As many Europeans jet off for the summer, how many citizens can’t afford a holiday away?

As Many Europeans Jet Off for Summer, Yet Holiday Poverty Persists

Poinews.com – As many Europeans jet off for their summer holidays, a significant portion of the population remains unable to take time away from home. According to the latest Eurostat data, almost three in 10 EU citizens aged 16 or older could not afford a week of annual holiday in 2025. This represents a slight increase of 0.5 percentage points from 2024, highlighting that while travel remains popular, it is increasingly becoming a privilege rather than a universal right.

Despite this recent uptick, the situation has improved considerably over the past decade. Compared to ten years ago, the share of Europeans unable to afford a holiday has decreased by 7.7 percentage points. However, regional disparities remain stark. Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, and Hungary recorded the highest proportions of citizens unable to take a week away in 2025. Notably, Romania, Greece, and Bulgaria also lead the EU in severe material and social deprivation among young people during the same period.

Why Can’t Europeans Afford a Holiday?

Several factors contribute to this growing phenomenon. Experts identify rising costs of accommodation, transport, and food as primary drivers. These expenses, combined with declining purchasing power and market speculation, have created what some call “holiday poverty.” Additionally, the nature of work has changed, with more people trapped in precarious employment without adequate benefits.

“Taking a break with family or friends is important for our physical and mental health,” Esther Lynch, general secretary at the European Trade Union Confederation, told Europe in Motion. “After working hard all year, it is the least working people should be able to expect to afford, but every year it looks more like becoming a luxury for the few.”

Lynch emphasized that these statistics reflect a broader crisis in European labor markets. “These figures show that Europe faces a severe quality jobs emergency,” she explained. “It’s the direct result of governments and employers choosing insecure, low-paid, non-union jobs that leave millions trapped in precarious work without the benefits of collective bargaining, facing unsafe working conditions, including extreme heat.”

The contrast between office workers and essential service employees is particularly evident during summer months. “While politicians take their summer holidays, workers are fighting wildfires, working in fields and warehouses in record heat and with no guarantee to be paid enough to afford a holiday themselves,” Lynch noted.

Domestic Travel Dominates European Tourism

When Europeans do travel, most choose to stay within their own borders. Eurostat data reveals that seven out of 10 trips by European tourists in 2024 were domestic journeys. Romania led with 90% of trips staying within the country, followed by Spain at 88%. France, Portugal, and Greece each recorded 85% domestic travel rates.

Conversely, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Malta showed the highest shares of foreign trips within the EU, at 78%, 62%, and 48% respectively. The average length of an EU resident’s trip within the bloc was four nights, while journeys outside the EU averaged eight nights, reflecting the longer distances involved in international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which EU countries have the highest holiday poverty rates?

Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, and Hungary recorded the highest proportions of citizens unable to afford a week of annual holiday in 2025, according to Eurostat figures.

How has holiday affordability changed over the past decade?

While the share of Europeans unable to afford a holiday increased slightly by 0.5 percentage points in 2025 compared to 2024, it has decreased significantly by 7.7 percentage points compared to ten years ago.

What are the main reasons Europeans cannot afford holidays?

Experts point to rising costs of accommodation, transport, and food, combined with declining purchasing power, market speculation, and the growth of insecure, low-paid jobs.

Where do most European tourists travel during summer?

Seven out of 10 trips by European tourists in 2024 were domestic. Romania had the highest domestic travel rate at 90%, while Malta had the highest share of foreign trips within the EU at 48%.

As summer continues, the question remains whether affordable holidays will become increasingly exclusive or if policy interventions can help restore this fundamental aspect of European life to its rightful place as a universal benefit rather than a luxury for the few.