It is well known, to afford a vacation, you have to have the means. But how much should you win exactly?
Going on vacation is a habit for some, but for a large part of French people, this pleasure remains a luxury difficult to offer. Between the cost of transport, accommodation, catering and activities, the holidays represent a significant budget, which depends closely on monthly income. Many are wondering: from what salary can we really consider making your bags each year?
Today, the cost of living is increasing, and this weighs on the family budget. Even if paid holidays are guaranteed by law, going on vacation remains a real challenge for many. For example, an employee in the minimum wage, who earns around 1,400 euros net per month in 2025, must often choose between paying essential everyday expenses and having fun with leisure. This is why many modest households prefer short weekends or stay at home rather than renting a vacation rental, unless you save upstream throughout the year. This situation also concerns single -parent families and young workers, who often find it difficult to put money aside to leave.
But then, who can really go on vacation every year? According to data from the inequality observatory, only 42% of people whose monthly income is less than 1,285 euros have left their home for the holidays. On the other hand, this rate increases to 76% for those with more than 2,755 euros per month. In other words, to go regularly, you usually need at least double income from the minimum wage. Managers, intermediate and better remunerated employees are therefore more likely to take advantage of the holidays far from home, while the most modest often remain nearby, even at home.
Beyond income, still according to the observatory of inequalities, other factors come into play. The type of employment contract, the stability of employment and the number of days of acquired leave also influence the possibility of leaving. For example, a permanent employee generally benefits from five weeks of paid vacation, but a temporary worker or a fixed -term contract may have less room for maneuver. In addition, some households devote a significant share of their budget to the holidays: around 10% for affluent homes, compared to less than 5% for the most modest.
For those who wish to leave without breaking the bank, there are solutions: leaving out of season, favoring close destinations or using aids like holiday vouchers or CAF aid. Also, to better prepare your vacation, it is advisable to plan in advance and establish a specific budget. Save regularly, even small sums, can make the difference.
