Travel behavior across the UK, Spain, Italy, and other top European destinations is changing in 2025. Fewer travelers are planning to take trips, but those who do are spending more and staying longer. According to new research from the European Travel Commission (ETC), overall travel intentions have slightly decreased, but budgets are rising, stays are lengthening, and less-visited destinations are seeing more interest. This reflects a shift towards experience-focused travel as people feel more financially confident and increasingly consider climate impacts when choosing where to go.
Balearic Islands’ Strategy Finally Paying Off
The Balearic Islands’ long-term effort to attract fewer but higher-spending tourists appears to be succeeding. A recent report from the ETC highlights how European tourists are changing their travel habits this spring and summer. These changes include longer trips, bigger budgets, and a growing attraction to less-known destinations.
The study, titled “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” Wave 21, shows that travel intentions have dropped by 3% compared to last year, now standing at 72%. However, travelers are now more intentional and are willing to spend more on their trips. Many Europeans are planning longer holidays, diversifying their travel destinations, and increasing their travel budgets.
Poland Leads, France Trails in Travel Plans
Poland, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy are leading in travel intentions, with over 70% of people planning trips. Meanwhile, countries like France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany show more cautious travel plans, with fewer people expressing intent to travel.
Europeans are also shifting towards more thematic and event-based travel. Popular Mediterranean destinations are seeing a slight decline in interest, with a drop of 8%, while Eastern European countries are becoming more appealing, showing a 3% increase in interest.
Spending More Despite Economic Concerns
Even though fewer Europeans are planning trips, spending is still a major priority. 27% of Europeans plan to take three or more trips between April and September 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year. The average length of holidays is also growing, with 42% planning stays between 7 to 12 nights, an 11% increase.
Travel budgets are also on the rise. 30% of Europeans plan to spend between €1,501 and €2,500 per person per trip, a 7% increase. Additionally, 17% are planning to spend over €2,500.
Despite concerns about inflation and personal finances, these issues are becoming less of a deterrent. Worries about rising travel costs due to inflation have dropped from 23% to 17%, and concerns about personal finances have decreased to 14%.
Accommodation is the largest travel expense, with 27% of Europeans planning to spend the most on where they stay. This is followed by food and beverages (20%) and local experiences (16%). Younger travelers, aged 18-24, are more likely to spend on shopping (15%) and premium experiences (11%), while those aged 55 and above prioritize comfort, allocating more money to accommodation (33%) and food (24%).
Eastern Europe and Hidden Gems Gaining Popularity
While Southern and Mediterranean regions still attract the most interest from European travelers, there is a shift toward less-visited places. Countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Belgium, and Bulgaria are gaining popularity, each seeing around a 1% increase in travel interest.
More travelers are also choosing off-the-beaten-path destinations. Although 53% still prefer mainstream cities, resorts, and villages, 48% are now exploring lesser-known or undiscovered spots. These travelers tend to stay longer, with 38% planning trips of over ten days, and they are spending more, with many budgeting over €2,500.
Climate Awareness Influences Travel Plans
Environmental concerns are increasingly shaping Europeans’ travel choices. A significant 81% of Europeans report that climate change impacts their travel decisions, an increase of 7% from the previous year.
While fewer Europeans are planning trips in 2025, those who do are focusing on longer stays, higher spending, and alternative destinations. This reflects a shift toward prioritizing quality travel experiences over quantity. Climate awareness is a key factor in this change. Tourists are now more conscious of weather conditions, with 17% checking forecasts more carefully, 15% choosing milder climates, and 14% avoiding regions prone to extreme heat. This growing eco-consciousness is contributing to the trend of seeking cooler, less-explored destinations during the spring and summer months.
Related topic:
- President Zurabishvili Accuses Georgian Dream of Manipulating Visa-Free Travel Issue with EU
- Bali’s New Tourist Tax: What Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting
- SkyUp Launches New Direct Flight Between Chisinau and Barcelona, Strengthening Eastern European Connectivity