Leisure: leisure researchers: trampling is a safety risk factor

A growing number of young Germans are choosing safer travel options over hitchhiking, according to future researcher Horst Opaschowski. The Hamburg-based expert suggests that this shift reflects a broader societal trend toward prioritizing security over freedom. In an interview with the German Press Agency, Opaschowski noted that while nostalgia for the adventure of hitchhiking persists among older generations, younger people are increasingly opting for more predictable forms of mobility. Opaschowski argues that the decline in hitchhiking is linked to a heightened sense of insecurity. He points to the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, which has left many feeling uncertain about their personal and professional futures. “We live in insecure times, and there’s no end in sight,” he says. His long-term research into public sentiment reveals a noticeable shift in attitudes, particularly among younger demographics who appear less inclined to take risks. The researcher emphasizes that safety has become a new form of freedom for some individuals. “It’s the art of being safe without giving up freedom,” he explains. Hitchhiking, he adds, represents a risk factor in private life. This perspective aligns with observations that fewer young people are embarking on spontaneous trips to distant destinations such as Sri Lanka. While the desire for adventure remains, many find these journeys too unpredictable. Opaschowski notes that work-and-travel programs in stable countries like Australia remain popular, as they offer manageable levels of risk. He refers to expensive leisure activities, such as bachelor parties in cities like Palma de Mallorca or Milan, as “Luxese,” a term combining luxury with the austerity required to afford them. Such experiences, though costly, still appeal to those seeking both indulgence and financial discipline. He also highlights how increased mobility among youth has led to a decline in hitchhiking on shorter routes. Many now prefer alternative modes of transport, such as trains, even if it means waiting for hours on platforms. “Many are willing to accept sleeping on benches for two hours just to save money,” he observes. This change reflects a broader economic reality where cost efficiency plays a key role in travel decisions. The researcher acknowledges that while the tradition of hitchhiking continues to fade, it remains embedded in cultural memory. For older generations, the act of traveling without a fixed destination symbolizes a different kind of freedom, one that is now perceived as less attainable by younger people. As Germany grapples with ongoing uncertainty, the balance between safety and spontaneity appears to be shifting, with more emphasis placed on predictability and control.