The price increases over the past year and ongoing economic instability have led Romanians to adopt a more conservative approach toward non-essential spending, including vacations. According to a national survey conducted by tbi bank, over 75% of Romanians say they will fund this year’s holiday exclusively from personal savings, a clear sign that the idea of a “carefree vacation” now starts, more than ever, with financial peace of mind.
For another 4.3% of Romanians, the money needed for their vacation will come from the salary earned in the month prior to departure, an approach that reflects careful planning and a clear decision to avoid relying on external resources.
Even when additional financial support is needed, Romanians prefer not to rely entirely on debt. Nearly 14% say they will cover their vacation costs through a mix of savings (50%) and credit (50%). Taking out a full loan for a holiday remains a marginal option - less than 2% of respondents say they will go on vacation using borrowed money exclusively.
”The Romanian consumer of 2025 is no longer defined by spontaneity, but by caution and calculated decisions. In a context marked by rising prices and economic uncertainty, impulse has given way to realism. People are more mindful, more reserved, and perhaps wiser when it comes to expenses that aren't absolutely necessary”, says Ionut Sabadac, VP Merchant Solutions, tbi.
Modest budgets, realistic expectations
For most Romanians, vacations in 2025 come with a clearly defined and relatively conservative budget. Over one-third of respondents (34.1%) have allocated less than 1,000 euro for their holiday this year, while nearly 51% say they will spend between 1,000 and 3,000 euro. Only a minority (approximately 15%) exceed this threshold, a clear sign that financial caution is shaping vacation choices in 2025.
The general perception is that vacations have become significantly more expensive: nearly 7 out of 10 respondents estimate they will pay at least 25% more compared to last year. This impacts not only the length and type of holiday, but also the chosen destination and the timing of the trip.
For many Romanians, vacation has become a carefully calculated equation between desire and affordability. In an economic climate that remains volatile, people are choosing to adapt their plans to fit their budget, avoiding impulsive spending and shifting toward more affordable or better pre-planned options.
Fewer vacations, more control
Nearly two-thirds of Romanians (64.5%) say that in 2025 they will go on only one vacation - or at most two - a clear sign of more cautious planning and limited spending on leisure. Moreover, over 16% state that they won’t afford any vacation this year, either due to financial constraints, lack of time, or other personal priorities.
When it comes to preferred vacation formats, Romanians are increasingly opting for flexibility. Over 51% say they choose one main, longer vacation, complemented by a few shorter breaks scattered throughout the year, either for city breaks or personal needs. Only 29% plan two longer holidays in different seasons, while the remaining 20% or so prefer several extended weekends as a way to occasionally escape the daily routine.
The tbi bank survey analyzed the financing needs of Romanians and was conducted in April 2025, nationwide, via the iVox platform, on a total sample of 1,030 internet users in Romania. Over 46% of participants are female, and more than 41% have a net monthly income exceeding 5,000 lei.
