The majority of those surveyed use their ongoing income and vacation pay, but savings also play a role. The remaining time and the expenditure on site of the red pencil are most likely to be used.
Despite economic uncertainty and the inflation, which can also be felt in many holiday countries, many Austrians do not want to miss the summer vacation – and deliberately “treat themselves to something”. Almost two thirds of the population aged 16 and over plans to travel. After all, a third of them indicate in the current Santander financial barometer that he does not want to save on vacation.
Majority plans to save on vacation
At the same time, it shows that a large part wants to save. Most often, respondents want to climb the brakes on the brakes in the length of stay (23 percent) and the expenditure on site (22 percent) (multiple answers were possible). This applies above all to the middle age group (35 to 59 years), in which there are often families with children. Younger (16 to 34 years) rather rely on cheaper accommodations and early bird offers, while older people (60+ years)-who are often more flexible and can avoid the expensive main season-hope for short-term bargains.
“It is interesting to see how different the different age groups deal with the topic of vacation and finance,” explains Santander CEO Olaf Peter Poenisch.
Vacation money comes to the account in good time
Almost 70 percent of Austrians who want to go on summer vacation this year finance this from the ongoing income. This is also due to the holiday allowance (13th salary), which is paid out in good time before the main vacation time.
“Our survey shows that most Austrians can make their vacation from ongoing income. That speaks for the financial stability of many households,” comments Poenisch.
Over a quarter use savings
In second place are savings that 28 percent of those surveyed fall back on vacation financing. It is interesting that younger people in particular also rely on grants from relatives. 13 percent of 16- to 34-year-olds receive financial support from parents or grandparents, while they are only five percent across all ages. On the other hand, only a subordinate role plays loans or accounting with only three percent.
According to the ÖAMTC travel monitor 2025, the middle per capita budget for the summer vacation of Mr. and Ms. Austrian is just over 1,200 euros per person. The most popular travel destinations (especially Carinthia, Styria and Lower Austria) are still Italy and Croatia. Despite the generally poor economic situation, only a few (17 percent) think of foregoing vacation safely this year.
New Santander financial barometer
In the future, the new Santander financial barometer will provide regular insights into the financial behavior of the Austrians. The current, representative survey for the population entitled to vote in Austria was carried out in May 2025 by the OGM opinion research institute. 1,015 people aged 16 and over were interviewed (max. Fluctuation width +/- 3.1 percent).
Press Photo: Olaf Peter Poenisch (CEO Santander Austria)
About Santander
Santander Consumer Bank GmbH is Austria’s specialist for consumer loans with the aim of making mobility and daily things affordable for humans. The product portfolio includes bar credit, partial payments, debit cards, vehicle loans, leasing and insurance. Daily and time deposit accounts are part of the offer in the savings area. Santander is a close partner of domestic trade in Austria. With 3,000 collaborations from the individual and vehicle trade, the company is the leading manufacturer-independent financier of cars, motorcycles and consumer goods. As of the end of 2024, Santander employed over 500 employees, operating 28 branches and a customer service center in Austria. Santander looks after 365,000 customers. The company operates in Vienna with an Austrian banking license and is subject to statutory deposit protection.
Santander in Austria is part of the Banco Santander, founded in 1857, based in Spain. The financial group is one of the largest banks worldwide in terms of market capitalization. The group’s activities are summarized in five global business areas: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PAGONXT, maps). At the end of 2024, the group operated 8,000 branches, employed over 207,000 people and looks after 173 million customers.