regional overnight travel meaning

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What is the Difference Between Regional Flights and Domestic Flights?

The term regional flights may be one of the most misunderstood in the aviation industry and there is a simple reason for that. Though the term is often used to describe certain flights, there is no rule in place, or definition, to determine what a regional flight is. Thus, differentiating regional from domestic flights is problematic.

Domestic flights are flights that initiate and terminate within the same country. Regional flights also initiate and terminate within the same country. However, they are thought of as flights over shorter distances. For example, flights between Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California would be considered domestic flights. Flights between Miami and Orlando, both in Florida, could be considered regional.

Despite the lack of a uniform definition, there are a number of suggestions that would make sense when terming a certain flight a as regional. Regional flights could be any flights that are within a day's drive, or 12 to 15 hours, of the originating airport. This would, by default, limit the area to a certain defined geographic region.

One other possibility is to split the United States up into quarterly regions and say all flights within that area are regional flights. However, arbitrarily drawing lines leads to some problems. For example, a flight originating in St. Louis, Missouri and landing in Louisville, Kentucky may be between two different regions. However, the distance between the two cities is easily reachable in a day's drive. In fact, under this definition, some regional flights may be longer than what would be termed domestic flights. This makes the definition somewhat awkward.

Perhaps regional flights are best defined by the type of plane that is used. This definition would make the most sense for a number of different reasons. Often, smaller jets or prop planes have a limited flight distance, so they must stay within a more limited geographic region than a jumbo jet.

Typically, these smaller jets are called commuter jets or regional jets. So it would logically follow they serve regional flights. Usually, these jets carry less than 50 individuals and have a range on a single tank of fuel of approximately 1,500 miles at most. Thus, if you are taking a flight that has approximately 50 seats or less and you are going less than 1,500 miles, you could reasonably term that as regional.

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• By: vlabo Regional cargo and and passenger carriers often use turboprop powered aircraft.
• Smaller planes have a limited flight distance, so they must stay within a limited geographic region.

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Over-the-Road vs Regional vs Local Truck Driving

Pros and cons to trucking jobs.

There are 3 main types of truck driving jobs available today. Those are Over-the-Road (OTR), Regional, and Local Trucking. Each of these job categories is different yet equally important within the trucking industry.

The following is an explanation of each type of trucking and the differences between them. Take a look into the pros and cons to find what type of trucking works best for your lifestyle:

Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking:

Over-the-Road Trucking (OTR) is longer-distance trucking that often will require drivers to be gone on trips that have them driving for up to several weeks at a time. As a result, that can mean more extended periods of time away from home. However, once a trip is complete drivers tend to get an extended period of time off as the result of having worked several weeks in a row.

OTR means you will log more miles which is great if you choose to explore different parts of the country. Usually, long-distance driving means you will get paid bigger bucks for logging those extra miles as well. The extended periods of vacation appeal to many drivers, although might be hard on drivers who have family responsibilities.

Regional Trucking:

Regional Trucking generally refers to someone who drives trucks in a certain part of the country also known as a “region”. This might mean you drive for the “Southwest Region” or “Northeast Region”. Drivers in these types of jobs generally drive certain, predetermined distances within a certain amount of hours each day and are able to return home on the weekend. These jobs are generally paid modest salaries. Working a traditional 5-day week and getting weekends off appeals to those with families and children with whom they wish to spend much time as possible with.

Local Trucking:

Local Trucking jobs tend to refer to those jobs that people have that only require them to drive a certain route within a town, city, or certain area. While the pay for these routes might be a bit lower than Over-the-Road (OTR) or even Regional Trucking jobs pay, Local Trucking jobs allow most drivers to go home to their families each night or even several nights per week.

The Best Fit Depends on Your Lifestyle:

Each of these jobs has their pros and cons. The best fit for you will largely depend on the lifestyle you want to have. Those who need to be home on a daily basis will probably work best in Local Trucking jobs, while those who do not mind being on the road might enjoy the higher pay and additional benefits of Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking.

