Summer isn’t such a pleasant season for those who can’t afford to travel—especially families with young children.
The German tourist has become something of a legend in top global holiday destinations, sometimes viewed positively and sometimes not. That’s to be expected for a country of 84 million people, more than half of whom travel abroad for their holidays.
While many look forward to the start of summer holidays all year, for others it’s a financial nightmare. According to a recent study by the Institute for Future Issues in Hamburg, 21% of Germans say they cannot afford a vacation due to financial hardship.
This percentage has remained fairly stable in recent years, as has the 29% who choose to holiday within Germany, which is considered a more affordable option.
According to the same study, average spending per person for a main vacation is estimated at €1,060 for domestic trips and €1,534 for European holidays. For holidays in Greece, the amount rises to €1,701.
Holiday Travel Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
The number of travelers has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, although a slight increase is expected this year. This is partly due to the series of crises in recent years, and also the messages of austerity coming from the new German government, prompting many to avoid unnecessary expenses that might strain their budgets.
What to Do (With) the Kids?
The largest group reporting an inability to travel are single-parent families (38%), while the lowest rate is among childless couples (15%). The study also refers to previous findings showing that 1 in 5 children in Germany lives in poverty, and for them, a vacation is simply not an option. A situation not unfamiliar in other countries, like Greece.
Professor Sabine Andersen of Goethe University Frankfurt notes:
“A family’s ability to spend even one week a year away from home to recharge and enjoy themselves is a key indicator of poverty in Germany.”
For lower-income groups, summer vacation is often tied to the problem of “what to do with the children” when schools close—especially since many local recreational activities are too expensive to access.
Many working single mothers rely on the practical and financial help of friends or relatives to offer a different experience to their children. Some hope for support from churches or charitable organizations.
Spain Remains the Top Destination
The most popular foreign destination in 2024 remains Spain (9.1%), a trend that’s been steady in recent years. It’s followed by Italy (6.6%), Turkey (5.8%), Scandinavian countries (4.6%), and Greece (4%).
Other neighboring countries like the Netherlands, Austria, Croatia, and France also remain common choices. Projections for 2025 are expected to remain at roughly the same levels.
Source: DW | Konstantinos Argyros
With data from Tourismusanalyse, Stiftung f?r Zukunftsfragen
