The European Travel Commission (ETC) reports that despite economic pressures, geopolitical tensions and climate-related challenges, Europeans continue to prioritize travel.
According to the findings in the ETC’s latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel (Wave 25), 81% of Europeans intend to take a trip between June and November 2026, four percentage points higher than during the same period last year.
In fact, travel intentions have increased across nearly all age groups, reaching their highest level among travellers aged 45–54 (86%). Europeans also continue to favour travel within the region, with almost two-thirds (64%) planning trips across Europe and more than half (55%) intending to take two or more holidays over the next six months.
Southern and Mediterranean Europe continues to be Europeans’ preferred holiday region, attracting 61% of intended travellers, up four percentage points compared to last year. Spain (14%), Italy (12%), France (8%) and Greece (7%) remain the most popular destinations, reflecting continued demand for sun-and-beach holidays, followed by culture and city experiences.
Travellers are also becoming more selective about the type of experiences they seek. While interest in major tourist destinations has increased slightly to 48%, most Europeans (52%) prefer lesser-known or off-the-beaten-path destinations. Additionally, 11% say avoiding crowded destinations is an important factor in choosing where to travel, while 9% cite overcrowding as one of their main travel concerns.
These findings suggest that Europe’s established destinations continue to enjoy a strong appeal, while travellers are increasingly looking for opportunities to experience them in different ways, whether by exploring beyond the main attractions or discovering lesser-known places.
However, while Europeans remain eager to travel, they are weighing a broader range of factors before choosing their destination.
Safety remains the most important consideration, cited by 20% of travellers, followed by pleasant weather (15%) and attractive deals (14%). Financial considerations also continue to play a central role, with rising trip costs (22%) and personal finances (17%) remaining Europeans’ biggest travel concerns.
Geopolitical developments are also playing a greater role in travel decisions. Worries linked to the conflict in the Middle East have doubled compared to last year, increasing from 7% to 14%, while 11% of Europeans remain concerned about the war in Ukraine. Despite higher fuel prices and the resulting pressure on travel costs, air travel remains the preferred mode of transport, chosen by 53% of travellers.
Climate considerations are becoming an integral part of travel planning. More than three-quarters (76%) of Europeans say climate-related factors influence their travel behaviour.
Among those adapting their plans, 16% actively seek destinations with milder temperatures, while 15% avoid destinations prone to extreme heat or check weather forecasts before booking. Looking ahead, two in three Europeans say they would modify their travel plans in response to climate-related disruptions or official safety advisories, highlighting the growing importance of climate resilience in destination choice.
Summer remains the peak season, while value continues to drive travel decisions
Summer continues to dominate Europeans’ travel plans, with 86% intending to travel between June and September. Early summer is becoming increasingly attractive, with demand for June trips rising by three percentage points year-on-year.
Despite continued concerns over travel costs, spending intentions remain stable. A budget of €1,500–€2,500 remains the most common spending range (29%), while accommodation, food and beverages, and activities account for the largest share of planned expenditure.
Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, observed that: “Europeans continue to place a high value on travel, even as the global environment becomes more complex. Rather than travelling less, they are travelling more thoughtfully – carefully weighing safety, affordability and climate considerations when deciding where and how to travel.”
Sanz said that: “At the same time, demand remains strong for Europe’s most established destinations, while many travellers are also looking for hidden gems and new experiences. This presents an opportunity for destinations to diversify their offer, encourage visitors to explore more widely and year-round, and create seamless, high-quality experiences that respond to changing traveller expectations.”
Go to https://etc-corporate.org/reports/monitoring-sentiment-for-intra-european-travel-summer-autumn-2026/ for the full report.
