A clear trend of cost-saving during this year’s summer holidays among Greeks is highlighted by a survey conducted by the Hellenic Institute of Retail Consumer Goods Research (IELKA).
The trend is mainly attributed to reduced disposable income and increased costs of transport, accommodation and food.
The survey was conducted in May 2026, based on a sample of 700 consumers across Greece, and covered a range of topics related to consumer and purchasing behavior during the summer holiday period.
Half of survey respondents (50%) do not plan to take a holiday in the summer of 2026, a figure that may reflect either financial pressures or other personal constraints – compared to 52% in 2025.
However, 50% do intend to go on holiday, with 34% planning only limited breaks, 14% stating they will travel as usual, and 2% expecting to take more days off than usual.
Among those planning holidays, the majority (42%) expect to be away for four to seven days, while 29% plan trips lasting eight to 14 days.
PS what an euphemism to call it a …”trend”.
I have not been able to afford a holiday since 2010, unless you consider trips to attend relatives’ funerals to be such. I have watched with incredulity as some people, while complaining of lack of money, every year spend the entire summer on some island…
The average length of vacation in North America is two weeks. You work up to longer times – if you’re lucky. The preferred method of vacation is “staycation” and visiting “backyard beach”. With the nonsense from the USA, people are starting to spend more time and money in their cities and country. Of course, diaspora Greeks go home for months on end to the houses they have “back home”. And then complain. I’ve last been to Europe in 2017. I think my last vacation was 4 years ago.
Yes, I’m a teacher. I get 2 months off in the summer: first 2 weeks, exhausted; then run around and do all the things you need to do in your house/life; then get ready to go back. I don’t complain, but that’s how it goes. This year I have a lot of dental work to do, so vacation goes bye bye. Again, i don’t complain and I’m grateful I have the time to do what I need to do.
I agree with just a lawyer.
My wife and I love to visit Greece! But not this year because of the dollar/euro rate. We have spent many a week in Athens visiting our friends and enjoying the great food and culture. But with a 16% loss to the dollar, it just makes it too expensive!
Maybe next year.
Hank Coxx
I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to the home of my ancestors, Greece every year since 2010, minus two for Covid.
I am not a wealthy American but you don’t have to be very wealthy to travel to Greece. The highest cost for me is the flight, after that I book all my accommodations, transfers, etc., by myself rather than go through a travel agent.
I go to local markets to buy food for breakfast and lunches and eat at out night and an occasional lunch here or there.
I don’t stay at resorts or eat at high end restaurants and mostly eat where Greeks eat and not where tourists eat.
I can’t see spending a lot of money for an over the top accommodation when I’ll be spending more time outside of it. I’ve gotten some very nice studios with kitchens, balconies and even a washer for far less than anything in America where I live.
Yes, prices have gone up in Greece across the board but it’s still far less expensive for me to go to Greece than a holiday back in America.
I just returned from two weeks on the island of Lemnos and had a wonderful time on an island that’s still not over run by tourists.
Do your research and don’t by tempted by glossy magazines of high priced travel agents and you can enjoy Greece without breaking the bank!
it all depends on your available income. you don’t get tax in GR, don’t pay rent etc etc your pension could be 600-700 euros, your monthly income 900 and your rent 0ver 600. Do the math.