A quarter of the EU population cannot afford holidays away from home

As summer starts and school holidays will last throughout July and August across Europe, we look at statistics showing inability to afford paying for a one-week annual holiday away from home in the region. In 2024, on average 27% of the population was unable to pay for one week holiday away from home. Within the region, five CEE countries are above the EU average. Romania recorded the highest share of individuals in this situation, with the majority of Romanians (58.6%) being unable to afford a one-week annual holiday in 2024. On the other hand, Slovenia, Czechia and Poland are below the EU average.