United States Joins Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Japan, and More in Seeking Affordable, Closer Travel Options Over Europe in 2026 Amid Rising Travel Costs and Tight Vacation Schedules

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In 2026, the United States joins Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Japan, and more in shifting travel priorities, as rising travel costs and limited vacation time push travelers toward more affordable and closer destinations over long-haul European trips. With escalating prices and tighter schedules, many travelers are opting for regional getaways, seeking flexibility and cost savings instead of the traditionally popular European vacations. This shift reflects a broader trend where affordability, convenience, and proximity now take precedence in travel decisions.

Long-haul travel to Europe is slowing down in 2026 as rising costs and limited vacation time drive more travelers toward regional and domestic destinations.

A recent report reveals a noticeable drop in interest in Europe, particularly among travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia. As more people prioritize flexibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness, the demand for long-distance trips has been losing momentum, with travelers opting for more accessible, affordable alternatives.

According to a survey conducted by the European Travel Commission and Eurail, only 59% of respondents plan to take long-haul trips in 2026, which is a 5% decline compared to 2025. Interest in Europe specifically dropped to 42%, with the sharpest declines seen in markets like Australia, Canada, and the U.S.

China remains the most Europe-leaning market, with 59% of travelers planning to visit Europe, although this figure has also seen a slight decrease. Brazil follows at 54%, while Japan lags behind at 20%. This shift toward regional alternatives is primarily driven by high travel costs, limited vacation time, and the availability of closer destinations.

Affordability is the key reason travelers are avoiding long-haul trips, with over half of those skipping international travel citing high costs. Younger travelers, especially those between the ages of 18 and 34, are particularly price-sensitive. Nearly half of these young travelers indicated that Europe is beyond their budget.

Brazilians are the most price-conscious, with 68% citing travel costs as a major deterrent. Australians are opting for domestic travel, while South Koreans and Japanese travelers are more concerned with limited vacation time. Chinese travelers, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly cautious due to geopolitical tensions, contributing to their more reserved approach toward European travel.

Safety has become a central factor in destination decisions. Over 51% of respondents listed safety as a top priority when selecting European destinations. Europe’s reputation for political stability and personal safety has helped maintain its appeal. Chinese travelers, in particular, exhibit a high level of confidence in Europe’s safety, while South Koreans and Japanese travelers are more cautious.

However, perceptions of safety are not uniform. While most travelers rank Europe highly for personal safety, opinions differ when it comes to public security, tourism infrastructure, and the overall welcoming nature of locals. Some Americans, for example, expressed concerns about feeling unwelcome in Europe, ranking this issue as the fourth most important factor for U.S. travelers.

As of early 2026, only 36% of long-haul travelers have booked their European trips, a slight drop from 39% in 2025. Full-package tours are particularly losing popularity, especially in China, where the number of travelers booking complete packages has dropped from 74% to 46%. Instead, younger travelers are increasingly opting for partial packages, such as flight and hotel combinations without rigid schedules, for more flexibility.

Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia are more inclined to plan their trips independently. Nearly half of U.S. respondents, for instance, intend to organize flights, accommodations, and activities separately, giving them more control over their itineraries.

While leisure travel still dominates European trips, making up 75% of planned visits, there are signs of change in travel behaviors. Business travel has increased slightly to 9%, with Australia and South Korea leading this trend. Additionally, interest in slower-paced travel, particularly among travelers aged 50 and above, is on the rise. The number of people planning longer stays focused on relaxation and local experiences has increased from 22% to 26% in 2026.

Dining continues to be the top spending category for most travelers, with 70% prioritizing it. After that, shopping and tourist activities follow. Interest in shopping has declined slightly overall, though Chinese and Japanese travelers still prioritize it. Americans, meanwhile, are focusing more on accommodation. Brazilians report the highest daily spending budgets.

Concerns about overcrowding are growing but are not significantly impacting travel plans. Only 5% of travelers said they would choose a different destination to avoid crowded areas. Most travelers prefer to visit during off-peak months or explore less crowded areas nearby. However, Chinese travelers have become less tolerant of crowds, with their willingness to endure them dropping from 48% to 33%. Canadians and Brazilians show a clear preference for shoulder-season travel to avoid crowds and take advantage of better deals.

Trains continue to be the preferred mode of transport across Europe due to their comfort, value, and safety. Rail passes are particularly popular among Japanese and Brazilian tourists, while U.S. and Australian travelers still favor full-service flights. Chinese travelers, however, are the most likely to use low-cost airlines, with 64% choosing this option for country-hopping in Europe. Canadians are showing increased interest in the reliability of train services.

Personal values are increasingly influencing travel decisions. Seventy percent of Chinese travelers, for instance, prefer destinations that align with their personal values—such as sustainability and inclusivity—over those with iconic landmarks. Younger travelers across various markets share this sentiment, with 63% prioritizing values over sightseeing. In contrast, Americans place more importance on activities and experiences, with 53% favoring them over values.

Upcoming changes in travel regulations, such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), are expected to influence long-haul travel trends. EES, set to roll out by April 2026, will replace manual passport stamps with biometric data for smoother border checks, though it may cause initial delays during peak seasons. ETIAS, launching in late 2026, will require travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, to apply for an online authorization before entering most of Europe. Though the process is expected to be quick and affordable, it could deter spontaneous travel and create complications for less tech-savvy tourists.

In 2026, the United States joins Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Japan, and more in favoring affordable, closer travel options over Europe due to rising costs and limited vacation time. This shift highlights a growing preference for regional getaways over expensive long-haul trips.

Overall, travelers are becoming more selective about their destinations, booking methods, and spending. While fewer people are committing to large trips early, Europe remains a strong contender—competing with more affordable, regional, and personalized travel options.