Record-breaking multi-day journeys surge in 2024, reaching a high of 277 million excursions
Record Breaking Travel Trends in Germany: Germans Take More Multi-Day Trips in 2024
Germany has seen a significant increase in multi-day trips in 2024, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. The total number of overnight stays reached an all-time high of 496.1 million, a 1.9% rise from the previous year.
This surge in travel demand is reflected in the 277 million multi-day trips taken by Germans in 2024, marking a 11% increase compared to the previous year. This is the highest figure since the time series began in 2012.
Factors Contributing to the Rise in Multi-Day Trips
Several factors have contributed to this increase. Germans are taking more vacation trips of five days or longer, demonstrating a preference for extended travel experiences. The use of internet resources has facilitated more independent and customized travel arrangements, making longer trips more accessible and appealing.
The overall tourism sector in Germany remained robust, with international tourism offsetting domestic declines. Although May 2025 saw a dip in domestic bookings due to the rescheduling of Whitsun holidays, the sector has shown resilience.
Rising travel expenditure per trip also contributes to the ability and inclination to take multi-day trips. Germans are spending more per person and per trip, which allows them to afford longer stays.
Popular Destinations for Multi-Day Trips
Domestic holiday regions continue to be popular choices, with coastal areas like the Baltic Sea and mountain destinations such as Bavaria and the Alps remaining perennial favorites, especially during long weekends and holidays.
Germans also favor European vacations, often planned with significant advance preparations, including package deals or tailored tours. France and the Netherlands have been among the top five most popular holiday destinations for German tourists for the past ten years, with Italy, Austria, and Spain topping the list in 2024.
In summary, the record rise in multi-day trips among Germans in 2024 is driven by a combination of increased travel demand, flexible planning enabled by digital tools, sustained domestic and international tourism, and the popularity of regions like the Baltic Sea, Bavaria, and the Alps for longer stays. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that many meetings can take place online, allowing for increased travel propensity and a preference for extended travel experiences.
- The preference for extended travel experiences and the use of internet resources for customized travel arrangements have led to a significant increase in the number of multi-day trips taken by Germans, resulting in a lifestyle that incorporates more travel and exploration.
- With a rise in travel expenditure per trip, Germans are showing an inclination to take multi-day trips not only to domestic holiday regions like the Baltic Sea and Bavaria but also to European destinations such as France, Holland, Italy, Austria, and Spain, turning their vacations into significant travel events.
