8 cost traps during the summer holidays – and how to avoid them

Summer, sun, maybe some sand on your feet… Where are you going this year? Are you flying far away or are you comfortably enjoying the summer here at home? Those of you who know me well may know that I have two Pokémon loving sons. One of them has now qualified for the World Cup and so we are all going to Japan this year and staying there for a while because of the long journey.

Whether you’re traveling or vacationing at home, here are a few tips to avoid common holiday money wasters and stay on budget during the sunniest time of the year.

Here are some of the most common holiday money hogs that pop up from time to time:

Of course, an accommodation chosen according to your taste and needs is essential for a great holiday. However, it’s easy to end up paying for things you might not use (do you really need seven pools? Do you use the eight restaurants?). So clarify your needs and look at alternatives. The same applies to all-inclusive packages with extras: Read the fine print carefully what is actually included, often extra costs are charged for sun loungers, drinks, internet or other services.

Many sights, parks, and attractions offer discounted early bird rates or multi-attraction combo tickets. Tickets are often cheaper online than on the spot. It may take away some of the spontaneity, but it’s worth planning, especially for families, to take advantage of various discounts, such as eg B. to use Reka-Cheques.

In new and exciting places, it’s common to be tempted to make a spontaneous purchase (I also have a few essentials in the closet and basement, partly caused by things I forgot while packing 😉). remedy z. B. a holiday budget, or for a larger purchase simply wait 24 hours and see if you still want the items.

Costs for taxis, transfers, but also rental cars on site can add up quickly. In any case, first ask for the price and look at alternatives, perhaps there is a local bus or your destination can also be easily reached by bicycle, electric scooter, etc. When renting a car, check carefully which additional costs may apply. some insurance or even additional charges for passengers.

Just annoying cost guzzlers. Depending on the bank and the card, cash withdrawals cost even in Switzerland, and abroad they are even more expensive, up to 10 francs per withdrawal or a percentage per amount – Travelex and Euronet are machines that are often notable for high costs and unfavorable exchange rates. Alternatives are withdrawals with a debit card or avoiding cash as much as possible. When paying by card, always choose the local currency, as the rate used by the payment device/terminal is often very bad. It is best to choose a card with friendly rates or interbank rates, which are eg. This is the case with neobanks such as Revolut, Yuh, Kaspar& and Alpian.

The plane ticket is cheap, but you often pay expensive surcharges for extra options and luggage. The dimensions and weights are also different for different airlines. Baggage planning is key here to avoid costly surprises at the airport. That also means that you think about what you absolutely must and want to take with you from home, and what you can more easily rent locally, pick up at the accommodation or get cheaper.

Travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you a significant financial burden in the event of unforeseen circumstances. From medical emergencies to trip cancellations, travel insurance offers protection and peace of mind. Some credit cards already include travel insurance. It is best to check how you are insured and possibly book an additional package.

Do you have a package that allows you to call and surf carefree? If not, check the rates in advance, buy a data plan if necessary. Many providers also offer different packages for the holidays or you can also buy a ticket on site.

In addition to avoiding high costs, there are other things you can do to keep your vacation budget on track – here are a few simple things:

Where are you going this summer? Are you traveling or staying in Switzerland? What is your experience and what saving tips do you have? 🏝