Iran war creates new must-have for summer holidays: the plan B

Travelers across Europe are rethinking their summer plans as the Iran conflict drives up airfares and disrupts flight routes, pushing many toward flexible, short-haul trips and train travel. Rising costs and uncertainty are also forcing long-distance travel plans, including trips to Australia, onto hold.

Ben Makori, Millie McCaughan/Reuters

12 May 2026 at 06:37:53

Iran war creates new must-have for summer holidays: the plan B

A screengrab photo in video showing Tourist in Europe.

Reuters

Greg Abbott is planning his summer holiday with half an eye on the Iran war. He intends to stay closer to home in Europe and is lining up a plan B, wary of rising air fares and cancellations.

The 54-year-old Britain-based Australian is planning a cycling trip in Austria, a festival in Barcelona and possibly a yoga retreat in France. But he doesn't want to go too far and is keeping travel options open.

"We'll almost certainly be doing short-haul Europe, and almost certainly be doing trains, because they run on electricity," said Abbott, head of operations for a broadcasting company.

Across Europe and beyond, tourists are reshaping plans in a world of $100 oil, tight jet fuel supply, higher costs and Middle East conflict disrupting popular routes. Many are booking later and building in flexibility.

Demand overall remains resilient, airlines and officials say, but destinations are shifting, with domestic travel gaining popularity.

Meanwhile, Abbott's hopes to travel beyond Europe and visit Australia are for now on the ice.

"I do miss home. I live here, but I grew up there," he said. "I have a load of friends and family back in Australia, but the prices are just crazy at the moment."

-Ben Makori, Millie McCaughan/Reuters