As the sun-soaked days of summer beckon, it's a bittersweet reality that not everyone can afford to take a break and enjoy a well-deserved holiday. In this article, we'll delve into the fascinating world of holiday affordability across Europe, exploring the trends, disparities, and underlying factors that shape this essential aspect of our lives.
Holiday Affordability: A Snapshot of Europe
In 2025, a significant portion of the EU population, approximately 27.5%, found themselves unable to afford a week-long holiday away from home. This figure, while improved from the 35.2% recorded in 2015, still highlights a substantial segment of Europeans missing out on much-needed vacations.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the variation across the continent. While some countries, like Switzerland and Norway, boast impressively low rates of holiday deprivation (9%), others, such as Romania, face a stark contrast with 61% of their population unable to afford a week away.
Regional Disparities and Trends
When we examine the data more closely, a clear pattern emerges. Southern and Southeastern Europe consistently rank among the regions with the highest levels of holiday deprivation. In contrast, Northern Europe, especially the Nordic countries, and Western Europe enjoy the lowest rates. This disparity is a reflection of broader economic disparities within the EU, as highlighted by experts.
For instance, in 2025, Germany and Austria bucked the trend, with around one in five individuals unable to afford a week-long holiday. This is a notable increase from a decade ago, with Germany seeing a 1.2% point rise and Austria a 0.3% point rise. On the other hand, countries like Croatia and Serbia witnessed remarkable improvements, with declines of 33 and 32 points, respectively, in the share of people unable to afford a holiday.
The Role of GDP and Income
One of the key factors influencing holiday affordability is, unsurprisingly, income levels. Professor C. Michael Hall from Canterbury University emphasizes the importance of disposable income, stating that "disparities in holiday taking and expenditure mirror the broader economic disparities within the EU." This is further supported by Professor Lynn Minnaert, who notes that the strength of a country's economy often correlates with its citizens' ability to afford holidays.
A glance at the chart comparing the share of people unable to afford a holiday with annual net earnings for a single person without children earning the average wage, clearly illustrates this trend. Countries with higher GDPs generally have lower rates of holiday deprivation, while those with lower GDPs face greater challenges in this regard.
A Decade of Change
Over the past decade, there has been a gradual improvement in holiday affordability across Europe. In 2015, almost 2 in 5 people (38.8%) in the EU were unable to afford a week-long holiday. This figure peaked in 2012 at 40.5% and has since stabilized around 27-28%. This improvement is a positive step, but it's important to note that progress has been uneven across the continent.
Conclusion: A Complex Web of Factors
Holiday affordability is a complex issue influenced by a myriad of factors, including income levels, economic strength, and regional disparities. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to ensure that all Europeans can afford to take a break and enjoy a well-deserved holiday. As we continue to navigate these economic challenges, it's essential to keep in mind the broader implications for the well-being and happiness of our societies.
