According to the latest survey by the European Travel Commission (ETC), 77% of Europeans plan to take at least one trip between June and November 2025. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties, commitment to travel remains strong: most respondents are not only maintaining but in many cases even increasing their holiday budgets.
The survey reveals a clear shift in traveler behavior: 55% of respondents are specifically seeking lesser-known or less crowded destinations, and interest in off-peak months is growing. September stands out, with 22% planning to travel during this period – attracted by milder weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. There is also a growing resistance to traditionally overcrowded summer hotspots, which may prompt a rethinking of destination marketing priorities.
Travel modes are also evolving: while air travel remains dominant (53%), car travel is gaining popularity, chosen by 32% of respondents due to greater flexibility and better access to remote destinations.
Budget plans are stable: 62% of travelers expect to spend the same as last year, while 22% plan to increase their travel spending. Notably, there has been a sharp rise in the share of travelers planning to spend between €1,500 and €2,500 per person. Expenditures are primarily focused on accommodation and culinary experiences, but among younger travelers, experience-based spending—such as wellness, entertainment, and shopping—is becoming increasingly significant.
According to the ETC, these changing patterns present an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to focus more on lesser-known regions and off-season offers, supporting a more sustainable and resilient European tourism model.