Question 1

How much cash should I take on holiday?

Accepted Answer

A useful rule of thumb is around 20–30% of your total spending money in local cash, with the rest on a fee-free debit or travel card. In destinations that lean cash-heavy (parts of Southern Europe, much of Asia, market towns), plan closer to 40%. In card-friendly destinations (Scandinavia, USA, most of Northern Europe), 10–15% is often enough.

Question 2

Is it cheaper to pay by card or cash abroad?

Accepted Answer

For most UK travellers, a fee-free debit card (Chase, Starling, Monzo, Revolut) beats airport currency exchange by a wide margin — you get the mid-market rate with no commission. ATM withdrawals abroad are usually fine with these cards; check your provider's monthly limits.

Question 3

Why include an emergency fund?

Accepted Answer

Small things — a missed connection, a taxi in a strike, an unexpected doctor visit, replacing a lost charger — can quickly eat into a tight daily budget. A 10–15% emergency buffer keeps the holiday relaxed and means the money is there if you need it (and unspent if you don't).

Question 4

How accurate are the daily amounts?

Accepted Answer

The daily figures are planning benchmarks based on typical UK traveller spend in each destination tier. They cover food, drink and small day-to-day costs. Your actual spend will depend on eating style, activity choices and how well you research prices before you go.

Question 5

Do children count as adults for spending?

Accepted Answer

Children usually spend less on food and activities than adults, so the calculator counts each child at 60% of an adult daily allowance. Adjust upward if you're travelling with teenagers or downward for very young children whose meals are covered by adult portions.

Holiday Spending Money Calculator

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