Summer, sun, travel time: ten facts about the most beautiful time of the year 

Summertime equals travelling time. In just a few weeks, holidays will be starting all over Germany and many people are already sitting on their packed suitcases. But how will Germans spend their holidays in 2018, what is the trend and what does their holiday mean to them? The BAT Foundation for Future Studies conducted a representative survey of over 4,000 Germans aged 14 and over.

1 Germany is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination

Whether coasts, mountains or metropolises - more than one in two Germans (52%) say they are rediscovering shorter trips instead of travelling further afield. In 2017, 34 per cent of Germans already spent their holidays in Germany, but this year it is expected to be even more.

2. 13 days holiday for around 1,200 euros

On average, travellers will be away for almost two weeks this year, spending a good 90 euros per person per day. At less than 80 euros, a domestic holiday is significantly cheaper than a long-haul trip, which costs almost 120 euros per day.

3. holiday equals relaxation!

The original motive for travelling - regeneration from and for work - has lost none of its popularity in 2018. Four out of five Germans say: "Above all, I want to relax on holiday."

This includes sleeping in and sunbathing as well as the luxury of not having to worry about food and housework. Parents in particular agree with this statement.

4. experiences are part of a holiday

Whether it's a church tour, a city festival or a surfing course - more than one in two people (51%) want to experience a lot on holiday. However, reporting afterwards is almost as important as the experience itself, true to the motto: "If I tell you what I experienced on holiday!".

5. holidays reduce stress

86 per cent of German citizens agree with this statement. Due to deadline pressure, obligations and almost never enough time, everyday life is often stressful and dissatisfaction is almost inevitable. This is different when travelling: more than four out of five travellers (86%) look for a contrast to everyday life on holiday, don't constantly look at their watch or smartphone and sometimes let five be five.

6. around one in two people find out about holidays online

Even though many Germans can hardly imagine life without Google, Facebook and the like and there are countless travel websites, review portals and special online offers, only a small majority (56%) research the country and people, accommodation and offers on the internet in advance. The reasons for this are the confusing flood of information, which leads to stress and frustration, as well as a lack of trust in online statements.

There are major differences between the generations: While more than three quarters of under 35-year-olds obtain information online, less than one in four retirees do so.

7 Cruises are becoming increasingly popular

More than one in three German citizens (34%) is interested in a holiday on the water. If you look at the number of holidaymakers who have already taken a cruise (approx. 10%), the great future potential of this form of travel becomes clear. Above all, the idea of waking up in a floating hotel in a new harbour every morning fascinates many.

8. camping experiences a renaissance

Almost one in three Germans (31%) say: "On holiday, I want to be close to nature and slow down when camping and caravanning." Camping is not to be understood as a spartan form of holiday where you only have a tent with you, but can also take place quite comfortably in a motorhome with an equipped kitchen and toilet.

Glamping, a mixture of glamour and camping, is the latest trend. After all, many people don't want to miss out on the comforts they are used to when on holiday in the great outdoors.

9. city trips are booming

Two out of five people have taken a city break in recent years and more and more Germans are planning such a trip. It is no longer just the metropolises at home and abroad that are on the wish list, small towns are also becoming increasingly popular. Investments in offers and services, especially in terms of culture, traditions and attractions, are paying off. Moreover, there are hardly any differences within the population: from young to old, everyone enjoys this type of holiday.

10th holiday remains the highlight of the year

Four out of five travellers agree: "Holidays are the highlight of the year for me". It's better to restrict yourself a little in your everyday life than to spend the best weeks of the year at home.