War halts foreign travel: a third of Swiss cancel plans
According to TCS, a third of Swiss don't feel safe for holidays outside their borders. Spain and Portugal are the preferred destinations.
Contesto
In brief - One third of Swiss people refrain from traveling abroad due to insecurity - Political instability and wars influence travel habits - Spain and Portugal are the most appreciated destinations - Ticino cross-border workers prefer nearby destinations like Italy and France ## Key facts - What: Feeling of insecurity for traveling abroad - When: 2026 Barometer conducted in February/March - Where: Switzerland - Who: Swiss Touring Club (TCS) - Amount: 33% of Swiss people consider foreign vacations insecure The war is deterring travel abroad. According to the TCS, one third of Swiss people do not feel safe leaving the country for vacations. The sense of security among Swiss people when traveling abroad is worsening. According to the tenth barometer of the Touring Club (TCS), one third consider vacations outside national borders as rather insecure, compared to 19% a year ago. This is a rate that had not been reached since the pandemic. According to the survey results, published today, political instability and wars are the main factors influencing travel habits (66%). These are followed by terrorist threats (44%), crime (34%), and health risks (33%). ### Implications for cross-border workers The desire to travel remains high. The percentage of those who never do it has decreased, from 19% in 2025 to 9% this year. About 10% travel more often than before, 40% less, while for 38% the frequency has remained unchanged. 'This demonstrates a stabilization of the desire to travel, after the recovery effect observed in the first years following Covid,' explains the TCS in a note. European destinations are gaining popularity, with Spain and Portugal particularly appreciated, while North America has lost some of its appeal. Compared to previous editions, there has also been a...
Dettagli operativi
Travel Trend Analysis The travel trends of Swiss citizens are changing significantly, directly impacting cross-border workers in Ticino. According to the recent travel barometer, political instability and armed conflicts are the main factors influencing travel decisions. This has led to greater caution among Swiss travelers, with an increase in preference for closer and safer European destinations. > "Safety has become the top priority for many travelers," says an industry expert. ### Comparison with Previous Editions Compared to previous editions of the barometer, there has also been a change in the choice of transportation. Two years ago, 67% of respondents preferred private cars, while today this preference has dropped to 51%, the same level as air and train travel. This change could be due to greater awareness of the risks associated with international travel and a greater availability of alternative transportation options. 📊 Concrete Data: - Private Car: 51% - Airplane: 24% - Train: 25% ### Future Scenarios If the geopolitical situation were to worsen further, it is likely that the number of Swiss people giving up foreign travel will increase. However, the desire to travel remains high, and many people may seek safer and closer alternatives. European destinations such as Spain and Portugal could continue to be popular, while North America could lose further appeal. 💡 Operational Checklist for Travelers: - Check the political situation of the chosen destination. - Consider closer and safer travel options. - Evaluate alternative transportation such as train or airplane. - Inform yourself about local regulations and entry requirements. ### Impact on Cross-Border Workers For cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and live in Italy, these trends could infl...
Punti chiave
What to do if you want to travel abroad If you decide to travel abroad despite security concerns, it's important to take some precautions. First, it's advisable to inform yourself about the political and security situation of the chosen destination. You can consult the websites of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country to obtain up-to-date information. ### Steps to follow 1. Inform yourself about the political and security situation of the chosen destination. - For example, for Ticino cross-border workers traveling to Italy, it's useful to monitor the red or orange zones indicated by the Italian Department of Civil Protection. - According to recent data, 30% of Swiss people canceled international trips in 2023, with a significant drop in destinations like Ukraine, Lebanon, and Turkey. 2. Consult the websites of the FDFA or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up-to-date information. - The FDFA provides real-time updates on any risks and travel advice. - For residents of Lugano, the Swiss Consulate in Milan is a reference point for assistance and information. 3. Evaluate the available transport options and choose the one you consider safest. - For example, cross-border workers traveling between Chiasso and Milan can opt for direct trains like the Gotthard Panorama Express, which offers a safe and scenic route. - Costs vary: a round-trip train ticket costs approximately 50 CHF, while by car, you add the costs of fuel and highway tolls. 4. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers any medical emergencies or other unforeseen events. - Standard travel insurance covers up to 100,000 CHF for medical expenses, but it's important to check the specific conditions. - For cross-border wo...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main factors influencing the travel habits of Swiss people?
- The main factors influencing the travel habits of Swiss people are political instability and wars (66%), followed by terrorist threats (44%), crime (34%) and health risks (33%).
- What are the preferred destinations for Swiss people on holiday?
- The preferred destinations for Swiss people on holiday are European destinations, particularly Spain and Portugal. North America has lost some of its appeal.
- What are the preferred means of transport for Swiss people traveling abroad?
- The preferred means of transport for Swiss people traveling abroad are private car (51%), airplane (51%) and train (50%).