In the summer for many families in Germany, it is not automatically equivalent to rest and travel. For a significant portion of population – especially for parents with young children – the inability to leave is a source of anxiety, economic pressure and social inequality.

One in five Germans is unable to travel

According to the latest data of the Institute for the questions of the future from Hamburg, the 21% The Germans states that it does not have the necessary financial means for holidays, a stable trend in recent years. The percentage of those who choose holidays within the country is up to 29%as they are considered theoretically more affordable. However the average expense for vacation within Germany rises to 1,060 euros per person while traveling to the rest of Europe reaches the 1,534 euros. It is indicative that the corresponding amount for Greece touches the 1,701 euros.

Returning to pre -pandemic levels of travel has not yet been achieved. Although there is a slight increase this year, many remain cautious due to the ongoing economic uncertainty and strict fiscal messages of the new German government, leading to the retention of spending.

Families in financial pressure – the deadlock of children

The largest percentage of inability to travel lies in single parent families (38%)while less influenced couples without children (15%). According to a recent study, “One in five children in Germany lives in poverty”something that deprives many families any holiday possibility. As Professor Sampine Andersen from Goethe University in Frankfurt typically notes, Professor Sabine Andersen ‘Central poverty indicator in the country is whether a family can spend at least one week a week away from her home’.

For socially weaker classes, the dilemma occurs “What will children do when schools are closed?”as even close -up activities often have a prohibitive cost. Many single parent families depend on friends or relatives to secure a few days of holidays for children, while looking forward to charity or ecclesiastical initiatives.

Spain top choice follows Italy and Greece

In the field of travel destinations, the Spain It also remains in 2024 first in the preferences of German tourists (9.1%), followed by Italy (6.6%), the Turkey (5.8%), the Scandinavian countries (4.6%) and Greece (4%). Immediately afterwards, traditional neighboring countries come: Netherlands, Austria, Croatia and France – with the same trends expected for 2025.

The inability of a significant part of the Germans to travel accentuates social and economic inequalities, affecting everyone’s right to vacation and leisure.

Source: Tourismusanalyse & Stiftung Für Zukunftsfragen