List expenses that can appear without being optional
Missed shuttle, luggage storage, food during delay, late transport, a gate baggage fee or an extra night are examples of costs a trip can impose.
Separate contingency from treats
An extra restaurant meal or souvenir is not an emergency. Keep a separate fun budget so it does not consume the safety reserve.
The more rigid your bookings, the stronger the reserve should be
Non-refundable tickets, separate connections and prepaid accommodation reduce your ability to absorb change without buying again.
On a small budget, think in minimum amounts
On a €300 weekend, keeping €30–50 aside can be more meaningful than a percentage. On a complex trip, size the reserve around the cost of a genuine fallback.
Keep part of the reserve accessible another way
A second card, separate payment method or small reserve stored elsewhere can matter as much as the amount itself.
Our method
Imagine two or three realistic incidents and price the response: late taxi, unexpected baggage, extra night. Your reserve should at least solve the most plausible scenario without endangering the return journey.
How we work
We verify information, cite sources where relevant and date our updates. Prices, availability and rules that may change should always be checked again with the relevant source or service.
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