According to a representative survey conducted by OTP Bank and Groupama Insurance, two-thirds of Hungarians aged 18 to 75 feel that the current economic climate makes taking a foreign holiday difficult, reflecting a cautious approach to travel decisions despite persistent high demand. Even among those who are definitely planning a trip this year, half share this sentiment, treating vacations as serious financial commitments rather than spontaneous summer plans.
Economic Pressures Shape Foreign Travel Budgets
Financial constraints have not caused travelers to abandon their holiday plans entirely. Data from the OTP Bank and Groupama Insurance study reveals that one-third of travelers intend to spend more on their holidays than they did last year, while only 7 percent plan to cut back their budgets. Travel frequency remains steady compared to the previous year, with one-third of the 18–75 age group traveling abroad at least once annually, a habit most common among younger demographics and higher-income earners.
Shift Toward Quietcation and Wellness Tourism
Travel preferences are actively shifting away from traditional sightseeing toward intentional rest and recovery. According to the survey, the quietcation—a trip focused on silence, calm, and recharging—has emerged as a highly attractive format, particularly for those who travel abroad less frequently. Wellness and health-focused travel are equally popular, each targeted by roughly one-quarter of international travelers. Concurrently, digital detox has become a priority, with many respondents seeking to disconnect from constant online presence for a few days, a trend especially pronounced among women, individuals aged 40 to 49, and parents.
Destination Selection and Insurance Considerations
While 60 percent of travelers return to past favorite destinations, 9 out of 10 also want to explore new locations. Safety and reliable accommodation remain the primary factors when choosing a destination, followed by local specialties, gastronomy, and the euro-forint exchange rate. Addressing the risks of active travel, Szobonya László, retail non-life insurance product management leader at Groupama Insurance, pointed out that standard European Health Insurance Cards do not cover private care, rescue, or repatriation, and require co-payments in state facilities such as those in Croatia. Adequate travel insurance bridges this gap.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Travel Planning
Travelers are increasingly adopting new technologies to streamline their itineraries. Research shows that nearly a third of international travelers have already used artificial intelligence to plan vacations, and another 25 percent are open to trying it. Adoption is highest among those under 30, though at least one in five travelers across all age groups uses AI tools primarily for building programs, choosing destinations, finding restaurants, and organizing transit.
Despite this tech adoption, human oversight remains central. Pista László, head of the insurance division at OTP Bank, noted that users treat AI as a smart advisor rather than a final decision-maker, relying on personal judgment for financial and insurance choices. Statistics show 57 percent of users consult AI only after forming their own travel ideas, while 43 percent involve it early for brainstorming. To meet demand for quick financial planning, OTP Bank now enables customers to secure comprehensive annual travel insurance online within minutes.
Pro Tip for Travelers
When planning active holidays involving hobbies like cycling or sailing, select a higher insurance coverage tier that accounts for your specific activities rather than just your destination, as standard cards often exclude private medical transport and rescue services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Hungarians view the cost of foreign travel?
According to the OTP Bank and Groupama Insurance survey, two-thirds of Hungarians aged 18 to 75 find it difficult to afford a foreign trip under current economic conditions, yet one-third plan to increase their holiday spending compared to last year.
What types of holidays are most popular now?
Quietcations focused on calm and rest, wellness-oriented trips, and digital detoxes are increasingly favored, alongside traditional destination exploration.
How is artificial intelligence used in trip planning?
Nearly a third of travelers use AI to arrange itineraries, select destinations, locate restaurants, and plan transport, though most still rely on their own judgment for bookings and insurance.
Does the European Health Insurance Card cover all medical costs abroad?
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