Tourists of France, Italy, Spain and Others are Now Eager to Travel Again with its Growing Interest in Quieter Destinations

Published on July 16, 2025

European visitors are planning robust travel intentions for 2025, demonstrating resilience despite residual economic unease. Some 77% of Europeans expect to take at least one trip from June to November 2025, demonstrating the lasting place that travel occupies in European lifestyles, reveals new data from the European Travel Commission’s (ETC) “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” Wave 22 report.

Cross-border Road Trips within Europe Show Substantial Increase

Increasing numbers of Europeans, now 65%, are organizing cross-border travels within Europe, 6.5% more than for the past year. Domestic (26%) and neighbouring country travels (33%) are stable, while interest significantly shifts to more distant destinations in Europe (32%, 5% more than last summer). This appears to be linked to a rising interest for culturally diverse but well known, safe, and convenient destinations on the continent.

Age Groups and Travel Decisions

There remains a keen interest in travel at all ages, but some remarkable differences:

Age 55+: These are the ones with the highest travel intention, 82%. They are people with ample disposable income and leisure time.

45-54 years: High travel inclination of 79%, which suggests stability and that leisure and convenience are a priority.

35-44 Years: Second only with 78%, consisting of predominantly equally balanced career and personal responsibilities.

18 to 24 years: Slightly lower at 66%, due mainly to time and budget constraints; otherwise, strong demand.

Increasing Demand for Off-Peak Season and Less Visited Locations

July remains the top month for summer traveling, along with August (25% each). But now, for the first time, September is a serious alternative, preferred by 22% of Europeans. This off-season travel preference is a new trend toward more favorable weather, smaller crowds, and better value for one’s money.

Over half (55%) of Europeans are now looking for less familiar or off-the-map places, versus 48% for spring 2025. Interest in classical, well-worn mass-tourist sites declined accordingly, being selected by only 45% of travellers, documenting a demand for unique, tranquil, authentic experiences.

Top Europe Destinations and Regions

The Mediterranean remains supremely influential for European travel intentions:

Spain: Leading destination at 13%, a remarkable 5% year-on-year increase.

Italy: Remains at 10%, a testament to enduring cultural and historical popularity.

France and Greece: Preferred by 8% and 6%, respectively, still most preferred destinations of the European visitors.

Changes in Travel Mobility Decisions

Flight travel remains the most preferred mode, chosen by 53% of Europeans due to speed (27%) and value for money (21%). Car travel, nevertheless, gained substantially (32%, a 4% increase year-on-year), spearheaded by the surging demand for less-accessible destinations. Car travel is chosen due to flexibility, convenience, and because many scenic, off-the-beaten-track destinations can only be better explored via personal vehicles.

Regular Travel Expenses Despite Financial Constraints

Despite current economic troubles, a clear majority (62%) of Europeans will keep travel spend at a consistent level through to November 2025, of which 22% even aim to spend more. Such a level of commitment reflects the importance that Europeans place on travel experiences.

There was a notable increase observed for travel budgets of the mid-to-high category (€1,500 – €2,500 per person), which is currently mentioned most often as a spend bracket, up 3% from the summer of 2024.

Spending Priorities Differ by Age Group

Accommodations (32%) and food (24%) dominate total budgetary expenditure. Priorities, however, are dramatically different, from age group to age group:

Traveler aged 45+: Emphasize convenience, good food, and wine.

Younger than 35: Invest more on activities, shopping, wellness, and lifestyle enhancement, with a priority given to experiential value.

Responsible and Sustainable Travel Trends

There is more awareness of overcrowding and sustainable tourism, with 11% preferring less crowded destinations, a 4% increase from last year. This action highlights a surging demand from Europe for sustainable, responsible tourism, promoting balanced, resilient development of destinations.

Strategic Recommendations for Destinations

Miguel Sanz, ETC President, identifies that destinations can benefit from these changing tastes of travelers via: Promoting off-peak travel opportunities Promoting off-the-road, less crowded destinations.Furthering sustainable tourism development. This approach adapts to the evolving demands of visitors and encourages sustainable, resilient tourism development in Europe.

Conclusion: Europe Travelers Prioritize Travel Amidst Economic Turbulence

Europeans remain highly invested in travelling, adapting expenditure habits according to economic trends through favouring off-peak times, off-the-beaten-track areas, and sustainable options. Continuous plans to spend or increase budget scopes confirm long-term value from travelling through to European consumers. For travellers, for destinations, learning from these trends and responding accordingly can create significant opportunities, facilitating sustainable development for tourism, as well as enhanced satisfaction for travellers.