Almost 3 in 10 Americans say they can’t afford a holiday, new surveys show

A survey says about 29% of Americans can’t afford to go on vacation this year. The data from Statista Consumer Insights survey that happened in Jul 2024 – Jun 2025 says so. The survey took in consideration of people aged 18 to 64 in several countries. Each country took part in this survey between 2,000 and 10,000 adults were surveyed for this data.

After the U.S., Canada is close behind with 28% of people saying they can’t afford a holiday. Japan ranks third, with 26% of people saying a vacation is too expensive for them.


In Germany, 22% said they couldn’t afford a trip, while 20% in the United Kingdom said the same. France reported 19% of people unable to go on vacation this year. India stood at 15%, showing fewer people struggling compared to Western countries. Brazil (14%) and Mexico (13%) follow next on the list. China has the lowest number — only 8% say they can’t afford a vacation.

Rising costs are changing travel plans

In the US 47% say the higher cost of living affects their 2025 travel plans. 44% blame the weak economy, and 30% say tariffs are also affecting them. According to the survey as compared to 2024 around 32% will spend less on travel, while 18% plan to spend more. As per the data by Empower, 29% will go on vacations or day trips instead of long holidays. And 38% think staying under budget is very important, but only 28% actually make a budget.

Another study by empower shows Americans are changing travel habits

Another data showed similar results to the Statista Consumer Insights survey. A survey done this year (2025) by Empower says 44% of Americans believe travel memories are priceless, but economic pressure is changing how they travel. Many plan to spend less on travel in 2025, choosing staycations or local trips to save money.

One in five (20%) Americans still prioritize travel no matter the economy. A quarter (24%) see travel as an investment in themselves, not just about money. On average, Americans plan to spend about $10,600 on trips in 2025.

Overall, both the data shows that financial stress is stopping many people around the world from taking a break.

FAQs

Q1. Why can’t many Americans afford a vacation in 2025?

Many Americans say they can’t afford vacations because of the high cost of living, a weak economy, and rising travel prices, according to Statista and Empower surveys.

Q2. How much do Americans plan to spend on travel in 2025?

On average, Americans expect to spend about $10,600 on trips this year, but many are cutting costs by choosing staycations or local travel, as per Empower’s 2025 survey.