Now that you know what to expect when you are choosing which kind of trucking job you wish to have you can make an educated choice on the job that best fits your needs. For more information on which type of trucking jobs fits you best, contact an admissions representative at CDS Tractor Trailer Training. At CDS we are ready to help you earn your Class A or Class B CDL training !

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Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

How to Answer “Are You Willing to Travel?” (Interview Question)

By Biron Clark

Published: December 5, 2023

If a job involves any travel, you’re likely to hear interview questions like, “Are you willing to travel?” “How much are you willing to travel?” etc.

So in this article, I’m going to walk you through how to answer all of these interview questions. And we’ll look at how to understand the meaning of “travel percentage,” so you’ll know what the job is really going to require before you say “yes” or “no.”

And finally, I’m going to share multiple word-for-word example answers to help you get confident and comfortable with this type of question.  So make sure you read until the end. 

Let’s get started…

Answers to “How Much Are You Willing to Travel?”

If they ask an open-ended interview question like this about your willingness to travel, you should state your answer as a percentage.

For example, you could say:

“I’m willing to travel up to 30% of the time. That’s what I did in my last job, and I know I’m comfortable with that amount.”

They may ask you directly for a percentage, with a question like, “what percentage are you willing to travel?” and you’d answer that in the same way. What does travel percentage mean, though? If you’re not sure, it’s essential to understand. So let’s discuss the meaning of “travel percentage.”

Travel percentage meaning: What is travel percentage?

So what does 70 percent travel mean? It means that the employer expects you to be traveling or in cities other than your home city for 70 percent of your working days. So you would expect to spend seven days traveling or away from home for every three days in your home town/office.

This is a very high amount of travel. In my experience working as a recruiter , most travel jobs are 50% or below, because this is less stressful and more sustainable for the worker. So, this is something to keep in mind when deciding how much you’re willing to travel, and whether you’ll take or decline the job offer . 

How to Answer, “Are You Willing to Travel X Amount?” – Examples

The hiring manager may also come out and tell you how much travel is involved, and then ask an interview question to determine if this is an acceptable travel amount. In this case, if it’s acceptable to you, then you can indicate that you are on-board with what they’re proposing. For example, you could say:

“That amount of travel will work for me. In my last company, I traveled that same amount, and it worked out fine.”

(It’s always good to show you’ve done something successfully in the past. This is the best way to improve to a new employer that you’ll be successful with them, too!)

No worries if you haven’t traveled for a job before, though…

Here’s an example of how you could still answer this question:

“That amount of travel sounds acceptable to me. I have no problem doing that for this role.”

Here’s another example:

“That sounds acceptable to me. I’d love to hear more about the role, and if it’s a good fit, then I am able to travel.”

Make Sure You Know What You’re Agreeing To

Another thing to keep in mind is the actual travel schedule. Two jobs could both have the same travel percentage – let’s say 50%. But one could have you spending two weeks away and then two weeks at home, while the other could have you traveling for 2-3 days at a time, returning, and doing it all again a few days later.

Depending on your family, children, etc., you may be able to handle one of these travel requirements but not the other. So the travel duration and schedule are two factors you should clarify before answering. You can say, “I would like to understand the company travel schedule a bit better. Can you give me an example of how long each trip would be, or what a typical month looks like?” This will help you get a clear picture of what your work schedule would look like before you answer the interview question. So don’t be afraid to ask questions of your own. You can’t answer interview questions like, “Are you willing to travel for this job?” without knowing what the company expects! For example, if they ask, “Can you travel if the job requires it?” you’d want to respond by saying, “How much travel is expected in the role?” You can’t give a good answer without knowing what they’re proposing or asking, so clarify that first. Once you know what the company expects, then it’s time to directly answer their question and indicate whether you can travel the amount they require.

You Can Also Try to Negotiate Your Travel Percentage/Willingness to Travel

If you’re interested in the job but can’t travel quite as much as they’re proposing, you can say:

“I don’t think I can travel quite that amount. The job and work sound interesting, and I’d love to consider the position if the travel requirements can be reduced to 30%”.

