Vacationers in the Berlin area and their media consumption

Those who travel to the Berlin area on vacation are usually looking for one thing: peace and quiet. The forests of Brandenburg, the vast waters of the Dahme Lake District, and the idyllic villages in the Spreewald offer the perfect contrast to the hectic life of the capital. But while hiking, paddling, and cycling are popular daytime activities, evening entertainment in vacation apartments and hotels has changed noticeably in recent years. Where card games and board games used to dominate the living room table, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones are now increasingly common.

This development does not mean that shared family experiences are disappearing. Rather, habits are adapting to modern everyday life, which is not completely abandoned even on vacation. The availability of fast internet is now one of the most important criteria when booking accommodation. Guests expect to be able to use their usual streaming services, audiobooks, or online games even in the seclusion of a Brandenburg forest lodge. For landlords in Berlin's affluent suburbs, a stable Wi-Fi connection is therefore no longer just an extra, but a basic requirement for rentability.

Change in leisure habits in local vacation accommodations

The region around Berlin remains highly attractive, which is also reflected in the current visitor numbers. Many guests from Germany particularly appreciate the short journey and the high quality of accommodation. A glance at the statistics shows the scale of this: around 4.3 million guests with 11.4 million overnight stays visited Brandenburg as a travel destination in the first three quarters of last year. This high number of overnight guests brings with it an enormous demand for modern facilities.

After an active day in nature, guests do not want to forego digital comforts. Classic linear television is becoming increasingly less important. Instead, vacationers are designing their own evening programs.

This flexibility is appreciated because it allows them to end the day without fixed broadcast times. Vacation home owners are responding to this by installing smart TVs and providing Bluetooth speakers to support their guests' digital lifestyle.

Entertainment while traveling

The way we book and experience travel has become digital. This trend continues seamlessly once the suitcase is unpacked. Those who have organized their vacation entirely online also use their smartphone as a central control center for entertainment and information while on location.

Current market data confirms that acceptance of digital processes is extremely high: 67% of trips were booked digitally last year, which represents a new record high in Germany. This digital affinity among travelers directly translates to their evening leisure activities.

Streaming services are the most obvious companion. Access to the home media library gives a feeling of home, even in unfamiliar surroundings. But gaming on mobile devices is also becoming increasingly important.

Digital entertainment helps many people to switch off mentally and leave the stress of everyday life behind before returning to the real world the next morning.

Tips for conscious media use when traveling

Despite all the digital possibilities, balance remains the key to a relaxing vacation in the Berlin area. It is advisable to view technology not as a substitute for the vacation experience, but as a useful tool.

Many therefore agree on “screen-free times,” such as during meals or during game nights together, which take place in the classic analog way. Digital devices are then used specifically when individual rest periods are needed.

Technology can also help make vacations less stressful by removing organizational hurdles. Interest in intelligent assistance systems is growing steadily: 56% of travelers are interested in AI tools for travel information, delay reports, and suggestions for quieter areas in hotels.

Those who use these tools wisely save time researching destinations or restaurants, thereby gaining more quality time with their families. This transforms the smartphone from a mere entertainment device into a genuine vacation assistant that helps you enjoy the beauty of Brandenburg in an even more relaxed manner.