Travel intentions increase across Europe
Three quarters of Europeans plan to travel during the autumn and winter period, according to Wave 26 of the European Travel Commission’s “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” report. The commission reports a 3% increase in travel intentions compared with the same period a year earlier.
Poland has the highest proportion of respondents intending to travel, at 87%, followed by Spain at 82%. Germany and the Netherlands both stand at 79%.
Travel intentions remain widespread across age groups. Respondents aged 35–44 lead at 79%, while those aged 45–54 and 55 or older both register 76%. The 18–24 age group records the largest year-on-year increase, reported at 10%.
Southern Europe remains the preferred destination region, attracting 53% of prospective travellers. Western Europe follows at 23%, with interest up from the previous year.
December leads as interest shifts toward late winter
December is the most popular travel month in the survey, chosen by 23% of respondents. Visiting friends and relatives accounts for 32% of December travel plans, compared with 18% across the full survey period.
Intentions to travel in October and November are lower than a year earlier. By contrast, interest in February and March 2027 has increased, suggesting some demand is shifting toward late winter.
Among respondents who intend to travel, 56% are considering at least two trips before the end of March. The share planning only one trip has declined.
Safety and costs influence destination choices
Established destinations with well-known attractions appeal to 47% of travellers. Meanwhile, 44% favour places that are less popular with tourists, and 10% prefer remote or off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Safety is the leading destination-selection factor, cited by 20% of respondents. Pleasant and stable seasonal weather follows at 15%, while attractive deals account for 14%.
Financial pressures are the most frequently reported travel concern, affecting 37% of respondents. Geopolitical instability follows at 23%. These concerns could influence whether intended trips proceed and how travellers choose destinations and accommodation.
City breaks and cultural travel draw demand
City breaks are the preferred trip type for 19% of prospective travellers, followed by culture and heritage trips at 18%. Sun and beach holidays also attract 18%, reflecting continued interest in winter-sun destinations.
Digital services play a substantial role in researching and arranging travel. Search engines are used by 59% of respondents, while travel websites are used by 57%.
Overall, 40% report using artificial intelligence tools for travel inspiration, planning or booking. The report’s detailed findings put usage at 56% among travellers aged 18–34, compared with 26% among those older than 55.
Higher budgets do not necessarily mean longer holidays
Planned trip lengths remain broadly stable. Stays of four to six nights account for 43% of respondents’ plans, while 32% expect to travel for seven to twelve nights.
Nearly half, or 49%, plan to spend between €1,000 and €2,500 per person. The report suggests that rising budgets alongside stable trip lengths may reflect allowances for higher costs rather than longer holidays.
However, 55% have not yet booked. Travel intentions therefore do not necessarily represent confirmed demand, and final arrangements remain sensitive to prices.
European Travel Commission chief executive Eduardo Santander said growing interest in quieter months and less-visited destinations could help reduce tourism congestion and spread business opportunities. He also identified cost and safety as continuing influences on travellers’ decisions.