Global Travel Defies Economic and Geopolitical Pressures as Experience-Led Holidays Surge

20 May, 2026

Global travel intent remains resilient in 2026 with nearly three-quarters (74%) of people worldwide still planning a summer holiday. However, new research from Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index reveals the sector is being increasingly reshaped by economic pressure, geopolitical uncertainty and changing consumer priorities. 

The survey, conducted by Ipsos, of 11,010 people covered 10 key markets including China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. The research highlights a global traveler who is adapting rather than retreating. While travel intentions remain robust, holidaymakers are changing how and where they take their holiday.

Cost pressures reshape behaviour, not intent

Rising costs remain a defining challenge, with 77 % of global travelers concerned about inflated prices. However, demand for holidays remains strong, with 86 % still prioritising an annual vacation and more than four in five (82 %) saying they “desperately need a holiday” this year - underscoring that travel is seen as a way to escape from the world’s ‘permacrisis’ state.

Rather than cancelling travel, consumers are making deliberate, value-based choices. Three in five (61 %) are cutting non-essential spending elsewhere, while nearly half (47 %) are thoughtfully scaling back their holiday plans to afford to travel.

Anticipated spending per trip also varies significantly across markets with a global average of 1,572 Euro per person. Switzerland leads at 2,580 Euro, followed by the United States (2,261 Euro), China (2,221 Euro), the Netherlands (1,752 Euro), Great Britain (1,489 Euro), Germany (1,431 Euro), France (991 Euro), Italy (986 Euro), Spain (952 Euro), and India (800 Euro). Overall, vacation spending intention across Europe and the US has reduced notably from last year.* 

Uncertainty shapes destination decisions

Global instability continues to weigh on traveler sentiment. More than half (51 %) are reconsidering destinations due to border controls and travel advisories, with travelers from China (85 %) and India (83 %) feeling the most concerned about geopolitical instability.

Geopolitical instability is cited as a concern by 72 % of respondents, while 66 % express anxiety around personal safety, including crime, scams and terrorism. Operational risks also remain top of mind, including delays and cancellations (59 %), illness abroad (57 %), lost luggage (52 %) and missing travel documents (50 %).

Delays and cancellations are a worry for 59 %, while health concerns loom large: 57 % fear falling ill while traveling, and 56 % worry about medical emergencies abroad. Practical mishaps add to the stress, with more than half (52 %) anxious about lost or delayed luggage and 50% fearing the loss of travel documents.

Travelers under 35 appear to be more anxious about travel than those over 50, particularly regarding illness (63% vs 48%) or emergencies (61 % vs 49%), the climate crisis (61 % vs 46%), public health situations (61 % vs 44%), losing luggage (61 % vs 41%) or travel documents (60 % vs 40%), and the need for mobile device repair or replacement (48 % vs 29%). 

Commenting on the findings, Anna Kofoed, Chief Officer Global Strategic Partnerships, Allianz Partners said:

“What we are seeing is not a decline in travel demand, but a clear evolution in how people travel. This is a more conscious traveler, but also a more resilient one, that is reshaping the entire travel landscape.

Even in the face of economic pressure and global uncertainty, as travelers face rising costs, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and the very real prospect of disruption, from higher fuel prices to potential air traffic control strikes, holidays remain a non-negotiable lifeline to wellbeing and personal renewal. Travel has become essential to how we recharge, reconnect, and care for ourselves.

Rather than stepping back, consumers are adapting. They are choosing destinations closer to home, managing their budgets more carefully, and prioritising meaningful, experience-led trips that justify the investment - because the memories and wellbeing benefits are priceless. At the same time, this more complex and potentially ‘bumpy’ travel environment is driving a greater focus on protection. Travelers are increasingly aware that disruption is part of the journey, which is why confidence today is not just about where you go, but how well you are prepared for the unexpected. When you're protected, you're empowered. That's what confidence really means in travel today -it's the invisible co-traveler that lets you explore with peace of mind."

*This is the first global travel intent survey conducted by Allianz Partners, taking in 10 countries across three continents. As a result, it differs from previous Summer Vacation Confidence Index surveys commissioned by Allianz Partners and so year-on-year trends or statistics are not a one-to-one comparison.

These are the findings of an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of Allianz Partners that was fielded between March 20 and April 14, 2026.

A total of n=11,010 adults over 18 participated in the survey conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform. The sample includes China (n=1001), France (n=1001), Germany (n=1001), Great Britain (n=1001), India (n=1001), Italy (n=1001), the Netherlands (n=1001), Spain (n=1001), Switzerland (n=1001), and the United States (n=2001).

As the survey was conducted relatively early in the year, in the midst of geopolitical uncertainty, respondents may have delayed their summer vacation planning, and as such, are not reflected in the findings.

The samples from China and India predominantly represent urban, educated, and/or affluent groups rather than the general population. Therefore, the survey results from these countries should be interpreted as reflecting the perspectives of the more 'connected' segments of their societies. These 'connected' individuals generally have greater access to technology, information, and global communication networks, and are more engaged with digital platforms and international trends.