Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Europe freezes US travel as Spain joins Italy, Poland, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland and more in a continental tourism surge with over seventy percent choosing trips across the continent, as a new report reveals a massive shift in travel behavior driven by soaring transatlantic costs, negative sentiment toward US policies, and growing regional pride. According to the latest European Travel Commission findings, only 8% of Europeans plan to travel outside the continent this year, while 77% are actively choosing intra-European trips—fueled by older travelers, flexible work schedules, and a rising preference for offbeat, culturally rich, and value-driven destinations. Countries like Spain and Italy are not only sending the most travelers but are also topping destination wishlists, while Germany, France, and Poland show a sharp retreat from U.S.-bound trips, with declines reaching up to 28%. As car travel surges, off-season bookings rise, and comfort spending replaces impulse tourism, this data marks a turning point: European travelers are staying local, spending smarter, and freezing U.S. holidays in favor of a continental revival that is reshaping the global tourism map.
The line in the sand is drawn thick this year in Europe, and the travel world is noticing. With over 70 percent of Europeans heading off for a vacation, a new Europe-wide trend is shaping up for world tourism: Europe is cold shouldering the United States as its long-cherished vacation destination. Instead, the continent is experiencing a strong push for regional exploration, with travelers from Spain, Italy, Poland, the UK, Gemany, France, Switzerland and more deciding to represent to a drive to Check out the region. Not only are these countries the biggest senders of outbound travelers within Europe, but they are also redrawing the travel map as a bloc, together and almost in unison refusing Americans looking for long-haul holidays.
This sudden and sharp departure is not temporary, according to the recent report, but pertains to a profound transformation in values, priorities, and perspectives. Whether because of increasing costs, visa fatigue, political tensions, or just a renewed love for what’s close at hand, Europeans are traveling in droves — and setting their sights on their own continent, not America. A trip across the Atlantic that used to be a default is now a choice to remain grounded, connected and local.
Europe Freezes U.S. Travel – The Big Picture
A discernible and purposeful change is happening across Europe. The United States was one of the most sought after long-haul destinations for years, drawing millions of European tourists to visit cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami. But in 2025, that relationship looks different. Just 8 percent of Europeans are contemplating cross-continental trips this year, according to latest report by ETC. Despite this, the incredible 91% who plan to remain in Europe is a potent statistic that reflects the emerging disinclination to travel to long-haul destinations such as the U.S.
And this dramatic turnaround isn’t confined to any one country or age group. The trend crosses generations with the older demographic leading the pack when it comes to planning and the youngest groups lagging despite being hit with economic constraints. From Southern Europe to Scandinavia, tourists are circling back home, creating something of a continental tourism boom. The typical summer getaways in the U.S. aren’t at the top of the list anymore. Instead, Europeans are turning to well-known, culturally rich and financially accessible alternatives much closer to home.
The answer, clearly, is that American travel has been largely supplanted by European appetite, and in its absence, intra-European tourism is flourishing as never before.
Country-by-Country Drop in US Travel
Europe’s partial freeze on travel from the United States isn’t just broad — it’s also deeply national, with individual countries reporting double-digit declines in visitors from the United States. New figures from March and April 2025 offer not a single country-by-country account, but the most vivid account yet of how hard this freeze has struck.
Germany is leading the decline, down an alarming 28% in March visits to the U.S. compared to this time last year. The German travelers, who have long been among the most dynamic transatlantic freewheelers, are increasingly favoring closer, regional solutions. Travel analysts point to American visa frustration, border experiences that are less than pleasant and a bad political climate as the main causes.
Spain follows, with the number of travelers headed to the U.S. from there also down 25% in the same timeframeouncil. Tourism boards report a decrease in group tours and leisure bookings and increasing interest in Italy, France and domestic holidays.
The U.K., traditionally one of the U.S.’ top markets for tourism, experienced an 18% decline in outbound U.S. visits in March 2025. British travelers are now booking more intra-European flights than transatlantic flights for the first time since 2014, analysts note.
France too saw a significant drop of 8% by April and was followed by Denmark where the figure fell by 6% in February.
