Europeans Opt for Longer Holidays While Exploring New Travel Destinations, ETC Report Finds

Key Points

1. Travellers from Poland and the UK are showing a stronger desire to travel abroad in 2025.

2. Interest in vacations has declined among the French, Germans, and Swiss.

3. While Southern European destinations are losing appeal, countries like Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belgium, and Bulgaria are growing in popularity.

European Travellers Plan Longer Holidays, But Eyeing New Destinations

European travellers are increasingly making plans to travel, though their preferences for destinations are shifting—especially away from traditional hotspots in Southern Europe.

According to the latest “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” report by the European Travel Commission (ETC), Europeans are preparing for longer international holidays in 2025. This signals a clear shift in how and where they plan to travel.

The report also highlights a growing trend of increased spending and interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations. Instead of sticking to familiar locations, more travellers are seeking out hidden gems across the continent.

“These findings reaffirm the resilience of travel demand in Europe. Despite ongoing global uncertainties, Europeans continue to prioritise meaningful travel experiences. Their robust confidence—reflected in longer stays, increased spending, and a willingness to explore further—signals a strong desire to reconnect with destinations and cultures across the continent.”
— Miguel Sanz, President of the ETC

Top Countries with Rising Travel Intent in 2025

Among all surveyed nations, Polish travellers are leading the way in travel enthusiasm, with plans to travel increasing by 80% compared to last year.

British, Dutch, and Spanish travellers are also expected to travel significantly more—between 75% and 79% more than in 2024. Italy also saw a notable increase in travel intent, with a 73% year-on-year rise.

In contrast, travel interest is declining in some key countries:

• France (down 65%)

• Belgium (68%)

• Austria and Switzerland (69%)

• Germany (70%)

The report further notes that 27% of respondents are planning to take at least three trips by September 2025—an increase of 6% from the previous year. Moreover, 42% intend to stay between 7 and 12 nights per trip, which is up by 11%.

Spending is also on the rise:

• 30% plan to spend between €1,501 and €2,500 per person per trip (up 7%)

• 17% expect to spend over €2,500

Emerging Destinations for 2025

While Southern and Mediterranean Europe remain popular, their appeal has dipped by 8%. In contrast, interest in Eastern European countries is rising—up 3% from last year. Destinations like Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belgium, and Bulgaria have each seen a 1% boost in popularity.

Climate concerns are also shaping travel plans. About 81% of Europeans say that climate change now influences how they travel. As a result:

• 17% monitor weather forecasts more often

• 15% choose destinations with milder climates

• 14% avoid areas prone to extreme heat