Paysafe research: Experience-led spending reshapes summer travel in 2026

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

• What: New research from Paysafe reveals a shift in summer travel spending towards experiences over shopping in 2026.
• Who: Key players include Paysafe and 4,500 surveyed consumers across multiple countries.
• Why it matters: This trend signals a transformation in consumer behavior that could impact travel providers and payment solutions.

§ 02 Key Developments

• 50% of travellers plan to spend more on experiences during trips, compared to 19% on shopping, indicating a clear preference shift.
• 91% of consumers are planning or considering a leisure trip this summer, showing robust travel demand despite changing behaviors.
• 44% of travellers report payment issues while travelling, and 45% have abandoned purchases due to payment difficulties.

§ 03 Strategic Context

• The shift towards experience-led spending reflects a broader transformation in consumer priorities from material goods to meaningful activities.
• This trend is part of the growing Experience Economy, where consumers prioritize experiences that enhance their travel, influencing how they plan and spend.

§ 04 Strategic Implications

• Travel providers must adapt to the increasing demand for seamless payment solutions to capture spontaneous spending and build customer loyalty.
• Long-term, businesses that can provide flexible payment options and remove friction in transactions are likely to gain a competitive advantage in the evolving travel landscape.

§ 05 Risks & Constraints

• Payment friction remains a significant barrier, risking lost revenue for travel providers who fail to address these challenges.
• Increased competition among businesses to provide seamless payment experiences may lead to pressures on margins and operational capabilities.

§ 06 Watchlist / Forward Signals

• Monitoring the adoption of flexible payment solutions among travel providers will be crucial in assessing market adaptation.
• Future developments in consumer preferences for payment methods and experiences during travel will signal the success of businesses in this space.