Western Europe as a whole saw its combined decline fall to 17 percent in March, while experts predict a 15.2 percent drop in the amount of U.S.-bound travel volume from Europe through the end of 2025. It’s a sign that the trend is no longer just about economics or politics, it’s an emotional and logistical disengagement from American travel.
Country-by-Country Drop in US TravelGermany: −28% U.S. travel in March 2025Spain: −25%UK: −18%France: −8%Denmark: −6%Western Europe (overall): −17% in MarchForecast: −15.2% annual drop in U.S.-bound travel in 2025Here’s Why Europeans Are Turning Away From the U.S.
Europeans are not just thinking twice about trips to the U.S. because of price; instead, they are finding a mix of economic, political and emotional reasons to avoid the country. Although cost is a major factor, larger issues involving policy, perception, and security have caused millions of potential travelers to reconsider their plans.
Soaring Travel Costs and a Strong Dollar
The times of when travelling between the USA and the UK was relatively affordable are long gone. Airline tickets to the U.S. have increased due to volatile fuel costs and a decrease in the number of U.S.-bound flights. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar has increased in value, which has meant that everything from accommodations and food to shopping and experiences is significantly more expensive for Europeans to do than it was just a few years ago. Even budget-conscious travelers now see increasing value in remaining inside the Eurozone or Schengen Area.
ChatGPT said:
As of today, the euro continues to show strength against the U.S. dollar, with 1 euro equaling approximately 1.16 U.S. dollars. This favorable exchange rate gives European travelers more purchasing power within the continent compared to trips to the United States, where high costs and a strong dollar make American holidays significantly more expensive in relative terms.
Visa Complications and Border Experiences
Some European nationals also report extended waits for visas and stringent airport checks at U.S. border crossings. Reports of being stopped and of unwelcoming treatment customs treatment have made the rounds in European media, spreading fear and unease. This has become a really big red flag for travelers who just want to have a worry-free holiday.
Unwelcoming Political Climate
Amid polarizing debates over immigration, civil rights and America’s position in the world, for many Europeans, the U.S. is no longer seen as a safe, or indeed comfortable, place to visit. Polls show that “feeling unwelcome” is now one of the leading reasons given for canceling travel plans to the United States.
It is this mix of financial and emotional friction that has frozen major U.S. tourism from Europe.
Spain, Italy and Others Lead Continental ‘Second Wave’
All the while, as the United States fights to keep its appeal among European travellers, several European destinations have emerged as not just the largest source markets, but the largest destination as well in a flourishing wave of intra-European tourism. Spain, Italy, Poland, the UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria and Belgium are not only the countries sending out the most travelers, they are also the ones in which growing number of respondents are expressing interest as potential destination according to the ETC Wave 22 report.
Spain, for instance, has almost doubled up as the top market in outbound absorption as well as in inbound demand. Some 85% of Spaniards intend to travel at home this season, and Spain is the first choice of destination for European tourists, with 13%, an increase of four points compared to last year. Its seaside towns, cultural centres and familiarity have made it popular among both domestic and continental tourists.
Italy is similarly strong on both fronts, 84% of Italians are planning to take a holiday, and 10% of Europeans are going to Italy. France (8%) and Greece (6%) follow, especially for those seeking sun and sea in the Mediterranean.
Poland, Germany and Austria are also experiencing more demand for domestic and intra-EU travel, with interest in nature-reserved areas and culturally diverse cities that are “going to be a good value,” he said. These countries have emerged as the stars of the travel boom, such as it is, that is plainly homegrown and inward-looking.
Emergence of Quirky and Offbeat as well as Local Destinations
As more of us make ourselves at home, travelling to other European countries, we are not just picking places that are close to us, we’re going out of our way to avoid both the well-beaten paths and the tourist-crowded hotspots. The ETC’s most recent research, however, suggests 55% of European travelers are now looking to holiday in areas that are not typically frequented by visitors, or off-the-beaten-track, up from 48% in 2025. In comparison, just 45 per cent of people plan to hit traditional tourist destinations, which is down seven points from earlier this year.
Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Poland have been leading this new wave of explorers at the local level. So while 62% of Austrian travelers say they like to go to places that are not major tourist magnets, so do 60% of travelers from Belgium and the Netherlands, and 59% of those from Switzerland and Poland. This trend reflects an increasing appetite for nature, calm, authenticity.
And that change is not only reshaping where Europeans go but how tourism boards sell their regions. Rural retreats, second- and third-tier cities, alpine retreats and little coastal villages are now the stars of campaigns, marking a significant shift in patterns of travel behavior. Europe’s tourists are opting for space, tranquillity and cultural richness, not crowds and cliché.
Rise of Offbeat and Local Destinations55% of travelers prefer less popular destinationsCountries with highest offbeat preference:Austria: 62%Belgium & Netherlands: 60%Poland & Switzerland: 59%Key motivations:Fewer crowdsCultural authenticityNature and spaceTrends in Travel – Air vs Car
As European tourists turn their attention to regional and less-traveled destinations, so too are their modes of transportation changing. Air travel still accounts for the vast majority of travel overall across the continent — but its dominance is slipping. According to the ETC Wave 22 report, 53% of Europeans continue to take a flight, mainly because it is faster (27%) and cheaper (21%). But the lure of air travel has flattened as more travelers demand flexibility and independence.
This has created an explosion of car travel. When it comes to their next trip, 32% of European travelers plan to use a car, the highest level since 2018 and a 4% increase compared to last year. Domestic and off-grid travel is a large part of this trend, since few of these destinations are accessible by public transportation or plane.
Comfort, control and flexibility are key drivers for car-based travel, particularly among families and multi-stop visitors. As travel inside of Europe becomes more personalized, the car is once again a symbol of freedom, of convenience.
Transportation Trends – Air vs CarAir travel: 53% still prefer itSpeed (27%)Affordability (21%)Car travel: 32% prefer it (highest in two years)Comfort and flexibilityAccess to remote areasAvoids airport hasslesShifting Budgets and Spending Behavior
Even with ongoing monetary woes throughout Europe, people are not forgoing holiday plans — sure they are sometimes willing to spend even more but they don’t agree to everything. Some 62% of Europeans intend to keep their travel spending the same for the rest of 2019, and a further 22% expect to spend more, according to the ETC. Only a few, 15%, plan to cut down on their business travel expenses.
The most common individual travel budget nowadays is between €1,500 and €2,500 per person, and this has also largely been most popular range for the season. This middle-to-upper market grew 3% year over year from summer 2024, which suggests that many travel consumers are willing to pay for value over pure economy.
Age remains a factor in how much travelers spend. Those over 45 prioritize comfort, accommodation quality and fine dining, and younger travelers under 35 spend more on activities, shopping, lifestyle upgrades and wellness. Value-for-money is just as important across all demographics, but the hunger for experiences — not just offers — is clearly driving spending in 2025.
Travel Timing – Shoulder Seasons Up
The usual rush to travel in July and August is starting to lose its grip as more Europeans adopt shoulder-season travel. Though 25% of travelers still plan to take vacations in July and 25% in August, the work of the summer month surprise, the ETC Wave 22 report finds, comes from September – now the third-most popular month for travel, according to 22% of respondents.
This shift is emblematic of a more general evolution in Europeans’ attitudes to when to go on vacation. Travelers are increasingly lured by cheap deals, milder weather, less traffic and better value for money — all available without the summer crowds in early autumn.
Shoulder-season travel also appeals to older demographics and childless couples, who have more schedule flexibility. In places such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and France, tourism boards are rejiggering their marketing campaigns to spur demand beyond peak season, touting coastal stays, cultural festivals, and wine harvest tours through September and October.
The post-Covid traveler isn’t only in pursuit of summer — they want space, affordability and tranquillity.
The tourism landscape in Europe is changing with startling speed — and determination. With more than 77% of Europeans preferring to jet set within the continent, and U.S.-bound visits plummeting in almost every major market, it all adds up to one simple conclusion: the future of European travel is local, conscientious, and one that can do some good. No longer are countries like Spain, Italy and Germany simply sending tourists, they’re helping create the next generation of regional tourism. As long as cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and changing lifestyle priorities remain, this continental surge will not only continue, it will redefine travel patterns around the world for years to come.
