International travel within Europe continues to grow. This autumn and winter, 63% of Europeans plan to travel outside their home country – up three points from last year. Of these, 35% will visit neighbouring countries and 29% expect to travel to more distant European destinations.
Travel also remains the top leisure spending priority. A total of 82% of respondents said they will maintain or increase their travel budgets this season, well above other leisure categories. However, financial constraints are still the main reason for those not planning a trip (36%), followed by lack of time (27%).
Fewer but more meaningful trips
Although travel demand is stable, travellers are planning fewer trips overall. Nearly half (45%) expect to take only one holiday in the next six months, a seven-point increase from last year. One in three (34%) plan two trips, while 16% expect to travel three or more times, down six points.
The findings indicate a maturing travel market. Travellers aged 45–54 show the strongest intent to travel this season, while younger adults are slightly less likely to plan trips than last year. Consumer behaviour is shifting towards fewer but more meaningful holidays, with almost half of those over 55 preferring one trip, compared with around one-third of younger travellers.
Preference for immersion and convenience
European travellers are increasingly opting for deeper, more immersive experiences. Over the coming months, 60% will stay in a single destination rather than combine multiple regions. This trend is most prominent among city-break travellers (71%) and sun-and-beach visitors (68%). Multi-region trips are more common for culture & heritage (44%) and nature & outdoors (42%) holidays.
Air travel remains the preferred mode of transport (57%, +4 points), followed by car travel (25%), including a growing share of electric vehicles (4%). Train travel remains a secondary choice at 13%.
Mediterranean gains off-season momentum
Safety (20%) remains the top consideration when choosing a destination, but good weather (15%) has increased in importance. Attractive deals (13%) and lower cost of living (10%) are also shaping travel choices. Half of travellers plan to visit major tourist hotspots, while the other half seek lesser-known destinations, indicating growing interest in alternative locations.
Southern Europe is the season’s strongest performer. The Mediterranean will attract 52% of European travellers this autumn and winter – seven points higher than last year. Spain has recorded the biggest increase in interest (12%, +5 points), with Italy (8%) and France (8%) remaining popular. In contrast, only 4% plan to visit Eastern Europe, down six points year-on-year.
Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, said: “We see some positive signs for Europe’s tourism ecosystem. High travel intentions, resilient budgets, and off-season interest in Southern destinations can help spread visitor flows and reduce seasonality. Yet with moderate trip lengths and cautious spending, businesses should adapt – developing pricing strategies and tailored packages that encourage longer stays and higher on-site expenditure to maximise value amid shorter travel plans.
Tags: Miguel Sanz, European Travel Commission
