A June 2026 study by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) reveals that extreme weather and rising costs are reshaping Dutch travel habits.
Spain remains the top foreign destination, but 42 percent of 1,000 surveyed Dutch vacationers said intensifying extreme weather now impacts their holiday choices.
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This figure is up from 37 percent last year.
Over 60 percent of respondents adjusted their destinations due to weather concerns, compared to less than half previously.
The study also surveyed residents in Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
On average, four out of ten people across these nations let weather influence their holiday planning.
Shift Toward Car Travel and Domestic Holidays
Geopolitical uncertainties, including conflicts like unrest in the Strait of Hormuz, are driving travelers to stay closer to home or remain within Europe.
The automobile is gaining ground over aviation.
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This year, 43 percent of Dutch travelers opt for car travel, up from 37 percent last year, while airplane usage slipped to 42 percent.
Higher flight taxes are a key factor.
They add roughly 49 euros for medium-haul flights and 72 euros for long-haul flights, tilting family budgets toward European road trips.
Domestically, over 28 percent of Dutch citizens plan to spend their upcoming holidays within the Netherlands. Popular regions include Gelderland, Noord-Holland, and Limburg.
For those crossing borders, Spain remains the most popular international destination at 18 percent, followed by Germany at 15 percent and France at 12 percent.
Spain's sustained popularity highlights its strong combination of sun, infrastructure, and affordability. Travelers continue to find budget-friendly spots outside major tourist hotspots.
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European campsites and accommodations are professionalizing to meet shifting demands. They increasingly substitute traditional facilities like riding stables with padel courts, mountain bike tracks, and pump tracks.
