Opinion poll
Weather chaos, inflation, stress – do we really relax during our summer vacation?
Most Germans were able to relax on vacation this year.
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War, inflation and climate crisis – it’s anything but easy to switch off these days. However, most Germans still seem to be able to do this on their summer vacation, as a current survey shows.
More than half of them were unable to switch off, the DAK said. One in three said bad weather was a hindrance to recovery, while 20 percent said it was too hot. For 16 percent, stress during arrival or departure was a negative factor.
According to the results, in 2023 eight percent of those surveyed who were already on vacation fell ill, as in the previous year. Health problems were particularly common among those under 30. One in seven of them became ill or injured.
Sun and nature ensure relaxation
Coughs and colds were the most common in all age groups. 63 percent of those affected reported cold symptoms, compared to 32 percent in the previous year. In 2022, a further 36 percent contracted Covid-19. According to the DAK, infections with the coronavirus were not recorded separately this year.
Of the well-rested holidaymakers, 82 percent appreciated the sun and nature experiences. For significantly more than 70 percent, time with the family or a change of location were crucial. 56 percent rated physical activity as restorative.
Less stress, more exercise
The majority of those surveyed took care of their health while on vacation: 68 percent reduced stress, 66 percent did sports. More than half slept a lot or paid attention to a healthy diet.
The DAK holiday report is a representative survey by Forsa on behalf of DAK-Gesundheit. The survey is repeated annually and took place from August 14th to 25th. 1,005 women and men in the Federal Republic aged 18 and over who had already been on holiday were surveyed.