Staycation – Nearly half of Germans can no longer afford a holiday trip

The economic and financial crisis has also affected the tourism industry. The often-used equation of vacation and travel is no longer accurate. Only 52.1 percent of Germans took a vacation trip last year. This is according to the 25th German Tourism Analysis by the BAT Foundation for Future Issues, in which 4,000 people aged 14 and over were surveyed about their vacation behavior in 2008 and their travel plans for 2009.

„The dream of traveling remains, but fewer and fewer citizens can afford this luxury,“ says Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt, the foundation’s tourism manager. Not only are the majority of households with a net household income of less than €2,500 staying home (56%), but also the majority of singles (53%), pensioners (54%), and young adults aged 18 to 24 (55%) are spending the best weeks of the year at home.

Money and health are the main reasons for foregoing travel – fear of terrorist attacks plays no role.

Tourism research now knows almost everything about travelers, but very little is known about non-travelers. One thing is certain: a staycation is rarely a decision that those affected truly support emotionally – it's more of a substitute for travel. When asked about their reasons for foregoing travel, lack of financial means is most frequently cited (56.21%). Health reasons (18.9%) and family reasons (16.1%) follow at a considerable distance. Reinhardt: "Compared to 2007, there's an almost dramatic shift towards financial reasons – an increase of 16 percentage points. Many Germans are uncertain and no longer know if they can even afford a vacation."„

Within the population groups, families and retirees reveal the most striking differences. Almost three-quarters of families (72%) cite financial reasons, compared to less than a third of retirees (30%), for whom poor health is often the primary obstacle (48%). However, everyone agrees on one point: fear of terrorist attacks while on vacation plays almost no role. Less than one percent (0.6%) of respondents mention this as a travel barrier.

BAT Foundation lists 10 arguments for a holiday in „Bad Meingarten“

No tedious packing, no traffic jams or waiting times, no adjustment period, and everything important just a few steps away – a staycation can be an alternative. 10 advantages of a holiday in "Bad Meingarten".

1. Staycationers take longer to get into the holiday spirit. The stress and hectic pace of the journey, overexertion and fear of missing out, the holiday slump on the fifth day – all of that only happens when you're traveling.
2. Staycationers can, but don't have to. They aren't under the pressure of a successful and eventful trip. They can do exactly what they want – without a guilty conscience.
3. Those vacationing at home don't have to do everything together. Each family member can pursue the activities they personally enjoy. Shared activities are highlights, not obligations.
4. Those vacationing at home can determine their own daily schedule. No breakfast until 10 a.m., no excursions in the afternoon, and no massage appointments before dinner.
5. Those who vacation at home are less dependent on the weather. They don't have to worry about rain and bad weather, and they have more freedom to choose their activities.
6. Those who vacation at home are better protected from travel disappointments. Holiday paradises often only exist in travel brochures.
7. Those vacationing at home have more opportunities for retreat. Instead of cramped hotel rooms, each family member has their own sanctuary at any time.
8. Those vacationing at home have more time for friends and family. Social contacts, which are often neglected in everyday life, can be intensified.
9. People who vacation at home have more money available. Those who don't travel are more likely to be able to afford something special at home and don't have to constantly worry about their money.
10. Those vacationing at home are their own tour operators. Everything is in their hands, certainly an opportunity, but also a risk: they can only blame themselves for any missed vacation happiness.