Austrians travel despite inflation: summer vacation by the sea in trend!

Austrians travel despite inflation: summer vacation by the sea in trend!

In view of increasing costs and financial challenges, 96 % of Austrians plan to travel at least once this summer. This shows a survey by the ÖAMTC, which was carried out on 1,000 people between 18 and 69 years. Around 70 % of the respondents want to travel abroad, while about 50 % are planning a vacation in Austria. Only 4 % are undecided or have no summer vacation. Despite inflationary tendencies, the Austrians show themselves.

At the time of the survey in early April, 40 % of the respondents had already booked their vacation. Compared to previous years, booking behavior has remained stable. In the summer of 2024, the actual travel activity was 89 %, while 95 % of the travel plans surveyed expressed. The main reasons that speak against a trip are financability, temporal and health reasons. The average vacation budget for 2025 amounts to 1,233 euros per person, which is an increase of 171 euros compared to the previous year.

popular travel destinations and means of transportation

The travel destinations show a clear preference for vacations on the water: 58 % of those surveyed prefer a vacation by the sea, with Italy and Croatia being the most popular destinations. Greece, Germany and Spain are also very popular. Within Austria, Carinthia, Styria and Lower Austria are the favored federal states for a home vacation. Interestingog, almost 60 % of the respondents have chosen a vacation by the sea, with families and travelers under 30 years of age, in particular, prefer this form of relaxation.

The main means of movement in the summer of 2025 are privately used cars. 71 % of travelers plan to travel by car. Of these, 37 % only use the car, while 21 % prefer a combination of car and aircraft and 13 % combine the car by train. Families with children are increasingly relying on the car, while 31 % of solo travelers choose the train as a means of transport. Travelers under the age of 40, however, prefer rental cars.

save without waiver

The financial framework conditions force many to plan carefully in their travel expenses. According to the survey, 60 % of those surveyed state that they have to save this year, 20 % even strong. This savings potential is seen primarily when choosing the accommodation, the expenses on site as well as the number and duration of the trips. Many travelers make sure to choose cheaper accommodations and reduce the costs of restaurant visits and excursions.

The survey confirms the trend that despite trying to minimize costs, the Austrian's duties seems unbroken. The need for relaxation, time with family and friends as well as enjoying the sun are clearly in the foreground of travel motivations.