The survey shows that 81% of Europeans intend to travel between June and November 2026, four percentage points higher than during the same period in 2025. Travel intentions have increased across almost all age groups, reaching their highest level among travellers aged 45–54, where 86% plan to travel.
Most Europeans continue to favour travel within the region, with 64% planning trips across Europe, while 55% intend to take two or more holidays during the next six months.
Southern and Mediterranean Europe remains the preferred holiday region, attracting 61% of intended travellers, an increase of four percentage points year-on-year. Spain (14%), Italy (12%), France (8%) and Greece (7%) remain the most popular destinations, driven by demand for beach holidays, cultural experiences and city breaks.
Although interest in major tourists destinations has risen slightly to 48%, the majority of Europeans (52%) prefer lesser-known or off-the-beaten-path destinations. In addition, 11% consider avoiding crowded destinations an important factor when choosing where to travel, while 9% identify overtourism as one of their main travel concerns.
Safety has become the leading factor influencing destination choice, cited by 20% of respondents. Pleasant weather follows at 15%, while attractive travel deals account for 14%. Rising travel costs remain the primary concern for 22% of Europeans, followed by personal financial considerations for 17%.
Geopolitical developments are also influencing travel decisions. Concerns related to the conflict in the Middle East have doubled compared with last year, rising from 7% to 14%, while 11% of respondents remain concerned about the war in Ukraine. Despite increasing fuel prices and their impact on travel costs, air travel remains the preferred mode of transport for 53% of travellers.
Climate considerations are playing a growing role in 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 exposed to extreme heat or consult 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, reflecting the increasing importance of climate resilience in destination selection.
Summer remains the busiest travel season, with 86% planning holidays between June and September. Demand for travel in June has increased by three percentage points compared with last year.
Spending intentions remain stable despite ongoing cost concerns. The most common travel budget is between €1,500 and €2,500, selected by 29% of respondents, while accommodation, food and beverages, and activities account for the largest share of planned expenditure.
Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, said: 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.
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.
