Romanian young adults turn to “doomspending” and adapt travel despite rising prices

Rising inflation, higher housing costs and economic uncertainty have led to a growing habit among Romania’s youth known as “doomspending” – the impulse to spend on immediate pleasures to cope with anxiety about the future. A Credit Karma survey cited by The Guardian finds 27 % of Americans, 37 % of Generation Z and 39 % of millennials use this spending pattern, a trend now evident in Romania where psychologists note young people see big life goals such as buying a home as increasingly unattainable.

At the same time, Romanian Generation Z travelers remain determined to vacation abroad despite the euro’s historic high and rising living costs. Interviews show they adjust itineraries, seek low‑cost flights, share accommodations, or choose alternative destinations such as Slovenia. Young people say they “won’t give up holidays; we adapt, but the trips stay on the list,” reflecting a shift toward flexible, experience‑focused budgeting.

Both observations highlight how Romanian youth are reshaping consumption: prioritising short‑term experiences over long‑term savings while still finding ways to maintain travel aspirations in a tougher economic climate.