Extensive Study Across Europe
A recent in-depth study commissioned by Mastercard reveals that Cypriot travelers are keeping their calendars open for more experiences, even as 2025 draws to a close. Surveying more than 20,000 Europeans across 20 countries, the research underscores the growing trend of consumers postponing final plans until after the year’s end, with many eager to add yet another travel experience before 2026.
Cypriot Travelers: Embracing Additional Experiences
The study shows that nearly half of Cypriot respondents (47%) still have between 7 and 20-plus vacation days available for 2025, with the highest proportion (19%) having 7 to 10 days left unused. In fact, Cyprus leads the pack alongside Switzerland (56%) and Bulgaria (55%) in terms of available leave. This trend reflects a robust culture of experience-seeking, as 71.8% of Cypriots indicated they have one or more experiences they aim to accomplish before the new year.
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Determination and Optimism Across Age Groups
The ambition to seize every available opportunity spans all age groups. Among respondents, 38.2% are set on achieving a single major experience, while 33.6% plan to complete several. Overall, 34.54% believe they are likely to achieve their goals, 26.60% are confident and enthusiastic about their plans, and 36.77% remain hopeful but uncertain. Notably, a significant majority in Cyprus include 71.7% of Generation Z, 74.5% of Millennials, 61.7% of Generation X, and 75% of Baby Boomers, indicating a unified commitment to living life fully across generations.
Travel: The Foremost Experience
The survey further highlights that travel continues to be the foremost experience on the minds of Europeans. Top selections among Cypriots include a dream destination trip (39.55%), trying a new outdoor activity (21.73%), and attending a long-awaited performance or concert (19.78%). Other experiences, such as witnessing a major sporting event (10.45%), dining at a top restaurant (2.65%), or visiting a Christmas market (1.25%), also make periodic appearances among the preferences.
Optimism in the Broader European Context
Comparatively, optimism is even more pronounced among Europeans overall, with over two-thirds (67%) expressing confidence that they will complete at least one target experience by the end of 2025. Countries like Serbia (82%), Sweden (72%), Spain (71%), and France (71%) are highlighted for their strong belief in this trend. Nevertheless, respondents pointed to challenges such as the need for additional savings (23%), the pursuit of the ‘perfect moment’ (13%), and limited free time due to work and commitments (12%) — factors that may hamper the achievement of these experiential goals.
