possibilities promotes mutual understanding and makes it clear that if you save money in one area, you can invest more elsewhere – for example, cooking at home three times and then going to your favourite restaurant. You can also involve your child, in an age-appropriate way, in such conversations. They will learn how to make conscious decisions and how budgeting works.
Involve your child in the planning
Your child can enjoy planning a holiday themselves – it encourages independence and organisation. A budget also promotes an understanding of the costs that can arise during an excursion. Of course, depending on their level of maturity and experience, they will need appropriate help. One prerequisite, for example, is that you have already discussed the holiday destination and various local options with your family. Planning is easier if you are spending your holiday in Switzerland.
Talking about money in a relaxed atmosphere, such as before or during the holidays, helps to remove the taboo from the subject. And planning together is not only fun, but also strengthens family cohesion.
Holiday budget: Planning pays off
A fixed budget ensures relaxation, also in your head. If you know in advance what you can afford, you can plan better and enjoy yourself more consciously instead of being annoyed about unexpected costs later on. Planning gives the whole family structure and clear boundaries within which the holiday can be experienced carefree.
10 tips for budget planning
- Determine the total amount: How much should the entire holiday cost? Consider accommodation, travel, meals, excursions and extras.
- Calculate your daily budget: Work out how much is available per day. This will help you avoid large fluctuations. You can also set daily limits for your payment card.
- Plan for a buffer: Unforeseen expenses (e.g. medication, repairs) happen – factor them in.
- Do your research beforehand: You can find out and compare admission prices, parking fees and restaurant costs (don’t forget to tip) online. Many attractions also offer discounted family tickets. It’s worth enquiring beforehand (e.g. at the tourist office).
- Holiday book instead of souvenir shop: An album with tickets, photos and collected memories replaces expensive souvenirs and makes the memory more personal.
- Travelling by public transport: Many regions offer holiday tickets for bus and train, or include them in the guest pass.
- Avoid high roaming charges: It’s best to leave your mobile phone in flight mode when travelling and use the Wi-Fi in your accommodation to access the internet, for example.
- Do not change cash at the airport: Exchange offices at your home airport or in the destination country itself (especially at airports) usually charge high fees or offer poor exchange rates. It’s better to exchange at your bank in advance – you’ll usually get a better rate there.
- Use your card wisely: When paying by card, make sure you always select the local currency at the terminal, not your own. Conversion by the retailer (keyword: “dynamic currency conversion”) is usually more expensive.
- Withdraw cash from ATMs using your debit card instead of your credit card: If possible, use your debit card for withdrawals. Credit cards often incur significantly higher fees. Find out in advance about the conditions of your bank abroad.
Here you can find more tips for planning your 2025 holiday, including ideas for collecting cashback.
Conclusion: A relaxing holiday despite the budget? Yes, absolutely!
Relaxing holidays don’t have to cost a fortune. With a little planning, openness to alternatives and conscious decisions, your holiday time will not only be cheaper, but possibly also more intense and more fulfilling. With a well-thought-out holiday budget, you will gain freedom and serenity, perhaps the most important ingredients for a successful family holiday.
And if you plan together, you can experience wonderful moments with your family even before the trip!
