Long-haul travelers are setting their sights on Europe in Winter and Spring 2025, but it’s not just the usual hotspots making waves. A new report reveals that Monaco, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro, San Marino, and Malta are among the top destinations attracting international visitors. These countries are capturing global interest thanks to their rich history, breathtaking landscapes, strong safety reputation, and growing appeal in multi-destination travel.

According to the ETC Long-Haul Travel Barometer 1/2025, 94% of long-haul travelers now plan to visit more than one European country, marking a major shift in how people explore the continent. As a result, smaller but culturally rich nations like these six are seeing a surge in demand. From the glamour of Monaco’s Monte Carlo to the medieval charm of San Marino, the sun-soaked shores of Cyprus to the hidden wonders of Luxembourg, Montenegro, and Malta, these destinations are proving to be top choices for travelers venturing across continents.

But what’s driving this shift, and why are these countries leading the way? The latest travel trends reveal changing traveler priorities, evolving spending habits, and a growing interest in affordable, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Let’s dive into the key findings from the report and uncover why Monaco, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro, San Marino, and Malta are shaping the future of long-haul travel to Europe in Winter and Spring 2025.

The Changing Landscape of Long-Haul Travel in Early 2025

Despite global enthusiasm for travel, economic challenges, rising costs, and shifting consumer priorities have influenced travel trends for early 2025. While only 36% of travelers plan a long-haul trip between January and April, certain markets, like China, are showing increased interest in Europe, with 55% of Chinese travelers planning a trip to the continent. On the other hand, destinations that once saw high demand, such as the US, South Korea, and Brazil, have experienced a decline in European travel interest, largely due to rising costs and preference for domestic travel.

The barriers to travel are clear. High costs remain the biggest obstacle, with 46% of travelers citing expensive trips as the main deterrent. Limited vacation time is another factor, especially among Chinese travelers, who struggle with short holidays. While geopolitical concerns such as the Russia-Ukraine war were a major worry in previous years, only 5% of respondents now see it as a reason to avoid Europe, indicating that safety perceptions have improved.

Despite these challenges, the desire for European experiences remains strong, particularly for travelers seeking safe, well-connected, and culturally rich destinations. This is exactly why Monaco, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro, San Marino, and Malta are leading the way.

What’s Driving Travelers to These Destinations?

One of the biggest shifts in travel preferences for 2025 is the increased demand for iconic experiences and historical landmarks. More than ever, travelers are prioritizing destinations with world-renowned sites, and each of these six countries offers something unique.

Monaco continues to shine as Europe’s luxury hotspot, drawing travelers with its high-end casinos, glamorous hotels, and world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix. The blend of Mediterranean beauty, exclusivity, and high security makes it one of the safest and most desirable locations for long-haul visitors.

Luxembourg is gaining recognition as a fairytale-like European escape, where travelers can wander through UNESCO-listed historic quarters, explore medieval castles, and enjoy peaceful landscapes. It’s the perfect alternative for those looking for a culturally immersive yet less crowded destination.

Cyprus remains a favorite among sun-seekers and history lovers, thanks to its mild winter climate, stunning coastlines, and rich archaeological heritage. Long-haul travelers from China and Brazil are showing increased interest in Cyprus, drawn by its affordable prices, beautiful beaches, and famous historical sites like Paphos and Kourion.

Montenegro is emerging as a top choice for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure. The country’s dramatic landscapes, from the Bay of Kotor to Durmitor National Park, offer breathtaking scenery and affordable luxury compared to Western Europe. Its authentic charm, medieval towns, and welcoming atmosphere make it an increasingly popular stop for multi-country trips.

San Marino, though small, is becoming a sought-after destination for travelers who want something different. With its stunning hilltop views, historic fortresses, and tax-free shopping, it offers an experience unlike any other. Long-haul visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination are finding San Marino to be a hidden gem.

Malta continues to thrive as a Mediterranean cultural hub, attracting long-haul travelers with its UNESCO-listed capital Valletta, ancient temples, and crystal-clear waters. Given its location, it’s also a perfect gateway for multi-country itineraries, making it a key destination for travelers who want to explore beyond one country.

How Travelers Are Spending in 2025

With the economic landscape changing, spending habits among long-haul travelers are shifting. More visitors are opting for mid-range budgets, with the majority planning to spend between €100 and €200 per day. The number of travelers willing to spend over €200 per day has dropped significantly, especially among Chinese and Brazilian travelers, who were previously known for their higher expenditures.

Despite this shift, luxury experiences remain a priority for certain markets. Travelers from China and Japan still allocate a significant portion of their budget to shopping, while American travelers prioritize high-end accommodation. Across all markets, food and dining remain the top spending category, with 67% of travelers listing it as their main expense.

Booking Trends and Multi-Destination Travel in 2025

As more travelers seek seamless and stress-free travel experiences, all-inclusive packages are seeing increased popularity, particularly among first-time visitors to Europe. Chinese travelers are leading this trend, with 76% preferring to book full-package holidays that include flights, accommodations, and excursions.

In contrast, American, Canadian, and Australian travelers prefer to book separately, giving them more flexibility. For these travelers, customizing their trip and mixing different experiences is key.

Another major trend shaping Winter and Spring 2025 is the rise in multi-country itineraries. With 94% of travelers now planning to visit more than one European country, destinations like Malta, Luxembourg, and Montenegro are becoming essential stops on longer journeys. South Korean travelers are leading this trend, planning an average of 5.2 countries per trip, while other markets, including Brazil and China, are also showing strong interest in multi-destination travel.

Why These Countries Are Defining Long-Haul Travel in 2025

As long-haul travel to Europe evolves, one thing is clear—Monaco, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro, San Marino, and Malta are leading the way. The latest ETC Long-Haul Travel Barometer 1/2025 confirms that travelers are moving beyond traditional hotspots, embracing multi-country trips, prioritizing safety, and seeking destinations that offer both culture and affordability.

With 94% of long-haul travelers planning multi-destination trips, these six nations are perfectly positioned to benefit. Monaco’s luxury, Luxembourg’s fairytale charm, Cyprus’s sun-soaked beaches, Montenegro’s breathtaking landscapes, San Marino’s medieval heritage, and Malta’s rich history make them irresistible choices for travelers seeking a mix of history, adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Travelers are also adapting their spending habits, focusing more on value-driven experiences. Mid-range budgets (€100-200 per day) are becoming the norm, while luxury remains a priority for specific markets, particularly in Monaco and Cyprus. The rise of package tours and independent bookings shows that travelers are becoming smarter about how they explore Europe, balancing convenience with flexibility.

With long-haul travel sentiment shifting, these six destinations are at the forefront of 2025’s biggest travel trends. Whether visitors are drawn to Monaco’s glamorous events, Luxembourg’s historic fortresses, Cyprus’s Mediterranean coastline, Montenegro’s dramatic fjords, San Marino’s hilltop towers, or Malta’s UNESCO-listed treasures, each offers a unique yet accessible gateway to Europe.

If you’re planning a long-haul trip to Europe in Winter and Spring 2025, now is the time to explore these rising stars. Start planning your itinerary, embrace the multi-destination trend, and experience why Monaco, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro, San Marino, and Malta are the must-visit destinations of the year.

The post Monaco, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro, San Marino and Malta Lead the Way for Long Haul Travel to Europe in Winter-Spring 2025: New Report You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.