Mastering the Art of German Vacationing: A Comprehensive Guide
Germans Travel Abroad and Domestically in Record Numbers in 2024
In 2024, Germans embarked on more than 277 million private and business trips with overnight stays, marking a steady increase in both domestic and international travel [2][4]. Germany itself was the top destination for Germans, with approximately 163 million domestic trips taken.
Package tours and holidays offered by tour operators accounted for about half of the total travel market turnover in 2024. Campsites and Airbnb-style options saw increased demand, particularly among families and younger travellers.
The most popular domestic holiday destinations for Germans are cities and regions known for their rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, and Dresden are among the favored cities, while popular natural and touristic areas include the Rhine Valley, Saxon Switzerland National Park, Baltic Sea Coast, Harz Mountains, and the Bavarian Alps [1][3][5].
For international holiday destinations, Germans most frequently travel to neighboring and Mediterranean countries. Italy, Austria, Spain, France, and the Netherlands are the top foreign destinations, with Italy (14% of all international trips) and Austria (13%) being the most popular [2][4]. Spain, including the mainland coasts and islands like Mallorca and the Canary Islands, is also a highly visited destination.
Germans undertook more than 116 million international trips in 2024, with Spain being the top short-haul foreign destination, followed by Italy and Turkey. When it comes to booking their holiday, the majority of holidaymakers still make their decision based on the weather, the price, and reliable Wi-Fi, according to a recent QTA travel advisor poll.
A significant minority of German travellers (16.4%) felt the need to escape Europe altogether in 2024, with Southeast Asia being a popular destination for long-haul trips. However, a "Green Shift" is taking place in the German travel mind, with 72% of Germans seeing overtourism as a real problem and 61% claiming they have intentionally avoided destinations suffering from overtourism.
Nearly three-quarters of respondents to the survey can still spot their compatriots on the beach with just a glance. Germans spent €90 billion on travel in 2024, with the average longer holiday costing around €1,319 per person.
58% of German travellers are "keen to see their destination through the eyes of locals." Over 50% of Germans are eager to sample regional dishes when they travel, and 64% of German travellers say they make some effort to speak the local language. Only 11% of Germans are willing to admit to wearing socks with their sandals while on holiday.
In 2024, a record-breaking 56 million Germans took at least one holiday of five days or longer. Only 8% of travel agents noted clients who had actually decided to change their travel plans on the basis of overtourism. Over half (58%) of German travellers are open to new experiences and cultures, making them valuable contributors to the global tourism industry.
In 2024, the growing trend of holidays among Germans resulted in over 56 million longer trips, reflecting a lifestyle that prioritizes travel and exploration of new destinations, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the increasing demand for package tours and Airbnb-style accommodations highlights the importance of unique travel experiences in shaping their travel lifestyle.
