Despite the squeeze of rising prices and the ever-increasing cost of daily life, the German appetite for travel seems largely unbothered. In fact, around 63.6% of those surveyed in the 2025 Norisbank summer study are plotting a getaway lasting at least a week. Interestingly, this figure is almost a carbon copy of what we saw in 2024 (63.5%). Sure, inflation is nipping at the heels of everyday expenses, from groceries to electricity, but many German travelers are determined to safeguard their summer vacation. This is especially true for younger Germans, who appear to be leading the pack when it comes to the urge to wander.
Inflation Is Growing
The impact of rising prices is becoming increasingly hard to ignore. About 68% of respondents noted that the cost of services like taxi rides and a trip to the hairdresser has climbed – a high not seen in recent years, jumping up from 56% in 2024 and a mere 20% in 2022. Energy bills are also a concern for 76% of those surveyed (up a bit from 72% in 2024). And food, toiletries, and household essentials are also feeling the inflationary pinch. To make ends meet, about 8% more households than last year are tightening their belts when it comes to day-to-day spending. Think cutting back on groceries, reducing heating use, or conserving energy just to afford their summer escape – a trend particularly common among lower-income families.
Travel Plans Holding Steady, Especially Among the Young German Travelers
Generally, travel plans are holding their own. Just about 48.3% of respondents said their vacation budget is the same as last year, which aligns with trends we've seen over the past half-decade. The younger generation of German travelers, those between 18 and 34, are particularly keen on hitting the road, with a notable 75.3% planning a summer trip. This is in contrast to 67.4% of 35-49 year olds and 53.2% of those between 50 and 69. This youthful zeal for new experiences seems to be continuing the trend from 2024, showing a preference to prioritize travel, even if it means stretching their budgets.
Holiday Budgets: Still Pretty Solid
For 2025, the average travel budget sits at about €1,432 per person. This figure covers transport and is a decrease of around 3.7% compared to the €1,487 seen in 2024. However, it's still significantly higher than the pre-COVID days of 2019, when the average was about €1,105. Spending while on vacation is expected to reach new heights, with German travelers planning to allocate €412 per person on things like meals, day trips, and entertainment – a 5.5% increase from 2024 and over a quarter more than back in 2019. Food and drinks tend to take up about 35% of this budget, while excursions come in second at 19.43%. Cultural activities, such as concerts and museum visits, account for 8.71%, the highest share in five years.
Finding Balance Between Fun and Frugality
It seems Germans are pretty committed to travel, reflecting a strong desire to unwind and create lasting memories, even when the economy isn't exactly booming. Lots of people are planning more strategically, being mindful about spending on local food, cultural excursions, and even little impulse buys that can make a trip special. Still, travel isn't within everyone's reach. Around 5.8% of respondents, especially 9.3% of those between 50 and 69, cited inflation as keeping them from taking a vacation in 2025. On the flip side, roughly 39% are actively saving for future adventures, a pretty substantial jump of 10.4% from 2024.
