Italy sees surge in work‑during‑vacation and stay‑cations for 2026

A survey by fintech firm Fiscozen of nearly 44,000 self‑employed professionals (partite IVA) shows that 81% continue to check email or work during their holidays, yet 80% report being satisfied with this flexible lifestyle. Only about one‑fifth manage to fully disconnect, and many plan their time off at the last minute. The study also notes that 86% of freelancers do not include a specific charge for vacation days in their client invoices, highlighting a cultural gap between employee and freelance work models.

Meanwhile, research commissioned by the Italian hotel association Federalberghi indicates that 48.5% of Italians – roughly 24 million people – will forgo travel in the summer of 2026, opting for stay‑cations. Economic constraints are the primary driver, especially among those over 65, where 67% will stay home. Over‑65s and pensioners are the most likely to remain in their homes, while only 17.5 million plan to travel in August and another 4.7 million in September. The trend points to a more selective, budget‑driven tourism pattern and a broader redefinition of vacation in Italy.