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Travel Daily News
18 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Summer 2025: Fewer travelers eye Europe amid rising costs
The share of travellers planning a trip to Europe this summer has dipped from 41% in 2024 to 39% in 2025, reflecting a drop in enthusiasm across key long-haul markets such as the US, Brazil, Canada and Japan. BRUSSELS – The latest edition of the Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB 2/2025), published by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV, reveals a drop in long-haul travel sentiment to Europe for the summer season 2025. While global tourism continues to show resilience, growing cost concerns, geopolitical instability, and weakening consumer confidence are influencing consumer decisions across key markets. The latest survey finds 57% of respondents across major long-haul source markets plan to travel overseas between May and August 2025, a 1% decline compared to the same period last year. The intention to visit Europe specifically has dropped from 41% in 2024 to 39% this year, with sentiment softening most notably in the United States (-7%), Brazil (-6%), Canada (-5%), and Japan (-5%). However, China remains a standout. Driven by economic recovery and a shift in consumer values, 72% of Chinese respondents now say they plan to visit Europe this summer, a remarkable 10% increase year-on-year. Affordability concerns weaken travel intention The perception of high costs remains the most cited barrier to travel to Europe, mentioned by almost half of respondents not planning a trip to the region. This marks a significant 7% increase from last summer, reflecting growing price sensitivity amid inflation and exchange rate shifts. Among US and Brazilian respondents, where economic uncertainties and cost sensitivities are more acute, over half cite travel costs as the primary deterrent. Limited vacation time and preference for domestic holidays also remain important factors, especially in Japan, South Korea, and Australia. On a more reassuring note, concerns about the Russo-Ukrainian War have significantly declined – only 4% of respondents cited it as a barrier to European travel this summer. Mixed sentiment across regions Travel sentiment towards Europe is diverging across key long-haul markets. In the United States, 33% of respondents plan to visit Europe this summer. This represents a 7% decline from 2024, with rising costs and political concerns, including unease over how the US is perceived abroad, dampening enthusiasm. Brazilian interest has also declined compared to last year (-6%), yet 45% of respondents still intend to travel to Europe, with younger and higher-income travellers remaining the most enthusiastic. In Canada, sentiment is rebounding from the lower levels seen earlier this year but remains below summer 2024. Currently 37% of Canadian respondents are planning a European trip, down 5% from last year, as travel costs and geopolitical tensions continue to influence decision-making. Japanese respondents show the lowest interest in visiting Europe among all surveyed markets, with only 13% planning to visit Europe, down 5% from last year. This reflects the ongoing impact of a weak yen and subdued consumer confidence. In South Korea, overall long-haul travel sentiment remains stable. Only 30% of respondents are considering Europe, with preferences centred on France, Spain and Italy. Alongside China, Australia stands out as the only other market registering a clear increase in travel intent, with 40% of respondents now planning to travel to Europe, a 3% rise compared to last summer. Earlier departures and shifting budgets More travellers are choosing to travel earlier in the summer season this year. While July and August remain peak months for 46% of respondents, interest in May and June has grown from 24% in 2024 to 34% in 2025. Spending patterns are also shifting: the share of respondents planning to spend over €200 per day has dropped by 11%, while those expecting to spend €100–€200 per day has risen to 40%. Across all markets, dining remains the top budget priority (65%), followed by tourist activities and shopping. Transport budgets (41%) are also significant, likely reflecting the high number of multi-destination trips being planned – a trend that continues to define the appeal of European travel. Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, commented: 'At a time of declining consumer confidence globally, it is more important than ever to strengthen Europe's position as a top destination. This means improving the competitiveness and accessibility of European experiences while continuing to showcase lesser-known destinations and off-season travel. With the right strategic focus, Europe can continue to deliver meaningful, high-quality tourism for visitors and residents alike.'
The Independent
07-05-2025
- The Independent
I'm a female solo traveler – these are Europe's best places to visit alone (and the surprising spots to avoid)
If you're desperate to explore Europe for the first time but haven't booked a trip yet because you're waiting for schedules of potential companions to align, this traveler has some advice. "Pack your bags and take the trip – alone," says Christina Ford, a single Canadian living in London and a devoted solo vacationer. Christina tells The Independent that "waiting is highly overrated". Not sure where to go or feeling nervous? Here Christina unveils top tips to set you up with a memorable solo European vacation, from must-visit places and spots to avoid to advice on making solo travel less intimidating, including advice on how to make eating out alone more awesome than awkward. "Let's get you traveling, keep you safe, and even make you fall in love with your own company," she says. Christina's top solo European destinations Croatia is first out of the blocks on Christina's top solo European destinations list, with the traveler highlighting the "easy island hopping" and the numerous Game of Thrones filming locations, such as Split and Dubrovnik. The car-free Greek island of Hydra is also a recommendation. There, says Christina, you'll discover "poetry-inspiring beauty". The five "charming" coastal villages that make up Cinque Terre in Italy are also an itinerary must. Christina says that the area is "ideal for solo hikers who like a glass of wine and a bowl of linguine vongole at the end of their trek". Two more Italian destinations make the list – Rome and Florence. The former for the "history, ruins, shopping and lifetime-best gelato", and the latter because it's "great for art lovers and historians", and has "insane shopping", including "one of the best outdoor leather markets". Lisbon and Porto in Portugal get the thumbs up, too. They're "light-filled cities with charm, affordability and friendly locals", says Christina. She also urges first-time solo travelers to explore Spain – but to "skip Barcelona". Instead, she recommends Malaga, Seville and Ronda. " Spain is great value and offers more than you think," Christina stresses. Places Christina avoids Mykonos is beloved by the party-set, but it's one to steer clear of in Christina's opinion. She criticizes the Greek island as "overpriced, influencer-heavy and unwelcoming to solo travelers". Next on the list is picturesque Santorini. Surprised? Christina admits that it's "gorgeous" but warns that the Cycladic island is "filled with honeymooners" and that "everything is overpriced". Istanbul is another destination on the no-go ranking that will raise eyebrows. Christina explains: "Beautiful, but not my first pick for solo female travelers. Best seen with a friend or two." Ibiza is also one to ignore if you're alone. "If you're not partying, skip it," says Christina. Tips for nervous first-time solo travelers Christina urges solo travelers to book group tours, because they "allow for structured exploring and the chance to meet other travelers with shared interests". And AI should be "used to your advantage". Christina explains: 'My relationship with ChatGPT is getting serious, and for good reason. AI can act as your personal travel agent, translator, executive assistant, historian, and foodie guide all in one.' Here's a prompt she reveals that she uses to help narrow down her next destination: "I'm a woman over 50. I love European history, reasonably priced Michelin-star restaurants, walking tours through safe, vibrant streets, a sophisticated nightlife that doesn't cater to influencers taking photos of their apple martinis. I want to avoid high tourist season but still enjoy great weather. I have five nights, need a non-stop flight from (insert city), and want to go somewhere that will ignite my soul. And, oh ya… did I mention shopping?" How to make dining alone an experience you'll enjoy "Dining alone can feel awkward or intimidating, especially at dinner," says Christina. "But it doesn't have to be." She recommends solo adventurers choose restaurants with a bar – "they're more social" – and to avoid romantic or family style places. "No one wants to be next to a proposal or a toddler meltdown," Christina states. Christina says: "Be open to the world around you. Strike up a conversation with someone. You'll be surprised what happens." And she adds: "So go. Take the trip. Get a little lost. Eat the pastry."
