Australian travellers are increasingly choosing smaller-scale and slower European holidays, with new booking data pointing to growing demand for regional destinations, solo travel and experience-led itineraries.
European Waterways recorded a 9% year-on-year increase in Australian passengers during its 2026 season, while bookings made through Australian travel agents rose 14%. Individual cabin bookings increased 29% and solo passenger numbers were up 14%.
John Wood-Dow, European Waterways Co-founder and Director, said the figures reflected a shift away from fast-paced multi-country itineraries.
“What we are increasingly seeing is almost the opposite: travellers wanting to slow things down, concentrate on one region, and truly immerse themselves in its history, culture and way of life,” Mr Wood-Dow said.
Regional France has been a particular beneficiary. Burgundy became the company’s most popular region among Australians, with passenger numbers up 67%, while Champagne increased 50% and the Canal du Midi rose 20%.
The trend extended beyond France, with Australian bookings aboard Shannon Princess in Ireland doubling and passenger numbers on Scottish Highlander more than doubling during 2026.
Early 2027 bookings suggest the preference for more focused journeys is continuing, with Champagne currently leading Australian forward bookings aboard Kir Royale, followed by Gascony and Bordeaux aboard Rosa.
Food and wine, culture, walking and cycling are also playing a larger role in destination choice, while private charters remain popular for milestone celebrations, groups of friends and multigenerational families.
“The question is becoming less ‘which countries haven’t I visited?’ and more ‘what do I really want to experience?’,” Mr Wood-Dow said.
The company expects improved air connectivity between Australia and Europe to support further demand in 2027, giving travellers more options for building longer stays around individual regions and interests.
