As Germany faces economic and political change, a growing number of travelers are rethinking how and how far they travel in 2025. A new YouGov survey, conducted on behalf of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW), reveals that rising costs, climate-related risks, and shrinking vacation lengths are now the biggest factors shaping German holiday behavior. Over 1 in 5 plan to spend less on travel, while many are choosing shorter, domestic trips to avoid high prices, instability abroad, and extreme weather. With summer travel still popular but increasingly cautious, these shifts mark a significant turn in Germany’s tourism habits.
With inflation still affecting household budgets, many German consumers are adjusting their travel plans. The YouGov survey shows that 54% of respondents are concerned about rising travel costs, making it the most influential factor in their holiday decisions this year. Close behind, 45% say that political instability also significantly affects their travel choices.
These concerns are particularly strong among families with children, who tend to be more sensitive to both economic and safety issues. This shift marks a clear departure from previous years when convenience and destination appeal were the dominant influences on travel planning.
With affordability and security top of mind, many Germans are choosing to stay closer to home. According to the survey, more than 50% of respondents plan to travel within Germany in 2025, exploring popular destinations like the Baltic Sea, the Black Forest, and major cities such as Berlin and Hamburg. Another 50% intend to travel to nearby European countries or North Africa, choosing destinations that are seen as stable and accessible.
In contrast, long-haul travel is declining. Only 7% of respondents plan to visit Asia or Oceania, while just 5% are traveling to the Americas this year and 17% will not travel at all in 2025. Estimates from the tourism industry show a shift in long-distance travel from America to Asia.
Climate change is also beginning to affect travel decisions. About 30% of Germans say the risk of natural disasters, such as heatwaves, wildfires, or floods, influences their travel planning. However, summer remains the most popular travel season, with two-thirds of respondents planning their longest vacation between June and September.
Families with school-aged children are still most likely to vacation in July (27%) and August (32%), but there is growing awareness of the need to consider climate extremes when choosing when and where to travel.
The current economic situation is having a clear impact on travel spending. Around 20% of Germans plan to spend less on travel in 2025 than they did last year. A similar proportion say they will travel less frequently, while 11% intend to shorten their vacations.
Traditional two-week holidays are becoming less common. Most families now opt for trips lasting between four and nine nights, reflecting a shift toward shorter, more cost-effective breaks. Still, there’s a divide: wealthier households (earning over €4,000 net per month) are more likely to maintain or increase their travel spending, and 44% of respondents overall report no major change in their travel plans compared to 2024.
The political landscape in Germany is also influencing expectations about the future of travel. Following the new coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, the public is watching closely to see how government policy will impact tourism and mobility.
The survey found that:
These findings indicate strong public support for sustainable and inclusive travel infrastructure improvements.
Technology is also a growing priority for travelers. The survey shows that 32% of consumers want faster, more reliable internet at vacation destinations, while 31% would appreciate real-time digital updates on visitor numbers at popular sites like museums and landmarks to avoid overcrowding.
Additionally, 26% of respondents would value digital platforms that allow them to book and coordinate different transport services, such as trains, planes, and taxis, all in one place. These tools are especially appealing to families and younger travelers, who value efficiency and flexibility.
YouGov conducted an online survey of 2,020 adults in Germany between May 19 and 21, 2025, ahead of the 26th Tourism Summit. The results were weighted by age, gender, and region, making them representative of the German population aged 18 and over.
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