Italians traveling abroad: between holiday planning, attention to expenses and habits

Summer, for many, is synonymous with holidays, and for many, Over 7 out of 10 Italiansthese are abroad, but with a judicious management of the expenses. To say it is the results of the investigation Ing People Insights Lab created by Ing Italy together with Yougov, which involved over 1000 Italian adults to understand how we travel out of the border.

73% choose a destination abroad at least every now and then (4 Italian out of 10 Italians at least once a year) and 54% also visit countries with a currency other than the euro, But the real desire for the world are young between 18 and 34 years old. THE’82% has already put the passport in the suitcase and the destinations with currencies other than the euro are an irresistible call especially for 65% of young travelers.

Plan or improvise?

Travelers are divided into two macro categories: those who plan every single day in detail and those who live everything in adventure. According to research, 44% of Italians define themselves as a real meticulous planner, while 24% rely on improvisation.

Yet when money comes into play, free spirits even become cautious. Half of Italians traveling abroad (50%) keep an eye on every euro, and only 1 in 10 admits to indulge in everything he wants without thinking too much. It is a continuous tension between the desire for freedom and attention to the wallet. Most travelers abroad feel partly blocked by extra expenses, only 1 in 4 instead lives the moment and, in particular, the over 55 feel more free.

Dream experiences? Often remain such

To everyone, on the road, it will have happened to want to try that unique experience or make that crazy excursion, but the cost often brakes every desire. It happened to 68% of Italians traveling abroad. And, needless to say, some are repenting once again returning home. This dynamic reflects the difficulty of letting go completely, especially when a different coin comes into play.

Shopping on vacation?

92% of travelers admit to shopping during the trip. Souvenirs, local crafts and typical products (food and wine) are favorites, especially by women. The memory, in the end, beats the reason. Only a small minority avoids taking something home. But it is good to underline that most Italians don’t want to waste too much time, nor money between shops and stalls. The memory, yes, but not excess.

Credit card: the favorite method, but watch out for commissions

The credit card remains the most comfortable way to pay abroad. He comes usually used by 37% of travelers – A percentage that rises to 45% among the over 55. The debit cards follow (25%), while the cash taken or changed on site resist only in 11% of cases.

However, according to the investigation in Ing People Insights Lab there is a large brake: banking commissions on payments and withdrawals in foreign currency. 87% of Italians traveling in non -EU countries find them very annoying enough, so much so that at 44% it happened not to use the credit card in these countries.

Still, there would be a solution: 69% say that it would feel absolutely free to use it if they knew they received a refund on commissions. And since, on average, those who travel outside the EU is willing to spend at least 1,000 euros for a week And that 14% reaches up to 1,500 euros every euro saved would really make the difference.

Currency change? Eyes open and zero surprises

The Ing People Insights Lab investigation also shows how much travelers are aware and proactive on cost control when the borders of the European Union cross: the89% check the currency change before purchases or starts holiday; 82% always check or every now and then the withdrawal and exchange rate commissions. This behavior is particularly widespread among over 55.

Data, these, who confirm how Italians love to travel, dream big, but without bad surprises in the bank, moving between rationality and freedom, between desire and budget.