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-Editorial
As the 2024 holiday season approaches, Europe is set to dominate as a premier destination for U.S. travelers and Europeans alike. A recent report by a leading travel insurance company reveals that from November 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Europe will welcome a significant influx of American visitors, with over 940,000 itineraries analyzed to identify key trends.
Simultaneously, new research from the European Travel Commission (ETC) highlights a surge in intra-European travel, with 73% of Europeans planning trips between October 2024 and March 2025, a 6% increase from last year.
London remains the top European destination for American travelers, with its festive traditions and iconic landmarks securing its perennial popularity. Paris, Madrid, and Rome follow closely, maintaining their spots among the top four destinations. Northern Europe is also seeing increased interest, with Dublin climbing two spots to enter the top five and Amsterdam remaining a favorite.
Helsinki has made a notable debut in the top 20, jumping five points, thanks to its reputation as a winter wonderland featuring reindeer and the Northern Lights, which are expected to be exceptionally stunning in 2024-2025. Germany’s Frankfurt and Munich, celebrated for their Christmas markets, have risen in popularity, as have Venice and Brussels, which also climbed in rankings.
The ETC’s latest findings reveal that 84% of British respondents plan to travel this autumn and winter, a 10% increase from 2023. Germany and France follow with significant rises in travel intent. Younger Europeans, particularly those aged 35-44, lead the way, with 78% planning trips, while 75% of those aged 55 overexpress similar intent.
While classic destinations like Spain, France, and Italy remain popular, many Europeans are shifting focus to lesser-known locations to avoid overcrowding. Over half of respondents seek out less touristy spots, and 18% plan to explore remote areas. This trend is especially prominent among Polish, Spanish, and Dutch travelers, who increasingly prioritize hidden gems.
European travelers are less concerned about costs this year, with only 19% citing expenses as a worry, a 3% drop from last year. Nearly a quarter plan to spend €1,500 to €2,500 per trip. Safety remains the top priority for 18%, while stable weather, bargains, and friendly locals are other key factors.
With a blend of tradition and adventure, Europe is set to host a diverse wave of travelers this holiday season. From iconic cities like London and Paris to off-the-beaten-path locales in Spain and Poland, the continent offers something for everyone.
Travelers planning trips to Europe can take advantage of the latest delay in the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which aims to replace manual passport stamping with automated biometric checks. EU Home Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced on October 10th that the EES would not launch on November 10th as previously scheduled, with no new start date set.
The delay, caused by unprepared border computer systems in major transit hubs like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, offers travelers a window of opportunity to explore Europe without the added complexities of the new system. Once implemented, the EES will collect biometric data, track entry and exit dates, and modernize border management across the Schengen Area. For now, visitors can enjoy their European adventures under the current, more straightforward processes.
