"A More Selective Approach": Europeans Are Still Eager to Travel in 2026, But Smarter

Travel is back in a big way across Europe, but it is not quite the same as before. A new report from the European Travel Commission shows that 82% of Europeans plan to travel between April and September 2026, the highest level recorded since 2020. The figure marks a strong 10% increase compared to last year, once again, if necessary, showing just how how resilient the tourism sector remains despite rising costs and global uncertainty.

Young Adults Lead the Way, and They Prefer Short Trips

Younger travellers appear to be in the lead and drive momentum, as interest among those aged 18 to 24 jumped by 21%, says the report, wherewas the 25-34 age group went up by 16%. Still, while more people are planning trips, they are being more careful about how they spend and travel.

Shorter holidays are now the norm, with special emphasis on trips that last between four to six nights and less interest for longer stays. Budgets are also tightening, with more and more travellers looking to spend under €1,000 per trip (or half of that), while the number of higher spenders has dropped noticeably.

There is also a shift in how often people travel, with new data saying close to 40% of Europeans now plan to take just one trip over the next six months, a sign that many are choosing to travel less frequently but more thoughtfully.

Money and Safety

As expected, safety and cost are playing a bigger role in decision making. Around 22% of travellers say safety is their top concern when choosing a destination, followed by weather and value for money. Rising travel costs remain the biggest worry overall, while concerns linked to tensions in the Middle East have also increased.

Despite these concerns, Europeans are largely staying close to home. About 90% plan to travel within Europe, with demand for Southern destinations continuing to grow.

Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Shutterstock

Countries like Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal remain top choices, thanks to their mix of beaches, culture and food.

In paralel, travel habits are also changing; instead of visiting multiple countries, travellers now choose to explore several cities within one destination, looking for a deeper and more relaxed experience.

“The continued strength in travel intentions for this spring and summer shows that Europeans remain highly motivated to travel, even in a more complex global environment,” said Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission.

“What is changing is how they travel,” he added. "We are seeing a more selective, value-driven approach, with travellers opting for shorter stays, more flexible plans, and carefully managed budgets."