Almost one in two Germans (45%) takes at least one tourist trip abroad every year, according to a new study by YouGov. This percentage appears slightly reduced compared with last year, yet it confirms that demand for international travel remains strong despite economic pressures.
Based on respondents answers, 14% travel abroad every two to three years, while 6% take an international trip only every four to five years. A further 17% state that they travel outside Germany even more rarely, while almost one in five (18%) consistently chooses holidays exclusively within the country.
Travel appetite remains particularly high among younger age groups. A total of 54% of Millennials and 53% of Generation Z say they plan at least one tourist trip abroad on an annual basis, confirming the pivotal role of younger consumers in shaping future demand.
Fewer trips abroad in 2025 for one in three
Compared with the previous year, 31% of study participants reported that they traveled abroad less frequently in 2025. By contrast, 62% maintained the same number of international trips, while only 8% said they traveled more.
The main reasons for the reduction in trips abroad are primarily related to personal factors, such as family obligations or health issues (31%). These are followed by increased travel costs (28%) and broader economic uncertainty (27%), factors that directly influence the decisions of German consumers.
Indicative of the economic environment is the fact that 45% of those who traveled abroad state that higher prices affected their holiday planning for 2025. The largest price increases are identified in transportation (58%), accommodation (55%), and food and dining (53%).
40% travel outside the high season
Rising prices are leading a large share of travelers toward more conscious choices. A total of 40% shifted their holidays outside the high season, 29% sought cheaper destinations, 26% made early bookings, and 25% opted for shorter trips.
In terms of value for money, Spain (39%) and Italy (37%) receive the most negative ratings. Nevertheless, they continue to rank among the most popular destinations for German travelers, ahead of Austria, Greece and France. On the other hand, Poland emerges as a positive surprise, having significantly improved its image, followed by Sweden and China.
As Carolin Petrow, Account Director of YouGov Germany, notes, Germans desire to explore the world remains strong; however, rising costs and economic uncertainty are prompting more cautious and strategic travel planning.