This may work, or it may not (depending on the role and company’s flexibility), but it’s worth asking! This way, you’ll find out the best they can do! You never know if they’re asking, “How much are you willing to travel?” because it’s a hard requirement, or if they’re just wondering how much you’re willing to do So give an honest answer and don’t be afraid to make a counter-proposal.

A lot of job seekers are afraid to set limits or “push back” in a job interview, but this can actually make you more attractive to the company. It shows confidence! However, you also don’t want to rule yourself out in an interview. So if you’re not quite sure, but think it’s possible to travel the amount that the company would like, just say “yes” for now. You’re not accepting the job or signing a contract. You’re just indicating whether this might be possible for you. And your goal in any interview is to get invited to the next step in the process… or get a job offer. So if you think it’s even remotely possible to travel the amount they want, then yes “Yes” and keep interviewing!

You can always go home and talk to friends and family and make a better decision about whether this is right for you! You do NOT need to decide this in the interview!

How to Answer, “Are You Willing to Travel or Relocate?” – Examples

This is a slightly different question. But just like with the questions and sample answers above, you should give an honest, upfront answer. There’s no sense in wasting their time if you absolutely cannot relocate. But if it’s even slightly possible, say “Yes” when an employer asks if you’re willing to relocate. Don’t rule yourself out. 

Remember: Your goal in the interview is to impress them and get invited back to the next round – so keep going with the job interview, and ask questions to learn more as you go! You’re NOT wasting the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s time by exploring the opportunity, as long as there’s a tiny chance you’d be willing to travel or relocate for the job. They want the opportunity to sell you on their position! I can’t stress this enough: You’re not wasting their time. I hear a lot of job seekers bring up concerns about this, so I just wanted to set the record straight!

You should now know what travel percentage is, and how to answer any time an employer asks about what percentage you’re willing to travel.

Remember – you’re not signing a contract or agreeing to anything in writing; you’re merely indicating whether this could potentially work (for the right opportunity). So stay calm, use the sample answers above, and be direct/concise when responding in a job interview.

This isn’t one of those interview questions where the hiring manager needs to hear a long-winded answer. So once you’ve answered the question, stop and let the interviewer move on!

About the Author

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Difference Between National, Regional, and Local Trucking

by Roane Transportation Team Member | Feb 19, 2019 | Drivers , Life at Roane Transportation | 4 comments

For individuals who are just beginning their trucking careers or for those who aren’t professional drivers, trucking industry lingo can be somewhat bemusing. One of the more confusing aspects that this article aims to clear up is the difference between national, regional, and local trucking and to clarify the different names associated with each form of truck driving work.

Different Trucking Jobs Explained

National trucking (otr).

National trucking is commonly referred to as Over-the-road trucking (OTR) by truck drivers but is also referred to as long-haul trucking. OTR drivers regularly haul a variety of goods across the continental United States and may travel from one end of the country to the other in one trip.

Regional Trucking

Regional trucking refers to hauling freight in a defined area or division. For example, a regional driver delivering loads to Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois would cover the Midwestern region. Regional drivers might also have a dedicated route which consists of making regular deliveries to the same clients. Regional drivers typically drive throughout the week and are home for the weekends.

Local Trucking

Local Trucking jobs are performed for a regional trucking company or maybe even a shipping company or manufacturer. Local trucking, or domestic routes, usually reside within 100 miles or so of the shipment location ensuring that the driver won’t have any overnight stays. Local drivers typically drive a company owned truck versus their own.

Which Type of Trucking is Better?

National (otr) driving pros & cons.

Long haul or OTR truckers have the most varied schedules out of any other form of truck driving. Additionally, they spend the most time away from home compared to regional or local drivers. Therefore, if you are going into long-haul trucking, prepare to spend a significant amount of time on the road.

