How Locals Travel: Holiday Habits from Around the World

Travel looks different depending on where you’re from. While we often view holidays through our own cultural lens (hello, Aussie beach camping and Bali getaways), the rest of the world has its own unique rhythms, rituals, and holiday preferences. Exploring how different nationalities take time off can inspire us to travel more thoughtfully—and maybe even borrow a few global habits.

Here’s a glimpse at how locals from around the world take their holidays, and what we can learn from them.

🇮🇹 Italy: Tradition, Family, and Food

Italians take their holidays seriously—especially in August, when much of the country shuts down for Ferragosto, a national holiday that kicks off the traditional summer break. Rather than constantly exploring new places, many Italians return to the same beach towns or mountain villages year after year, building a sense of seasonal “home away from home.”

Key traits: Multi-generational trips, long lunches, slow days on the beach, and deeply rooted traditions.

What we can learn: Holidays don’t have to be about novelty. Returning to the same place can deepen your relationship with it—and make travel feel more restful than rushed.

🇯🇵 Japan: Precision, Peace, and Politeness

In Japan, travel is approached with a blend of respect and ritual. Whether heading to an onsen town, a cherry blossom-viewing spot, or a historic temple city like Kyoto, Japanese travellers tend to plan meticulously and travel light. Domestic tourism is strong, and public transport (especially trains) is the mode of choice.

Key traits: Detailed itineraries, minimal packing, respectful sightseeing, quiet environments, and local delicacies.

What we can learn: A little preparation goes a long way. And travelling light—not just physically, but mentally—can make your experience smoother and more mindful.

🇩🇪 Germany: Adventure Meets Structure

Germans love to travel—and they do it with surprising variety. Some prefer nature-heavy holidays like alpine hiking, while others embrace sunny escapes to Spain, Greece or Croatia. Either way, it’s planned well in advance and usually includes outdoor activity, cultural enrichment, and plenty of practical gear (yes, hiking boots everywhere).

Key traits: Efficient planning, activity-focused trips, love of nature, and a strong preference for self-guided travel.

What we can learn: Active doesn’t mean exhausting. Building movement and exploration into your trip can energise your holiday rather than drain it.

🇫🇷 France: The Art of Doing Less, Better

French holidaymakers are known for their long, leisurely getaways—often in countryside farmhouses, coastal towns, or tucked-away villages. In August, the country slows to a near halt as many take vacances for several weeks.

Key traits: Long stays, focus on quality food and wine, avoiding over-scheduling, and staying local.

What we can learn: It’s okay to travel with the sole intention of relaxing. A good bottle of wine, a shady terrace, and time to do nothing can be just as fulfilling as any bucket-list attraction.

🇸🇪 Scandinavia: Wild, Free, and Offline

Scandinavians value nature, solitude, and stillness. A summer getaway might mean heading to a remote forest cabin, picking berries, or swimming in icy lakes under the midnight sun. Simplicity is key—and tech is often left behind.

Key traits: Connection to nature, minimalism, outdoor activities, and slow seasonal rhythms.

What we can learn: Digital detox + natural settings = true restoration. We don’t need constant stimulation to feel fulfilled.

🇦🇺 Australia: The Great Outdoors, Always

For Aussies, holidays often mean beachside camping, road trips with friends, or hopping between islands. There’s a sense of laid-back adventure—equal parts spontaneous and well-practised. Travel is often driven by seasons, surf, and sunshine.

Key traits: Flexibility, outdoor focus, lots of driving, and a DIY approach to fun.

What we can learn: Not every trip needs to be international or fancy. Some of the best memories come from a great playlist, an Esky full of snacks, and a map that leads to the coast.

🌍 What It All Means

Every culture approaches travel a little differently—but in each, we see common threads: rest, discovery, food, family, and nature. The differences lie in the pace, the planning, and the preferences. And that’s what makes travel so endlessly fascinating.

When we learn how others travel, we expand our own idea of what a “good holiday” looks like.

Travel Insurance: A Global Essential

No matter where you’re from or how you travel, travel insurance is the one thing that crosses every cultural boundary. It’s the safety net that gives you confidence to explore further, stay longer, or slow down completely.

Whether you’re following French footsteps into slow countryside holidays or planning a hyper-efficient Japanese train tour, having insurance means one less thing to worry about when plans shift. Visit koviyo.com for a free quote.

Because while every culture has its own rhythm, peace of mind is universal.

Where will you holiday like a local next?