According to a study carried out by Cluster17 for RTL Belgium, Belgians go away less or reduce their vacation budget. Faced with more pressing financial priorities, they adapt their habits to reconcile pleasure and savings.
Belgians are becoming more and more careful with their finances, and this is reflected in their vacation plans. According to a study carried out by Cluster17 at the request of RTL Belgium, many people plan to travel less often or reduce their budget.
Some even go so far as to give up their vacation time altogether to save money.
“We’re not necessarily tightening our belts, but we’re paying more attention than before”testifies a vacationer. For others, the goal is clear: save today to finance a bigger project in the future. “I’m saving up to take a bigger trip next year.”explains another Belgian interviewed.
An accentuated trend since the pandemic
In travel agencies, the trend is visible. Bookings are declining, and customers are now looking for less expensive options. Laure Mommaerts, travel agent at Voyage Plus, confirms: “Now people realize that life is really coming back and they are starting to be more careful.”
This change in behavior has been observed since the end of the health crisis. While after Covid, the priority was to escape to breathe after months of restrictions, the current economic reality is now pushing Belgians to be more reasonable.
Plan to save
To reduce the bill, travelers adapt their strategy. If, in the past, “last minute” offers were very popular, today many prefer to anticipate their vacations to take advantage of more attractive discounts.
Booking several months in advance allows you to find promotions and better control your budget. However, the cost of transport remains a barrier. This year, the price of plane tickets has increased by more than 10%, an additional cost that is encouraging more travelers to lower their ambitions.
Compromises so as not to give up vacations
Despite budgetary constraints, vacations remain an essential time for Belgians.
Many prefer to adapt rather than give up completely. Going less far, for less time or choosing more accessible destinations are now among the preferred compromises.
holiday budget economy and finance belgium