Because ORT truckers can remain away from home for weeks at a time, they typically enjoy the highest pay rate within drivers. OTR CDL truck drivers earned an average salary of $82,000 per year in 2015. The “reset period” is the downtime between national hauls, and even though national drivers will spend two, three, or even four weeks away from home at a time, they also enjoy longer respites in between driving jobs.

An additional benefit of national trucking routes is for the professional driver who is a traveler at heart. When driving national OTR routes, you get paid to visit scenic spots and landmarks all over the country.  National, OTR drivers also have slightly more freedom over their daily schedule, by choosing how far you wanted to drive in a given day and where you will run out of hours to arrive in a more desirable truck stop.

Regional Driving Pros & Cons

Regional and local trucking are often lumped together into the same category of short-haul trucking. The biggest appeal to these types of trucking jobs is that with short stints comes more home time. Furthermore, because you will have a regular schedule with short-haul trucking, you’ll become intimate with your route and can develop a relationship with your customers.

Although regional and local driving jobs allow for a better work/life balance, you typically get paid by the mile, so you are on a tight schedule. When you’re paid by the mile, things such as getting caught in traffic or spending additional time loading and unloading can negatively affect your paycheck.

Local Driving Pros & Cons

Local drivers, when compared to their counterparts, are typically the lowest paying of the three major types of truck driving jobs. Additionally, local drivers are often required to load and unload the freight that they are hauling.

Despite the lower pay rate, local drivers enjoy several benefits including being at home every night and shorter drive times.

Roane Transportation’s Difference

When comparing long-haul to short-haul driving, there are a few personal decisions to be made; however, the takeaway should be that there is a broad spectrum of professional driving jobs to suit all personalities and lifestyles. Roane Transportation not only pays one of the highest rates per mileage for its National drivers, but also offers our regional and local drivers the option of being paid a salary or by their mileage. Professional drivers looking for better routes, better pay, and more home time should contact us today by filling out an online application .

I’m currently employed at E W Wylie transportation, I’ve been driving for more than 21years, mostly fb and step decks, I’m familiar with od and specialized leads. I reside in Richmond Va. I would be interested in speaking with you about possible employment, thank you .

Hi Ronald! Apologies we’re just getting back to you. Our application can be found under the driver’s tab. You may also reach out to us via our Facebook page.

Does this company have any local or regional routes around Lexington Kentucky

Our hot lanes can be found on our National, Regional, and Local Driving Careers section of our website under the Drivers tab. We do have runs to Lexington, but for more detail give us a call or fill out an application and we will be in touch! Thanks!

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Compensability of Overnight Travel Time

By Joseph R. Ward III

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has many nuances that can create legal pitfalls for employers who, through no fault of their own, are unfamiliar with each and every one of its intricate requirements. One such area is the compensability of a non-exempt employee’s time spent traveling to a location that requires an overnight stay away from his or her home.

As a general matter, the FLSA requires employers to pay non-exempt employees for their time spent working. While the FLSA does not explicitly define what constitutes “work,” the Portal-to-Portal Act provides that employers do not need to compensate employees for traveling to and from the actual place of work performance and the employee’s home, and FLSA regulations reiterate that normal travel from home to work is not compensable work time. Thus, these standards make clear that compensable work time generally does not include time spent commuting to or from work.

However, compensation for a non-exempt employee’s travel time that requires an overnight stay is subject to a different FLSA regulation that provides an employee’s time spent driving to a location that keeps the employee away from home overnight is compensable when it cuts across the employee’s workday or the employee’s regular working hours on nonworking days. The Regulation provides as follows:

Travel that keeps an employee away from home overnight is travel away from home. Travel away from home is clearly worktime when it cuts across the employee’s workday. The employee is simply substituting travel for other duties. The time is not only hours worked on regular working days during normal working hours but also during the corresponding hours on nonworking days. Thus, if an employee regularly works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday the travel time during these hours is worktime on Saturday and Sunday as well as on the other days. Regular meal period time is not counted. As an enforcement policy the Divisions will not consider as worktime that time spent in travel away from home outside of regular working hours as a passenger on an airplane, train, boat, bus, or automobile.

