Despite rising living costs, two‑thirds of consumers plan to travel in 2026, according to a Yougov survey commissioned by Postbank. Yet almost as many with travel plans say they are cutting back on vacation spending. Half of respondents are more careful with their expenditures than usual, and about 11 % report significant financial restrictions. Increased cost of living tops the list-cited by 38 %-as a reason for more modest holiday plans, followed by high travel costs at 27 %. Thirty‑six percent say they are not saving for their vacation.
The price pressure is most pronounced among lower‑income households: nearly 76 % of those with a monthly net household income below €2,500 are trimming vacation costs, compared with roughly 57 % of households earning €2,500 or more. When budgets are tight, the likelihood of cutting a vacation rises: almost 19 % of respondents earning below €2,500 and already planning a trip would forgo the trip if necessary, versus about 10 % in the higher‑income group.
The January 2026 survey included 2,110 participants.
