Seventy-six percent of Europeans plan an overnight trip between October 2026 and March 2027, a 3% increase year over year; interest falls in October and November but rises for late-winter travel. December is the most popular month, and 56% plan at least two trips. AI tools inform travel planning for 40% of intended travellers, rising to 56% among 18- to 24-year-olds.
Three-quarters of Europeans (76%) intend to travel between October 2026 and March 2027, up 3% compared to the same period last year, according to the latest “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” report (Wave 26) by the European Travel Commission (ETC). Poland records the strongest intention (87%), representing a 5% increase, followed by Spain (82%), and Germany and the Netherlands, which both stand at 79%.
Travel appetite extends across age groups. Travellers aged 35-44 lead with 79%, ahead of those aged 45-54 and 55+ (both 76%). Travellers aged 18-24 record the largest year-on-year increase in travel intentions, surging 10%. Southern Europe remains by far the most popular destination region (53%), followed by Western Europe (23%), which is seeing a 5% increase in interest.
December is the most popular month to travel during this period (23%), driven by the Christmas season. During December, visiting friends and family is a more prominent reason for travelling at 32%, compared to 18% overall. Autumn holidays in October and November are less popular in 2026 than in 2025, but intentions rise again in the new year, as Europeans show a growing interest in March (+6%) getaways.
56% of those planning to travel are now looking at taking two or more trips by March, with the share of travellers planning just one trip decreasing by 7%. This reinforces the strong sentiment to travel amongst Europeans and provides a positive outlook for winter destinations.
Though established destinations with well-known attractions still draw in 47% of travellers, interest in less-known locations is catching up. 44% of surveyed European favour locations that are less popular among tourists, up by 4% year-on-year, while a further 10% prefer remote or off-the-beaten-track destinations for their next trip.
Safety is the leading destination-selection criterion (20%), followed by pleasant and stable seasonal weather (15%) and attractive deals (14%). Looking at European’s main concerns in relation to travel, financial pressures lead (37%), followed by geopolitical instability (23%).
As winter approaches, city breaks (19%) and culture and heritage trips (18%) again rise to the fore of Europeans’ travel intentions. Sun and beach holidays maintain their appeal as winter sun destinations, favoured by 18% of intended travellers.
Most Europeans are now using digital tools, including AI platforms, to find information, compare prices and build itineraries. Younger Europeans are at the forefront of AI-assisted travel inspiration, planning and booking. Among travellers aged 18 – 34, 56% used generative AI or AI trip-planning platforms when preparing their trips, against 40% of the overall sample, and just 26% of those aged over 55.
Online search engines (59%) and travel websites (57%) remain the most widely used digital tools among European travellers.
Trip lengths remain steady, with 43% planning four to six nights, and 32% seven to twelve nights. However, planned budgets are edging upwards, as 49% of travellers allocate €1,000-€2,500 per person. Slightly higher budgets alongside stable trip…