29 C.F.R. § 785.39.

Imagine that Pete, an hourly employee who regularly works 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, leaves work on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. and drives three hours away from his home community to the location of a training seminar to be held the following day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Immediately following the training seminar, Pete drives the three hours back to his home. Under this scenario, Pete must be compensated for the three hours he spent driving on Friday afternoon and for the one hour he spent driving between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday (whether the time spent at the training seminar is compensable is an issue for another day and the issue is subject to different regulations focused on not only whether the training was during Pete’s normal hours, but also whether it was job-related, voluntary, and if other work is performed concurrently). What’s more, if Pete had worked a full week leading up to the training seminar, that hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. driving on Saturday would constitute overtime and, therefore, it must be paid at time and one half.

While the basic principle is fairly comprehensible, whether travel time should be compensated becomes less clear when the travel time between an employee’s home and the job site is arguably drivable immediately before and after the employee’s shift. For example, it seems objectively reasonable for an employee to drive one hour each way to and from work and less realistic when the travel time is two or more hours each way. In other words, there is room for interpretation as to the threshold amount of time needed to travel away from home to consider it “overnight” travel.

The issue becomes even murkier when the non-exempt employee regularly works on jobsites away from their home community for long durations and voluntarily travels to and from his home on his days off rather than staying at the project location. So, if our hypothetical employee Pete is assigned to a worksite three hours away from his home and he travels back and forth on the weekends, there is a possibility that the voluntary travel time would be considered compensable if it occurred during normal work hours. Thus, the employer would be responsible for paying Pete for any hours that he traveled between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. despite the fact that such travel time was voluntarily undertaken by Pete with no ostensible benefit to his employer.

In determining the issue of whether voluntary overnight travel is compensable, courts analyze whether the employer offered to pay the employee’s living expenses while at remote work sites on nonworking days and whether the employee was aware of that option. If such an option exists and was made known to the employee, then the travel time spent driving to and from remote work sites could only be classified as “voluntary” and, therefore, non-compensable. If, however, the employer did not offer a per diem or stipend to its employees for nonworking days, or if such a policy existed but was never made known to employees, the employee may be entitled to compensation for the “required” travel time home.

In practical terms, employers should consider the most effective and efficient means of tracking their employees’ overnight travel time (a practice that in and of itself may present logistical issues) and develop policies that cover such situations including, for example, setting a lower rate of pay for overnight travel time. Of course, any such policies must also comply with minimum wage laws as well as any applicable state laws related to the sufficiency of notice that must be provided to employees prior to changing their rate of compensation. 

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Tourism statistics at regional level

Data extracted in March 2023.

Planned article update: September 2024.

In 2021, the Italian coastal region of Venezia had the highest number of nights spent in tourist accommodation (27.1 million).

In 2021, the Adriatic coastal region of Istarska županija (Croatia) had the highest number of nights spent in tourist accommodation by international tourists (20.7 million).

In 2021, the French capital region of Paris had the highest number of nights spent in tourist accommodation by domestic tourists (14.3 million).

Tourism , in a statistical context, refers to the activity of visitors taking a trip to a destination outside their usual environment, for less than a year. It is important to note that this definition is wider than the common everyday definition, insofar as it encompasses not only private leisure trips but also visits to family and friends, as well as business trips.

Tourism has the potential to play a significant role in many regional economies and can be of particular importance in remote/peripheral regions, such as the European Union (EU’s) coastal , mountain or outermost regions . Infrastructure that is created for tourism purposes contributes to local and regional development, while jobs that are created or maintained can help counteract industrial or rural decline. By contrast, tourism can have negative consequences/externalities, as excess demand may put a strain on local infrastructure and be a nuisance to local communities. Furthermore, tourism can impact the environment locally through noise, pollution, waste and wastewater, habitat loss and globally through transport-related emissions.

