How Much Summer Holiday Spending Money Do You Really Need?
16/07/2026
"How Much Spending Money Should I Take on Holiday?"
If we had £1 for every time someone asked that question, we'd probably be booking another holiday ourselves.
It's one of the most common questions heard in our Hays Travel branches, and the answer isn't always straightforward. It depends on where you're going, how you like to holiday, and whether your biggest temptation is another ice cream… or another cocktail.
The good news? Planning your holiday spending money doesn't have to be complicated.
Whether you're heading to the beaches of Spain, exploring New York, or bargain hunting in the bazaars of Turkey, this guide will help you budget with confidence. So you can spend less time worrying about your wallet and more time making memories.
Before You Start Budgeting...
One person's perfect holiday is another person's "I'll just have one more..."
Before deciding how much spending money you'll need, think about:
• Is your holiday all-inclusive, half-board, or self-catering?
• Will you be eating out every day?
• Are you planning excursions or attractions?
• Do you love shopping for souvenirs?
• Are you travelling as a couple, family or group of friends?
A little planning now can help avoid any surprises later.
Europe: Sunshine Without Breaking the Bank
From Spain and Portugal to Greece and Italy, Europe remains one of the UK's favourite summer holiday destinations, and it's often easier on the budget than many people expect. For many travellers, around €60-€100 per person, per day is a comfortable budget if you're paying for meals, drinks, and activities yourself. Of course, if you're staying all inclusive, you'll likely need much less.
Turkey: Incredible Value for Money
If customers ask where they can get the biggest holiday for their budget, Turkey is always near the top of our list. It's famous for offering fantastic value, whether you're dining by the marina, browsing colourful bazaars or relaxing with a traditional Turkish tea overlooking the sea.
A realistic daily budget for most travellers is £40-£80 per person, although many visitors spend significantly less, particularly on all-inclusive holidays.
Typical Daily Costs
☕ Turkish coffee: £1-£2
🥙 Street food: £4-£8
🍽️ Evening meal: £10-£20
🍺 Beer: £3-£5
🚤 Boat trips: £25-£50
🛍️ Market shopping: Perfect for practising your bargaining skills!
USA: Plan a Little, Enjoy a Lot More
The USA is packed with unforgettable experiences. But it's also the destination where budgeting catches people out most often. That's because many prices don't include local sales tax, and tipping is part of everyday life in restaurants, bars, and for many services. For destinations such as New York, Orlando, or Las Vegas, we’d usually recommend budgeting £120-£200 per person, per day, depending on your plans.
Typical Daily Costs in the USA:
☕ Coffee: $4-$7
🍔 Lunch: $15-$25
🍽️ Dinner: $25-$50+
🍹 Cocktail: $12-$20
🚕 Taxi or rideshare: $15-$40
🎟️ Attractions: $40-$150+
Bundle Your Attractions with a City Pass
If you're visiting cities like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, a sightseeing pass such as CityPASS®, Go City® or New York Pass® can save you both time and money. You'll enjoy discounted entry to many of the top attractions, museums, and observation decks, often for much less than buying individual tickets.
Pay in Local Currency and Use a Travel Money Card
When paying by card, always choose to pay in US Dollars rather than pounds if you're given the option. This can help you avoid poor exchange rates offered through Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Pair this with the Hays Travel Money Card for a convenient way to manage your holiday spending and keep track of your budget.
The Holiday Costs People Always Forget
No matter where you're travelling, there are always a few little extras that sneak into the budget.
Things like:
• Airport snacks
• Ice creams on the beach
• Tips and gratuities
• Local transport
• Souvenirs
• Bottled water
• Extra luggage or lockers
• That "one last" coffee before heading home
They might seem small individually, but they soon add up. Adding a little contingency to your holiday budget can make all the difference.
Why We Always Recommend Buying Your Travel Money Before You Fly
Leaving your travel money until you reach the airport can mean paying less favourable exchange rates. Instead, many of our customers choose to secure their travel money before they travel using Hays Travel Click & Collect. It gives you the reassurance of locking in today's exchange rate, collecting your currency at a time that suits you, and starting your holiday knowing one more thing is already sorted.
And if you're still not sure how much currency to take? That's exactly what we're here for.
Pop into your local Hays Travel branch and chat with one of our friendly Travel Money experts. We help thousands of holidaymakers every year and can recommend the right mix of cash, currency, and the Hays Travel Money Card to suit your destination and travel style.
A little planning before you travel goes a long way. Whether you're relaxing in Europe, exploring the USA, or discovering the incredible value of Turkey, sorting your travel money before you leave means you can focus on what really matters, making memories.
So before you pack your suitcase, don't forget one of the most important holiday essentials: your travel money. Our Travel Money experts are always on hand to help you budget with confidence, lock in today's exchange rate with Hays Travel Click & Collect, and find the best way to spend abroad with the Hays Travel Money Card.