Vacation before financial reserves: This is how Germans save for travel!

Vacation before financial reserves: This is how Germans save for travel!

Vacation is particularly important to Germans. A recent study shows that 42 percent of those surveyed save their money especially for travel, which is more than for other areas of life. This emerges from a study by the price comparison portal Idealo, which was carried out by Kantar in May. Around 2,000 people between the ages of 18 and 64 who regularly shop online were surveyed. These surveys make it clear that vacation is not just a luxury, but a priority for many. As a result, 39 percent of those surveyed said that they were also building up financial reserves, while 32 percent were saving for retirement.

It is interesting that last year 42 percent of those surveyed had to fall back on their small financial reserves, which shows how tense the financial situation of many people is. Almost two thirds of those surveyed are worried about not making ends meet. What is particularly noticeable is that younger people tend to save on food, while older generations - the so-called baby boomers - are more likely to cut corners on clothing and accessories.

Different types of savings

As other surveys show, consumers use various strategies to reduce spending. According to the Idealo study, 64 percent use price comparisons, 56 percent pay attention to special offers, and 46 percent use discount coupons. Savings are often not just limited to travel, but also to leisure activities: going to the cinema and concerts are also affected by reduced consumption, as 46 percent of those surveyed save here. In contrast, books, cosmetics and health services are less often viewed as areas of savings.

A comprehensive study by DERTOUR Austria sheds light on the travel behavior of different generations and shows that Austrians, especially Generation Z, are traveling more again. This youngest generation favors short trips to European countries, with Spain being the most popular destination. Price plays a crucial role here, as 71 percent of those surveyed consider this to be the main factor when booking a holiday. At the same time, the study shows that the willingness to travel sustainably among Generation Z is particularly high, as 60 percent of those surveyed consider this to be important and a third are willing to pay more for it.

Trends in travel behavior

The ADAC Tourism Study 2025 underlines the trends in German travel behavior. In a survey of over 5,000 participants, 58 percent said they took vacations of at least five days, and the proportion of “frequent vacationers” who travel more than five times a year rose from three to eight percent. Airplane use is increasing, although cars remain the most popular mode of transport.

An important criterion when booking a trip is the ease of arrival and departure, which 74 percent of those surveyed stated. While more and more people show an aversion to overcrowded vacation spots, 50 percent even support access fees to ease the burden on these regions. The findings from this research show that despite saving for vacations, many people continue to value and value travel - whether for relaxation or new experiences.

In summary, the topic of travel and the associated financial considerations are of utmost importance for many today. Families, couples and especially the younger generations are being creative in making the most of their financial options while not losing sight of the freedom and joy of travel.