Average Summer Holiday Costs
To answer the question of what a summer holiday costs on average, we first look at the facts and figures. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) recently examined how much Dutch people spend on a summer holiday. In 2024, that amount was €709 per person, which is €80 more than in 2022, when it was €629 per person. The study also showed that the cost per holiday day had increased from around €66 to €77. The average summer holiday for people in the Netherlands lasts about nine days.
These figures give a useful picture of the cost of a summer holiday, but it is worth keeping in mind that a lot depends on personal choices. Three weeks in a luxury resort in Bali is, of course, far more expensive than spending a week in a tent at a campsite in the Netherlands.
Why Holidays Are Becoming More Expensive
It is not just personal choices that play an important role in the cost of a summer holiday. Holidays are also becoming more expensive due to factors you have no control over, such as:
📈 Inflation
🛒 Higher demand
⛽ Fuel prices
And yet, people in the Netherlands still go on summer holidays in large numbers. According to CBS, about three-quarters of Dutch people go on holiday during the summer. Because in the end, the memories we make matter more than the price tag.
The Biggest Costs of a Summer Holiday
1. Transport ✈️
Whether you travel by car or plane, getting to a holiday destination abroad almost always costs a lot of money. If you choose to fly during peak season, you will often pay for many European destinations:
- €200 to €400 per person for flight tickets
- €100 to €200 for parking at the airport
- €50 to €150 for local transport
Costs rise quickly, especially for families with children. That is why many people in the Netherlands choose to travel by car. However, this is not free either: fuel, toll roads, and possibly a hotel stop along the way all add up. A drive to the south of France, for example, will easily cost between €200 and €350.
2. Accommodation 🛏️
The second major cost of a summer holiday is accommodation. Hotels, holiday parks, and apartments have become much more expensive in recent years due to rising energy prices, staff shortages, and inflation. Average prices in peak season are:
- Apartment in southern Europe: €800 to €1,400 per week
- Hotel room: €900 to €1,500 per week
- Holiday park: €700 to €1,200 per week
3. Food and Drinks 🍽️
Once you have arrived at your destination and found a place to stay, it is time to enjoy yourself — and spend a bit more money while doing so. On average, holidaymakers spend around €20 to €40 per person per day on food and drinks. For a nine-day holiday, this means around €350 to €700 for two adults. For a family with two children, the amount can easily rise to around €1,000.
4. Trips and Activities 🎡
A holiday is not just about travelling, staying somewhere, and eating well. You also want to experience the local culture. This might include visiting museums or theme parks, taking a boat trip or snorkelling excursion, or exploring the area by bike. As a result, activity costs can quickly add up. On average, families spend between €150 and €400 per holiday on outings and activities.
Smart Saving and a Clear Overview
So yes, there is an answer to the question of what a summer holiday costs on average, but much depends on your personal situation and choices. Do you want to keep a close eye on how much money you spend on a summer holiday? Do you want to save for a great trip? Or do you want a clearer overview of your finances, so you know better how much you can spend during a holiday?
You can do all of that with the Grassfeld app. Within a few minutes, you can create an account and link your bank account. After that, transactions are largely categorised automatically, so you can clearly see where your money is going. On top of that, you can set savings goals and budgets to help prevent overspending.
