Some Covid concerns still hamper travel planning despite higher travel intentions, according to new European Travel Commission data.
Europeans with short-term travel plans remain anxious about quarantine measures (18%), rising cases of the virus within destinations (16%) and changes in travel restrictions during their trip (15%).
When it comes to personal health and safety, the top three areas of apprehension are air travel (17%), in-destination transport (15%) and cafes and restaurants (13%).
Covid-19 vaccines remain an essential prerequisite for traveller confidence and booking behaviour.
Recent vaccination rollouts allowed more than half (54%) of Europeans to feel much more optimistic regarding trip planning within the next months, with only 21% expressing scepticism.
Furthermore, half of Europeans plan to book a trip as soon as they are vaccinated.
At the same time, more than half (57%) expect the EU digital Covid certificate to facilitate planning their next trip and crossing borders, while only 18% doubt that it will ease and simplify their travel experience, according to the latest travel sentiment research.
Interest in intra-European travel has also grown to its highest level since last summer.
More than half (53%) of Europeans with short-term travel plans prefer to visit another European country, with Italy, Spain, France, Greece and Croatia at the top of their destination wish list.
However, the share of Europeans favouring domestic trips remains solid (35%).
Travellers aged 54 and above are more likely to travel within their own country than those in the 18-24 age range (44% versus 27%).