advantages of starting summer vacation early or late
Early or Late: Choosing the Best Time for Your Summer Holidays in Germany
Summer holidays in Germany offer a variety of advantages, depending on when you decide to take them. Here's a breakdown of the benefits of starting your summer holidays early or later.
Early Holidays
Travelling early in the summer can help you avoid the peak travel congestion, enjoy better weather in some regions, and take advantage of potential bargains. Early holidays reduce intense traffic jams on motorways, overcrowded trains, and fully booked hotels, as stated by various sources [1][2][3]. This staggering also supports the tourism industry by distributing visitors more evenly across the summer months, helping hotels, beaches, and amusement parks avoid overcrowding and maintain business steadily.
For example, states like Saxony begin holidays at the end of June to spread out vacation traffic over a longer period. This deliberate and coordinated approach reflects each state's priorities while minimizing nationwide travel disruptions [1][2][3].
Late Holidays
Late holidays, such as those starting in early August, allow families to benefit from potentially warmer late-summer weather and extend the school year. Late holidays also align with the end of peak tourist season, which might offer different advantages like less crowded streets in cities or certain attractions [1][2][3].
Late vacationers from late August have fewer chances of encountering traffic jams as the holidays are over in the first federal states. The risk of traffic jams is high during the main travel season, and the ADAC recommends travelling during off-peak times (during the week, early in the morning or late in the evening) to avoid them [1].
Common Considerations
The main travel season in most holiday regions in Europe begins in June and ends in September, with travel prices usually highest during this period (except for Christmas and New Year's Eve) [1]. Early vacationers in late June or early July have better chances if they travel early to avoid traffic jams during the main travel season, which traditionally falls in the last two weeks of July and the first half of August [1].
The sunset occurs an hour earlier in August compared to the end of June, and the Association of the German Textile and Fashion Industry predicts bargains on summer and swimwear towards the end of July and beginning of August [1].
While those who can only travel in September may find cheaper hotel rooms and holiday apartments, it's worth noting that most jellyfish found in the North and Baltic Seas are harmless to humans, but their presence is less common in September [1].
On the other hand, wasp populations peak in late summer, increasing the chances of unwanted encounters during outdoor activities [1]. To mitigate this, the ADAC recommends buying e-vignettes before travelling abroad to save time and nerves, and considering looking at an airport other than the nearest one to reduce travel costs [1].
[1] Various sources: BfS, Bavarian Environment Agency, ADAC, Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), Association of the German Textile and Fashion Industry.
More education and self-development can be pursued during the quieter moments of late holidays, allowing for more focused learning and personal growth, as the travel congestion decreases, and attractions have fewer visitors [1]. Alternatively, earlier holidays provide greater opportunities for learning about cultural differences, as travelers from different countries converge during the main travel season, enriching the overall learning experience [1].
