Germans' desire to travel has increased significantly compared to last year! A recent survey of 1,000 PAYBACK customers shows that 82 percent of respondents are planning one or more trips this year. This represents a significant increase in willingness to travel compared to last year (2025: 74 percent). Younger people are particularly keen to travel: 92 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds want to travel in 2026. Only 10 percent are currently not planning any vacations, and 8 percent are still undecided. "These figures show once again how important vacations and time off are for Germans. At the same time, many have to watch their budgets more closely than ever. With PAYBACK Reisewelt, we combine precisely these two needs: inspiration and concrete savings benefits. 35 million PAYBACK customers can realize their travel dreams with 70 partners and earn a lot of points in the process – a real advantage in times when every euro counts," says PAYBACK Managing Director Dominik Dommick.
A week's vacation remains the classic choice – short trips also continue to be in high demand
When it comes to the planned duration of trips, the picture is familiar: 54 percent prefer stays of around a week, closely followed by short trips of up to four days (51 percent). Forty-seven percent plan trips of up to two weeks, while 15 percent want to travel for more than two weeks. This confirms the trend toward flexible forms of travel that can be easily integrated into everyday life.
City breaks and vacation rentals at the top
City breaks (42%), stays in vacation rentals (42%), and package tours (30%) remain among the most popular types of travel. However, wellness vacations (19%), individual long-distance trips (17%), and event trips (16%) also remain relevant.
Germany remains the favorite destination, with the Baltic Sea ahead of Bavaria!
At 67 percent, Germany remains by far the most popular travel destination. Within Europe, Spain (19%), Italy (17%), and Greece (11%) are among the most important individual destinations. Long-haul trips play a lesser role overall: Asia (8%), Africa (5%), and North and South America (both under 4%) are mentioned less frequently. The younger age groups continue to account for the largest share of these trips.
When traveling within Germany, city breaks (38%), the Baltic Sea (30%), Bavaria (23%), and the North Sea (21%) are the most popular destinations. The Black Forest, Lake Constance, and the Moselle/Rhine Valley follow with shares of around ten percent or slightly below.
Travel budgets remain stable, younger people plan to spend more
Overall, there is continuity in planned travel budgets: 56 percent want to spend about the same as in 2025, 21 percent plan to spend more, and 13 percent expect to have a smaller budget. It is striking that 32 percent of younger people say they plan to spend more money on travel in 2026 – a figure that is well above average. The survey was conducted among 1,000 PAYBACK customers between January 26 and February 5, 2026.
Travel is also a big topic at PAYBACK
With around 70 travel partners now on board, PAYBACK customers can reward their vacation bookings, flights, hotels, or rental cars with points and save money at the same time. Whether it's a package tour, city break, or individual vacation, the program combines travel inspiration with concrete benefits for consumers, while also offering strong touchpoints for partners in the travel industry. Partners include Aida, Berge & Meer, Condor, Disneyland, Edeka Reisen, Expedia, Holidaycheck, Lufthansa, Miles, Netto-Reisen, RTK, and TUI. PAYBACK will also be presenting its travel and data expertise at ITB 2026, where it will be talking to partners and industry representatives about trends, customer needs, and innovative loyalty solutions in the travel market.
You can find a press image here.