Rising Costs Impacting Summer Vacations: A Large Number of Individuals Struggling to Afford Leisure Activities in 2025
In a recent survey, the Sozialverband Deutschland (SoVD) has revealed that a significant number of Germans are struggling to afford holidays and leisure time [1]. Over a third of workers find it difficult or impossible to take holidays financially, and nearly half are forced to cut back their holiday plans.
The SoVD, a social advocacy group, has identified a growing financial difficulty for many Germans, particularly among young adults aged 18 to 29, with nearly 40% stating they can barely or very barely afford holidays. The situation is also affecting about one in five children in Germany, who live in poverty [1].
To address these challenges, the SoVD has suggested several common approaches. These include increasing social support and subsidies for low- and middle-income families, advocating for better wages and working conditions, promoting affordable or subsidized holiday programs, and raising awareness about the importance of leisure for health and social well-being [1].
Michaela Engelmeier, SoVD chairwoman, has emphasised the need for concrete measures against growing social division, stating that the crises of recent years have left deep marks [1]. Engelmeier also advocates for limiting price increases for essential goods, energy, and mobility, as these increases threaten to increase feelings of exclusion [1].
The SoVD has further demanded targeted relief for people with small and medium incomes, significantly higher collective bargaining coverage, better conditions for reconciling family and work, and investments in affordable, barrier-free housing [1]. If entire population groups lose trust in participation, long-term social cohesion suffers, Engelmeier stated [1].
Moreover, Engelmeier has called for cultural, leisure, and educational offerings to be designed so everyone can afford them [1]. The survey also showed that educational attainment shows clear differences, with over 70% of those with a primary school education or no degree, almost half with intermediate education, and over a quarter with a university degree reporting difficulty affording holidays [1].
The survey was conducted in June 2025, and it highlights the need for immediate action to ensure that all Germans can enjoy the benefits of leisure and holidays. If you need more precise measures proposed by the SoVD, it is recommended to consult their official publications or press releases directly.
[1] Data sourced from SoVD's survey in June 2025.
- The SoVD, in their survey, has highlighted the need for stronger political intervention in personal-finance matters, such as increasing social support and subsidies, advocating for better wages, promoting affordable holidays, and ensuring essential goods are not excessively priced.
- The SoVD's survey demonstrates that personal-finance and general-news issues intertwine, as many Germans struggle to afford holidays and leisure time, with educational attainment showing clear divisions in this regard.
