Summer 2025: How Long-Haul Travelers Are Planning Their European Getaways

For summer 2025, long-haul travelers heading to Europe are showing clear and structured planning behaviours. One notable trend is the growing interest in early-season departures: May and June now attract 34% of respondents, up from 24% in 2024. 

Length of stay and travel formats
The majority (59%) plan to spend 1–2 weeks in Europe. Couples and families are more inclined to stay 2–3 weeks, while solo travelers are split between short getaways and extended trips of over three weeks. 

Purpose and travel party 

• 73% are traveling for leisure, followed by those visiting friends and relatives (10%) and business travellers (9%).
• Most trips are planned with a partner (40%) or family (28%), although solo travel accounts for a solid 20%. 

Booking preferences: flexibility vs convenience
While 43% prefer all-inclusive packages from tour operators, 36% choose to book flights, accommodation, and experiences separately — especially among solo travelers seeking flexibility. 

Destination priorities
Safety remains the top criterion (45%), followed by iconic landmarks (41%) and quality tourism infrastructure. Concerns about cost, crowding, and geopolitical issues such as the war in Ukraine have all eased compared to last year. 

Food as a key experience driver
Among the most sought-after activities in Europe for summer 2025, culinary experiences stand out: 34% of respondents express interest in discovering local food markets, wineries, and traditional gastronomy. Europe’s culinary heritage continues to be a powerful magnet for long-haul visitors. 

At Twissen, we have observed that travel planning to Europe is increasingly experience-driven, balancing safety, authenticity, and smart budget management. 

Twissen