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When it comes to holidays, not all Europeans pack their suitcases with the same enthusiasm. While some jet off across the continent at the first chance they get, others prefer the comfort of home – or at least, their own country’s borders. Fresh data from Eurostat paints a revealing picture of how Europeans travel, where they spend their money, and even what they eat abroad. Homebodies of Europe: who stays closest to home? Across the European Union, a clear majority of people still prefer domestic holidays over international ones. According to Eurostat, a striking 71 per cent of all personal trips taken by EU citizens happen within their own country. Just 21 per cent involve travel within the EU, and only 8 per cent venture beyond European borders. The Spanish top the list as Europe’s most loyal to home turf. Only 8 per cent of their trips abroad take them beyond Spain’s borders – the lowest percentage in the EU. Close behind are the French and Romanians, with just 9% of their travels happening outside their home countries but still within the EU. At the other end of the spectrum are smaller nations where crossing a border is almost unavoidable. Travellers from Luxembourg lead the pack, taking 78 per cent of their trips abroad, followed by Belgians (62 per cent) and Maltese (48 per cent). This divide largely reflects geography – and lifestyle. Residents of smaller nations are naturally more likely to venture abroad for a weekend getaway, while those from larger countries like Spain and France have plenty of domestic destinations to explore. Big spenders vs. budget travellers: who splashes out abroad? Money talks – especially when it comes to holidays. And it turns out, not all Europeans spend equally once they hit the road. The Luxembourgers are Europe’s biggest spenders, shelling out an impressive €1,758 on average for trips abroad lasting at least four nights. The Swedes aren’t far behind, spending €1,744, followed by Austrians (€1,573), Finns (€1,501) and the French (€1,403). Meanwhile, at the frugal end of the table, Lithuanians, Hungarians, and Slovenes spend less than €700 on similar trips. Experts point to several factors behind this gap: income levels, travel costs, and local travel habits. Northern Europeans tend to take longer and more expensive holidays – often outside the continent – while eastern and southern Europeans favour shorter, budget-friendly breaks closer to home. Food, drink and culture shock: who eats local, and who plays it safe? If travel broadens the mind, it should also broaden the palate – but not for everyone. When it comes to dining abroad, Cypriots are the most generous spenders, with an average of €320 devoted to eating and drinking during a four-day trip. They’re followed by Estonians (€305), Finns (€274) and Greeks (€263). Tourists from the Balkans stand out for dedicating a significant portion of their total travel budget to food and drink. Bulgarians top that ranking, spending 34 per cent of their travel budget on meals, followed by Romanians (29.5 per cent), Croatians (29 per cent), Greeks (27.5 per cent) and Cypriots (25 per cent). But some countries seem to care less about culinary adventures. The French, for instance – famous for their cuisine at home – dedicate just 9 per cent of their travel budget to food, the lowest figure in Europe. The Swedes, though among the biggest overall spenders, also tighten the purse strings at the restaurant table, allocating just 13 per cent to dining and drinks. It seems that when the French leave home, they may prefer to save their appetite – or their euros – for when they return. Hotels, comfort and priorities: who pays more for a good night’s sleep? When it comes to accommodation, habits vary just as much. Some travellers will happily pay extra for comfort, while others would rather cut corners and spend more on experiences. Belgians, Germans, and Austrians lead the list of those who spend most heavily on hotels and lodging, allocating 40 per cent or more of their total travel budget to accommodation – the highest share in the EU. Interestingly, Latvians also appear to prioritise comfort, ranking fourth for hotel spending even though they’re only 22nd in total travel expenditure. By contrast, Central European countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary spend proportionally the least on where they stay, preferring budget-friendly options like hostels, short-term rentals, or visiting friends and family. At the very bottom of the list are the Danes, who devote just 32.6 per cent of their total budget to accommodation – suggesting that for many, location or experience trumps luxury. Europe’s travel divide: a continent of contrasts These findings reveal more than just spending patterns. They highlight a deeper divide between Europe’s big-budget explorers and stay-at-home traditionalists. For some, like Spaniards and Romanians, the comfort of familiar surroundings and language still outweighs the call of foreign adventure. For others – particularly in Northern and Western Europe – travel has become an essential part of lifestyle and identity. Yet whether travellers spend €500 or €1,500, or whether they dine on local delicacies or pack sandwiches from home, one thing remains clear: Europe’s travel culture is as diverse as its languages and landscapes. And with inflation squeezing budgets and the cost of living rising, the next few years will show whether Europeans keep exploring – or stay closer to home than ever. Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news about Travel
