Rick Steves Explains Why Visiting Europe In 2026 Will Cost More Than You Think

Europe is a popular tourist destination, especially among Americans. The history, the culture, the food, and the adventure lured an estimated 750 million international travelers to European countries in 2024 (per UN Tourism). Unfortunately, this popularity means that tourists can expect to pay more for their Euro trip in 2026, according to travel guru, author, and television host Rick Steves. In an article about 2026 travel trends, Steves explains that some "overtouristed" locations are bumping up prices, meaning that overseas trips could be more expensive than you think. 

New tourist taxes and fees will certainly impact your wallet. But, according to Steves, the price increases are a way to manage crowds in popular locations. Overcrowding is one of the reasons many Europeans have become anti-tourist. He explains that some of the price increases are folded into the cost of hotels and accommodations as an additional tax. Other fees show up as increased admission prices at popular attractions, as some places charge more to visit on peak days.

According to the travel expert, many European countries are also implementing special pricing for locals, which means reduced fees for residents and higher fees for tourists. Steves shares that the new pricing system in Europe can fluctuate depending on the season. Dynamic pricing, or increasing prices when a site is more in demand, could also mean more euros are needed to explore certain areas.

Having a plan when traveling to Europe may help tourists avoid some of the increased attraction fees in 2026. Keeping a flexible schedule means visiting certain sites during off-peak times and possibly avoiding dynamic pricing hikes. The season in which you travel could also impact pricing. Consider traveling during the off-season to keep a few extra euros in your pocket.

It may be impossible to avoid some new fees for tourists, however. The Louvre, for example, already has separate rates for EU residents and non-EU residents. And later this year, visiting Europe visa-free will likely require an additional border fee. However, there may be ways for tourists to save money elsewhere. Rick Steves recommends saving on your travel budget by booking tickets online in advance. Many popular tourist destinations offer discounts on their website to encourage visitors to book early. Grabbing an entry time online even before your arrival date will likely not only save you some valuable euros, but is also one of several ways to avoid standing in long queues.

Travel industry experts expect sustainable tourism to continue throughout Europe, and that does mean additional costs in some cases to limit crowds and protect resources and sites. But don't let the new pricing system frustrate you or deter your exploration of Europe. There is so much to see and experience on the continent, and staying informed will help keep costs down and avoid financial surprises.