As the leaves change color and a crisp breeze fills the Rhine Valley air, one thing remains constant: Germany’s deep-rooted passion for travel. According to Marriott Bonvoy’s “Ticket to Travel 2026” report, wanderlust among Germans is not just alive — it’s accelerating.
A survey of over 2,000 German adults reveals that 77 percent plan to take as many or more trips than in 2025, averaging about four journeys — including domestic escapes, short city breaks, and one long international adventure. Despite economic uncertainty, this growing appetite reflects a shift toward meaningful and well-planned travel experiences.
Luxury as the Perfect Bookend
Forget all-out extravagance — Germans now view luxury as a “strategic indulgence.” Nearly half (46%) plan to include a high-end hotel stay at the start or end of a trip, and this is especially popular among Gen Z (73%). Around 34% say a luxurious beginning helps them switch into “vacation mode,” while 38% prefer a pampered ending to return home refreshed. For 26%, it’s also a clever budgeting tactic — adding a touch of opulence without overspending.
“Luxury doesn’t need to last, but it needs to be well-placed,” says Stefan Kühr, Regional VP for Marriott International in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This trend of “conscious indulgence” highlights a growing belief that travel is a form of self-care — even one night of comfort can elevate the entire journey.
Hobbies Take Center Stage
2026 will see more Germans traveling to pursue passions — from food tours in Sicily to heavy metal festivals in Wacken or golf weekends in Tuscany. About 56% have already taken a passion-driven trip, led by Gen Z at 80%. This shift toward “interest-based travel” blends leisure with self-expression, turning vacations into personal journeys. Expect a rise in niche bookings — wine retreats in the Mosel, e-sports in Hamburg, and culinary weekends — proving that the best souvenirs are stories of fulfillment.
Domestic Destinations Draw Record Crowds
With global uncertainty and possible flight disruptions, many Germans are rediscovering their homeland. About 31% plan their main vacation within Germany — up from 23% last year. Seniors lead this “staycation boom,” while younger travelers still favor international trips.
For those going abroad, Mediterranean favorites dominate: Spain (17%), Italy (16%), and Greece (15%). From the castles of the Black Forest to Sylt’s sandy dunes, domestic travel offers authenticity and ease — perfectly fitting the German mindset of efficiency with pleasure.
AI Copilot in Trip Planning
Technology is reshaping how Germans plan travel. About one-third (34%) already use AI tools — such as chatbots for deals or hidden gems — and this jumps to nearly 70% among Gen Z. Still, only 11% fully trust AI to make bookings, while 29% remain cautious. Germany sits mid-range globally, behind countries like Turkey (61%) and Egypt (79%) in adoption. Expect a hybrid approach where AI handles logistics and humans focus on emotional connection.
Multi-Country Marathons
Nearly 40% of travelers are considering itineraries covering multiple countries in 2026 — with 16% certain and 23% leaning toward it. Young travelers (18–24) lead the charge, with 28% already planning multi-country routes. Whether it’s a Berlin–Prague train adventure or a cycling route from Amsterdam to Brussels, this “country-hopping” spirit reflects Europe’s open borders and budget travel options. Tech-savvy travelers see borders as gateways, not barriers.
Clean Sheets, Smart Spends, and Self-Pampering
Regardless of trends, certain priorities never fade for German tourists: cleanliness (89%), price (84%), and location (83%) top the list. Yet the essence of travel remains deeply personal — for 44%, the main goal is self-care, even surpassing family bonding (43%) and nature immersion (41%).
As 2026 approaches, German travelers embody thoughtful adventure — balancing global curiosity with mindful luxury. Whether it’s a solo trip to Salzburg or a family holiday in the Bavarian Alps, one truth holds: for Germans, travel itself is the ultimate luxury.