Europeans Will Keep Traveling This Summer, But They're More Cautious

Spain leads European travel intentions this summer in a more cautious context and with moderate spending

Southern Europe is solidifying its position as the preferred destination for Europeans traveling in spring and summer 2026, with demand up 17 % compared with last year. Spain tops the list, accounting for 14 % of travelers, followed by Italy (11 %) and France (8 %). Greece and Portugal each attract 6 % of the market.

The findings come from a recent report by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which notes that travel interest is at its highest level since 2020. However, this enthusiasm is tempered by greater caution: trips are fewer, shorter, and budgets are more modest, reflecting uncertainty and the ongoing impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

Young Europeans are playing a key role in the renewed optimism. Travel intentions among those aged 18‑34 have risen sharply.

“What’s changing is the way people travel. We’re seeing a more selective, value‑for‑money approach, with travelers opting for shorter stays, more flexible plans, and carefully managed budgets,” said Miguel Sanz, president of the ETC.

Despite the upbeat outlook, geopolitical tensions and rising costs are increasingly influencing travel decisions, according to the ETC. Safety emerges as the top criterion for destination choice, cited by 2.2 % of travelers, followed by pleasant and stable weather (15 %) and attractive offers (1.4 %). Concerns over rising travel expenses remain the most prominent overall, affecting 20 % of Europeans, while worries about Middle‑East tensions have jumped nine percentage points to 18 %.

High Demand, but More Cautious Behaviour

The ETC study shows that Europeans are becoming more reflective and selective:

• Shorter trips: The most common stay now lasts 4‑6 nights (38 %), while longer stays of 7‑12 nights have fallen to 37 %.
• Tighter budgets: The share of travelers planning a moderate budget of up to €1,000 per trip has risen by 4 %.
• Reduced high‑spending trips: Those budgeting €1,500 or more per trip have dropped by 9 % compared with the previous season.
  “This shift reflects greater cost sensitivity and a stronger focus on getting the best value for money,” the commission noted.
• Fewer trips per person: 39 % of Europeans intend to make only one trip in the next six months, a 7‑point increase from last year, while the proportion planning at least two trips has fallen to 57 %.