Escape the economic anxieties and embrace the European summer dream! While the American dream faces challenges, many Americans are prioritizing international travel, with Europe a top destination. Discover why savvy travelers are booking their Euro summer adventures despite economic headwinds, and explore the latest data on US-Europe travel trends
Denver millennial copywriter Jimin Shim shares her concerns about economic anxieties, including stock market volatility and a competitive job market, while still prioritizing international travel. Her story highlights the balancing act many Americans face between financial worries and pursuing travel dreams, particularly European summer vacations
Despite economic anxieties, millennial copywriter Jimin Shim prioritizes travel, enjoying a Portugal vacation later this month – a gift for both herself and her mother. This exemplifies the enduring appeal of European summer travel for many Americans, even amidst economic uncertainty
Prioritizing Travel: A Millennial's Guide to Budgeting for International & Domestic Adventures. Despite economic concerns, this copywriter makes international travel a yearly priority, budgeting and saving throughout the year for at least one international trip and several domestic getaways. Learn how she balances financial planning with her passion for exploring the world
Despite economic anxieties like stock market volatility and a challenging job market, many Americans, including millennial copywriter Jimin Shim, are prioritizing international travel. While leisure travel demand shows some softening, data indicates a significant number are booking European vacations, weighing their financial concerns against the value of travel. Shim's Portugal trip exemplifies this trend: prioritizing international travel and budgeting accordingly. This summer's European travel trends show conflicting data, highlighting the complex interplay between economic concerns and the enduring desire for international experiences
Conflicting data clouds the picture of summer 2024 US travel to Europe. While Cirium reports a near 10% drop in bookings (January-May vs. 2023), Deloitte's survey shows increased international travel, mainly to Europe. Allianz Partners, however, projects a 10% rise in US-Europe travel for summer 2025. This suggests fluctuating trends in American summer travel to Europe
Summer travel to Europe: Is the weak dollar and political climate impacting American vacation plans? Concerns about the US dollar's exchange rate and potential safety/welcoming issues abroad are influencing some Americans' decisions, adding to economic anxieties impacting travel budgets
Delayed European travel bookings by Americans complicate the summer travel outlook, despite strong demand. Economic concerns and currency fluctuations influence trip planning, impacting overall travel numbers to Europe
Despite economic anxieties, Americans are prioritizing international travel, with summer trips to Europe remaining strong. Data reveals conflicting trends in booking numbers, but many, like millennial copywriter Jimin Shim, are budgeting for and taking overseas vacations
Despite economic anxieties, American travelers remain committed to European summer vacations. While some hesitancy exists, according to Longwoods International CEO Amir Eylon, most Americans planning international trips are proceeding as planned. Data on summer travel to Europe shows mixed results, with some reports indicating booking decreases while others reveal increases. The impact of economic factors, the weakening US dollar, and safety concerns on international travel demand remains unclear
Despite economic anxieties, international travel remains strong for many Americans. A recent consumer sentiment survey reveals a slight dip in those planning international trips within the next year (from 25% in January to 19% in May), but experts don't foresee a major shift. While some data shows a decrease in summer bookings to Europe, other surveys indicate increased international travel, suggesting a resilient demand for European vacations despite economic headwinds
Summer travel to Europe: Are Americans booking fewer trips? Industry experts report a shift towards last-minute bookings this spring, as travelers seek the best deals and remain cautious amidst economic uncertainty. This "wait-and-see" approach reflects a trend of closer-to-date trip planning
Will Americans Still Travel to Europe This Summer? Despite economic concerns and a weaker dollar, most travelers are pressing on with their European vacation plans. While some cancellations are expected, expert analysis suggests a minor impact overall on US travel to Europe this year
For many Americans, travel isn't a luxury—it's a necessity, even a right. Despite economic concerns, international trips, particularly to Europe, remain a priority for numerous US travelers, with many budgeting and saving throughout the year to make their dream vacations a reality
Despite economic anxieties, the "Euro Summer" travel trend persists among Millennials and Gen Z. Atlanta-based travel content creator Meredith Pierce confirms this, highlighting its enduring appeal even amidst financial concerns. Her popular European summer travel content reflects a generation prioritizing international experiences, proving that the dream of a European vacation remains strong
“Everyone loves the idea of sipping an Aperol spritz and looking at the Mediterranean,” Pierce said, “especially if maybe you are stressed in your day-to-day life because of politics or the economy or budgets, or anything like that. A bit of escapism I think comes into play there as well.”
The hesitancy fueled by economic uncertainty could also make it a bit more affordable to travel to Europe this summer. Eylon noted the slowdown in leisure travel led to some declines in airfare prices, which may have pushed some hesitant Americans to take the plunge.
When economic concerns, largely fueled by Trump’s tariff policy, intensified in March and April, some airlines suspended their forecasts for the year, and flight prices declined.
Rather than get spooked by the economic uncertainty, Pierce believes plenty of people pounced. Her “Euro summer” content from last year started going viral, and she was getting flooded with DMs and questions from people who found a cheap flight to Europe and were suddenly planning their trips.
Pierce said some budget-conscious travelers are opting for more affordable and under-the-radar destinations in Europe, such as Albania or Poland, which feature similarly picturesque scenes but at a lower cost than Italy or Paris.
Deloitte’s summer travel survey noted that many American travelers already had their big summer trips partially or even fully booked by April, when concerns around tariffs and the economy intensified. The survey also found that while consumers’ sense of financial well-being was down year-over-year in April, slightly more Americans planned to take leisure vacations this summer compared to 2024.
Deloitte found travelers looking to save were cutting back on in-destination spending as well as opting for more affordable lodging and flight classes.
The survey also found that while some are being more frugal, many Americans are prioritizing bucket list trips and international travel, or trips that are otherwise special in some way.
Deloitte found 42% of air travelers were flying internationally on their longest summer trip, compared to 38% in 2024. Those traveling internationally were also more likely to increase their travel budget compared to last year.
Shim, the copywriter from Denver, also has a special reason for making her Portugal trip work this year, despite her financial concerns. Her family has been going through a tough time after her grandfather’s death last year. This vacation is a way to spend quality time with and treat her mom, who has never been to Europe, and take the first trip that’s just the two of them.
“I also think that sometimes in these times of uncertainty and tumultuousness and a lot of tension and division, traveling and spending quality time with family who loves you is a great way to just take care of your mental and emotional health too,” she said, “which I think is also very important to do.”
Do you have a story to share about your summer travel plans? Contact this reporter at kvlamis@businessinsider.com.
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