ETC survey: 76% of Europeans plan autumn and winter trips, with late-season demand rising

Three in four Europeans (76%) intend to take an overnight trip between October 2026 and March 2027, up 3% on the same period last year, according to Wave 26 of the European Travel Commission's "Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel" report. Poland shows the strongest intention at 87%, followed by Spain (82%) and Germany and the Netherlands (both 79%).

Timing is shifting. Travel intention for October and November is down 11%, while interest in February and March 2027 is up 8%. December is the most popular month (23%), driven by Christmas, when visiting friends and family accounts for 32% of trips against 18% overall. ETC said 56% of intending travellers plan two or more trips by March, and the share planning only one trip has fallen by 7%.

City breaks (19%) and culture and heritage trips (18%) lead travel intentions, with sun and beach holidays at 18%. Southern Europe remains the top destination region (53%), ahead of Western Europe (23%). Interest in less-visited places is growing: 44% favour locations less popular with tourists, up 4%, and 10% prefer remote destinations.

Safety is the main selection criterion (20%), followed by stable weather (15%) and attractive deals (14%). Financial pressure is the leading concern (37%), ahead of geopolitical instability (23%). Budgets are edging up, with 49% allocating €1,000 to €2,500 per person, while 55% have not yet booked.

Digital tools dominate planning. Online search engines (59%) and travel websites (57%) are the most used, and 40% of intending travellers use AI tools, rising to 56% among younger travellers. ETC chief executive Eduardo Santander called the rise in February and March intention "particularly encouraging" given these are typically quieter periods.