How to Spread the Cost of Holidays

When planning a holiday, your focus should be on choosing destinations, booking experiences, and looking forward to your trip, with a budget that helps you spread the cost in a way that works for you.

If you're wondering how to spread holiday costs without paying for everything right away, one option is to use a credit card offering 0% interest on purchases for a promotional period. This can allow you to spread the cost of flights, accommodation, and other holiday expenses over several months, provided you repay the balance before the promotional period ends.

In this guide, we'll explain how to budget for a holiday, what costs to include in your holiday budget and how a 0% purchase offer could help you manage costs more smoothly while keeping your travel plans on track.

What costs should I have in mind when planning a holiday?

A typical holiday often involves multiple expenses beyond the initial price. These can include:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Travel insurance
• Food and dining
• Activities
• Spending money
• Luggage

Even a relatively cheap trip can quickly add up once flights, accommodation, food, and activities are included. That's why many people start researching how much a holiday costs long before they book.

The good news is that planning-ahead and building in a small buffer can make it much easier to stay in control of your budget.

How much does a holiday cost?

How much a holiday costs depends on where you're travelling, how long you're staying, when you book and the type of trip you're planning. According to recent CCPC research, the average holiday cost in 2025 was just under €2,500, not including spending money with families who brought children under the age of 18 spending nearly €4,000.**

For example, a short European city break may cost significantly less than a full family holiday during peak summer season. Factors that can affect the total cost include:

• Destination
• Time of year
• Number of people
• Accommodation type
• Flight availability
• Planned activities

Rather than relying on average holiday costs, it can help to create holiday budget based on where you're going, how long you're staying and what you plan to do while you're away.

A simple approach is to estimate. The below is an example for two people going on a week long trip abroad:

Adding a small emergency fund can help cover unexpected costs and give you extra peace of mind while travelling.

If you're looking to save on your holiday this year, our family staycation ideas in Ireland can provide you with some magical places to visit closer to home.

How to budget for a holiday

A holiday budget should include the initial costs, the everyday spending needed for meals and activities, and a small bit extra for unexpected expenses. Listing each cost before you book can help you understand the full price of your trip and decide how best to pay for it.

Creating a holiday budget doesn't need to be difficult. A few simple steps can help you prepare.

Start with the essentials

List your expenses that are completely necessary first, such as:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Travel insurance

These costs are usually easiest to estimate.

Include everyday spending

Think about what you'll spend while you're away, including:

• Meals
• Local transport
• Entrance fees
• Entertainment
• Shopping

Build in some flexibility

Prices can change, and unexpected opportunities often come up during a holiday. Having some flexibility within your budget can help you enjoy your trip without feeling restricted.

Review your payment choices

Many people focus on where they'll go but spend less time considering how they'll pay for the trip. Before you book, it can help to compare payment options and think about how each one affects your budget If you're new to credit, you may also find our guide to getting your first credit card helpful.

Spread your costs with 0% interest on purchases for 3 months*

Having a clear holiday budget can make it easier to see what you’ll need to pay upfront and what you may want to spread over time. The Avant Money One Card could help you manage your holiday spending with 0% interest on purchases for 3 months*.

Variable interest rate 16.8%. Typical APR 22.9% (Annual Percentage Rate) includes government stamp duty of €30.

Representative example: assuming credit limit of €1,500 repaid in 12 equal monthly instalments, total amount repayable is €1,666.50. Total cost of credit is €166.50.

*For any offers related to purchases, the promotional period commences from the date your account is opened. You’ll need to pay your minimum monthly repayment on time each month and stay within your credit limit to keep your promotional rate. When the promotional offer ends any outstanding amount will be charged interest at your standard variable rate of 16.8%. Money Transfers are available from €100 up to 95% of your credit limit.

**Source (CCPC.ie)

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Avant Money Credit Cards are only available to customers over the age of 18 and resident of Republic of Ireland. Rates correct as of 1st July 2026 and are subject to change.

Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for consumer protection rules.