Jul 11, 2026
Many travellers still plan to get away this summer, but they’re fitting their vacations into long weekends instead of longer holidays.
New data from Trip.com Group suggests shorter getaways are becoming increasingly popular, with bookings for trips lasting four days or less rising by more than 40% year over year in parts of Europe and East Asia. Rather than taking one long vacation, more people appear to be making the most of long weekends and quick escapes.
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The travel company says shorter trips, family holidays and cooler destinations are shaping many travellers’ plans this summer.
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Long weekends are replacing longer vacations
According to the report, most summer trips now last between three and four days, with short-haul flights accounting for the majority of bookings.
In Europe, bookings for short-haul flights are up 73% from a year ago, while bookings for trips of four days or less have climbed more than 40% in both Europe and East Asia.
The trend reflects a growing preference for travel that’s easier to fit around work, school holidays and importantly, household budgets. Rather than setting aside two weeks for a vacation, many travellers are opting for shorter breaks throughout the year.
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Family travel is driving summer plans
Trip.com data suggests that hotel bookings by families with children have increased across every region it tracks, more than doubling in markets including Japan, South Korea and mainland China.
The company said families are placing greater importance on practical details when planning a trip, including child-friendly accommodations, convenient flight schedules and easy access to attractions.
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Experiences such as theme parks, zoos and water parks remain among the most popular choices for family travellers.
Travellers are looking for cooler destinations
Another noticeable shift is where people are choosing to go.
As summer temperatures climb, more travellers are searching for destinations with milder weather instead of traditional beach holidays. Trip.com says searches related to cooler destinations have increased 74% since the start of the year.
Countries such as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are seeing stronger interest, while destinations including Sapporo, Japan, are also attracting more visitors looking to escape the heat.
The report also points to growing use of artificial intelligence for trip planning, with more travellers relying on AI tools to compare options and build itineraries before booking.
Whether it’s a three-day city break, a family holiday or a cooler destination, the common thread is flexibility. Travellers still want to get away this summer—they’re simply finding ways to make those trips better fit their schedules, budgets and changing priorities.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
