Europe Remains the Safest Destination for Long-Haul Travelers in 2026

Europe continues to stand out as the world’s safest destination for long-haul travelers, even as international travel demand softens heading into the summer season. According to the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer from the European Travel Commission and Eurail, travelers from key overseas markets still see Europe as a highly appealing place to visit, but they are weighing their plans more carefully as affordability, trip value, and transportation options become bigger factors.

The report examines travel intentions across seven major long-haul markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Overall, interest in long-haul travel has declined by five percentage points to 52%. Europe also saw a dip, but a smaller one, with the intent to visit the region falling three points to 36%. That suggests Europe is holding up better than long-haul travel demand overall.

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Safety Is Europe’s Strongest Advantage

One of the clearest findings from the report is that Europe continues to rank as the safest region in the world. It scored highest across safety measures including political stability, personal safety, tourist-local relations, and exposure to natural hazards.

For travelers, that matters. Safety is now the top factor when choosing a European destination, cited by 44% of respondents. At a time when travelers are navigating economic uncertainty, global tensions, and higher travel costs, Europe’s reputation for safety remains a major reason it continues to attract international visitors.

Cost Is Still the Biggest Barrier

While Europe remains desirable, affordability is shaping more travel decisions. Among travelers planning a long-haul trip but not considering Europe, nearly 40% said the cost of travel was too high. That is still the leading barrier by far, ahead of plans to visit other destinations and limited vacation time.

There is some encouraging news for Europe, however. The influence of cost has eased compared with last year, dropping by nine percentage points. Even so, travelers are becoming more budget-conscious. More visitors now expect to spend between €50 and €100 per person per day, and shorter stays are becoming more common.

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Long-Haul Interest Varies by Market

China remains the strongest long-haul market for European travel, with 63% of respondents planning a trip to Europe this summer. Brazil follows at 47%, while Canada remains relatively stable at 40%.

Interest is softer in other markets. In the United States and South Korea, 28% of respondents plan to visit Europe, marking a third consecutive summer of decline in both markets. Australia also saw a notable drop, with travel intent falling to 33%. Japan showed a small improvement, but from a lower base, reaching 14%.

Rail and Multi-Country Trips Are Gaining Momentum

Europe’s rail network is becoming an increasingly important part of the travel experience. Good train connections now influence destination choice for 23% of travelers, and interest in both rail passes and point-to-point train tickets has risen compared with last year.

This aligns with another major trend: long-haul travelers want to visit more than one country on a European trip. Three out of four visitors plan to visit multiple countries, averaging close to four. While low-cost air travel remains the most popular option for crossing borders, rail is clearly gaining ground as travelers look for easier, more scenic, and more flexible ways to explore.

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Travelers Are Looking Beyond the Classic Hotspots

France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain remain the most desired European destinations. These countries continue to attract travelers with their iconic cities, history, culture, food, and well-developed tourism infrastructure.

But the report also points to growing interest in Central and Eastern Europe. Countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, and Bulgaria are attracting more attention as travelers seek value-driven alternatives and distinct experiences beyond the traditional European itinerary.

That shift could be good news for travelers willing to broaden their plans. Exploring lesser-visited regions can often mean fewer crowds, lower costs, and a more local sense of discovery.

Experiences Still Matter Most

Culture and history remain the leading motivations for long-haul travelers heading to Europe, followed by city life, gastronomy, and nature. Food and drink continue to be the top spending category, while planned spending on shopping and accommodation has declined. Wellness travel is also seeing a modest increase, reflecting a broader desire for trips that feel restorative and experience-focused.

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What This Means for Travelers

For travelers planning a European trip, the message is clear: Europe remains a strong choice, especially for those prioritizing safety, culture, and ease of travel. But cost awareness is changing how people plan. Shorter trips, rail-friendly itineraries, and destinations beyond the classic hotspots may become more attractive as travelers seek better value without sacrificing the European experience.

As Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, noted in the report, travelers are becoming more selective. They want good value, authentic experiences, and easier ways to explore multiple destinations. For Europe, that creates an opportunity to spread tourism beyond the most crowded destinations and help visitors discover a wider range of places across the continent.

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