Italians travel more but spend less A Klarna research reveals it
A new study conducted by Klarna, the global digital bank and flexible payments platform, highlights a structural shift in the way Italian consumers plan, book and pay for travel. Demand remains resilient but increasingly diversified: travel is increasing, while booking habits and touchpoints continue to evolve. For both travelers and operators, the question is no longer whether to travel, but how to do it in a more efficient way.
How Italians are traveling in 2026
Over the past three years, Italians’ travel habits have changed significantly. 39% have increased the number of short stays alongside their summer holidays, while 22% book last minute more often to secure better deals. Among people aged 25 to 34, 18% practice bleisure, combining business trips with leisure travel.
@francesca.guida_d È vero che Bali è così economica? #bali #indonesia #economica #viaggilowcost #consiglidiviaggio A Summer Place - Hollywood Strings Orchestra
Stable demand, increasing pressure on budgets
Despite the macroeconomic climate, travel demand remains strong: 80% of Italians expect to travel as much as, or more than, they did three years ago (54% the same amount, 26% more). 89% plan to travel this summer, while 64% are considering an international trip within the next six months. In terms of spending, short stays and long weekends mainly fall within the €100–300 per person range (37% and 34%). Group travel shows greater budget variability: 21% spend between €100 and €300, while 19% fall into the €301–600 range. International holidays, meanwhile, stand out for higher spending levels, with 18% of travelers spending more than €1,000 per person. Summer holidays remain the main expense category: 22% expect to spend between €601 and €1,000, while 21% plan to spend more than €1,000.
@mary.ceo Una meta economica da visitare in un weekend? #viaggilowcost #viaggiarelowcost #viaggiaresempre #poloniq #viaggiarecontiktok #viaggiacontiktok #partire #viaggiarechepassione #poznan Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin & Richard Wess And His Orchestra
Price comparison platforms are reshaping travel planning
82% of Italian consumers compare prices across multiple platforms before making a decision, yet 18% end up paying more for transportation and 13% for accommodation because they delayed booking. The reason is rarely indecision: it is mainly a financial matter. Consumers are reluctant to face several major expenses at the same time, so they postpone bookings and, by the time they are ready, prices have already increased.