More than half of Czech residents plan to spend their autumn holidays within Czechia this year, with South Bohemia and South Moravia emerging as the most popular regional destinations.
According to the latest survey by the Institute of Tourism, 15% of respondents prefer South Bohemia, followed by 11% choosing South Moravia. On average, travelers plan to spend CZK 7,962 per person for a six-day holiday.
Domestic travel remains strong despite a slight two-point decline from last year’s figures. Guesthouses are the most preferred type of accommodation, selected by 50% of travelers, while hotels in higher categories follow. The travel plans also reflect growing interest in eco-friendly choices, with many travelers favoring environmentally certified lodging options.
Travel Preferences and Spending
Autumn holidays are most commonly associated with active rest, as 31% of respondents prioritize relaxation combined with exercise. Hiking is the most popular activity, chosen by 72%, followed by lighter walks (58%), cycling (29%), and visits to water attractions (21%). Cultural tourism and family-friendly activities also rank high among preferred experiences.
Spending on autumn holidays is rising, with an average increase of CZK 180 compared to the previous year. Nearly half of the planned holiday budget is allocated to accommodation, 19% to restaurant meals, 11% to sightseeing and activities, and 7% to transport or shopping. A total of 16% of respondents plan to spend more than last year, while only 7% expect to spend less.
Travel choices are strongly influenced by prior personal experience (88%), online information and pricing (87%), and destination location (86%). Recommendations from friends and family guide 48% of travelers, while digital resources such as tourist maps (39%), social media (34%), and travel websites (33%) also play a role.
The Mapy.cz app is the most commonly used digital tool for planning and navigation, cited by 59% of respondents. Other frequently used platforms include Booking (9%) and Google Maps (8%).
Transport and Payment Trends
Most travelers—67%—use personal cars or motorbikes to reach their destinations. Train usage stands at 20%, and buses at 12%. Payment trends continue shifting toward cashless transactions, with 66% of domestic travelers using cards, up from 61% last year.
“The ability to pay cashless is now the absolute standard in the travel industry. Not only Czechs appreciate the speed and convenience of card payments – whether for accommodation, transport or even meals,” said Petr Janeček, Head of the Institute of Tourism. He added that broader availability of payment terminals at tourist sites could further enhance the visitor experience and support local businesses.
Younger people aged 18–29 and those with higher education levels are the most likely to travel domestically and to prefer card payments. University graduates represent 55% of the domestic travel group, and those aged 30–39 account for 56%.
Meanwhile, 44% of Czechs are planning autumn trips abroad, a 1% increase from the previous year. Those who are not going abroad cite financial constraints or a preference to stay in-country during this season.
The top photo shows an aerial view of the medieval town of Písek in South Bohemia. Photo Credit: DaLiu / Shutterstock.com
