Departure in early autumn? Why not. More Europeans ready for an off-season holiday

Heat waves with a dry climate that favours fires (dramatic examples have occurred in recent days in Sardinia, Spain and Albania) and overcrowding in traditional destinations: this is the pair of concerns that seems to be increasingly guiding Europeans' travel preferences.

A sign that had already been seen in the spring with the increase in off-season "sun and sea" holidays and that is confirmed in the latest survey by the European Travel Commission (ETC): more than half (55%) of the 6,001 travellers surveyed in 10 countries (including Italy) look for less popular destinations for their trip. Fear of places with too many crowds in the past year has dropped from seventh to third place behind rising travel costs due to inflation (first place) and one's own financial position.

While July and August remain the absolute favourite months for summer holidays, the 'September option' is advancing. Almost one fifth of those surveyed (22%) plan a holiday in the month that marks the end of the season and leads into autumn. A percentage that is up on the previous year. Coolcationing' - a fusion of the words cool (cool) and vacationing (holiday) indicating the attitude of opting for periods with milder weather - has been talked about for a while but now the trend seems to be consolidating in travellers' choices. A preference also favoured by better value for money.

These trends are being echoed by operators. Presenting its third quarter figures, Tui, Europe's leading tourism group, noted a significant increase in interest in mid-season travel, i.e. stays in autumn and in any case before the Christmas period. CEO Sebastian Ebel said that holiday bookings in Germany were down five per cent due to high temperatures, but predicted an increase in demand in autumn.

If we narrow down the travel intentions expressed by Italians, the first thing to note is a lower propensity to leave, down four points a year (now at 76%). Spain is gaining ground as the top European destination (indicated by 17% of respondents and up 5% compared to a year ago), followed by France and the United Kingdom. The holiday planned is less long (4-6 days for 46%, +3% over 2024) but the percentage of those who can count on a budget of 1,500-2,000 euros is growing: 26% compared to 18% last year.