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.

Berlin

The average German is known for being an enthusiastic traveler, often planning holidays well in advance and favoring beach destinations like Mallorca, which is so popular it is sometimes called Germany's '17th state.' Germans tend to value good organization, with most booking their main vacation months ahead and prioritizing value for money.

While stereotypes such as racing for sunbeds or wearing socks with sandals are largely denied by most Germans, common activities include hiking, shopping, sightseeing, and bike riding. Many Germans enjoy bringing home souvenirs, especially fridge magnets, and are keen to try local cuisine, often indulging more in food and drink while on holiday. A significant portion also admits to occasionally feeling embarrassed by the behavior of fellow countrymen while abroad.

What does the average German do on vacation?

This is Michael Müller and we're following him to see how Germans do things. Michael Müller, an average German, is finally going on holiday. What's on his itinerary? Where's he going? And do Germans really pack socks and sandals? Looks like we're going on an average German holiday. Germans love to travel. So much so that they've even been called Reiseweltmeister, which basically means champions of world travel. And it makes sense. Full-time workers in Germany are entitled to a minimum of 20 days holiday per year, with many taking more than 30. Germans like fun, but it better be organised. 70% book their main vacation two months in advance and 20% book it six months in advance. Beach holidays are the most popular holidays for Germans. So where exactly is our Michael going? That's right folks, he's in the Balearic island of Mallorca, one of the most popular foreign holiday destinations for the Germans. Mallorca is so beloved by the Germans that it's been nicknamed the 17th German state. Although we're not quite sure how the Spaniards feel about that. Michael is on holiday with his friend Tomas, or Tommy, who has flown in from Dortmund. Michael elects to go to bed early so he can wake up well-rested for his favourite holiday activities. He plans on having an active day tomorrow. It's widely believed that Germans violently race each other in the morning in order to reserve a sunbed. But the majority of Germans say they don't actually do this. Most also say that they never wear socks and sandals. If you can believe that. What 79% of them do admit, however, is the key to holiday happiness is good value for money. While on vacation, Germans enjoy spending time in nice nature. But nature isn't just for looking at. Germans like to get into it, too. And you guessed it, their favourite holiday activity is hiking. Germans also like shopping. Sightseeing. And of course, bike riding. They also like to bring home souvenirs. Half of Germans like to bring home fridge magnets. And the cheesier, the better. More than half of Germans say they like to try local cuisine when they're on vacation. And it looks like Tommy and Michael have found somewhere authentic. 48% of Germans say that on vacation they eat more than they usually would. And 26% say they drink more than they normally would. This seems to be true, at least for Tommy. A quarter of Germans say they've been embarrassed by other Germans while on holiday. I'd love to stay here with Thomas and Michael, but unfortunately I don't get vacation days. Anyway, what's Michael up to next? Will he be able to adjust back to life in Germany? Like and subscribe for more Average German.

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