Although American dream can be in question today, the dream of a European summer is still valid. Jimin Shim, a copywriter from Denver from a generation of millennials, does not hide that she is worried about the economic situation. He draws attention, among others for the variability of the stock market, which it attributes to the current administration, and a difficult labor market.
Despite this, she is flying to Portugal with her mother this month. – Travels are very important to me. I try to go abroad once a year, and to do a few more shorter trips around the USA – says Shim in an interview with Business Insider. – Because this is a priority for me, I save all year round for travel – he explains.
Data and research suggest that Shim is no exception. Americans are trapped today between finances and dreams of Europe. And many finally decide to go.
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How many Americans will come to Europe? Contradictory forecasts
It is not known exactly how many of them will actually give up traveling to Europe. Incoming data is contradictory. The analysis of Cirium (dealing with the air market) shows that between January and Maj the number of reservations from the USA to Europe was almost 10 percent. lower than a year earlier.
In turn, the Deloitte study published in May suggests the opposite – more Americans plan to travel abroad this year than in 2024, and Europe is the most common direction.
The Allianz Partners data even shows that the number of flights from the USA to Europe this summer will increase by 10 percent.
If the Americans actually resign from traveling through the Americans, economic issues can be behind it. The weakening dollar makes staying abroad more expensive than before. But not only finances can be a brake. Some Americans are also afraid of their security or how they will be accepted abroad in connection with the foreign policy of the government.
More and more people are also delaying travel reservation, which further blurred the image of the market.
– I think that some caution can be seen – says Amir Eylon, president of Longwoods International, specializing in the analysis of the tourist market. “But I am convinced that most of those who planned to travel abroad will still decide on it,” he adds.
The magic of European summer
Eylon emphasizes that although you can talk about a slight slowdown, it doesn't look like any revolution. The research of his company shows that in May only 19 percent Americans were “very determined” for a foreign trip over the next 12 months. In January there were still 25 percent.
– People are rather in the mode “let's wait and see” – says Eylon. He adds that many of them are waiting for opportunities and book traveling later.
It may turn out that in 2025 the number of Americans visiting Europe will fall, but for now it is difficult to say clearly. “A journey is needed for Americans, not a whim,” says Eylon. – Many of them perceive this as their right – he assesses.
Meredith Pierce, the creator of travel content from Atlanta, agrees with this opinion. She publishes popular materials from the “European Summer” series and notes that this trend persists despite the deteriorating financial situation of many people.
– Everyone likes to imagine how they drink Aperol Spritz, looking at the Mediterranean Sea – says Pierce. – Especially if you live in stress every day by politics, economy or limited budget. I think that there is also an element of escape from reality – he adds.
It is worth adding that current uncertainty can paradoxically make travel to Europe cheaper.
The decrease in demand for holiday flights reduced the ticket prices slightly. Some carriers suspended their forecasts for this year in March and April, when economic anxiety – fueled, among others Trump's customs policy – he reached the peak.
Polish budget option
Instead of retreating, many people took the opportunity.
“My content about the European summer began to make a sensation then,” says Pierce. – I got a lot of messages from people who came to cheap flights and suddenly planned holidays – he adds.
Some people are looking for more budget options. – Albania or Poland are directions that give similar aesthetic impressions as Italy or France, but at a much lower cost – he adds.
See also: The famous thinker who coined the term “new Middle Ages”: Germans are waking up, but Poland is already running
The Deloitte study shows that many Americans had already planned or partially paid summer trips even before the fears of the economy intensified in spring. Those who want to save limit expenses on the spot. They choose cheaper accommodation, lower flight classes and more affordable restaurants, but they don't give up dreams.
Subsequent data again bring paradoxes. Deloitte notes that – despite tightening the belt and economic fears – Many Americans are still prioritized to travel abroad and trips “from the list of dreams”. 42 percent people flying by plane plan to travel abroad as the longest trip this summer – a year ago it was 38 percent. What's more, people planning an international journey are also more likely to increase their budget for a trip than a year ago.
Shim, a copywriter from Denver, has an additional reason to take my mother to Portugal. The family experiences a difficult time after the death of his grandfather. This trip is an opportunity to spend time together. Her mother has never been in Europe before. This will be their first journey only on two.
– In times of uncertainty, tensions and divisions, such a joint trip is also a way to take care of mental and emotional health – says Shim. – And this is as important as financial stability – he sums up.
The above text is a translation with American Business Insider edition
