New research reveals that 32 percent of citizens do not plan a vacation this summer, with 60 percent of them citing an empty wallet as the reason. Additionally, the number of those using at most a week of annual leave during the summer is on the rise.
Fewer and fewer Croatian citizens can afford to escape their daily routine for a summer vacation, and those who do go are increasingly doing so for shorter periods. These are the findings of the latest research on annual leave conducted by Alma Career Croatia, known for the MojPosao portal, and published on August 12, 2026.
The survey, conducted on nearly 500 respondents, predominantly women (78 percent), aged 20 to 65, mostly employed in large and medium-sized companies, shows a clear trend. This year, as many as 32 percent of respondents stated they do not plan a summer vacation, a noticeable increase compared to last year's 27 percent.
For those spending the summer at home, the reason is more than clear. As many as 60 percent cite a lack of financial resources as the main culprit. This percentage has further increased compared to last year, when 56 percent of respondents cited the same reason.
The financial situation not only affects the decision to go but also the duration of the vacation. Although Croatian workers have an average of 25 days of annual leave, the way they use them in the summer is changing. More and more people are opting for a shorter break.
The share of employees planning to use at most seven days of annual leave this year has jumped to 21 percent, up from 15 percent last year. At the same time, the number of those who can afford three weeks or more of vacation has drastically fallen, from 7 percent last year to just 3 percent this year.
When it comes to the ideal duration, the most popular choice remains a vacation of 8 to 10 days, planned by 37 percent of respondents. Just over a quarter, 29 percent, opt for 11 to 15 days, while 10 percent plan a vacation lasting 15 to 20 days.
Despite financial challenges, Croatia remains the undisputed choice for vacations. Domestic destinations are the first choice for 56 percent of respondents, a slight decrease from last year's 58 percent. On the other hand, interest in traveling abroad has seen a more significant decline, from 21 percent last year to 17 percent this year.
Researchers note that those who do travel abroad do so either for a very short time or for a significantly longer period. As part of the research, respondents also commented on the model of unlimited annual leave, popularized in the USA. Although they find the concept appealing, they expressed doubts about its quality and fair implementation in the Croatian business environment.
