How much money should I bring on vacation?
Planning a vacation is exciting, but there’s one thing many people only think about at the last minute: how much money should you actually bring? Whether you’re taking a city trip, a road trip through Europe, or a sailing cruise in the Caribbean, good financial preparation prevents stress and unnecessary costs along the way.
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about bringing money on vacation — from the right amount of cash to the smartest way to keep your currency safe. That way, you can focus entirely on enjoying your trip.
How much cash should you bring on vacation?
As a general rule, budget around $50 to $100 in cash per person per day, depending on your destination and travel style. For a week-long vacation in a country where card payments are common, $200 to $400 per person is usually sufficient as a supplement to your debit card.
The exact amount depends heavily on your destination. In Western Europe, you can pay by card almost everywhere, while in some parts of the Caribbean, Asia, or Eastern Europe, you’ll regularly need to rely on cash. Also account for small expenses where card payments aren’t accepted: tips, local markets, taxi drivers, or small eateries.
Never take all your cash with you at once when you head out. Distribute it across multiple locations so that if you lose some or it gets stolen, you don’t lose everything. A helpful starting point is to think about which activities you have planned and what they typically cost at your destination.
What’s more practical on vacation: cash or a debit card?
A combination of both is the most practical approach on vacation. A debit card or credit card offers security and convenience for larger payments, while cash remains essential for small purchases, markets, and situations where card payments aren’t accepted.
A credit card has the advantage of often including travel insurance and purchase protection from many providers. Some cards charge no or low foreign transaction fees, which can save you a significant amount on a longer trip. Check this in advance with your bank or card provider.
What are the downsides of relying solely on your card on vacation?
Relying only on your debit card comes with risks. ATMs can be out of service, your card may be blocked due to suspicious transactions abroad, or a small village simply may not have an ATM. Always notify your bank in advance when traveling internationally so that payments aren’t automatically blocked.
What currency should you bring on a Caribbean vacation?
On most Caribbean islands, the US dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency, alongside the local currency. On islands such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, the euro and the local Antillean guilder are commonly used. Always research in advance which currency applies to your specific destination.
On many Caribbean islands you can pay with dollars, but you may receive change back in the local currency. This can be inconvenient if you can’t use that currency anywhere else. Bring small denominations so you can pay more precisely and receive less change.
Exchange currency at home through your bank or a specialized exchange office whenever possible, rather than at the airport or at your destination. Exchange rates at airports are typically considerably less favorable.
How do you keep your money safe during a sailing trip or cruise?
During a sailing trip or cruise, the safest approach is to divide your money across multiple locations: some in the safe in your cabin, a small amount in your day bag, and an emergency reserve packed separately in your luggage. Never carry all your cash with you at once during excursions.
On a ship with a small group, such as aboard a boutique sailing vessel, the risk of theft is lower than in a busy tourist area. Still, caution is advised the moment you go ashore and visit local markets or villages.
- Use the safe in your cabin for your passport, extra cash, and credit cards
- Only bring the money you need for that day
- Use a hidden travel wallet worn under your clothing
- Keep a copy of your bank card and travel insurance number stored separately
- Inform your bank of your travel itinerary so that payments aren’t blocked
How much spending money should you give children on vacation?
A realistic amount of spending money for children on vacation is between $5 and $15 per day, depending on their age and the destination. Give younger children a fixed daily budget so they learn to manage money and can make small decisions on their own.
Pocket money is also a great way to help children understand the value of money in a different currency. Explain what things cost at your destination and let them do the math themselves. That makes the vacation not only more fun, but more educational too.
Give children their spending money in small denominations whenever possible, so they can easily count and manage it. For older teenagers, a prepaid travel card can be a good alternative to cash.
What common mistakes should you avoid when bringing money on vacation?
The most common mistakes when bringing money on vacation are: not carrying enough cash, forgetting to notify your bank about your trip, and exchanging money at the airport, where the rates are the worst. With a little preparation, you can avoid most financial problems along the way.
Here are the mistakes travelers make most often:
- Relying on only one payment method — always bring both cash and a debit card
- Not notifying your bank — this can result in your card being blocked for international payments
- Exchanging money at the airport — exchange rates there are typically the least favorable
- Keeping all your money in one place — always spread it across multiple locations
- Not bringing an emergency reserve — always keep a small buffer for unexpected situations
- Forgetting to bring small denominations — these are essential for tips, markets, and small purchases
Good preparation takes an hour at most, but saves you a great deal of stress once you arrive at your destination.
How Clipper Stad Amsterdam helps you travel worry-free
On a sailing cruise with us aboard the Stad Amsterdam, much of your trip is already taken care of, meaning you’ll need less cash than on a standard vacation. We offer an all-inclusive experience that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. That way, you know exactly what to expect before you even set sail.
What we take care of for you on board:
- All meals and drinks, prepared by our on-board chefs
- Guided shore excursions and activities such as snorkeling
- A personal and attentive team available throughout your entire stay
- A maximum of 28 passengers across our 14 cabins, ensuring an intimate and secure environment
For excursions on the islands, it’s a good idea to have some local currency or dollars on hand for small purchases at markets or local restaurants. But the vast majority of your vacation budget is already covered the moment you step on board.
Want to learn more about what’s included on a cruise with us, or ready to plan a trip? Feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.