Dutch vacation spending rises as more travelers fly abroad despite inflation
Dutch travelers are expected to spend more on summer vacations this year, with a sharp increase in air travel compared to 2024, according to new research commissioned by the Dutch travel industry association ANVR. The study surveyed more than 1,000 Dutch residents aged 18 and older. ANVR said the sample was representative of the Dutch population in that age group.
Despite ongoing inflation, Dutch travelers are spending more on their vacations. On average, people are spending 2,378 euros this year—about 100 euros more than in 2024. According to the survey, six out of ten respondents said that inflation has little to no impact on their vacation plans.
This year, 55 percent of Dutch vacationers have chosen to travel by air, up from 51 percent in 2024. A significant majority of these travelers—63 percent—will depart from Schiphol Airport. Eindhoven Airport accounts for 13 percent of departures.
Cost-saving behavior is still visible, especially among families. Compared to last year, people with school-age children are more often choosing to cut back on activities during the trip, book less luxurious accommodations, opt for shorter vacations, or travel closer to home. Some travelers are also skipping hotels or vacation parks in favor of cheaper alternatives such as home exchange programs.
In addition to domestic airports, foreign airports are increasingly popular among Dutch travelers. Airports in Belgium and Germany now serve around 15 percent of all Dutch passengers heading abroad for their summer vacations.
Car travel, by contrast, has seen a decline. This summer, 34 percent of vacationers are opting for car trips, down from 38 percent last year. Train travel has also decreased in popularity, with only 3 percent choosing it in 2025, compared to 5 percent in 2024. “With these figures, the positive trend in both private car use and train travel has not continued,” ANVR concluded.
