For many people, vacation is the best time of the year. But behavior on vacation can vary greatly from country to country and from culture to culture and can often be bizarre. Here are some interesting and surprising facts about the vacation behavior of people from all over the world.
1. Japanese tourists and their cameras
Japanese tourists are known for always having a camera on hand. Studies show that on average, Japanese people spend up to 75% of their vacation time taking photos. They tend to make very detailed travel plans to ensure they can photograph all the major sights.
2. Germans and the deckchair reservation
A cliché that is confirmed again and again: German holidaymakers like to reserve their lounge chairs by the pool or beach. Many get up extra early to place their towels in the best spots. This practice is so widespread that it is already part of everyday life in many holiday resorts.
3. Americans and the theme parks
Americans love theme parks. It's not uncommon for families to spend their entire annual vacation at Disney World or another major theme park. Interestingly, many American families plan their park visit down to the last detail to make sure they can take in every attraction.
4. British tourists and homesickness for tea
Many British holidaymakers take their own tea with them on holiday. Whether they are travelling to Spain, Greece or the Caribbean, a good British tea is a must. There are even reports of Brits bringing their own kettles with them so they can make their tea perfectly.
5. French travellers and food culture
French people place great importance on good food, even when on holiday. They are often disappointed when the local cuisine does not meet their high expectations. Some French tourists have even been known to take their own culinary specialties with them on holiday to ensure they do not have to miss out on good food.
6. Australians and the adventure
Australians are known for their adventurous spirit. Many prefer exotic and remote destinations. They are often willing to travel long distances and explore rough terrain just to experience something unique. From safaris in Africa to trekking in the Andes, Australians are always looking for the next great adventure.
7. Scandinavians and sunlight
In Scandinavian countries, where winters are dark and long, many holidaymakers seek sun and warmth in the summer. It is not uncommon for Scandinavians to travel to southern countries for several weeks to soak up as much sunlight as possible. Some even spend their entire summer holiday in another country to escape the dark winter.
8. Italians and the Ferragosto
In Italy, Ferragosto, August 15th, is a major holiday and many Italians take the entire month of August off to vacation. The beaches are crowded, the cities empty out, and many shops are closed. The Ferragosto holiday is an ingrained part of Italian culture.
9. Chinese tourists and group travel
Chinese tourists often prefer group tours. These tours are usually very well organized and follow a tight schedule that ensures that travelers can see as many sights as possible in the shortest amount of time. This type of travel allows them to take advantage of the best photo opportunities and get the maximum experience in a short amount of time.
10. Dutch people and their bicycles
Dutch people are known for not giving up their bikes even on vacation. In many European holiday destinations, you will see Dutch tourists who have brought their own bikes to explore the area. This love of cycling is also reflected in the choice of destinations, which are often bike-friendly.
These examples illustrate how different and sometimes bizarre holiday behavior can be in different parts of the world. Every culture has its own peculiarities and traditions that make traveling varied and exciting.