Three-quarters of Belgians intend to go on holiday this summer, but half plan to go back to the same place they visited last year, according to a report by Europ Assistance.
Many Belgian holidaymakers choose to travel to European destinations. For the summer of 2025, France comes top of the list for travellers, with 22% of Belgians interviewed planning to take their holiday here.
The second most popular foreign destination is Spain, where 14% of Belgians will spend their vacation, followed by Italy (7%) and the Netherlands (6%).
Lots of Belgians choose to holiday in Belgium itself, with 15% of those interviewed opting to stay close to home.
Most of the people interviewed for the report (62%) said they prefer taking their holiday at the seaside, while 26% seek the fresh air of the mountains. City breaks and stays in the countryside are favoured by 24% of Belgians.
Security, climate and cost of living are important considerations
When choosing their holiday destinations, there are several factors most Belgians take into consideration.
First, their personal safety. This includes factoring in the geopolitical situation in any given country. Second, the climate. According to Europ Assistance, Belgians are looking to spend time in sunnier climes, but are wary of travelling to places where they might encounter extreme temperatures.
Belgians also carry out research into the cost of living in potential holiday destinations, and take into account whether they are able to speak the language when they get there.
Europ Assistance analysts report that the number of people planning to take holidays abroad is now at the same level as before the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Just after the pandemic, a greater number of Belgians wanted to enjoy their 'new-found freedom' to travel again. This trend has now returned to normal,” said the 2025 Holiday Barometer.
A quarter of Belgians will take a holiday that lasts three weeks or more, while 41% said they plan to take a two-week holiday this summer.
