What do you typically spend on vacation?

Ingrid van de Loo · 25 Apr 2026

Planning a vacation always involves a bit of juggling. You want to experience something special, but you also don’t want to come home to a drained bank account. How much does a vacation actually cost on average? That depends on many factors, but with the right information you can budget smarter and make more deliberate choices about the experience that truly suits you.

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about vacation costs: from the average spending of a Dutch family to the question of when a more expensive vacation is worth it. Whether you’re looking for a budget trip or something truly extraordinary, by the end you’ll know exactly where you stand.

What are the average costs of a vacation in the Netherlands?

Dutch travelers spend an average of €1,500 to €3,000 per person on a one- to two-week vacation. This amount varies significantly depending on the destination, travel companions, and type of accommodation. A city break within Europe typically costs less than a long-haul trip to the Caribbean or Asia.

For a family of four, total vacation costs can quickly add up to €6,000 or more, even for a relatively modest summer holiday. Dutch people are generally avid travelers who plan multiple vacations a year. A distinction is often made between a short city trip in spring or fall and a longer summer vacation as the main trip of the year.

What expenses make a vacation expensive?

A vacation consists of multiple cost categories, and it’s often the additional expenses that catch people off guard. Transportation and accommodation are the biggest outlays, but there’s much more that factors into the total picture.

The main cost categories at a glance:

Flights or transportation: often the biggest expense, especially for long-haul destinations
Accommodation: hotel, villa, cruise, or rental cottage
Meals and drinks: don’t underestimate this, especially in expensive regions
Activities and excursions: museums, day trips, water sports
Travel insurance: a must, but frequently overlooked
Local transportation: taxis, rental cars, or scooters
Souvenirs and shopping: a variable expense that adds up quickly

Making a realistic estimate of all these costs in advance helps you avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. It pays to set a budget for each category and track it throughout the trip.

What is the difference between a budget vacation and a luxury vacation?

The difference between a budget vacation and a luxury vacation isn’t just about price — it’s primarily about the experience. A budget vacation is about efficiency: seeing as much as possible for as little money as possible. A luxury vacation is about quality, comfort, and personal attention.

With a budget vacation, you opt for early-booking discounts, all-inclusive deals, or a simple apartment. The experience is perfectly fine, but anonymity and standardization come with the territory. With a luxury vacation, you pay for exclusivity, personalization, and a high level of service. Think boutique hotels, private charters, or small-scale cruises where you’re truly seen as a guest.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you expect from a vacation. Do you want to relax and soak up some sun, or do you want an experience that stays with you?

How much does a luxury sailing cruise cost on average?

A luxury sailing cruise costs an average of €3,000 to more than €10,000 per person, depending on the duration, the vessel, and the destination. On small-scale, high-end cruises aboard historic sailing ships, prices typically start around €5,000 per person for a full cruise, including meals and guided activities.

What you get for that amount varies considerably. With a large cruise company, you pay for volume and entertainment. With a luxury sailing cruise aboard an authentic tall ship, you pay for intimacy, a personal atmosphere, and an experience you won’t find anywhere else. On small-scale cruises, the price often includes all meals, drinks, and activities, which largely eliminates hidden costs.

For travelers who have grown tired of the anonymous nature of large cruise ships, a small-scale sailing cruise is often the better investment — financially as well, when you factor everything in.

When is a more expensive vacation worth it?

A more expensive vacation is worth it when the extra investment leads to a demonstrably richer experience, greater personal comfort, or memories that stay with you for a lifetime. It all comes down to the relationship between what you pay and what you get back in terms of experience.

There are a few situations in which spending more almost always pays off:

Special occasions: a honeymoon, a milestone birthday, or a reunion deserves a fitting setting
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences: if something only fits into your life once, the price matters less than the memory
Quality over quantity: one exceptional trip per year is often more valuable than three mediocre ones
Personal attention: if you’re tired of anonymity and mass tourism, a small-scale alternative gives you genuine hospitality
Authenticity: experiences that are truly different from everyday life bring more satisfaction than luxury you could just as easily find at home

The question, then, is not so much how much money you spend, but whether the vacation gives you what you’re looking for.

How do you plan a vacation budget without surprises?

You plan a vacation budget without surprises by mapping out all expected costs in advance, building in a buffer, and deliberately choosing concepts where a lot is already included. Start with the fixed costs, such as transportation and accommodation, and work outward from there.

Practical steps for a clear vacation budget:

Determine your total budget before choosing a destination
Make a list of all expected expenses, including travel insurance and local transportation
Always add a buffer of 10 to 15 percent for unexpected costs
Deliberately choose concepts where meals and activities are included, so you encounter fewer surprises
Compare providers not just on price, but also on what’s included

An all-inclusive concept, such as a sailing cruise where breakfast, lunch, dinner, and activities are included, makes budgeting considerably easier. You know exactly what to expect before you go.

How Clipper Stad Amsterdam helps create an unforgettable vacation

If you’re looking for a vacation that offers more than a standard experience, we offer a concept that combines luxury and adventure in a truly unique way. On board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam — an iconic three-masted clipper ship — you sail to the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean, surrounded by a maximum of 28 fellow travelers and a young, dedicated crew.

What our luxury sailing cruise includes in concrete terms:

Sailing by day on an authentic historic tall ship, anchoring in a secluded bay each evening
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, prepared by our onboard chefs
Activities such as snorkeling, day trips ashore, and relaxing on white sandy beaches
14 luxury cabins with a boutique hotel feel and a high level of service
An intimate atmosphere, free from the anonymity of large cruise ships

Want to find out whether a luxury sailing cruise is right for you, or do you have questions about the options? Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to tell you more about what we can offer you.