Dutch Summer Travel Shifts Beyond July and August

Only 52% of Dutch residents plan to take a holiday in July or August 2026, down from 57% a year earlier. The decline does not mean that residents are abandoning travel altogether. More trips are moving to spring and September, when prices are lower, temperatures are milder and popular destinations are less crowded.

July and August travel declines

More than seven million Dutch residents still intend to travel during summer 2026, but the proportion taking a trip in the two traditional peak months has declined for a second consecutive year.

Almost one in three respondents said costs were preventing them from taking a summer holiday. A quarter preferred to remain at home and did not feel a need to travel specifically in July or August.

Geopolitical tensions are also affecting decisions. Four in ten respondents said travelling had become less attractive in the current international environment, 65% were avoiding the Middle East and 42% were postponing their booking.

Among those travelling, 92% selected European destinations and 33% planned to holiday within the Netherlands. Cars were chosen by 66%, planes by 31% and trains by 9%. The shares exceed 100% because respondents may plan several trips or use more than one form of transport.

More than half of holidaymakers avoid areas affected by extreme heat or excessive tourism. The proportion using artificial intelligence to select destinations and build itineraries increased from 24% in 2025 to 39% in 2026, according to ANWB’s July survey.

The research covered more than 4,000 Dutch residents. In 2024, 73% reportedly planned to travel during July or August, compared with 57% in 2025. The figures indicate a pronounced decline in peak-season travel, although survey methodology and sample composition may vary between editions.

The figures do not show a collapse in holidays

The 52% figure covers only July and August. It cannot be directly compared with official statistics for the wider summer season, which Statistics Netherlands defines as the period from April 26 to October 1.

In 2025, 72% of residents aged 15 or older took at least one holiday during that period. A total of 10.8 million people made 21.9 million trips. Overseas destinations accounted for 12.9 million holidays, while 9 million trips took place within the Netherlands.

France received 2.15 million trips by Dutch residents, Germany 1.73 million, Spain 1.35 million, Belgium 1.15 million and Italy 1.11 million. European countries accounted for 11.5 million overseas summer holidays.

Travel remained significantly more accessible to wealthier households. Some 87.3% of people in the highest income quartile took a summer holiday, compared with 41.4% in the lowest income quartile.

The figures suggest that the decline in July and August travel should not automatically be treated as an overall tourism contraction. It is more consistent with a redistribution of trips across the calendar and a widening income gap in access to holidays.

Travel-related costs remain elevated

Dutch annual inflation slowed to 2.9% in June 2026 from 3.5% in May, but several categories directly relevant to travellers increased more rapidly than the overall consumer basket.

Service prices were 4.1% higher than a year earlier, consumption abroad cost 5.7% more and motor fuel prices rose by 17.3%. Fuel inflation had slowed from 27.5% in May but continued to add substantially to the cost of road travel.

One-third of motorists check where they can refuel or recharge most cheaply before departure. About 18% select a destination requiring fewer kilometres, while 21% expect to drive less after arriving.

Lower headline inflation therefore does not necessarily translate into cheaper holidays. Transport, accommodation and other services may continue to rise faster than the incomes of some households.

Spring takes demand from the summer peak

About 59% of Dutch residents, or more than eight million people, planned a holiday in April or May 2026. The proportion was unchanged from a year earlier.

Even among travellers who were not restricted by school calendars, 68% chose the spring period. For 33% of respondents, the May holiday was their main trip of the year.

Around 94% of spring holidaymakers selected Europe, while 40% planned to remain in the Netherlands. One-third adjusted their plans because of higher costs by shortening their trip, staying closer to home or reducing restaurant spending.

The typical stated spring budget was between €250 and €500 per person. This figure comes from the separate spring survey and should not be directly compared with the median annual travel budget reported in January.

Travelling outside the peak season is easier for retirees, people without school-age children and employees with flexible schedules. Families with children remain more dependent on school holidays, when fares and accommodation prices are usually highest.

The desire to travel remains strong

A separate annual survey conducted in December 2025 among 2,046 people aged 18 to 80 found that 85% planned to take at least one holiday during 2026. Approximately 15% expected to remain at home throughout the year.

Around 45% said global instability had increased their need for a break. At the same time, one in five expected to book later or make greater use of last-minute deals.

The median planned budget was about €1,350 per person. Higher prices had the greatest impact on travellers with budgets of up to €1,250 and on those aged between 18 and 49. They were more likely to choose a shorter trip, a cheaper destination or a holiday closer to home.

These results cover plans for the entire year and come from a different survey. They should not be combined with the July data as a single time series, but they confirm that travel demand remains strong while timing, budgets and destinations are changing.

The tourism season is becoming longer

Moving trips towards May, June and September may distribute visitor numbers more evenly across the year rather than reduce the annual total.

For hotels, airlines and tour operators, the change has mixed implications. A longer season can improve occupancy in spring and autumn, but July and August demand becomes less predictable. Later booking also makes it harder to plan flights, staffing and prices.

European destinations benefit from their proximity and accessibility by car. France, Germany, Spain and Italy remain the principal overseas markets, while Curaçao, Vietnam, China and Tanzania are gaining interest among long-haul travellers.

Climate considerations may further support destinations in northern and central Europe. Southern Europe is unlikely to lose its importance, but more travellers may visit the same countries outside their hottest weeks.

As International Investment experts report, the decline from 57% to 52% in July and August should not be interpreted as a collapse in Dutch travel demand. Residents continue to plan holidays but increasingly change their timing, shorten trips, choose nearby destinations and postpone booking. Affordability is the central problem: wealthier households retain the ability to travel several times a year, while lower-income families are increasingly excluded. For tourism companies, the result is a longer season accompanied by less predictable demand.

FAQ: Dutch holiday trends

How many Dutch residents will travel in summer 2026?

ANWB found that 52% of respondents plan to take a holiday in July or August, representing more than seven million people.

Does this mean the Dutch are travelling less overall?

Not necessarily. The figure covers only July and August. Some trips are moving to spring, June or September.

Why are people avoiding the peak season?

The main reasons include higher costs, crowded destinations, extreme heat and geopolitical uncertainty.

Which destinations remain most popular?

Most travellers choose Europe. The Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and Italy remain the leading destinations.

Which form of transport is most common?

Cars remain the most popular choice, selected by 66% of summer travellers. Planes account for 31% and trains for 9%.

How are rising prices changing travel plans?

Residents are choosing closer destinations, shortening trips, reducing spending and booking later.

Why do the ANWB and CBS figures differ?

ANWB measures plans for specific months, while CBS records trips taken during a wider season from late April to early October. Their samples and methodologies also differ.

Are Dutch travellers using artificial intelligence?

Yes. In the 2026 summer survey, 39% reported using AI tools for holiday planning, compared with 24% a year earlier.