Belgian Summer 2026: Budgets, Destinations and Travel Trends

Nearly three-quarters of Belgians plan to take a summer holiday in 2026, according to the 25th edition of the Europ Assistance Summer Vacation Barometer, conducted in partnership with Ipsos. The survey reveals that 72% of Belgians intend to travel between June and September, a figure virtually unchanged from 73% in 2025, demonstrating the resilience of travel culture despite persistent economic and geopolitical headwinds.

However, the average holiday budget has dipped to €2,545 per household, down 6.1% from €2,710 last year. This still places Belgium third in Europe for vacation spending, behind only Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and well above the European average of €2,089.

Context: A Quarter-Century of Travel Data

Now in its 25th year, the Europ Assistance Vacation Barometer is one of the most comprehensive annual surveys of Belgian and European travel intentions. Conducted online by Ipsos between February 27 and April 7, 2026, the survey polled 11,001 Europeans and 15,000 non-Europeans using the quota method. The RTBF, which published an in-depth analysis on July 8, notes that the data reveals both encouraging trends and persistent inequalities.

Key Developments: Where Belgians Are Going and Spending

France remains the top destination, chosen by 22% of Belgian travelers, followed closely by Belgium itself at 20% — a five-point increase that confirms the growing popularity of domestic tourism. Italy (12%), Spain (11%), and Greece (7%) round out the top five. The rise in staycations reflects both economic pragmatism and heightened security concerns.

Accommodation preferences show a strong attachment to the coast: 64% of travelers plan seaside holidays, while city trips have gained five points to reach 29%. Countryside retreats (22%) and mountain getaways (20%, down six points) remain popular but show shifting preferences.

Transport choices are split between air travel (50%) and car (42%), with trains (14%) and buses (10%) serving smaller shares. July remains the most popular departure month, with 38% of travelers heading off during that period.

Behind the averages lies a stark reality. According to a report from the SPF Économie / Statbel, nearly one in five Belgian households cannot afford a single week of annual vacation. As RTBF journalist Diane Burghelle-Vernet writes, “Behind the encouraging figures of summer tourism lies a more contrasted reality, where vacations remain, for part of the population, a luxury rather than an acquired right.”

This divide is further illustrated by regional budget differences: Dutch-speaking households average €2,586 in vacation spending, compared to €2,504 for French-speaking households.

Emerging Trends: AI, Experiences, and Ecological Awareness

The barometer highlights several structural shifts in travel behavior. Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in trip planning: 22% of Belgians now use AI tools to research and book travel, up five points from 2025. While this remains far below adoption rates in India (70%) or the Middle East (60%), it signals a steady digital transformation of the travel industry.

At the same time, the “premiumisation” trend identified by the Union professionnelle des agences de voyages shows that travelers are spending more on experiences once at their destination — excursions, cooking classes, concerts, and guided tours. This aligns with broader Statbel data showing that culture and leisure now account for 7.9% of the average Belgian household budget, up from 7.2% in 2018.

Ecological awareness is also gaining ground: 29% of Belgians say they consider their environmental footprint when traveling, choosing greener transport, accommodation, and service providers.

Concerns Shaping Travel Decisions

Inflation and high prices remain the top concern for 88% of Belgian travelers, followed by geopolitical tensions (82%) and climate change risks such as heatwaves and extreme weather (79%). These anxieties are reshaping destination choices: Iran (15%), Israel (11%), the United States (10%), Russia (8%), and Afghanistan (7%) are the most commonly avoided destinations this year.

Virginie Babinet, CEO of Travel Insurance & Assistance at Europ Assistance, noted: “Security considerations weigh more heavily in the choice of destinations, with decisions increasingly dictated by risk assessment.”

What’s Next

As Belgians navigate a complex landscape of rising costs, security concerns, and climate uncertainty, the resilience of their travel culture remains remarkable. The key question for 2027 will be whether the downward trend in average vacation budgets continues, and how the growing social divide in access to holidays may influence broader political and economic discourse in Belgium. For now, the data suggests that while the way Belgians travel is evolving — more domestic, more experience-focused, and increasingly AI-assisted — their fundamental desire to get away remains as strong as ever.