Despite a slight decline in overall travel intention, Europeans are not giving up on their holidays for the warm season. In fact, when they do travel, they plan longer stays, spend more, and choose alternative destinations. This scenario is illustrated in the latest report by the European Travel Commission (ETC), “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel – Wave 21”, recently published and offering valuable insights into travel intentions from April to September 2025.
The first notable figure is the small drop in the overall intention to travel. According to the study, 72% of Europeans say they plan to travel, a slightly lower percentage than the 75% recorded last year. However, there are some interesting behavioural shifts compared to 2024: 27% plan to take at least three trips (+6%), while 42% will opt for longer holidays of 7-12 nights (+11%).
Holiday spending is also increasing: 30% of European travellers are planning to spend between €1,501 and €2,500 per person per trip (+7%), and 17% are willing to exceed €2,500. The main spending categories are: accommodation (27%), followed by food and drink (20%), and destination activities (16%). Spending habits also vary by age group: younger travellers (18–24 years old) are more likely to allocate part of their budget to shopping (15%) and luxury experiences (11%), while travellers over 55 prefer comfort and gastronomy.
The countries where travel intention is highest are Poland (80%), the United Kingdom (79%), the Netherlands (75%), Spain (75%), and Italy (73%). On the other hand, the French (65%), Belgians (68%), Austrians (69%), Swiss (69%), and Germans (70%) are less inclined to travel.
Growing interest in alternative destinations
But what are travellers’ preferred destinations? On this point, the ETC report highlights a growing trend to discover alternative places over classic vacation spots. In fact, Mediterranean destinations show an 8% decline compared to 2024, although they still lead the preferences with 41% of travel intentions. The surprise is the growth of new destinations in Eastern and Central Europe, with Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belgium, and Bulgaria seeing a slight increase in interest (+1%).
Once travellers choose their destination country, 53% focus on well-known tourist locations, preferring major cities and staying in resorts and holiday villages. However, the share of those looking for less common destinations is also growing (35%), as is the number of people heading off the beaten path (13%). Those who choose these latter options not only stay longer (38% travel for more than 10 days) but also tend to spend more.
Climate change is also changing travel habits, playing an increasingly important role in travellers’ choices: 81% of Europeans admit to being influenced by the climate when selecting their destination or travel period. Specifically, 17% of European travellers say they now check weather forecasts more carefully, 15% choose destinations with milder temperatures, and 14% avoid areas prone to heatwaves.
Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sanz, President of the ETC, stated: “These findings reaffirm the resilience of travel demand in Europe. Despite global uncertainties, Europeans continue to prioritise meaningful travel experiences. Their confidence – reflected in longer stays, increased spending, and a willingness to explore new destinations – signals a strong desire to reconnect with places and cultures across the continent. This presents a valuable opportunity for destinations and tourism businesses to better manage visitor flows and extend the benefits of tourism beyond traditional hotspots”.
Photo by Felix Mittermeier
Stéphane Gigou – Trigano