For many holidays are not a whim and yes an expense that we are going to have all or almost every year, and to which we may have to allocate some more money as prices go up. It is similar to the recurring fixed expenses, such as rental, mortgage or car insurance, and always arrives in summer.
That is why throughout the months before the summer time it is convenient to save and avoid asking for loans or money borrowed only to go on vacation. Now, in the face of this summer of 2025, there are expenses that have risen more and above the expected, but that are still very present for many of us. For example, drink ice cream or beer.
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We talk that a good part of the Spaniards are enjoying their rest, the beach or the mountain and also of the beach bars, bars and restaurants. Before this flood of leisure, that the expense is triggered in summer is inevitable.
The main expense this summer will be in bars and restaurants
94% of the Spaniards will have vacations, being 8 out of 10 those who will go on a trip this summer, with an average expenditure of 1,339 euros, according to Observatur’s report. This represents an increase of 48% compared to 2024. Only 26% plan to spend less than 500 euros, while 22% will spend 2,000 euros or more.
However, inflation affects a lot. Therefore, 44% plan to reduce their vacation spending, something that especially affects families with less purchasing power.
The main expense, as every summer, will be in bars and restaurants. “The ice cream is not forgiven, the beer is not forgiven … in the end you ruin you,” tourists assure the program Better late of lasexta. Because, after months of routine, for many to sit on a terrace is not an option, but an obligation: “Beer is what feels best in summer. You are working all year for this, right?”
The price of ice cream and beer continues to climb
Currently in Spain an average ice cream in both Tarrina and Cone or Cucurucho can cost between approximately 2.50 and 3.50 euros, a slightly higher price than in previous years. “The price has risen between 3% and 5%,” says Marco Miquel, president of the National Association of Artisan ice cream parlors (Asecea) in an interview for the newspaper 20 minutes.
In fact, the most famous dessert of summer has been obtaining an escalation that has no intention of stopping, according to the data, and that three fundamental ingredients are due to scarcity: coconut oil, cocoa and fruit.
More; For beer, in seasons such as summer, the consumption of this drink increases considerably in Spain, with about 30% of the annual consumption concentrated in the months of June to September. This increase is due, in part, to the hospitality impulse and tourism, since four out of ten cold drinks consumed in bars and restaurants are beers, and one in four beers is consumed by tourists.
Planning is essential not to spend more on your vacation
In addition, as reflected in the study of ‘healthy lifestyle habits’, beer, soft drinks and ice cream occupy the top 3 of the categories with greater rotation during the hottest months of the year, gaining relevance the baskets that are dedicated to the festive only below weekly purchases.
However, from the expenses side, the average budget planned per person for this summer, will be 739 euros, continuing with its upward trend with respect to the previous year, marking a new historical fact.
Savor the local without devouring your budget
The solution to save is in planning. And yes; We know that food is an essential part of any trip, a delicious way to dive into local culture. But this does not have to be a black hole in our economy.
Hosting in housing with kitchen, for example, gives us the freedom to buy in local markets and cook our own dishes. This practice, in addition to being a cultural immersion and an opportunity to discover fresh and seasonal products, can generate savings of up to 50% in food compared to eating always out.
Watch cash payments
The cards are the most practical to pay on vacation, but carrying emergencies never hurts. A dataphone that does not work or a trade that does not have a good Internet signal are enough reasons to have to resort to cash. However, experts such as Helpmycash They advise monitoring these expenses and carrying a limited amount of money.
And it is that not only runs the risk of losing it, but it is also very difficult to monitor cash expenses and it is much easier to exceed unnecessary purchases. For all this, they advise “to establish a daily limit for cash expenses and manage it in a responsible manner to keep finances under control,” they dictate.
Compare prices of all
It is not about keeping the first option that is found, if not to find the one that best comes to your pocket, so, to save, you have to spend a lot of time to compare offers of both flights, accommodations and activities that you want to do. And once the best is found, it is convenient to reserve before it runs out.
Today, there are numerous flight comparators and free accommodations on the Internet, with which to find the best offers. In addition, it is important to look at possible discounts for early purchase and keep in mind the penalties that the owners of the cancellation accommodations may demand.
Write down expenses and not waste
During the holidays, it is convenient to carry detailed control of the expenses. In this way, it is possible to stay inside the budget and make adjustments if necessary, with the objective that the return to the routine is not excessively difficult.
During these dates, in addition, it is usually tempting to eat outside. However, it is not necessary to go to restaurants at all meals. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the option to buy in supermarkets and cook occasionally, or prepare something to carry on the excursions.