European travelers are prioritizing safety, ease of planning, and relaxation when booking vacations, according to a latest report released this week. The Dertour Group’s Travel Trend Report, based on a survey of 8,000 people across 13 countries conducted in early February 2026, reveals a shift in travel motivations as geopolitical uncertainty persists.
Despite economic headwinds and ongoing international tensions, vacations remain a key expenditure for many Europeans. The report found that 38 percent of respondents prioritize travel spending over purchases like fashion or technology, with that figure rising to 43 percent in Germany. However, the *nature* of travel is evolving. “Travel no longer means experiencing as much as possible – but feeling better and, above all, safer,” said Dertour CEO Christoph Debus.
Relaxation is the primary driver for travel, with 58 percent of European travelers citing it as their main goal. In Germany, 53 percent share this sentiment. Mental wellbeing is also a significant factor, with 39 percent of German travelers stating they travel primarily to reduce stress – the highest percentage in Europe. This desire for tranquility is reflected in travel preferences, with 34 percent of respondents favoring trips without fixed schedules for 2026.
Package holidays are experiencing a resurgence, driven by the desire for simplified booking processes. Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed cited all-inclusive booking as the most important reason for choosing this type of travel, even as 36 percent pointed to value for money and 31 percent appreciated the reduced planning effort. “Package tours cater to the desire for predictability, security, and a sense of calm even before the trip begins,” Debus explained. “These aspects are becoming increasingly important in uncertain times.”
Rising costs are not deterring travel, but are influencing spending habits. Sixty-one percent of respondents identified price-performance ratio as a crucial factor in their vacation planning and booking decisions. Safety of the destination is also a major consideration, cited by 36 percent as one of the most important factors when choosing a location. German travelers additionally prioritize accommodation quality and reliable standards, with 55 percent considering these essential.
Personalized advice from travel experts is gaining traction, with 42 percent of travelers already utilizing such services and a further 32 percent expressing interest. Security concerns are a key driver for this trend, as one-third of respondents value the support offered during a crisis. Thirty percent trust advisors to identify the best options, while 29 percent appreciate having a reliable point of contact for problem-solving. “Our guests want support not only during their trip, but also during the booking process,” Debus emphasized.
The allure of nature is also growing as a travel motivator. Nearly one-third of respondents cite immersion in natural landscapes as an important reason for their vacations, with 23 percent planning dedicated outdoor experiences for 2026. In Germany, this figure rises to 26 percent. “What unites all the nations surveyed is a longing for relaxation,” Debus said. “Travel is increasingly seen as an opportunity to escape everyday life and recharge.”
The Ukrainian Golf Federation has been actively promoting golf as a rehabilitative sport for veterans wounded in the ongoing conflict with Russia, a trend highlighted in reports from the New York Times and United By Golf. The initiative, which began in 2014 and expanded following the full-scale invasion in 2022, has provided training to over 800 veterans, with approximately 55 continuing to play regularly. The program utilizes golf to aid both physical and mental recovery, with one veteran even becoming a coach despite limb loss.
Despite the growing popularity of the sport among veterans, Ukraine’s golf infrastructure faces challenges. The country had approximately 2,000 golfers before 2022, but now only three of the original five courses remain operational, frequently impacted by debris from Russian drone strikes. Workers at one club near Kharkiv have even developed a specialized tractor attachment to collect fragments of Russian military hardware from the fairways.
