ETC: 81% of Europeans plan to travel between June and November 2026

According to the latest report by the European Travel Commission (ETC) on monitoring sentiments for domestic and intra-European travel (Wave 25), 81% of Europeans plan to travel between June and November 2026. This is four percentage points higher than in the same period last year.

Travel intentions have risen across almost all age groups, reaching the highest level among travelers aged 45 to 54 (86%). Europeans also continue to prefer intra-regional travel, with nearly two-thirds (64%) planning trips across Europe, and more than half (55%) intending to take two or more holidays in the next six months.

Southern and Mediterranean Europe remains the preferred holiday region for Europeans, attracting 61% of potential travelers, which is four percentage points more compared to 2025. Spain (14%), Italy (12%), France (8%), and Greece (7%) remain the most popular destinations, reflecting a continuous demand for sun and beach holidays, followed by culture and city experiences.

Travelers are also becoming more selective regarding the type of experiences they seek. While interest in main tourist destinations slightly increased to 48%, the majority of Europeans (52%) prefer lesser-known or off-the-beaten-path destinations. For 11%, avoiding overcrowded destinations is an important factor when choosing a travel location, while 9% cite overcrowding as one of their main concerns. These findings suggest that established European destinations continue to enjoy strong appeal, while travelers increasingly seek opportunities to experience them in different ways, either by exploring beyond the main attractions or discovering lesser-known places.

Safety, affordability, and geopolitics are increasingly influencing travel decisions. Safety remains the most important factor for 20% of travelers, followed by pleasant weather (15%) and attractive offers (14%). Financial factors continue to play a central role. Rising travel costs (22%) and personal finances (17%) remain the biggest travel concerns for Europeans.

Geopolitical developments also play a larger role in travel decisions. Concerns related 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 affecting the growth of travel costs, air transport remains the preferred mode of transportation, chosen by 53% of travelers.

Climate is increasingly shaping where and how Europeans travel. More than three-quarters (76%) of Europeans say that climate-related factors influence their travel behavior. Among those adjusting their plans, 16% actively seek destinations with milder temperatures, while 15% avoid destinations prone to extreme heat or check weather forecasts before booking. Two out of three Europeans say they would change their travel plans in response to climate disruptions or official safety advice, highlighting the growing importance of climate resilience when choosing a destination.

Traveling during the summer continues to dominate Europeans' plans. 86% intend to travel between June and September. The beginning of summer is becoming increasingly attractive, with demand for travel in June growing by three percentage points compared to 2025.

Despite continuous concerns over travel costs, spending intentions remain stable. A budget of 1,500 to 2,500 euros remains the most common spending range (29%), while accommodation, food and beverages, and activities account for the largest share of planned expenditures.

Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission: "Europeans continue to place a high value on travel, even as the global environment becomes increasingly complex. Rather than traveling less, they are traveling more mindfully—carefully weighing safety, affordability, and climate considerations when deciding where and how to travel.

At the same time, demand for Europe's most famous destinations remains strong, while many travelers seek out hidden gems and new experiences. This presents an opportunity for destinations to diversify their offerings, encourage visitors to explore more widely throughout the year, and create seamless, high-quality experiences that respond to changing traveler expectations."

Source and photo: ETC