A study conducted by Qualimétrie for Marco Vasco among 1,033 French people highlights a paradox: the desire to travel remains strong, yet the organization of trips is becoming an increasing obstacle.
According to the study, 90% of respondents have a dream travel project that they never realized.
Budget remains the main obstacle, cited by 68% of those surveyed.
But lack of time has also become a significant brake: it affects 40% of respondents, and up to 59% of those aged 25-34. The complexity of organizing trips is, meanwhile, mentioned by 33% of those polled, with a share reaching 43% in the Île-de-France region.
According to the study, 90% of respondents have a dream travel project that they never realized.
Budget remains the main obstacle, cited by 68% of those surveyed.
But lack of time has also become a significant brake: it affects 40% of respondents, and up to 59% of those aged 25-34. The complexity of organizing trips is, meanwhile, mentioned by 33% of those polled, with a share reaching 43% in the Île-de-France region.
The desire to travel persists despite geopolitical tensions
In this context, professional support seems to retain its appeal. 76% of French respondents consider a travel agency useful or indispensable today, compared with only 9% who deem it useless.
Expectations primarily focus on security and reliability (27%), ahead of travel planning (25%), price (25%) and destination expertise (23%). Price remains a significant lever: 59% of respondents say they would be ready to depart today if rates were more attractive.
International uncertainties do not seem to fundamentally undermine departure plans.
66% of those questioned say their desire to travel has not changed despite geopolitical tensions, while 20% declare it has weakened. Nearly one French person in two (48%) also plans to revive a trip that was previously postponed or canceled.
In the short term, 75% of respondents anticipate leaving abroad in the next six months.
For 2027, the projection is even higher: 85% plan to travel outside France, even though only 5% have already booked their stay.
Expectations primarily focus on security and reliability (27%), ahead of travel planning (25%), price (25%) and destination expertise (23%). Price remains a significant lever: 59% of respondents say they would be ready to depart today if rates were more attractive.
International uncertainties do not seem to fundamentally undermine departure plans.
66% of those questioned say their desire to travel has not changed despite geopolitical tensions, while 20% declare it has weakened. Nearly one French person in two (48%) also plans to revive a trip that was previously postponed or canceled.
In the short term, 75% of respondents anticipate leaving abroad in the next six months.
For 2027, the projection is even higher: 85% plan to travel outside France, even though only 5% have already booked their stay.
Europe for short getaways, Asia for longer journeys
In terms of destinations, Europe tops travel intentions (53%), ahead of Asia (30%) and North America (16%).
The duration of the stay nonetheless influences choices. For one week to ten days, Europe is preferred by 66% of respondents. For ten to twenty days trips, Asia becomes the destination of choice for a French person in two.
The motivations are mainly linked to discovery: 29% mainly want to discover new cultures and 24% seek unique experiences, while 20% primarily look for rejuvenation.
Beyond travel intentions, 83% of the French surveyed say they are more inclined to open their horizons and discover the world. This aspiration is especially pronounced among women and the 25-44 age group.
According to Marco Vasco, this momentum is already starting to show in bookings. The bespoke travel specialist says it has observed, for a month now, a recovery in bookings for 2027.
The duration of the stay nonetheless influences choices. For one week to ten days, Europe is preferred by 66% of respondents. For ten to twenty days trips, Asia becomes the destination of choice for a French person in two.
The motivations are mainly linked to discovery: 29% mainly want to discover new cultures and 24% seek unique experiences, while 20% primarily look for rejuvenation.
Beyond travel intentions, 83% of the French surveyed say they are more inclined to open their horizons and discover the world. This aspiration is especially pronounced among women and the 25-44 age group.
According to Marco Vasco, this momentum is already starting to show in bookings. The bespoke travel specialist says it has observed, for a month now, a recovery in bookings for 2027.
Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor See all articles by Amelia Brille
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