One French person out of five will go on vacation for Christmas. It is this that affirms the edition 2018 Barometer Mondial Assistance, in a representative survey*. It is a figure equivalent to that of the previous five years, with the exception of a peak at 26% in 2013. On average, their vacation will last seven days, and a quarter of holidaymakers will leave a few more days. According to the survey, the French have significantly reduced their vacation time, compared to previous years. "There's an element of timing in there," explains Catherine Diboues, market manager travel, leisure and mobility in Global Assistance. In fact, Christmas falling on a Tuesday, it is easier to take a long weekend for the occasion. In addition, 74% of travelers will remain in France to celebrate Christmas.

A budget of 785 euros

The budget allocated to the holiday of Christmas is, overall, slightly less than that devoted to other, and particularly those of February, often dedicated to stays in the mountain. Thus, this year and much like last year, the holiday makers will spend 785 euros. It is a number that is changing quite a bit, confirms Catherine Diboues. On the side of the destinations, most holidaymakers will stay in France, when 16% will be traveling in Europe.

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young people will travel more

A major trend that emerges naturally in these holiday-makers: they will be 49% to stay a few days in the home of a family member, this will also, obviously, the highest figure of the year, all holidays included. A quarter of French also wants to be with his family in a cottage in the mountains. The side of the youth (18-24 years old), they will be more likely to want to leave, especially between Christmas and new year's day. They are a third party, but with a budget naturally more low (below 500 euros). Thus, this age group favors the european destinations, because less expensive, and a quarter of young vacationers will be leaving the Hexagon. It is two times more than in the 35-49 years.

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* Study was conducted online from 14 to 15 November 2018 with a sample of 1064 individuals representative of the French population aged 18 years and over. The sample was formed according to the method of quotas, in terms of the criteria of gender, age, socio-occupational category, category of agglomeration and area of residence.

Date Of Update: 26 December 2018, 00:00