During the early months of the COVID-19 crisis in spring 2020, virtually all EU Member States implemented containment measures and restrictions on non-essential travel internally and/or internationally; some partially or completely closed their borders. Where international travel continued, it was generally accompanied by a requirement to go into quarantine. As well as travel-related restrictions, many governments also imposed restrictions on the way that tourism-related businesses could operate, in some cases closing them altogether. These restrictions had an immediate impact on the EU’s tourism supply and demand.

There was a partial recovery during summer 2020, as some travel/tourism-related restrictions were lifted. Nevertheless, many tourists were reluctant to travel and/or feared: the risk of further lockdown measures; the reintroduction of specific (travel) restrictions; catching/or spreading the virus when staying at their destination or travelling. This partial recovery was principally driven by domestic demand, as large numbers of people decided to stay in their home country and take a ‘staycation’ rather than crossing borders for a foreign holiday. Subsequent waves of the pandemic led many EU Member States to reintroduce restrictions, often with major consequences for winter tourism, while there was more commonly a relaxation/removal of restrictions during summer seasons, albeit with various constraints still in place (for example, wearing masks in confined spaces and/or providing proof of vaccination status).

At the time of writing (April 2023), life has returned to some form of pre-COVID-19 normality as the vast majority of restrictions linked to the pandemic have been lifted, including those on international travel. Despite the virus continuing to circulate with successive variants and waves of infection, there has been a general downward development in the height of the associated peaks for reported cases, hospitalisations, and deaths.

Overall there were 1 832 million nights spent in EU tourist accommodation during 2021. The infographic above shows the 10 NUTS level 3 regions with the highest numbers of nights spent. Two Italian regions – Venezia and Bolzano-Bozen – had the largest counts, with 27.1 and 23.8 million nights respectively. The number of nights spent in tourist accommodation exceeded 20.0 million in three additional regions: the French capital of Paris and the coastal regions of Mallorca (Spain) and Istarska županija (Croatia). Among the 1 166 regions for which data are available, these 10 regions made a substantial contribution to the overall number of nights spent in tourist accommodation; their cumulative share accounted for more than one tenth (10.8 %) of the EU total.

This article presents information on regional patterns of tourism across the EU. Its main focus is the provision of tourist accommodation services as measured by the number of nights spent. The chapter concludes with a set of experimental statistics on guest nights spent in short-term accommodation, collected from online booking platforms.

Full article

Number of nights spent in tourist accommodation.

Tourism statistics are traditionally collected from suppliers of tourism services through surveys of tourist accommodation establishments or from administrative data. These establishments include all types of accommodation which provide, as a paid service, accommodation for tourists. They are defined according to the activity classification NACE and include:

• hotels and similar establishments (NACE Group 55.1) ;
• holiday and other short-stay accommodation (NACE Group 55.2) ; and
• camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks (NACE Group 55.3) .

The number of nights spent in EU tourist accommodation remained 36.3 % below pre-pandemic levels

In 2021, there were 1.83 billion nights spent in all forms of tourist accommodation across the EU. This figure reflects both the length of stay and the number of tourists and is considered a key indicator for analysing tourism, even if it does not cover stays at non-rented accommodation nor same-day visits. Although there was a partial recovery in the total number of nights spent in EU tourist accommodation during 2021 (up 28.8 % compared with 2020), this figure should be put into context. Prior to COVID-19, the total number of nights spent had reached 2.87 billion in 2019; as such, the latest annual figure for 2021 remained more than one third (36.3 %) below its pre-pandemic peak.

Map 1 shows information on the total number of nights spent in tourist accommodation for NUTS level 3 regions; note that the data for Belgium and Türkiye are presented at level 2. Aside from presenting information on the total number of nights spent by tourists (the size of each circle), the map also provides details as to their origin – whether they were domestic or international tourists. In 2021, this distribution was heavily skewed, as many tourists remained in their country of residence due to uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 crisis. There were 87 regions across the EU (out of 1 102 for which data are available) where the number of nights spent by international tourists was higher than the number spent by domestic tourists. Put a different way, less than 1 in 10 (or 7.9 % of EU regions) had a higher number of nights spent by international (rather than domestic) tourists.

