What does the average German do on vacation?

DW (English)

Our series "The Average German" examines cliches that have been proven to be true — according to statistics. This episode takes us to Mallorca, a favorite holiday destination for the average German.

Transcript

00:00 This is Michael Müller and we're following him to see how Germans do things.

00:05 Michael Müller, an average German, is finally going on holiday.

00:13 What's on his itinerary? Where's he going?

00:16 And do Germans really pack socks and sandals?

00:19 Looks like we're going on an average German holiday.

00:27 Germans love to travel, so much so that they've even been called "Reiseweltmeister",

00:32 which basically means "champions of world travel".

00:35 And it makes sense. Full-time workers in Germany are entitled to a minimum of 20 days holiday per year,

00:40 with many taking more than 30.

00:43 Germans like fun, but it better be organised.

00:48 70% book their main vacation two months in advance, and 20% book it six months in advance.

00:56 Beach holidays are the most popular holidays for Germans.

00:59 So where exactly is our Michael going?

01:02 That's right, folks, he's in the Balearic island of Mallorca,

01:16 one of the most popular foreign holiday destinations for the Germans.

01:24 Mallorca is so beloved by the Germans that it's been nicknamed the 17th German state.

01:29 Although we're not quite sure how the Spaniards feel about that.

01:34 Michael is on holiday with his friend Tomas, or Tommy, who has flown in from Dortmund.

01:43 Michael elects to go to bed early so he can wake up well-rested for his favourite holiday activities.

01:54 He plans on having an active day tomorrow.

01:57 It's widely believed that Germans violently race each other in the morning in order to reserve a sunbed.

02:14 But the majority of Germans say they don't actually do this.

02:20 Most also say that they never wear socks and sandals.

02:23 If you can believe that.

02:25 What 79% of them do admit, however, is the key to holiday happiness is good value for money.

02:47 While on vacation, Germans enjoy spending time in nice nature.

02:52 But nature isn't just for looking at. Germans like to get into it, too.

03:01 You guessed it, their favourite holiday activity is hiking.

03:05 Germans also like shopping,

03:12 sightseeing,

03:16 and of course,

03:18 bike riding.

03:20 They also like to bring home souvenirs.

03:31 Half of Germans like to bring home fridge magnets, and the cheesier, the better.

03:35 More than half of Germans say they like to try local cuisine when they're on vacation,

03:42 and it looks like Tommy and Michelle have found somewhere authentic.

03:46 48% of Germans say that on vacation they eat more than they usually would,

03:53 and 26% say they drink more than they normally would.

03:57 This seems to be true, at least for Tommy.

04:08 A quarter of Germans say they've been embarrassed by other Germans while on holiday.

04:13 I'd love to stay here with Thomas and Michelle, but unfortunately, I don't get vacation days.

04:21 Anyway, what's Michelle up to next? Will he be able to adjust back to life in Germany?

04:26 Like and subscribe for more Average German.

04:29 chairman.

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