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• According to ObservaTUR, 17% of national travelers will begin their vacations in September, marking a historical record.

The vacation habits of Spaniards are experiencing a notable change. This year, 17% of Spanish workers have decided to start their vacations in September, according to the most recent data from the National Observatory of Outbound Tourism (ObservaTUR). This percentage is the highest recorded to date, exceeding the 2023 figures by five points. This reflects a growing tendency to prolong the summer break, seeking getaways outside the busiest months.

New strategies to travel beyond summer

To enjoy their vacations in September, more and more travelers are turning to different formulas that allow them to maintain their desire to travel. The most popular option remains to take advantage of special offers and discounts, a tactic used by 35% of tourists. However, it is also common for Spaniards to cut back on other day-to-day expenses (33%) or save during the year (32%) with the aim of allocating more resources to their vacations.

In addition, many travelers opt for cheaper destinations (29%), reduce the length of their stay (21%) or choose to travel in the low season (20%), when prices are more affordable. All this shows that Spaniards seek to maximize their budget without giving up the pleasure of traveling.

A trend that has recently gained momentum is that of financing travel. According to the ObservaTUR report, three out of ten travelers who last year were not considering this option are now willing to consider it.

This financial strategy presents differences between the sexes: women are more likely to take advantage of discounts or reduce their personal expenses, while men prefer to save throughout the year to use that money for their trips. On the other hand, young people are the most inclined to save money throughout the year to finance their vacations, while those over 65 prefer to travel in low seasons to enjoy lower rates.

The september traveler profile

The study has also revealed the typical profile of the traveler in September. Couples predominate among tourists this month (70%), and the majority opt for national destinations (65%) to enjoy their vacations. Stays usually range from one week to 15 days, and many choose the beach as their preferred destination (42%).

Regarding means of transport, the private car is the favorite (49%), while the most common accommodation continues to be the hotel (57%), followed by tourist apartments (24%).

However, not everyone stays within Spanish borders. One in three travelers opts for international destinations, with the plane being the most used means of transport for these trips, while the train is also gaining popularity.

Increase in vacation budget

The average budget per person for holidays in September has also registered a slight increase, standing at 677 euros, 51 euros more than in previous years. This record is the highest in the last five years, and amounts to 706 euros if travelers staying in second homes are excluded.

With these data, it is clear that Spaniards are modifying their vacation habits, adapting to new formulas to continue traveling and enjoying getaways, even outside of the high season.