Europe Holiday Affordability 2025: Which Countries Can't Afford a Vacation? [2025 Data] (2026)

The European holiday season is in full swing, but for many, the dream of a week-long getaway remains just that - a dream. While the share of Europeans unable to afford a holiday has decreased significantly over the past decade, the reality is that millions still struggle to make ends meet when it comes to taking time off. So, which countries are leading the way in holiday affordability, and what factors are driving these disparities? Let's take a closer look.

The Holiday Affordability Gap

In 2025, 27.5% of the EU's population aged 16 or older were unable to afford a week-long holiday. This is a significant improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 35.2%. However, the gap remains wide, with a stark contrast between the most and least affordable countries. For instance, while Switzerland and Norway boast holiday affordability rates of just 9%, Romania struggles with a rate of 61%. This disparity highlights the complex interplay of economic factors that influence holiday affordability.

The Role of GDP and Economic Disparities

One key factor is income levels. Professor C. Michael Hall from Canterbury University emphasizes the importance of disposable income, stating that it allows people to spend money on holidays. He notes that disparities in holiday-taking and expenditure reflect broader economic disparities within the EU. Professor Lynn Minnaert from Metropolitan State University of Denver supports this view, attributing the differences between nations to the strength of their economies. Countries with lower GDPs, such as those in Southern and Southeastern Europe, tend to have higher rates of holiday deprivation.

The Nordic Exception

The Nordic countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, present an interesting exception to this trend. Despite their relatively high costs of living, these countries have managed to maintain low rates of holiday deprivation. This is particularly intriguing, as it suggests that factors beyond GDP and disposable income may be at play. For instance, the strong social safety nets and high levels of social trust in these countries may contribute to a more equitable distribution of holiday opportunities.

The Impact of Economic Disparities on Holiday Affordability

The data also reveals that economic disparities within countries can significantly affect holiday affordability. In Germany and Austria, for example, around one in five people are unable to afford a week-long holiday. This rate has increased slightly over the past decade, highlighting the challenges faced by low-income earners in these countries. Conversely, countries like Croatia and Serbia have seen significant declines in holiday deprivation rates, with a 33-point and 32-point drop, respectively. This suggests that targeted policies and initiatives can make a substantial difference in addressing holiday affordability gaps.

The Way Forward

As we move forward, it is crucial to address the underlying economic disparities that contribute to holiday affordability gaps. This requires a multi-faceted approach that considers factors such as income levels, social safety nets, and the cost of living. By understanding the complex interplay of these factors, policymakers can develop targeted initiatives to ensure that everyone, regardless of their economic background, has the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved holiday.

In my opinion, the key to addressing holiday affordability lies in fostering a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources. This requires a commitment to policies that support low-income earners and promote social mobility. By doing so, we can create a more just and inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to take a break and recharge.

One thing that immediately stands out is the need for a more nuanced understanding of holiday affordability. While economic factors play a significant role, social and cultural factors also contribute to the disparities we see. For instance, the strong sense of community and social trust in the Nordic countries may contribute to a more equitable distribution of holiday opportunities. This raises a deeper question: how can we harness the power of social capital to address holiday affordability gaps in other parts of Europe?

A detail that I find especially interesting is the contrast between the Nordic countries and the rest of Europe. While the Nordic countries have managed to maintain low rates of holiday deprivation, the rest of Europe continues to struggle with significant disparities. This raises a broader question: what can we learn from the Nordic model, and how can we adapt it to address holiday affordability gaps in other parts of Europe?

What this really suggests is that holiday affordability is not just a matter of economics, but also of social and cultural factors. By understanding the complex interplay of these factors, we can develop more effective policies and initiatives to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take a break and recharge. Personally, I think that this highlights the importance of a holistic approach to addressing holiday affordability, one that considers the unique challenges and opportunities faced by different regions and communities across Europe.