Almost all Dutch holidaymakers sometimes spend more than planned during their holiday. More than 80 percent determine before departure how much they want to spend, 85 percent of holidaymakers exceed the budget at the destination. This is shown by research by GWK Travelex into holiday expenses.
Not entirely unexpectedly, it is mainly the women who determine and monitor the budget. More than 85 percent of women say they determine in advance how much they will spend. Women are also more likely than men to keep track of how much is spent during the holidays (80.5 percent versus 73.2 percent). Almost a quarter of the men say they do not keep a budget. The elderly are less tied to a holiday budget than young people:26 percent of the
60+ set no limit to their expenditure in advance, compared to just over 10 percent of young people between 16 and 29 years. Of the extra, unexpected holiday expenses, 57.6 percent concerns an amount between 100 and 500 euros. For 39.5 percent, it is limited to a maximum amount of 100 euros. About 3 percent have more than 500 euros in extra costs. The budget overrun is mainly due to excursions, going out, eating and drinking.
Most vacationers do have a financial back-up in case expenses turn out higher. Nearly 80 percent rely on their debit card and ensure that there is sufficient balance in the current account. 27 percent (also) carry a high-limit credit card and 26 percent carry extra cash. When asked about security measures, 45 percent say they keep money and cards in a safe place (such as in a safe), 28 percent spread cards and money over various storage places and 17 percent limit the withdrawal options of the debit card.
