Running as a Travel Experience: More and more Germans are booking their summer not at the beach, but on sporty paths – organized as so-called run-cations. This trend deliberately combines vacation travel and running experiences, particularly visible in new booking offers for trail running and running camps in Austria, Italy, and Spain. Organizers are reporting record booking numbers for running trips in 2024, as confirmed by the German Travel Association, driven by a growing number of active runners and the desire for nature-oriented vacation experiences.

The most important things at a glance

• Run-cation combines running trips, nature experiences, and relaxation in one vacation concept.
• The German Travel Association reports that there are more running trip bookings for 2024 than ever before.
• Regions with optimized running paths and spectacular landscapes are particularly in demand.
• Running groups are increasingly aimed at beginner runners, not just professionals.
• Many run-cation offers include programs such as yoga, local cuisine, and group excursions.

Running holidays are booming and changing the travel offer.

Sporty, sociable, and surprisingly decelerating: with the run-cation, travel takes on new meaning in a running pace. Instead of classic sightseeing, the program includes morning trails through pine forests in South Tyrol, sunrise runs in the Algarve, or stage runs through the Dolomites. Many organizers are responding with special training camps, guided group tours, and flexible packages that consider different performance levels. According to the German Travel Association, about one-third of specialized providers now also offer shorter distances for beginners.

New travel experiences beckon off the beaten path.

What sounds like endurance sports to many turns out to be a colorful adventure holiday in practice: those booking appreciate the sense of community and the opportunity to explore landscapes beyond the crowds in a sustainable way. More and more regions are therefore investing in trail routes and organizing events around regional delicacies or yoga sessions by the lake. This is also confirmed by the Tirol tourism association: numerous collaborations have emerged around running, ranging from hotel accommodations to guided nature walks.

Preparation and equipment are crucial for a good experience.

To ensure that the running adventure doesn't have any unpleasant surprises, organizers recommend careful preparation: Appropriate shoes, a realistic assessment of fitness, and well-coordinated group structures are essential for a positive experience, according to provider information. Especially in alpine regions, rain protection and off-road equipment are essential in the luggage – most organizers provide checklists for their guests.

Whether alone, in a group, or with family: run-cation opens up new travel worlds that clear the mind and provide lasting impressions. Bookings for summer and autumn 2024 continue to rise. The German Travel Association expects that active travel will secure a lasting place in the tourism calendar.