European summer travel surge fuels heavy traffic on German highways

More than 80% of Europeans plan to travel between June and November, a rise across most age groups with the largest increase among those aged 45‑54, according to a European Commission for Travel (ETC) report. Safety, price, climate and accessibility dominate destination choices, and Southern and Mediterranean Europe remains the most popular region, with Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Croatia leading. Despite concerns about rising travel costs, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, air travel stays the top mode for 53% of travellers and average spending per trip remains stable at €1,500‑€2,500.

As the holiday season kicks off in Germany on July 4, the German motor club ADAC warns of severe congestion on major routes to the Alps and the Adriatic, including the A3, A7, A8, A9 and A99. Road works, heightened border checks and temporary truck bans are expected to worsen delays for drivers heading to Austria, Italy and Croatia. Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions and allow extra travel time.