Germany – Why Is It More Expensive Than All-Inclusive Holidays Abroad?

A family holiday in January 2026. Seven days, two adults, two children.

We compared two options:
A winter trip to the Harz mountains in Germany, and an all-inclusive week in sunny Egypt.

The result?
A domestic holiday in the Harz comes in at around €2,340 for accommodation, meals, and a few family activities.
Meanwhile, a full week in Egypt — including flights, hotel, food, drinks, and entertainment — costs just €1,396 for the whole family.

Yes, you read that right:
Escaping to the sunshine is cheaper than staying close to home.

And this is not an exception. Across many destinations outside Germany, family-friendliness isn’t just a marketing slogan — it’s embedded in the guest experience:

• Personalised, warm service
• Child-friendly environments and entertainment
• More sunshine, more ease — and often, lower prices

Why the imbalance?

• Higher local costs: In Germany, accommodations and dining are significantly more expensive — often without delivering a better experience.
• Heavier regulation and taxes: Hotels and restaurants face a dense web of rules and financial burdens that get passed on to guests.
• Limited focus on families: Unlike many other countries, families in Germany don’t always feel truly welcome. Parents are too often seen as “complicated” guests rather than valued ones.

But here’s the real problem:

As long as domestic travel costs more than a fully catered escape abroad, sustainable tourism in Germany will remain a noble idea — not a reality.

To change that, we don’t need to race to the bottom on prices. We need:

✅ More compelling offers for families
✅ Simpler systems and less bureaucracy for hosts
✅ Authentic hospitality over rigid procedures
✅ Regional strategies that put people and community well-being at the center

“Sustainable tourism shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be accessible, honest, and family-friendly.”

At Sunsai Nature, we help rural regions take that leap.
Our TourGate Program equips municipalities with the tools and strategies to create destinations that serve both their guests and their people.

Let’s build a tourism future that’s truly worth visiting.

Author: Norman Stankewitz
Founder of Sunsai Nature – Sustainable Solutions for Tourism & Hospitality