Vacation Budget: Plan and Finance Your Trips Without Breaking the Bank

How much do vacations cost in 2026?

According to an Ipsos study, the average vacation budget for the French is 1,650 euros per person for summer vacations. This amount includes transport, accommodation, food, and activities.

Start Planning Today

Define the total budget

Estimate the total cost of your trip:

• Transport: plane tickets, train, gas, tolls
• Accommodation: hotel, Airbnb, camping
• Food: restaurants, groceries on site
• Activities: visits, excursions, rentals
• Contingency: 10% of the total budget as a safety margin

Create a 'Vacation' Fund

Starting now, set up a monthly automatic transfer to a dedicated account. If you're leaving in August and need 2,000 euros:

• From April: 500 euros per month for 4 months
• From January: 250 euros per month for 8 months

Money-Saving Tips

Book at the Right Time

• Plane tickets: 6 to 8 weeks before departure for domestic flights, 2 to 3 months for international
• Hotels: prices increase drastically in the last 2 weeks. Book early.
• Car rental: compare on several websites and book 1 month in advance

Travel Off-Season

The first weeks of July and the last weeks of August are cheaper than high season (mid-July to mid-August). The price difference can reach 30%.

Loyalty Points Tip

Accumulate airline miles and hotel points throughout the year through your daily spending. Some credit cards offer travel cashback programs.

The 'We'll See When We Get There' Trap

Not budgeting for on-site expenses is the first mistake. A daily budget (food + activities) set in advance helps you avoid unpleasant surprises upon your return. Plan an amount per day and stick to it.