a&o Survey Reveals That One in Ten Europeans Are Choosing Not to Travel This Summer Due to the Cost of Their Energy Bills

London, 16th July 2026 – A new YouGov survey, commissioned by a&o, has examined the travel behaviour of more than 14,000 adults across twelve European countries, revealing a shift in travel plans. The survey suggests that one in ten European adults are choosing not to travel this summer due to cost concerns with their energy bills. However, for those who are traveling, city breaks and short trips are on the rise, and this trend is being driven predominantly by younger generations.

In June, a comprehensive survey of 14,249 participants aged 18 and over was conducted across twelve European countries including Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. The results have been weighted to ensure representative accuracy by age, gender, and region.

Key finding: Europe Instead of Long-Distance Travel

The survey reveals that Europe is overwhelmingly the destination of choice this summer. 30% of those surveyed are planning at least one short domestic trip (up to six days), while a further 16% are planning a short trip within Europe, and 17% intend to spend at least a week travelling within the continent.

This shift towards short European breaks is particularly clear among 18- to 34-year-olds, with up to 24% planning a trip within Europe in the coming weeks. Suggesting a structural shift in travel habits, 6% of all respondents have actively replaced or postponed a planned long-haul holiday in favour of a trip within Europe over the past six months.

Commenting on the shift, Phillip Winter, CMO of a&o Hostels, said: "If the traditional holiday is off the table due to high costs, city trips – which until now have been an occasional treat – are gaining in importance, which also means that expectations for short trips are rising. Travel remains a strong need, but the decision of where to go is really a question of budget."

Key finding: One in Three Travel Plans are Guided by Budget

The survey highlights price as the most dominant decisive factor for modern travel decisions. High energy costs and personal bills are keeping many from travelling at all this summer, while those who do travel are increasingly swapping long-haul destinations for closer European alternatives.

Specifically, 31% of respondents stated that price influenced their most recent choice of destination. This budget sensitivity rises to 35% in both Belgium and the Netherlands, and peaks at 39% in Hungary. The financial squeeze is felt most acutely by younger travellers (18- to 34-year-olds) as 37% admitted that they chose their destination primarily based on their budget.

Key finding: One in Ten Will Stay Home This Summer

The financial pressure extends far beyond destination choices. 11% of those surveyed will not travel at all this summer due to high energy prices, a figure that rises to 15% in both Germany and France. Additionally, energy costs will prompt 5% of respondents to skip at least one planned flight, while 3% will forgo at least one car journey.

Older travellers are the hardest hit by these rising costs: among those over 55, 13% say they will forgo travel entirely this summer. In contrast, younger travellers are proving more resilient, with 7% of 18- to 34-year-olds planning to stay at home.

Key finding: Geopolitics and Security Shape Choices

Current world events are also heavily influencing travel choices, with 12% of respondents stating that geopolitical factors guided their last destination choice. This concern is highest in the Czech Republic (18%) and Austria (19%).

General safety concerns play a decisive role for about 10% of travellers overall, rising to 16% for young people aged 18 to 24. The data suggests that political stability and a safe environment are now crucial for travellers, directly benefiting European cities that boast reliable infrastructure.

Key finding: 1/5 of travellers still pursue their bucket list despite uncertainties

Despite tight budgets and wider uncertainties, personal bucket list trips remain a powerful motivator. 20% of respondents chose their most recent destination simply because it was on their bucket list – a figure that rises to 24% among 25- to 34-year-olds, and 25% in Austria.

Meanwhile, personal recommendations, whether from friends, family, or online reviews, played a decisive role for 11% of respondents overall, and for as many as 17% of those aged 24 and under. This highlights the enduring value of authentic experiences and trusted, word-of-mouth recommendations in the modern booking process.