Australian travellers are increasingly extending the European travel season beyond the traditional summer peak.
New booking data shows May and September gaining ground as preferred months for trips to the region.
Webjet data for 2026 shows May now accounts for 12.3% of its Europe bookings, almost matching July at 12.6% and August at 12.5%.
September represents a further 11.4% of bookings, coinciding with the Australian spring school holidays.
Solo travellers are leading the shift, accounting for 55% of Europe bookings for travel in both May and September.
Couples represented 39% of May bookings and 35% in September, while families accounted for 3% and 4% respectively.
London, Paris and Rome are the most booked destinations for September travel, followed by Athens, Milan, Barcelona, Manchester, Dublin, Amsterdam and Munich.
Nicole Sheffield, Webjet Group CEO and Managing Director, said travellers were becoming more deliberate about when they visited Europe.
“Australians are becoming more considered about when they travel, particularly when travelling either side of the traditional European summer peak can offer better value, fewer crowds and milder weather, without compromising on the destinations and experiences they’ve travelled for,” Ms Sheffield said.
Ms Sheffield added that cost of living pressures were also encouraging travellers to plan further ahead and consider periods outside the busiest months.
Webjet is currently promoting early bird fares for 2027 Europe travel, including return economy fares from $1,415 between Perth and London and from $1,489 between Melbourne and Paris, excluding booking and servicing fees.
