Holiday paradise despite high prices: This is how Germans travel cheaply!

Holiday paradise despite high prices: This is how Germans travel cheaply!

At a time when inflation and rising costs of living are unsettling many vacationers, there are still strategies to travel cheaply in 2025. Tourism expert Anna Burton emphasizes that a vacation trip is financially feasible even in countries with high inflation, such as Croatia. An impressive number of around 68 million holiday trips lasting longer than five days are undertaken in Germany every year, as an analysis by the German Travel Association shows.

The popularity of travel destinations in Germany, Spain, Italy and Turkey remains unbroken. However, according to the ADAC Tourism Study 2025, more and more holidaymakers are expressing concerns about their travel budget. To combat this, Burton recommends traveling especially in the early or late season, rather than the peak travel seasons of July and August. This strategic planning can result in significant cost savings.

Travel planning and flexibility

Flexibility in travel dates is another crucial factor. Burton recommends booking trips from Tuesday to Tuesday, for example, to take advantage of cheaper offers. Choosing lesser-known destinations within tourist hotspots can also reduce costs significantly.

An important aspect when planning your vacation is the choice of accommodation. Self-catering holiday apartments are often a cheaper option compared to more expensive all-inclusive hotels. This can represent a significant saving, especially for families.

Costs and expenses at a glance

The average spending of adult holidaymakers was 122 euros per day in 2024, which represents an increase compared to 2014 (89 euros). Last year, a family of four had to spend between one and two months' salary for a week-long vacation, depending on the destination. This highlights the financial burden associated with traveling.

The inflation rate in the EU fell this year from 2.6 percent in May 2024 to 1.9 percent in May 2025. However, some countries show different developments: While France has relatively stable prices with an inflation rate of 0.6 percent and Cyprus with 0.4 percent, countries on the border with Russia such as Latvia and Finland are affected by significant inflation. Croatia has an inflation rate of 4.3 percent and Greece of 3.3 percent, but the price level in Croatia is below the European average.

In summary, travelers this year have numerous opportunities to make their vacation cost-effective by planning wisely and making strategic decisions. For more travel analysis and tips, see the sources Mercury and Travel analysis.