Summer spending slash by French: reduced budget announced for this vacation period!
Approaching Summer, French Vacationers Face Tight Budgets
By Josephine Pelois, General News Journalistourwebsite.frPublished on [Date]
With summer just around the corner, many French residents are gearing up for their much-anticipated vacations. However, a considerable portion of the population finds themselves in a tight financial situation this year.
According to a recent survey by Ipsos for Alliance Tourism, published on May 7, 2025, only half of the French population is certain they will travel during the summer season. As for the rest, 23% have already decided they will not be going at all.
For those who plan to vacation, the average budget is 1,820 euros, as indicated by the study. Notably, one-third of respondents aim to spend less than 1,000 euros, with another group setting their sights on the 1,000 to 2,000 euro range. On the other end of the spectrum, just 16% of vacationers can afford to spend more than 3,000 euros.
Many respondents have made adjustments to their vacation plans in an effort to manage expenses. According to the survey, 39% of those intending to travel this summer have reduced their budget. The majority of them prefer to trim unnecessary costs such as dining out, activities, or shopping, rather than foregoing their vacation altogether. An additional 30% are willing to shorten their trip duration to bring down the overall cost.
Some French citizens may be looking to off-peak seasons for savings as well, with half considering this strategy to save significantly on travel costs. A quarter of respondents are open to exploring countries where the cost of living is lower than in France, while 26% rely on online price comparison websites to secure the best possible deals for their bookings.
While budgets are tighter this year, French citizens are still prioritizing quality experiences over quantity. Many are shifting toward wellness, nature, adventure, sports, and culinary pursuits. Additionally, a growing number are opting for more budget-friendly travel options within France, utilizing affordable accommodations and free cultural attractions to keep costs down.
Due to these adaptations, the average vacation budget for French travelers in summer 2025 is estimated to be around €868 per person, according to another study by OpinionWay in partnership with Sofinco, published in May 2025. French households with monthly incomes below 2,000 euros have an average budget of €917, while single individuals plan to spend an average of €1,068. On the other hand, households with a monthly income of 3,500 euros or more are willing to spend an average of €2,250. French couples aim for an average budget of €1,856.
To afford their summer vacations, a majority of French citizens save all year round, with many saying they are willing to cut other expenses to make room for this pleasure. The majority of those surveyed (60%) also set a budget for on-site expenses to ensure they stay within their planned spending limits.
In conclusion, the current economic climate has led many French citizens to adopt a more selective and cost-conscious approach to summer travel. With a focus on meaningful and value-driven experiences, travelers are finding ways to balance their budget around an average of €868 per trip without compromising on the quality of their experiences. Both domestically and internationally, this blended approach to travel represents an adaptation to economic realities without sacrificing the joy of a summer vacation.
- In an effort to manage their personal-finance during Summer vacations, many French vacationers are reducing their budgets, preferring to cut unnecessary costs such as dining out, activities, or shopping rather than foregoing their vacations.
- To help manage costs, some French citizens are opting for budgeting strategies, with the majority setting a budget for on-site expenses to ensure they stay within their planned spending limits, ultimately aiming for an average vacation budget of around €868 per person.
