At home, we diligently sort our trash, conserve water, and shop sustainably, but for Germans different rules seem to apply when they're on vacation; their eco-consciousness often stays at home. The "Holiday Check" website found this out in a survey.
People who prioritize sustainability at home don't automatically act as consistently while on vacation. A recent study by “HolidayCheck” highlights just how much the environmental behavior of many Germans differs between their daily lives and their vacations.
For the study, more than 1,000 travelers in Germany were surveyed in the spring of 2026. The latest survey highlights the so-called “say-do gap”: While 69 percent of Germans describe themselves as sustainable in their everyday lives, that figure drops to 56 percent when they are on vacation. Nearly a third even openly admit that they are less environmentally conscious when traveling than when at home.
There are many reasons for this behavior. The most common reason cited by respondents is a lack of infrastructure at the vacation destination. When recycling options are lacking or sustainable alternatives are not readily available, it is harder to act in an environmentally conscious manner.
However, emotional factors are almost as important. Many travelers want to consciously treat themselves while on vacation and leave their everyday lives behind. Sustainability is often seen as an extra task that people would prefer to relax about during their days off. Practical and straightforward solutions are given priority.
It is noteworthy that there is indeed an awareness of one's own contradictions. More than half of the respondents who describe their behavior on vacation as less sustainable say they occasionally feel guilty about it.
This difference in behavior is particularly pronounced among younger travelers. Among Generation Z, 39 percent say they act less sustainably on vacation than in their everyday lives; significantly more than the overall average.
At the same time, the study shows that many travelers would be quite willing to act in a more sustainable manner if the right conditions were in place. Nearly one in two people would be more willing to participate if hotels offered appropriate incentives, such as discounts or perks for guests who opt out of daily towel changes.
Practical information also plays an important role. Many people would like specific guidance on how to easily adopt sustainable practices in their local communities. Similarly, more affordable sustainable options are cited as an effective incentive.
The respondents do not see themselves as solely responsible for this. Hotels, tour operators, and booking platforms are also expected to play their part in making sustainable choices easier and more appealing.
