Vacation money: for travel or survival? Survey reveals the truth!

Vacation money: for travel or survival? Survey reveals the truth!

A current survey by Deniz Bank shows that the holiday allowance is not only an additional financial source for travel for many Austrians, but above all represents support in challenging times. On May 28, 2025, 1,000 dependent employees and pensioners were interviewed: inside aged 16 to 75. The result is revealing: only 53 percent of those surveyed use their vacation allowance mainly for travel, which means a slight increase compared to the previous year. However, the majority of the respondents deal with the money more carefully.

A third of the participants stated that they save the vacation allowance. With this money, about 18 percent cover living costs or paying bills. According to the survey, 60 percent of employees and pensioners do not use the holiday allowance for leisure activities. Instead, 40 percent indicate that they rely on "over the rounds". In this financial situation, the proportion of respondents, who classified their financial situation as very well, reduced to only 10 percent, while 39 percent rated them as rather good.

Financial security in focus

The survey also shows that households with a higher income, especially those with over 4,500 euros per month, think more positively about their financial situation. There is a remarkable fact among the respondents: According to the study, 54 percent use the holiday allowance to catch up for financial burdens. Every second one fulfills special wishes with the extra income, while 10 percent invest their money in long -term investments such as securities.

Together with the increasing need for financial reserves, the trend continues that vacation money is increasingly being used for ongoing expenses. This illustrates the concerns of many Austrians about their economic future. Around 50 percent of the population must pay more attention to their vacation pay to better manage unexpected expenses. The proportion of respondents who do not receive a vacation allowance has dropped to two percent.

insight into the use of the holiday allowance

• 53 % use vacation allowance for travel.
• 33 % save money.
• 19 % use it for household and living costs.
• 17 % pay invoices or reduce debts.
• 11 % invest in securities.

The Deniz Bank and the Integral opinion research institute have drawn a relevant image of the current financial situation of the Austrians with this study. While the focus is still on vacation and travel expenses, it becomes increasingly evident that the holiday allowance for many is used as an important support to cope with everyday life. The results of the study, which was carried out in April 2025, thus underline the role of vacation allowance as more than just a special payment.

For more information and the complete results, you can report the reports on Krone , OTS and Read Deniz Bank