A new nationwide survey reveals American travelers’ upcoming Europe travel plans in 2016. Not all travelers plan to visit Europe in 2016 due to the safety concerns and survey reveals where they will avoid to travel in Europe.
The survey conducted by Travel Leaders Group finds out that 8.2% of survey participants have already traveled to Europe this year, the top European countries visited have been: (1) United Kingdom, (2) France, (3) Italy, (4) Germany, and (5) Netherlands.
For those with upcoming plans to travel to Europe – 17.1% of survey respondents – the top European destinations visited will be: (1) France, (2) Italy, (3) United Kingdom, (3) Germany, and (5) Spain. When asked, “Is your intention to continue with those travel plans?” nearly all (98.3%) respondents said “Yes.”
The survey also asked participants if they are contemplating a trip (or another trip) to Europe in 2016. Of the nearly 28% who said “Yes,” the top destinations they are considering include: (1) United Kingdom, (2) Italy, (3) France, (4) Germany, and (5) Ireland.
For those individuals stating they are not planning a trip to Europe between now and the end of the year, the top reasons included:
- Big vacation already taken or planned for 2016 48.5%
- Expenses 31.2%
- Concerns over safety 25.5%
- Not interested in Europe 16.4%
- No vacation time 6.3%
“The ‘new normal’ in today’s world means potential risks of travel exist just about everywhere, including here at home. So perhaps it’s not surprising that our latest survey data indicates that many Americans will not let fear and threats overtake their desire to embrace the world and experience other cultures; France is a primary example,” stated Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko.
“Are there any countries in Europe you would specifically avoid this year?”
The top responses, from nearly 3,100 survey participants, were:
| 1 | No | 37.5% | ||
| 2 | No – I/we cannot allow fear to dictate our travels | 26.6% | ||
| 3 | Turkey | 21.0% | ||
| 4 | Belgium | 14.4% | ||
| 5 | Russia | 14.3% |
