How to Manage Your Budget During Summer Vacation

The Vacation Spending Trap

When on vacation, we tend to loosen the reins on our budget. 'It's vacation!' becomes the excuse for every purchase. Result: many families come back with a $500-1,000 hole in their budget, sometimes more.

Managing your budget on vacation doesn't mean depriving yourself. It simply means staying in control so you can enjoy without regrets when you get back.

1. Set a Total Budget Before You Leave

Before you even pack your bags, define a total amount for the vacation. Include everything: gas or train tickets, tolls, accommodation (if not already paid), groceries, restaurants, activities, souvenirs.

Divide this amount by the number of days to get a daily budget. This is your compass for the entire trip.

💡 Tip with Plan & Multiply
Create a temporary 'Vacation' envelope with your total budget. Every expense is deducted and you see in real time what's left.

Manage your budget easily

Download Plan & Multiply and take action today.

Discover the app

2. Prioritize Your Pleasures

You can't do everything, and that's okay. Identify what truly matters to you and your family: the gourmet restaurant or the water park day? Evening at the local market or cultural visits?

By choosing your priorities, you spend on what actually creates joy, instead of spreading your money thin without real satisfaction.

3. Control Food Spending

Food is often the most underestimated expense on vacation. Three restaurant meals a day for a family of four easily runs $120 daily. Alternate: breakfast at home, picnic for lunch, restaurant for dinner.

Shop at the local market: it's cheaper than the tourist supermarket, the produce is better, and it's an activity in itself. Kids love picking out fruits and cheeses.

4. Avoid Tourist Traps

Highly touristic areas charge 30-50% more than normal. Walk a few streets away from the center to find cheaper restaurants and shops. Ask locals for their recommendations.

For activities, look into multi-site passes, free museum days, and free outdoor activities (hiking, beaches, picnics).

💡 Tip with Plan & Multiply
Categorize your vacation expenses (dining, activities, groceries, transport) to identify at the end of your trip which categories weighed most.

5. Keep a Buffer for Surprises

A flat tire, a sick child, weather forcing a change of plans: set aside 10-15% of your vacation budget for the unexpected. If you don't use it, it's a bonus to put back into savings.

6. The Post-Trip Review

Back home, take 10 minutes to review. How much did you actually spend? Which categories went over? This simple review will help you better budget your next vacation and adjust your savings accordingly.

Conclusion

Managing your budget on vacation guarantees you come back relaxed rather than stressed. With a little organization and the right tools, you fully enjoy your time off while keeping your finances on track.