Romanians prefer escapades to the sea for a “mental reset” in 2026, with the beach being the preferred destination for the main holiday of the year, as travelers increasingly prioritize well-being and the need to disconnect from daily pressures.
A study conducted by research company Dynata for Revolut indicates a clear preference for summer trips, with 60% of all planned trips concentrated between June and September. While seaside or ocean destinations dominate across all demographics (39%), city breaks (19%) and sports adventures (12%) remain popular alternatives. However, the motivations behind these trips underscore a deep trend: the top reason for traveling in 2026 is “mental refreshment” (35%), followed by a desire to escape financial worries and work stress.
Last year, during the vacation season (May 1 – September 30), Romanians spent over 575 million euros in the top 10 summer destinations, which included: Greece, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Holland, France, Turkey, Hungary. They also made more than 23.8 million payments with the Revolut card in these countries (+3% compared to the same period of the previous year, adjusted for the growth of the customer base). The data also indicated that Romanian users also spent larger amounts in more distant or exotic destinations such as Macau, Antigua and Barbuda, Nicaragua, Barbados, Hong Kong, Argentina.
Tourism according to generation
The data highlight important differences between generations, especially regarding the way in which Romanians perceive tourist experiences. For Gen Z (42%) and millennials (40%), a vacation is a vital tool for mental health. Conversely, more than half of Boomers (52%) say they don’t feel the need to “run away” from responsibilities, viewing travel as a relaxation activity rather than an escape. Millennials also see vacations as a way to forget about financial pressures and everyday expenses to a greater extent than other generations (16% vs. 14% for GenX).
Gender Differences: Adventure vs. Relaxation
Although both men and women agree on the allure of the beach, their secondary preferences diverge. Men are much more tempted by adrenaline, with 17% choosing sports or adventure, compared to just 6% of women. Conversely, women show a greater affinity for spa retreats (10%) and “mental reset” getaways.
“Our latest data shows that, for Romanians, traveling in 2026 is not just about visiting new places, but rather finding a genuine mental reset. Given that August is the clear favorite for seaside getaways, we see a orientation towards ‘responsibility-free’ holidays‘ “, said Tamer Nurla, Deputy Branch Manager of RBUAB Vilnius Bucharest Branch, for “Adevărul”.
