US Vacation Plans on Hold: 29% of Americans Can't Afford a Getaway This Year

Vacations are meant to be a break from work and daily routines, offering time with family and relaxation. But for many Americans in 2025, a holiday is becoming a luxury they cannot afford.

Rising Costs Keep Americans Home

A recent Statista Consumer Insights survey (July 2024 – June 2025) found that 29% of Americans aged 18–64 won’t be able to take a vacation this year due to financial constraints. Nearly half (47%) blame rising daily expenses and the higher cost of living, while 44% cite a weak economy, and 30% mention tariffs as factors limiting their travel plans.

Global Comparison

Americans are not alone in facing vacation struggles, but their numbers are higher than in most countries:

• Canada: 28%

• Japan: 26%

• Germany: 22%

• UK: 20%

• France: 19%

• India: 15%

• Brazil: 14%

• Mexico: 13%

• China: 8%

This shows that financial pressures in the US are more pronounced than in many other nations.

How Americans Are Coping

To manage costs, 32% plan to spend less on travel than in 2024, while 18% plan to spend more. Many are opting for shorter trips or day trips (32%) and carefully budgeting their travel (38%), though only 28% actually create a budget.

Despite these challenges, some Americans still see travel as an investment: 20% prioritize travel regardless of the economy, and 24% view it as a personal growth and experience opportunity. On average, Americans plan to spend $10,600 (around ₹932,000) on travel in 2025.