From Hong Kong to London, why travellers have a plan B lined up for summer 2026
War in the Middle East and the rising cost of air travel and fuel have pushed many to plan shorter, more local and flexible holidays
Greg Abbott is planning his summer holiday with half an eye on the Iran war. He intends to stay closer to home in Europe and is lining up a plan B, wary of rising air fares and cancellations.
The 54-year-old Britain-based Australian is planning a cycling trip with friends in Austria, a festival in Barcelona, Spain, and possibly a yoga retreat in France. But he does not want to go too far and is keeping travel options open.
“We’ll almost certainly be doing short-haul Europe, and almost certainly be doing trains, because they run on electricity,” says Abbott, head of operations for a broadcasting company, adding that cost was a key factor against longer trips. “The prices are just crazy at the moment.”
Across Europe and beyond, tourists are reshaping plans in a world of US$100-a-barrel oil, tight jet fuel supply, higher costs and Middle East conflict disrupting popular routes. Many are booking later and building in flexibility.
“We observe travellers becoming more cautious and deliberate,” says Susanne Dickhardt, co-founder of Germany-based camper van and motorhome hire firm Roadsurfer.
Most are adapting rather than cancelling, she says, staying nearer home, driving and choosing formats that keep costs down.