Discover the Best Autumn Getaways: South Bohemia and South Moravia Shine as Czechs Embrace Cashless Travel!
Czechs often associate the Autumn Holiday with relaxation and exercise. In fact, 31% of people prefer this blend of activities, especially women. The most popular choice is hiking—enjoyed by 72% of travelers—followed by lighter walks with family or friends, selected by 58% of respondents. Cycling trips (29%) and visiting water parks or other attractions (21%) are also favorites. Additionally, 16% plan to explore cultural sites or unwind through passive relaxation, while 13% look for family-friendly attractions. The autumn wine season is significant, with wine festivals across the country, and 66% of Czechs make it a point to visit a wine cellar. Nearly half of wine travelers opt for a two-day stay.Environmental considerations increasingly impact domestic tourists’ destination choices, with many preferring eco-certified accommodations.
“Czechs are increasingly considering domestic holidays. This shows the growing appeal of our regions and the quality of services,” states František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism. He adds: “Younger people aged 18–29 show the most interest. It’s evident that eco-consciousness is influencing holiday planning, making certified accommodations ever more appealing.”
Scheduled Spending on the Rise, Guesthouses are In
The average planned spending is 7,962 crowns, up by 180 crowns from last year. Most of this budget is allocated to accommodation (49%) and dining (19%), with another 11% set aside for sightseeing, sports activities, or insurance, and 7% for transport or shopping. While 16% intend to spend more than last year, only 7% plan to cut back.
The top choice for autumn accommodation in Czechia are guesthouses, favored by half of travelers. More than a quarter opt for higher-category hotels. Factors influencing accommodation choice include personal experience (88%), online information and pricing (87%), and location (86%).
For most, the autumn holiday is spent with a spouse (41%) or family (34%). While people aged 30–39 (56%) and university graduates (55%) are most likely to travel domestically, cars or motorbikes remain the most common means of transportation (67%). About 20% prefer trains, and 12% take the bus.
Cashless Payments on the Rise
Card payments are becoming more popular during holidays, with 66% of domestic travelers using them (up from 61% last year), compared to 56% of those traveling abroad (previously 50%). Domestically, people typically use cards to pay for accommodation, refueling, and meals. This payment method is especially favored by younger respondents and those with higher education.
“Cashless payments are now the standard in the travel industry. Czechs appreciate the speed and convenience of paying with cards for accommodation, transport, or meals. However, some places still only accept cash, especially in smaller shops selling souvenirs or local goods, and occasionally at tourist attractions,” remarks Petr Janeček, head of the Institute of Tourism. “Increasing the availability of payment terminals can enhance travel experiences and support local businesses.”
Foreign Holidays Attract Mainly the Younger Generation
About 44% of Czechs plan to travel abroad this autumn, a slight rise from last year. Meanwhile, those staying at home most commonly cite financial constraints (52%) or the habit of not traveling abroad during this season (47%) as their reasons.
Maps.cz and Recommendations from Loved Ones – The Main Guides for Autumn Holidays
When planning their autumn vacations, Czechs predominantly rely on recommendations from family and friends (48%). Maps showcasing tourist attractions (39%), social media platforms (34%), and travel websites (33%) are also significant resources.
While traveling, the Mapy.cz app is the most widely used (by 59% of travelers), followed by Booking (9%) and Google Maps (8%).
