One out of every five individuals residing in the northern region struggles to pay for a weeklong vacation. - Approximately 20% of residents in the North struggle with paying for a week-long holiday.
Affordability of Holidays in Schleswig-Holstein: A Comparative Analysis
A recent study by the state statistics office has revealed that over one in five people in Schleswig-Holstein cannot afford a one-week holiday outside their homes. This figure is lower than the European average, where 27 percent of people face this issue.
In 2023, 20.1 percent of households with two or more adults and children in Schleswig-Holstein were unable to afford a one-week holiday. This percentage was higher for single individuals, with almost every third single person (31.2 percent) unable to afford a one-week holiday in the same year. However, in 2024, the figures decreased to 21 percent for the general population and 28 percent for single individuals.
The study did not specify the reasons for the inability to afford a holiday, nor did it provide data on the financial situation of people in Schleswig-Holstein beyond their ability to afford a one-week holiday for years beyond 2024.
When compared to other European countries, Schleswig-Holstein's hotel prices are moderate within Germany but relatively higher compared to some Southern or Eastern European destinations popular with European tourists. For instance, popular holiday destinations like Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Italy offer a wide spectrum of accommodation options that are often perceived as relatively more affordable or providing good value.
In Schleswig-Holstein, 3- and 4-star hotels typically cost approximately between $112 and $155 per night, with 5-star options around $250 or higher. Holiday homes such as winter cabins can cost about €210 (~$230) per night for groups, including utilities and cleaning.
All-inclusive packages, common in Mediterranean resorts like Greece and Cyprus, offer cost transparency and can be cheaper overall compared to booking separate services in Schleswig-Holstein, where hotels tend to be more expensive per night and additional expenses (meals, activities) add up.
Family-friendly holiday parks in Schleswig-Holstein offer attractive amenities but are priced similarly to moderate mid-range hotels. For example, Ferien- und Freizeitpark Weissenhäuser Strand averages around $141 per night.
In summary, holidays in Schleswig-Holstein are generally more expensive than some Southern and Eastern European destinations but are likely more affordable than high-end Western European cities or luxury destinations. For residents of Schleswig-Holstein, traveling to nearby European countries might offer comparatively cheaper holiday options, especially when considering all-inclusive packages and destination popularity among budget-conscious travelers.
The study by the state statistics office did not provide data on the holiday habits or preferences of people in Schleswig-Holstein. However, it is worth noting that there are countries where the situation is better than in Schleswig-Holstein, such as Luxembourg, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
[1] Hotel prices in Schleswig-Holstein (source) [2] Affordable European holiday destinations (source) [3] Prices of holiday homes in Schleswig-Holstein (source) [5] Prices of family-friendly holiday parks in Schleswig-Holstein (source)
- The high costs of holidays in Schleswig-Holstein could potentially be alleviated through the implementation of a community policy that addresses aspects of personal-finance, such as offering financial assistance for affordable vacations or tax incentives for holiday savings.
- To help bridge the gap between employment income and the expenses associated with holidays, the employment policy could be revised to promote flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to work remotely during their vacations to offset some of their travel costs.
