Genuine question from Romandie, hoping for some honest answers. My girlfriend keeps pointing out families around us who apparently spend a whole month in the US every summer, and she wonders why we can’t do the same. I’m trying to explain that on our budget it just doesn’t add up, but I’d love perspective from people who actually know. Our situation: family of 5 (3 kids 1 together and 2 from previous relationship ). She works 80% in retail (~CHF 3,900/month) plus CHF 1,500 in child support for two of the kids. I’ve been on unemployment since May 2025 (~CHF 4,500/month), but I’ve found a job starting in September. Where I’d make almost 6000.- per month So for this year roughly CHF 9,900/month total. By my math, a month in the US for 5 people is easily CHF 12,000–15,000+ once you count flights, accommodation, rental car and food. After rent, health insurance, and everything else life in Switzerland costs, there’s just no way we could put that aside in a year. So for those families who do it — how? Genuinely higher household incomes? Years of saving for one big trip? Family money? Credit? Staying with relatives over there? Or is it just way less common than it looks from the outside? Not trying to complain, just want a reality check I can show her. Thx in advance ! submitted by /u/ShelleyLevene
Originally posted by u/ShelleyLevene on r/Switzerland