Holiday Budgeting – The Real Maths of Spending on a Trip
A holiday is meant to be relaxing — until you check your bank account and realise that ice cream, sun hats, and “just one more souvenir” have somehow eaten half your spending money.
Good budgeting isn’t about being stingy — it’s about making the numbers work so you can enjoy your trip without worrying.
📊 Step 1: Work Out Your Total Budget
Before you even start packing:
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Decide how much you can spend.
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Split it into categories:
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Accommodation
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Food & drink
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Transport
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Activities
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Souvenirs
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Emergencies / extras
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Tip: Always set aside at least 10% for unexpected costs (the “Oh no, the bus didn’t show up” fund).
📏 Step 2: Do the Daily Maths
Divide your budget by the number of days away.
Example:
A £1,000 budget for 7 days = £142/day.
This helps you decide whether that spontaneous dolphin-watching trip is a go or a “maybe next year.”
🍦 Step 3: Spot the Hidden Costs
Holiday spending often disappears into “little extras”:
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Snacks at the airport
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Hotel minibar
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Taxis instead of public transport
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That cute sunhat you had to buy
Write down every purchase. Apps make this easy — and surprisingly satisfying.
🧮 Step 4: Use Real Maths in Decision-Making
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Opportunity cost: If you splurge on a fancy dinner, what activity might you have to skip?
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Cost per use: That £40 snorkel set you’ll use once? Probably better to rent.
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Currency conversion: Factor in exchange rates and card fees before you swipe.
🎓 Teaching Link
Holiday budgeting is a brilliant way to teach GCSE Maths:
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Percentages & ratio
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Division & proportionality
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Data handling (spending logs & pie charts)
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Real-life problem-solving
Students see how numbers affect choices in the real world.
💡 Bonus Classroom Activity
Have students plan a fictional trip with a set budget, comparing:
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Luxury vs budget accommodation
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Public vs private transport
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Self-catering vs eating out
They’ll quickly learn that maths isn’t just in the classroom — it’s in every decision they make.
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