German enthusiasm for travel despite cost pressure: How to plan in an environmentally conscious way!

German enthusiasm for travel despite cost pressure: How to plan in an environmentally conscious way!

Despite rising living and travel costs, Germans' desire to travel remains unbroken. A recent survey shows that 66 percent of the 1,045 Germans surveyed have vacation plans between June and September 2025. This is a clear sign that for most Germans, vacation is still a matter of the heart. In particular, 41 percent of those planning to travel plan to travel abroad, while 34 percent want to stay in Germany. However, at 34 percent, the proportion of respondents without vacation plans is also increasing, with financial reasons being the main factor. 52 percent say they cannot afford a vacation and 29 percent feel the travel costs are too high. This is reported by the Braunschweig newspaper.

In order to finance their summer vacation, 58 percent of those surveyed are willing to reduce their spending on leisure activities, while 55 percent are putting off major purchases. This shows how important vacation is for many people. Additionally, 57 percent of travelers consider environmental hazards when choosing their vacation destination and 58 percent are willing to spend more on environmentally friendly accommodations and transportation.

Sustainability in view

The aspect of sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important. Many Germans prefer environmentally friendly means of transport to flying. 55 percent prefer the car as a means of transport, while 41 percent choose the plane. Interestingly, 54 percent of those planning to travel value travel insurance; an increase of 4 percent compared to the previous year. 88 percent feel additional security through these insurance policies, and access to a 24-hour live chat with medical professionals is particularly important for 79 percent.

The environmental situation shows that tourism is subject to various burdens, such as high energy consumption and emissions. Like that Federal Environment Agency explains, travelers can help reduce environmental impact by choosing environmentally conscious options, such as avoiding air travel and using public transportation. For example, it is recommended to choose holiday destinations within 1,000 km and to prefer traveling by bus, train or bicycle.

Practical tips for travelers

In addition to an environmentally friendly journey, the Federal Environment Agency promotes the use of sustainable travel offers, such as the “Alpine Pearls” initiative in mountain regions. Even when staying on site, travelers should use regional and seasonal food and avoid disposable items. Good preparation for your journey and the use of local transport systems can also make intra-European travel more environmentally friendly.

Overall, the survey shows that despite the challenges and financial hurdles that stand in the way of many travelers, interest in travel and especially in sustainable, environmentally conscious options remains undiminished. Awareness of ecological issues is becoming more and more important, while Germans do not want to miss out on their vacation in the future.