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Travel trends: 2022 trip plans for European travellers

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Our travel trends survey results are in – discover what European travellers are looking for from their next trip

The arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere means thoughts are turning to holiday plans. But which destinations are travellers in Europe planning to tick off their lists in the months ahead?

As part of our Travel Trends 2022 survey, we asked 18,793 bookers from across Spain, Italy, France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Croatia, Switzerland, Belgium and Russia about the types of trips they’re planning this year. Here, we reveal their top travel motivators. 

Shorter trips have big appeal

When it comes to the type of holiday travellers in Europe are planning, all nationalities surveyed were united in their preference for a beach vacation, with 44% of respondents saying they’re likely to take one this year.

Weekend escapes are also popular with a European crowd – especially those from the Netherlands, Belgium and France  – as are city breaks, which are on the agenda for 32% of all respondents. 

Trip types

 

With these types of trips being on the shorter side, help your guests to get the most out of their stay by sharing insider knowledge on the local surroundings. Being in the know is a key decision-maker for picking a destination. In fact, 59% of those surveyed – in particular those in Denmark, the UK, Sweden and Switzerland – say they are likely to research activities and attractions to inform their choice. 

With time of the essence for short breaks, if there’s anything you can do to make your guests’ stay get off to a flying start, let them know. Do you offer airport transfers, for example? Update your services – and any ways you can help guests save time – on the extranet

Accommodation preferences

While over half of those questioned (57%) across the region said they’re most likely to stay in a hotel, apartments were the second most-popular choice – particularly with travellers in Germany, Spain, Croatia and Sweden. In comparison, only 18% of Brits are inclined to choose an apartment, with 62% preferring to opt for a hotel. 

Villa and vacation homes are another contender, particularly with those in France, where 40% of those surveyed say they planned to travel as a family in 2022. Italian travellers, however, favour a bed and breakfast, with 40% indicating they would like to stay in one this year.

Accommodation preferences

 

To address your guests’ varying needs, put yourself in their shoes. Alternative accommodation bookers are more likely to want information on the amenities available and informative check-in information, whereas hotel guests will want to know about your shared facilities. Indicating what’s available at your property can help them provide them with this information at a glance. 

First impressions count

Past experiences are big motivators in influencing future travel plans for bookers in Europe – in fact 53% agree that they would go back to an accommodation they enjoyed. This was particularly true of bookers from Germany, Croatia and Switzerland. 

Accommodation decision makers - Europe

 

With European travellers less inclined to be swayed by social media kudos alone – only 15% are planning to stay somewhere that is considered Instagrammable – a certain aesthetic won’t necessarily win guests over. But attention to detail, thoughtful touches and great service can. If you’re looking for more pointers on how to enhance the arrival experience for your guests, check out our top tips.

 

Couple woman and man at the lake
Discover more trends and insights

Find out how to capture demand and tap into traveller preferences with our 2022 summer guide.

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Takeaway
  • We surveyed 18,793 European travellers to uncover their future trip plans
  • 44% of respondents said that they're likely to take a beach break in 2022
  • 38% plan to take a weekend trip, especially those from the Netherlands, Belgium and France
  • 27% of respondents across Europe want to stay in an apartment, particularly those from Germany, Spain, Croatia and Sweden
  • 53% agree they would return to an accommodation they enjoyed previously