Mental load on vacation: a study reveals gender inequality

One June morning, at Maria and Alex's house, Maria is packing suitcases while Alex gets the car ready. This common scene perfectly illustrates the findings of an Ifop survey: even on vacation, the "mental load" weighs more heavily on women. While the study focused on French residents, its lessons apply equally to employees in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and throughout Europe, where similar family and organizational dynamics persist.

A persistent inequality in holiday planning

While vacations should be a time for relaxation, 66% of women in a relationship said they took on more tasks than their partner when preparing for summer holidays. A significant 43% even stated they did "a lot more".

In contrast, only 34% of men believe they were more involved than their partner - a gap that confirms the unequal distribution of domestic tasks doesn't stop just because it's summer.

Planning, booking, managing... still predominantly a woman's job

Whether it's choosing the destination, booking accommodation, packing suitcases, or managing the budget, the majority of holiday organization responsibilities fall on women. The only exception is driving, handled by 58% of men versus just 18% of women.

Daily Management is still gendered, even away from home

Once on holiday, the pattern barely changes. Women continue to bear the brunt of daily life: 54% prepare meals, 50% do the shopping, and 53% handle cleaning. These figures are a far cry from those for men (24%, 22%, and 15%, respectively).

The emblematic case of children

The differences become stark when it comes to children. 78% of mothers pack their children's suitcases (versus 10% of fathers), 86% manage the first-aid kit, 75% wash their clothes, and 54% prepare their meals. These are all tasks that extend their mental load, even while on vacation.

Real tensions in couples

This unequal distribution leads to tension: 42% of respondents say they have already argued with their partner about holiday organization. The most common reasons? The partner's lack of involvement (41% of women), the inability to organize a trip (33%), or disagreements over budget or destination.

Towards equality... postponed until autumn?

What this study reveals is that holidays do not erase the gendered dynamics of daily life. The summer break doesn't seem to be enough to balance roles within a couple: even on vacation, the mental load doesn't take a break.

78% of mothers pack their children's suitcases. 10% of fathers.

Source

• Ifop for Voyage avec Nous, Report & Analysis, July 2022