A comprehensive handbook for vacationing as a German traveler
In the year 2024, German holidaymakers embarked on a record-breaking 56 million trips, spending a total of €90 billion on travel[6]. The preferences of these travellers show a clear focus on cultural and natural experiences, with a growing awareness towards sustainable travel choices.
Domestic Destinations
Germany's rich history and scenic beauty make it a popular choice for holidaymakers. Among the top domestic destinations, culturally rich cities and regions such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Dresden, Regensburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Neuschwanstein Castle, Spreewald, and Baden-Baden stood out[1][3][5]. Each of these locations is known for its historic architecture, museums, natural beauty, or spa culture.
Foreign Destinations
When it comes to foreign travel, iconic European hotspots remain favourites among German holidaymakers. Mallorca, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Venice, Tenerife, Amsterdam, Madrid, Malaga, Vienna, Lisbon, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, and Brussels attracted tourists with their cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and Mediterranean climate[2].
Overtourism-Affected Destinations
However, some popular European destinations are showing signs of overcrowding, leading to less favourable experiences for tourists. Among the most overcrowded cities are Mallorca, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Venice, and Tenerife[2]. Beyond Europe, mass tourism impacts places like Bali as well, with visitors increasingly reporting dissatisfaction due to overcrowding, inflated prices, and environmental strain[4]. These overtouristed destinations have prompted calls for more sustainable travel choices, including visiting alternative cities, traveling during off-peak times, and booking in advance to reduce strain.
Travel Habits and Trends
The average German took about 13 days for their main holiday in 2024[1]. Sixty-four percent of German travellers make some effort to speak the local language, and over half are eager to sample regional dishes when they travel[1]. Campsites and Airbnb-style options saw increased demand in 2024, especially among families and younger travellers[1].
Package tours and holidays offered by tour operators accounted for about half of the total travel market turnover in 2024[1]. Interestingly, only 16 percent of Germans are willing to rise early to place their towel on a sun-lounger, and only 11 percent of Germans are willing to admit to wearing socks with their sandals[1].
Sustainable Travel
A study shows a "Green Shift" is taking place in the German travel mind, with 72 percent of Germans seeing overtourism as a real problem[7]. As a result, a significant minority of German travellers (16.4 percent) chose to travel to Southeast Asia for long-haul trips in 2024[1]. This trend towards sustainable travel is also reflected in the fact that 44 percent of Germans booked their main vacation for 2024 at least four months in advance, compared to 39 percent in 2022 and 35 percent in 2020[1].
In conclusion, German travellers in 2024 showed a strong preference for cultural and natural experiences, with a growing awareness towards sustainable travel choices. This is reflected in the popularity of domestic destinations such as Berlin, Munich, and Bavaria, and the focus on cultural heritage and Mediterranean climate in foreign destinations like Mallorca and Barcelona. The growing trend to avoid overtourism destinations such as Mallorca, Barcelona, and Bali indicates a shift towards more sustainable and enjoyable travel experiences.
| Category | Popular Destinations (Germany) | Popular Foreign Destinations | Overtourism-Affected Destinations | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Cities & Regions | Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Dresden, Regensburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Neuschwanstein Castle, Spreewald, Baden-Baden | Mallorca, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Venice, Tenerife, Amsterdam, Madrid, Malaga, Vienna, Lisbon, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Brussels | Mallorca, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Venice, Tenerife (Europe), Bali (Asia) |
References: 1. Statista 2. Euromonitor International 3. Germany Travel 4. The Guardian 5. Lonely Planet 6. Deutsche Welle 7. Deutsche Welle
A growing number of German travelers are opting for sustainable travel options, as reflected by the significant minority (16.4 percent) who chose Southeast Asia for long-haul trips in 2024. This lifestyle shift aligns with their preference for cultural and natural experiences, which is driving the rising popularity of destinations such as Berlin, Munich, and Southeast Asia.
The focus on sustainable travel trends is also demonstrated by the fact that 44 percent of Germans booked their main vacation for 2024 at least four months in advance, compared to previous years, which indicates a more thoughtful approach to travel planning and a desire to support destinations that prioritize environmental responsibilities.
