What do you typically spend on vacation?

Ingrid van de Loo · 25 Apr 2026

Planning a holiday always involves a bit of juggling. You want to experience something special, but you also don’t want to come home to an empty bank account. What does a holiday cost on average? That depends on many factors, but with the right information you can budget more smartly and make more conscious choices about the experience that truly suits you.

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

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

The costs of a holiday vary considerably depending on the destination, travel party, and type of accommodation. A city break within Europe typically requires a different investment than a long-haul trip to the Caribbean or Asia. For personalised advice, we recommend contacting your travel provider directly.

For a family of four, total holiday costs can add up quickly, even for a relatively modest summer holiday. Dutch travellers are generally active holidaymakers who plan multiple trips a year. A distinction is usually made between a short city trip in spring or autumn and a longer summer holiday as the main trip.

Which cost items make a holiday expensive?

A holiday consists of several cost items, and it is often the additional costs that catch people off guard. The biggest expenses are transport and accommodation, but there is much more that factors into the total picture.

The main cost items at a glance:

Flights or transport: often the largest expense, especially for long-haul destinations
Accommodation: hotel, villa, cruise, or holiday home
Meals and drinks: don’t underestimate this, especially in expensive regions
Activities and excursions: museums, day trips, water sports
Travel insurance: a must, but regularly forgotten
Local transport: taxi, hire car, or scooter
Souvenirs and shopping: a variable expense that can add up quickly

Anyone who makes a realistic estimate of all these items in advance avoids unpleasant surprises afterwards. It pays to set a budget per category and keep track of it during the trip.

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

The difference between a budget and a luxury holiday lies not only in price, but above all in the experience. A budget holiday is about efficiency: seeing as much as possible for as little money as possible. A luxury holiday is about quality, comfort, and personal attention.

With a budget holiday you opt for early-booking discounts, all-inclusive deals, or a simple apartment. The experience is perfectly fine, but anonymity and standardisation come with the territory. With a luxury holiday you pay for exclusivity, tailor-made arrangements, and a high level of service. Think of a boutique hotel, a private charter, or a small-scale cruise where you are truly seen as a guest.

Ultimately it comes down to what you expect from a holiday. Do you want to relax and enjoy a bit of sunshine, or do you want an experience that stays with you?

How much does a luxury sailing cruise cost on average?

The investment for a luxury sailing cruise depends on the duration of the trip, the vessel, the cabin category, and the season. Rates are always put together on a bespoke basis, so the offer fully aligns with your wishes and travel party. Contact us for a personal quote.

What you get in return for that investment varies considerably between providers. With a large cruise company you pay for volume and entertainment. With a luxury sailing cruise on an authentic vessel you pay for intimacy, a personal atmosphere, and an experience you won’t find anywhere else. With small-scale cruises the price often includes all meals and activities, which largely eliminates hidden costs.

For travellers who have grown tired of the anonymous character of large cruise ships, a small-scale sailing cruise is often the better investment, even when you factor everything in.

When is a more expensive holiday worth it?

A more expensive holiday is worth it when the additional investment leads to a demonstrably richer experience, greater personal comfort, or memories that stay with you for a lifetime. It is all about the relationship between what you invest 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 investment matters less than the memory
Quality over quantity: one outstanding trip a year is often more valuable than three mediocre ones
Personal attention: if you are tired of anonymity and mass tourism, a small-scale alternative offers genuine hospitality
Authenticity: experiences that are truly different from everyday life at home bring more satisfaction than luxury you could find in your own country

The question is therefore not so much how much money you spend, but whether the holiday gives you what you are looking for.

How do you plan a holiday budget without surprises?

You plan a holiday budget without surprises by mapping out all expected costs in advance, building in a buffer, and consciously choosing concepts where a great deal is already included. Start with the fixed costs, such as transport and accommodation, and work outwards from there.

Practical steps for a clear holiday budget:

Determine your total budget before choosing a destination
Make a list of all expected cost items, including travel insurance and local transport
Always add a buffer for unexpected expenses
Consciously choose concepts where meals and activities are included, so you have fewer surprises
Compare providers not only on price, but also on what is 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 where you stand before you go.

How Clipper Stad Amsterdam helps create an unforgettable holiday

If you are looking for a holiday that offers more than a standard experience, we offer a concept that combines luxury and adventure in a 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 select group of no more than 28 fellow travellers and a young, dedicated crew.

What our luxury sailing cruise concretely includes:

Sailing on an authentic historic tall ship by day, anchoring in a secluded bay in the evening
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our chefs on board
Activities such as snorkelling, 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 without the anonymity of large cruise ships

Would you like to know whether a luxury sailing cruise suits you, or do you have questions about the possibilities? Get in touch with us and we will be happy to put together a personal quote for you, fully tailored to your wishes and travel party.