Travel Trends of Europe: Growing Interest in Quieter Places Europe Travel, Here’s What You Need to Know Now

Published on July 17, 2025

Pent-up demand is being unleashed for travel between June and November 2025, according to new research by the European Travel Commission (ETC). Almost 77% of Europeans intend to take at least one holiday despite ongoing economic troubles to a quieter places Europe travel.

Certainly, travel is important to many Europeans and in most cases, people have not dented their holiday budgets — they’ve added to them, if anything. Roughly 62 percent plan to keep travel spending flat and 22 percent plan to spend more.

Increasing Preference for Quieter Destinations

A report also found that there was a travel trend shift, with 55 percent of Europeans preferring to visit off-the-radar holiday destinations. That’s up from 48 percent earlier this spring, and at this point that is a clear trend to quieter, more contemplative vacation spots.

The surge in popularity for tranquil spots is down to the fact that people have grown wiser about the impact of overtourism. Concerns about over-tourism rose 3% from last summer, with 11% of those polled opting for a destination that is not as crowded, a figure that is up from 4% last year.

Miguel Sanz Highlights Sustainable Tourism

Travel-starved Europeans refuse to be cowered by economic uncertainty. ETC President Miguel Sanz said that Europeans in general are not prepared to sacrifice their travel in a period of economic uncertainty. He suggested that points of destination take advantage of this trend by marketing off-peak and sustainable tourism packages. Sanz also added that they can’t promote Playa Grande the first week of May and last week of October, shoulder months. This ensures that they are capable of marketing destinations that are not so full from between those two months.

Older Audiences Most Wanted

Much higher travel intentions were reported by Europeans aged 55 and over, with 82% intending to travel. Those most inclined to consider themselves satisfied were in the age ranges 45-54 and 35-44 (79%).

Somewhat lower, but still robust, for younger travelers aged 18-24, 66% have travel plans even in the face of time and money constraints.

Off-Peak Season Gains Popularity

July and August, being the classic travel season, will still be favored with 25% of the European population taking holidays in these two months. But September is emerging as a favorite time of year to travel, chosen by 22%. The shift to off-peak travel is motivated by milder weather as well as fewer crowds and better value.

Regional and Cross-border Travel Flourishing

The Continent itself, however, will remain the first-choice destination for 91% of Europeans – proving that the long lines of Europe’s landscapes and culture are the favored option. Just 8% have their sights set on travel further afield (expensive and geopolitical uncertainties).

Holidays between countries in Europe are 6.5% higher than the previous 12 months. There has been an increased appetite for more distant intra-European destinations too, with 32% saying they are increasingly interested in flying long-haul in Europe, compared with 27% last summer.

Mediterranean Destinations Remain Top Choices

The Mediterranean is still quite definitively Europe’s go-to, and the Med accounts for six of the top ten European favorites. Spain is top of the list with 13% of holidaymakers opting for the country, compared to 10% who chose Italy, 8% France, and 6% Greece. The ongoing popularity of these spots suggests their appeal is still going strong despite a growing number of travelers seeking more offbeat destinations.

Car Travel Increases Among Europeans

Airplanes remain the top way to get away (53%), but the hunt for less crowded destinations is stretching car travel in the minds of more Europeans as well (32%, plus 4%). Cars represent freedom, comfort, and give access to places not easily reachable in any other way, and that is exactly what many visitors are looking for in relatively unexplored destinations.

Budget Preferences and Spending Habits

As that thirst for value and convenience continues to grow, Europeans will have the tendency to prioritize value and convenience over everything else. The average travel budget increase is slight, but more are now spending (up 3% from last summer) between €1,500 and €2,500 per person. A higher shot-to-the-cost hit, however, is lodging (32%) and eating (24%).

Travelers aged 45+ tend to spend their money on comfort and food quality, and travelers younger than 35 years old invest more money in activities, wellness, shopping, and improving the way of life.

Embracing Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

An escalating love for off-the-beaten-path destinations also falls under the broader umbrella of a move towards sustainable travel. Travelers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their holiday choices, and are selecting destinations and experiences accordingly, opting to travel in a sustainable way.

Destinations looking to leverage this surge in support should consider investing in promoting sustainable products and experiences such as eco-accommodation, responsible tourism activities or experiences, and community experiences. Such initiatives can attract those who care about the environment and consequently result in a more sustainable industry.

Source Credit: www.etc-corporate.org