Vacation is unaffordable for single parents: 38 percent have no chance of traveling!

Vacation is unaffordable for single parents: 38 percent have no chance of traveling!

The longing for the next vacation seems to be unbroken for many Germans, but the reality is poor. More and more people simply can no longer afford time off. A look at the current figures shows that families and single parents in particular are suffering from the rising prices for holiday travel. Isabel Hibben, owner of the AbenTours travel agency in Ramsloh, reports a sharp increase in costs that is ruining the vacation for many.

According to a survey by the Federal Statistical Office, 21 percent of Germans could not afford a week-long vacation in 2024 - a slight decline compared to 23 percent in the previous year. The situation is particularly dramatic for single parents: almost 38 percent of them could not find enough money for a trip. This clearly shows that it is often difficult for single mothers and fathers to give their children a break from everyday life.

Oppressive costs and limited choices

Özlem Benzer from the Hanse travel agency in Friesoythe emphasizes that many single parents still don't want to give up traveling, but the number of attractive destinations is drastically limited. “Popular travel destinations such as Spain and Turkey are very popular, especially when safety for children is a priority,” explains Benzer. Unfortunately, it also turns out that people with a limited budget often have to go on a one-week trip instead of two, or even travel every two years.

The fall holidays are considered a cheaper option for a getaway, but again, prices for popular “good weather guaranteed” destinations don’t always become inviting in October. While childless couples have fewer problems treating themselves to a few days of relaxation - only 15 percent of them couldn't afford a trip last year - the picture is very different for single parents.

A look beyond the borders

In a European comparison, Germany doesn't show itself from the best side either. According to EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC), a full 27 percent of the EU population cannot afford a vacation. While in countries like Luxembourg only 9 percent of the population is affected, the situation in Romania looks dramatic at 59 percent. This puts the situation in Germany in a broader context and shows that vacation travel is not only a luxury good, but also increasingly an indicator of material poverty and social exclusion.

It is to be hoped that the situation on the travel market will ease as soon as possible so that families and single parents will soon have the opportunity to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year without financial worries. Until then, the dream of sun, beach and sea often remains just an unfulfilled wish.

Further information on the topic can be found in the reports from NWZonline, Parents and InsideBW.