Booking a holiday often focuses on flight and hotel costs, overlooking on-site expenses. Yet, significant price variations exist across Europe. Norway leads as the continent's priciest destination, followed by Denmark, Switzerland, and Iceland. Eastern Europe offers the best value: prices in Macedonia, Albania, and Bulgaria are roughly half those in the Netherlands. Back home, maintaining that post-vacation glow proves challenging—over 60% lose their relaxed feeling after just one day of work, according to ING's recent Question of the Day survey with 51,400 daily respondents.
Nearly Half Ignore Local Costs When Choosing Destinations
Dutch travelers often spend freely on holiday, but even pre-trip planning downplays budgets. For 46%, local price levels factor little into destination choices; 80% disregard exchange rates. This can lead to unexpected bills, as some spots far exceed others in cost.
Norway Far Outpaces Europe in Holiday Expenses
Norway towers above peers: typical costs like dining, transport, groceries, and drinks run nearly 70% higher than in the Netherlands. Four other Scandinavian nations rank in the top six, driven by steep taxes on alcohol and tobacco, plus pricier supermarkets. Switzerland joins them, amplified by the franc's strength against the euro. Neighboring Belgium edges slightly higher overall—supermarkets cost more, though transport is cheaper. For savings, head east: Macedonia, Albania, and Bulgaria halve Dutch prices, with solid deals also in Czechia and Poland.
Pre- and Post-Holiday Work Rushes Are Common
Two-thirds (65%) of workers face heightened busyness the week before vacation; 28% stay at normal pace, and just 7% wind down. Returning, 65% dive back into overload, often from overflowing inboxes and backlog.
Holiday Feeling Fades After 2-3 Days Back at Work
Return stress erodes relaxation fast: nearly 60% lose it within a day, averaging 2-3 days—half a workweek. Only 15% hold it beyond a week. University of Nijmegen research confirms holiday length doesn't extend this buzz, whether 1 or 4 weeks away.
