Europe's Travelers Refuse to Back Down Amid Rising Costs and Interest Rates

European travel has defied economic headwinds in September, as consumers have adapted to rising costs and interest rates by shifting their travel plans to the shoulder season. Dubbed 'Super September,' this phenomenon is characterized by a surge in fall travel bookings, with Virtuoso reporting a 59% rise in bookings and eSky noting a 57% year-on-year increase in September bookings.

The European Central Bank (ECB) raised its three key interest rates by 25 basis points on September 10, 2026, in response to persistent inflationary pressures. However, despite the economic backdrop, European consumers are not retreating from travel spending. Instead, they're embracing a new pattern of strategic adaptation.

The 'Super September' trend is driven by several key factors, including value hunting amidst rising costs. Travelers are actively seeking better deals on flights and accommodations during the shoulder season, which offers cheaper options and package deals. Additionally, Europeans have developed a preference for crowd avoidance, with many opting for less crowded destinations in September.