Updated: March 18, 2026
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Travellers from Europe and the U.S. are instead eyeing European Mediterranean locations, Morocco, and South America. But can airlines scramble to add capacity at such short notice? If else fails, staycations are on the up, too.
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As the Iran war continues, travelers booking ahead for Easter holidays and beyond are pivoting away from the Middle East, boosting bookings to Europe, Asia, and South America.
Travel intelligence firm Mabrian’s analysis of booking patterns and traveler sentiment in key outbound markets — the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and Italy — reveal three emerging trends.Closer destinations — European travelers are increasingly favoring short-haul trips. Germans are prioritizing Morocco and Greece, while Italians are turning to Croatia, the Czech Republic, Norway, and Spain. British travelers are gravitating toward Malta, Morocco, and Montenegro. Asia’s sustained strength — Interest in destinations such as Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines continues, particularly where direct air connectivity exists. However, fulfillment of this demand depends on competitive airfare at a time of rising fuel surcharges. Long-haul and aspirational markets
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