Summer holidays 2025 – risk of financial hangover for many Swedes

Half of Swedes have already planned their summer vacation, but many are facing financial challenges, a new study shows. investigation carried out by Ipsos on behalf of Danske BankAlmost half of all Swedes are worried about not being able to afford their summer vacation.

How Swedes finance their vacation

The survey shows that just over a fifth of Swedes plan to use their tax refund to cover vacation costs. Almost twice as many men (14 percent) as women (8 percent) say they will use credit card or sell off investments to pay for the vacation. But a full 56 percent of those surveyed plan to use saved money to finance their vacation.

Increased holiday costs for many

At the same time, 30 percent of the Swedes that they will spend more on vacation this year than they did in 2024. It is mainly the younger people, under 45 years of age, who state that vacations will cost more this year.

– It is of course good that you mostly use saved funds to finance your vacation, but you have to remember that right now we have both rising cost of living and unemploymentNow is a good time to make sure you have a proper saving and maybe think about whether it's really a good time to use the credit card or sell investments to go on vacation, says Jennie Sanden, private economist at Danske Bank Sweden.

How much does a Swede's vacation cost?

The survey also shows that almost a fifth of those surveyed estimate that their summer vacation will cost more than 25,000 kronor. Just under half of Swedes plan to travel abroad during the summer.

– It is clear that Swedes value their vacations highly. It is understandable that people want relaxation and recovery, but this fall, having drained savings or credit card bills can be tough. Not least for families with children, who are often the ones who have high vacation costs, says Jennie Sandén.

Facts from the survey

• 46 % state that they will travel abroad and more men (51 %) than women (41 %) are planning to travel abroad.
• 37 % of those under 45 will spend more on vacation in year than last year, compared to 23 % of those over 45 years of age.
• 22 % will use the tax refund to finance the vacation.
• Almost half, 45 %, are worried about not being able to afford the vacation.
• The survey has 1,000 respondents and was carried out in March 2025.