Families are looking for less expensive alternatives to enjoy their vacations, such as picnics, free activities and stays with relatives or in second homes.
A quarter of holidaymakers will opt for free accommodation
For many, the 2024 holidays will be all about saving. A study by the consulting firm Protourisme tells us that in 2024, 1.3 million more French people will forgo paying for accommodation for their summer holidays. While 31.3 million French people plan to go on holiday in July-August, only 200,000 fewer than in 2023, the proportion of those opting for free solutions has increased significantly. Only 24.1 million French people are choosing paid accommodation this year, or 36% of French people and 74% of summer vacationers, compared to 25.4 million in 2023. This decrease is particularly marked among residents of rural areas, towns on the outskirts of large cities and small towns.
The departure rate of residents of metropolitan areas remains stable, or even increases for certain cities such as Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes and Strasbourg. The gap in departure rates between residents of large urban areas and small towns reached 10 points in 2024, compared to 7 points in 2023. In addition, employees of large companies and the public sector maintain a higher departure rate than those of VSEs and the self-employed, widening the gap from 9 points to 12 points this year.
Holidays: Many French people are trying to moderate their spending on various items
Despite a generally tight budget, 10 million holidaymakers are planning to go abroad this summer, 500,000 more than in 2023. These people favour destinations in the Mediterranean. This phenomenon reflects a desire to maximise the holiday experience while looking for destinations that are perhaps more affordable or attractive in terms of value for money.
On vacation, the French also plan to tighten their belts on expenses related to restaurants, leisure activities and outings. According to a study by the savings management firm Yomoni, 59% of vacationers will try to spend less on transportation (plane, train, gasoline, highway tolls), 53% on restaurants and the same on “outings, leisure activities and activities”, 69% on “souvenirs and various purchases”… And, finally, 39% of vacationers will try to moderate their overall budget.
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