Travelers feeling the pinch of rising travel prices to
Europe are looking to more budget-friendly
destinations as summer trip costs climb 38 percent.
With the average trip expected to run $10,346, European
hot spots are offering alternatives that include lower trip costs without
sacrificing experience, resulting in a quick rise in popularity.
According to data from Squaremouth,
the nation’s top travel comparison service, price-conscious travelers are
prioritizing destinations that deliver on culture, scenery and value.
The top 10 stand out, affordable European summer
destinations with average trip costs include:
- Poland $5,505
- Finland $6,577
- Austria $7,177
- Greenland $7,321
- Germany $7,897
- Ireland $8,258
- Spain $8,699
- Great Britain (UK) $8,779
- Portugal $8,903
- Sweden $9,072
Due to the rising cost of European travel, travelers have become
more cautious and strategic in their planning.
Flexibility is a priority, with a number of travelers opting
for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, which more than doubled in 2025,
climbing to 12 percent vs 5 percent in 2024.
Health is also a top concern with more than half (52
percent) of summer travelers reporting their biggest worry is getting sick or
injured while on travel. For international trips, travel medical insurance is
crucial, especially since most U.S. health plans don’t cover medical care
abroad.
In fact, emergency medical claims made up 27 percent of all
paid travel insurance claims in 2024, the highest of any category.
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