Recent data from AI-powered travel assistant Speakspots.com highlights emerging trends among European travelers for the winter season. The data indicating that European city breaks are, on average, €121 cheaper in winter compared to summer originates from the same survey conducted by Speakspots.com. Planning a winter city breaks in Europe? Keep reading.

Analyzing plans from over 5,000 travelers between November 15, 2024, and February 15, 2025, the findings reveal preferences in trip duration, budgets, and favored destinations.

Average Spending and Trip Duration

Travelers are allocating an average of €775 (£642) per weekend trip, equating to approximately €320 (£265) per day. This expenditure is €121 less than equivalent trips during the summer months, indicating potential cost savings when traveling in the off-season. On average, travelers are budgeting €150 per night for accommodation, €97 daily for food and restaurants, and €72 per day for activities and attractions.

Trip Length and Scheduling

Shorter trips are predominant this winter, with 55% of travelers planning weekend getaways. An additional 38% are arranging longer stays of four days or more. Notably, cities like Cambridge and Oxford in the UK are popular for day trips, with 53% and 40% of visitors, respectively, planning single-day visits. Similarly, Rouen (France), Toledo (Spain), and Lille (France) are expecting higher proportions of day visitors.

“Winter travel in Europe tends to be more varied than traditional summer and school break travel, and according to our data, potentially better value! We analysed our data to understand where people are going, how much they expect to spend, and how long they plan on staying,” said Andres Martinez Artal, CEO and Speakspots.com founder.

“And what we found was that people are squeezing trips in without taking annual leave, with weekend city escapes making up over half of the trips planned on Speakspots.com this winter.

“Another factor influencing winter travel plans is people taking longer breaks to visit friends and family during the colder European months. Perhaps the most interesting takeaway is the number of travellers hoping to incorporate a visit to nature into their winter travel plans. Cities that can offer travellers easy access to the great outdoors are sure to benefit!”

Traveler Demographics and Destination Preferences

The data reveals distinct preferences among different traveler groups:

• Families: Northern European countries are attracting a significant proportion of family trips. Finland, Portugal, Sweden, Belgium, and Turkey top the list for family travel plans.
• Solo Travelers: Finland is also a leading destination for solo travelers, followed by Croatia, Austria, Ireland, and France.
• Couples: Romantic destinations such as Santorini, Nice, Sorrento, Warsaw, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are favored by couples planning winter getaways.

Integration of Nature into Travel Plans

Interestingly, two in five travelers intend to incorporate nature escapes into their city break itineraries. Speakspots.com’s data reveals that despite visiting city destinations, two in five travellers are hoping to incorporate a nature getaway in their itinerary.

Croatia, Malta, and Greece top the list of destinations where travellers want to escape to nature as part of their travel plans.

Sweden, Norway, Spain, and Finland are also up there, with Ireland, Belgium, and Italy rounding out the top 10.

FInal thoughts about winter city breaks in Europe

European winter city breaks not only offer financial advantages but also align with evolving travel preferences that prioritize both affordability and diverse experiences. According to recent reports by Lonely Planet, the growing interest in off-season travel is reshaping the tourism landscape, making winter city trips a cornerstone of budget-friendly exploration. This shift is further complemented by advancements in travel technology, such as AI-driven platforms like Speakspots.com, which streamline itinerary planning to cater to individual preferences.

Furthermore, emerging travel trends spotlight a shift towards experiential and sustainable tourism during the colder months. As travelers increasingly seek meaningful connections with destinations, opportunities to explore winter-specific cultural festivals, local traditions, and less crowded landmarks are becoming more appealing. Reports from organizations such as the European Travel Commission emphasize that this seasonal exploration fosters a deeper understanding of local heritage and supports sustainable tourism practices by dispersing the travel load year-round.

Ultimately, winter travel in Europe transcends mere cost-saving; it represents a strategic and enriching choice for modern travelers. By embracing this trend, both cities and visitors can cultivate a mutually beneficial dynamic that enhances economic resilience and cultural exchange during the off-peak season.