Published on
January 16, 2026
EasyJet Holidays is building confidence in the summer travel market as Spain and Greece emerge as clear demand leaders, with strong booking momentum, rising passenger numbers, and increased capacity reflecting traveller preference for familiar, affordable, and well-connected Mediterranean destinations, signalling that summer travel plans are firming up and growth is gaining pace across key leisure routes.
Greece is once again proving its pull on European holidaymakers as early bookings for the summer of twenty twenty-six gather pace, placing the country firmly among the most in-demand destinations alongside Spain. Travel demand across the United Kingdom has opened the season on a confident note, with strong signals that travelers are returning to package holidays in greater numbers, seeking ease, value, and reliability as they plan their summer breaks well in advance.
The current booking trend points to a healthy year ahead, with passenger numbers expected to rise by around fifteen percent on an annual basis. This projection reflects the positive start to the peak booking window, a period that often sets the tone for the entire summer season. Early reservations suggest that travelers are not only booking sooner but are also showing clearer preferences about where and how they want to spend their holidays.
A noticeable shift this season is the growing appeal of mid-range comfort. Four-star hotels are performing particularly well, especially in destinations that have long been favorites for sun-seeking travelers. These properties offer a balance between quality and affordability, attracting families, couples, and repeat visitors who want dependable standards without moving into the luxury price bracket. This trend is shaping booking patterns across southern Europe, where trusted resorts continue to dominate traveler choices.
Spain remains a key driver of this demand, with coastal areas and island destinations drawing consistent interest. Locations around Alicante are once again benefiting from their combination of long beaches, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and easy access from major European cities. The Canary Islands, with their year-round appeal and stable climate, are also seeing strong early sales, reinforcing their position as a safe and familiar choice for summer holidays.
Greece, however, continues to stand out as a destination that blends variety with familiarity. From island escapes to mainland coastal resorts, the country offers a broad range of experiences that appeal to different traveler profiles. Its appeal lies not only in its scenery but also in the sense of rhythm and balance it offers, combining relaxed seaside settings with historic towns and a slower pace of life that many travelers seek during the summer months. This versatility is helping Greece maintain its place at the top of booking lists year after year.
The strength of early bookings also reflects wider shifts in traveler behavior. After several seasons marked by uncertainty, many travelers are now prioritizing simplicity and predictability. Package holidays offer fixed pricing, straightforward planning, and the reassurance of bundled services, making them attractive to those who want to avoid unexpected costs or last-minute complications. This renewed trust in organized travel options is playing a significant role in the current booking momentum.
Another factor shaping demand is the willingness of travelers to invest a little more in comfort. The strong performance of four-star accommodations suggests that many holidaymakers are choosing quality over quantity, opting for fewer trips but with better standards. This aligns with a broader trend toward more thoughtful travel, where rest, convenience, and overall experience carry more weight than sheer affordability.
These positive booking patterns build on a solid foundation from the previous financial year. Holiday travel volumes grew significantly compared to the year before, marking a period of recovery and expansion for the sector. That momentum now appears to be carrying forward into the upcoming season, with current projections pointing to further growth rather than a slowdown.
Looking ahead, expectations remain high that total passenger numbers will cross the three point five million mark in the year to come. If achieved, this would represent a clear step up from previous performance and underline the strength of the summer leisure market. Such growth would also reflect sustained confidence among travelers, even as wider economic pressures continue to influence household spending decisions.
The broader picture suggests that Mediterranean destinations will continue to shape the summer travel landscape in twenty twenty-six. Their combination of accessibility, reliable weather, and well-established tourism services positions them strongly at a time when travelers value certainty. Greece and Spain, in particular, benefit from decades of familiarity, yet they continue to evolve, offering refreshed experiences while maintaining the elements that first made them popular.
As the peak booking period unfolds, the early signals point to a season defined by steady demand rather than sudden spikes. This kind of measured growth is often viewed as healthier for the travel industry, allowing operators and destinations to manage capacity more effectively while maintaining service quality. For travelers, it means a wider choice of available options and fewer last-minute compromises.
EasyJet Holidays is boosting confidence in the summer travel market as strong demand for Spain and Greece drives higher bookings, rising passenger numbers, and expanding capacity, showing that travellers are committing early to popular Mediterranean destinations and growth is clearly gathering pace.
In this context, the strong showing of Greece in early bookings is less a surprise and more a confirmation of its enduring appeal. Alongside Spain, it remains central to the summer holiday plans of millions of European travelers. If current trends hold, the summer of twenty twenty-six is set to be another busy and confident season, shaped by early planning, a focus on comfort, and a continued preference for familiar yet rewarding destinations.
