As German tourists look forward to 2024 with the world’s second most powerful passport in hand, offering visa-free access to 190 destinations, Skyscanner’s comprehensive travel trends report unveils an exciting array of popular, cost-effective, and sought-after destinations.
With the ability to effortlessly explore the globe, German travelers are setting their sights on a diverse range of locations. The report, based on extensive data analysis including millions of hotel and flight searches and a detailed study of travel behavior, highlights the most favored long-haul and regional destinations, aligning with the growing wanderlust of German tourists.
Long-haul destinations, particularly in Asia, are topping the list for German tourists in 2024. Seven out of the ten most favored destinations are located in this vibrant continent. Leading the charge is Krabi, Thailand, with a staggering 430% increase in search queries, followed by Osaka, Japan, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These destinations offer a blend of sunny relaxation, rich cultural experiences, and diverse culinary delights, aligning perfectly with the preferences of German travelers who prioritize weather (63%), food (57%), and culture (49%) when selecting their holiday spots.
Beach visits and local culinary explorations are high on the agenda for these travelers, with historical tours also gaining significant interest. This trend reflects a growing desire for immersive and authentic experiences in travel.
Top 10 Travel Destinations for Germans in 2024 (largest increase in search queries)
| Ranking | Holiday Destinations | Increase in search queries |
| 1. | Krabi, Thailand | + 430% |
| 2. | Osaka, Japan | + 324% |
| 3. | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | + 321% |
| 4. | Tokyo, Japan | + 299% |
| 5. | Skopje, North Macedonia | + 287% |
| 6 | Hanoi, Vietnam | + 220% |
| 7. | Chiang Mai, Thailand | + 220% |
| 8. | Bordeaux, France | + 216% |
| 9. | Taipei, Taiwan | + 202% |
| 10. | Trapani, Sicily, Italy | + 199% |
The report also highlights the importance of the price-performance ratio in decision-making for German holidaymakers. Hotel and flight costs play a crucial role, with 37% considering hotel prices and 24% looking at flight costs as key factors. Interestingly, 41% of German vacationers are planning to spend more on travel in 2024 compared to 2023, indicating a robust interest in exploring new destinations despite economic considerations.
Skyscanner’s data reveals an exciting development for budget-conscious travelers. Certain destinations are becoming more affordable, with significant price drops in flight costs. Fort Lauderdale, USA, leads this trend with a 32% decrease in flight prices, followed by Seville, Spain, and Varna, Bulgaria. This shift offers an excellent opportunity for travelers to experience dream vacations at more affordable rates.
Top 10 Destinations with the Highest Price Drops for Flights from Germany
| Ranking | Holiday Destinations | Price drop flights |
| 1. | Fort Lauderdale, USA | – 32% |
| 2. | Seville, Spain | – 22% |
| 3. | Varna, Bulgaria | – 12% |
| 4. | Las Vegas, USA | – 11% |
| 5. | Antalya, Türkiye | – 10% |
| 6 | Copenhagen, Denmark | – 10% |
| 7. | Tunis Carthage, Tunisia | – 8% |
| 8. | Male, Maldives | – 8% |
| 9. | Edinburgh, UK | – 5% |
| 10. | Malaga, Spain | – 4% |
Skyscanner’s data indicates a significant shift in how consumers value travel in 2024. While price remains important, it will no longer be the sole deciding factor. Nearly half of the travelers (49%) consider the overall atmosphere and mood of a destination as a crucial element in choosing their holiday spot. The year 2024 is set to witness a high emphasis on experiences:
Concert Travel: With many artists announcing major international tours, the interest in traveling abroad for concerts is higher than ever, especially when affordable tickets are available and low-cost airlines serve the destination. Over a third of German travelers (35%) would book a short-haul flight to see their favorite artists live if it means saving money. The most budget-friendly concert tickets in 2024, with the most performances under 25 euros, are found in Leeds (UK), Bordeaux (France), and Rome (Italy), according to Skyscanner’s analysis.
“Main Character Energy”: 28% of German travelers use film and television as a source of travel inspiration. Skyscanner often observes a spike in search queries for filming locations at the start of popular series. Travelers want to follow in the footsteps of their favorite characters, immersing themselves in the settings of beloved shows. For instance, after the release of the third season of “Emily in Paris” in late December 2022, Skyscanner noted a 45% increase in January 2023 in searches from Germany to Paris compared to the previous month.
Budget-Conscious Foodies: 27% of German travelers have booked a destination solely to visit a specific restaurant, and another 41% say they would like to do so. Tasting authentic local cuisine is the second most popular activity for German travelers abroad, with 49% prioritizing this experience. Osaka leads Skyscanner’s list of ideal destinations for budget-conscious foodies in 2024, home to some of the world’s most affordable high-end restaurants.
Relaxation Destinations: 50% of survey respondents are more mindful of their sleep health than in previous years, making restful sleep a top priority for their next holiday, followed by activities like historical tours (30%), nightlife (29%), and water sports (29%). 40% of German travelers report sleeping better on vacation, and 34% express a desire for a restful holiday. Skyscanner ranks Hội An (Vietnam), Santorini (Greece), and Rome (Italy) as the top three cities for quality sleep, as rated by travelers.
2024’s Trending Traveler Types
Analog Adventurers: In an era of constant connectivity and extensive time spent online and on social media, Generation Z craves analog adventures during vacations, where digital devices take a back seat. However, disconnecting can be challenging; 20% of 18-to-24-year-olds bring a disposable camera, and 19% a Polaroid camera on holiday. Despite 85% considering it important to unplug, 35% often scroll through social media during vacations, and a quarter even plan their next trip online.
Holiday Celebrators: Travelers are increasingly looking to celebrate significant milestones in style: Over half of the respondents (52%) have taken a group trip to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, and 21% would like to do so. Skyscanner’s data analysis shows that Spain, Turkey, and Greece are the top destinations for celebratory travelers in 2024.
Luxury-for-Less Travelers: Despite high living costs, travelers are willing to splurge on luxury if the budget allows. 12% plan to upgrade their flight to business or first class in 2024, while 15% intend to access airport lounges. Luxury accommodation doesn’t necessarily come with a hefty price tag, as Skyscanner’s analysis reveals that the world’s most affordable five-star hotels are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where a night in a luxury hotel averages 95 euros.
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