Travel Affordability in Europe 2024
Key Findings
- Over 25% of Europeans reported they could not afford even a week-long holiday in 2024.
- Data from Eurostat shows a modest improvement compared to 2023.
- Southern and eastern EU nations remain most affected by financial hardship.
Challenges Ahead
Financial constraints continue to limit many Europeans from enjoying a basic annual break, underscoring the need for broader economic support.
27% of Europeans missed out on a holiday in 2024
Holiday Affordability Slips but Still Widespread Gap
Eurostat’s most recent data shows that 27 percent of EU residents aged 16 or older were unable to afford a week‑long holiday away from home in 2024. This figure marks a 1.5 percentage‑point improvement from 2023, signalling a modest positive trend.
Key Takeaways
- Improved affordability – The overall percentage of those who can afford a holiday has decreased in 2024, indicating a financial betterment for many.
- Persistent gap – Despite the decline, millions across the bloc remain financially limited when it comes to this basic measure of wellbeing.
- Future outlook – Continued policy attention is required to bridge the gap and support holiday affordability for all EU citizens.
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Worst-affected countries: Romania, Greece, Bulgaria
Break‑Taking Challenges Hit Some Nations Hardest
Top Obstacles to a Quick Escape
Across the globe, the power to pause varies dramatically. Below are the countries that faced the hardest bar to a short break:
- Romania: 58.6 % of residents had to ditch any respite
- Greece: 46 % found the rhythm too tight for even a modest pause
- Bulgaria: 41.4 % were forced to skip a brief escape from routine
Implications
In these three nations, nearly half or more of the population had to forgo even a modest break from their daily routine. The result is a widespread daily grind that leaves little room for a moment of delight or relaxation.
Wealthier nations
Holiday Deprivation Rates in Europe’s Wealthiest Nations
While the trend shows a slight improvement, the fact remains that over a quarter of people in the EU couldn’t afford even a single week away this year. And in some countries, the figure surpasses 50 per cent.
Lowest Deprivation Rates Recorded in These Countries
- Luxembourg: 8.9 percent
- Sweden: 11.6 percent
- Netherlands: 13 percent
Key Takeaway
While these rates demonstrate gradual improvement, more than one in four EU residents could not afford even a single week away this year, and in certain countries, the proportion exceeds one in two.
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