The Portuguese are among the Europeans with the greatest desire to travel in 2026, even amidst geopolitical tensions and economic pressures.
According to the 25th edition of Europ Assistance's Annual Summer Holiday Barometer (source in Portuguese), carried out in partnership with IPSOS, 82% of Portuguese people plan to go on holiday this year, a figure only surpassed by the population of the UK, which stands at 84%.
The study, which analysed holiday plans in 26 countries, 11 of them European, shows that holidays continue to be perceived as a need associated with well-being and personal balance.
This need is also reflected in the average budget for a big holiday. In Portugal it rose by €147 to €1,662 euros. A 10% increase on the 2025 figure, this still leaves Portugal below the European average of €2,089.
Among the European countries, Portugal remains in ninth place in the table in terms of expected holiday spending, with Switzerland leading the way with €3,100. Switzerland also leads the ranking globally, followed by the US with €3,049 and Australia with €3,035.
