interview
Travel trends 2024
How will the vacation not be so expensive, Mr. Schmude?
A relaxing vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. Here you can read how German travel behavior is likely to develop in 2024.
© Rudi Suardi/Getty Images
Jürgen Schmude, Professor of Tourism Research at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, on the travel trends for 2024 – and the best ideas for saving
Has corona the behavior of Germans changed in the long term?
No, there is no revolution. People travel in a similar way to before Corona: abroad, they prefer to travel to Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece and Turkey. Germany remains the most popular holiday destination, although trips abroad will continue to increase slightly overall, which is mainly due to people’s need to catch up. For a while we had to stay at home or could only go on holiday in this country.
What do people look for on vacation?
Above all, relaxation through sun, beach and sea. Even when traveling long distances, this is important to people, and they are also attracted by the exotic. On short trips, however, they essentially want to experience culture.
What about sustainability?
Unfortunately, it no longer plays a major role on vacation. During Corona I thought that would change, but today I am disillusioned. Sustainability is not important to Germans on vacation. We want to immerse ourselves in another world and not be burdened by anything. Vacation is escapism, we behave a bit schizophrenically.
Southeast Asia is a paradise for tourists. This is confirmed by the masses of people who come every year to enjoy the exotic beaches. But the culture and the good food also entice many people to take the trip.
© Oleh Slobodeniuk/Getty Images
What will make a comeback?
The long-distance trip, although even before Corona only eight to ten percent of Germans took this type of vacation each year. We’re coming back there now. Next year the focus will be primarily on Asia, on Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Why is that?
The continent is still comparatively cheap. After Corona and flight chaos, people now dare to get on the plane again, and also on the cruise ship. In this regard, tourists have short memories. Long-distance travel also remains popular with young people, although sustainability is important to them in everyday life.
Air travel has always been popular. It is still questionable whether air traffic will increase or decrease in the next few years.
© Getty Images
How will the costs develop?
Vacations have become significantly more expensive. If energy costs continue to rise, this will also affect travel costs. But the pain threshold is high. Traveling is the second highest priority for people after eating. They’re paying for it. They would rather save on other expenses than forego vacation. Or they travel a little shorter and forego luxury.
How can I still save money?
By booking on time. Many operators offer significant early bird discounts to fill their spots quickly. Waiting a long time and hoping for a bargain is risky these days. When peak season sales go well, last minute offers shrink, especially in popular destinations like Mallorca or Barcelona.
What is more worthwhile – book online or in a travel agency?
Offers are often cheaper online than in a travel agency. Take your time to research and compare prices as they can vary greatly on the same trip. However, you generally have no advice on the Internet and no contact person to complain to or demand money back.
Traveling by train is more sustainable than flying – it also gives you more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the view.
© Getty Images
What else can I do to make the vacation not so expensive?
Be flexible and diversify, for example in the low season and to destinations in the second row such as Menorca, Coimbra or Calabria, which are less in demand. You can also save on vacation types. A cycling or hiking holiday usually costs less than a wellness holiday. Surprise yourself, get involved in something new.
How can a different perspective on traveling help?
The vacation doesn’t just start at the destination. We should try to see the arrival and departure as part of the experience. For example, if we take the train to southern Italy, we can get out more often along the way and maybe even spend the night. This is how we get to know people and places. This can be very enriching. And cheaper, especially if we book the train journey early.