International tourists tend to cluster in a very small number of regions that are among the most frequented destinations, which may lead to additional tourism pressures and have implications for sustainable development. In 2021, there were 52 NUTS level 3 regions where international tourists accounted for at least 65.0 % of the total nights spent (they are shown in a blue shade within Map 1). The vast majority (45 out of these 52 regions) recorded at least 1.0 million nights spent in tourist accommodation. These heavily frequented international tourist destinations could be split into three principal groups:

• capital regions (as was the case in Belgium, Czechia, Greece, Croatia, Luxembourg, Hungary and Austria);
• coastal regions that are traditionally popular beach holiday destinations (for example, Varna in Bulgaria; Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Rodos in Greece; Mallorca, Tenerife and Gran Canaria in Spain; Istarska županija, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija and Primorsko-goranska županija in Croatia; Cyprus; Malta; or Região Autónoma da Madeira in Portugal); and
• mountain regions that are popular winter (and sometimes summer) holiday destinations (for example, Tiroler Unterland and Pinzgau-Pongau in western Austria).

Overall, international tourists accounted for less than one third (32.1 %) of the total nights spent in EU tourist accommodation during 2021. However, as noted above, some of the EU’s most frequented tourist regions are characterised by a high proportion of international tourists. The two most frequented NUTS level 3 regions (in terms of nights spent) – Venezia and Bolzano-Bozen in northern Italy – both reported a majority of nights spent by international tourists (60.8 % and 62.1 % respectively). The relative importance of international tourists was even greater elsewhere: for example, international tourists accounted for 88.5 % and 95.3 % respectively of the total nights spent in the EU’s fourth and fifth most frequented regions, namely, Mallorca (Spain) and Istarska županija (an Adriatic region in Croatia). Looking in more detail, the concentration of international tourists was also very high in several other NUTS level 3 regions: alongside Istarska županija (Croatia), international tourists accounted for at least 19 out of every 20 nights spent in 2021 in: Irakleio and Rethymni (both on the island of Crete in Greece) and Außerfern (an Alpine region that forms part of Tirol in Austria).

Domestic tourists accounted for more than two thirds (67.9 %) of the total nights spent in EU tourist accommodation during 2021. This figure was considerably higher than before the COVID-19 crisis, underlining a shift from foreign destinations to ‘staycations’ during the pandemic. In 1 015 out of 1 102 NUTS level 3 regions for which data are available (92.1 % of EU regions), domestic tourists accounted for a majority of the nights spent in tourist accommodation.

Based on 2021 data for NUTS level 3 regions, the French capital of Paris recorded the highest number (14.3 million) of nights spent in tourist accommodation by domestic tourists. As such, almost two thirds (62.3 %) of the total number of nights spent in the French capital – the third most frequented tourist region in the EU (see the infographic above for more details) – were accounted for by domestic tourists. Along with Paris, there were three more of the 10 most frequented regions in the EU that reported a higher proportion of domestic (rather than international) tourists, all in Spain – Madrid (where the share of domestic tourists was 64.3 %), Alicante/Alacant (58.0 %) and Málaga (50.4 %).

Domestic tourists accounted for at least 95.0 % (19 out of 20) nights in 121 different regions across the EU; note, however, that these very high shares were often recorded in regions characterised by relatively low tourist numbers. Looking in more detail, a subset of 38 regions had an overall total of at least 1.0 million nights spent in tourist accommodation and at least 95.0 % of all nights accounted for by domestic tourists (they form part of the group identified by the biggest green circles in Map 1). These regions tended to be in relatively large EU Member States (where domestic demand was likely to be higher) and included: 22 regions from Germany; nine regions from Poland; three regions from the Netherlands and from Romania; and a single region from Sweden. Within this group of 38 regions, the share of nights spent by domestic tourists peaked at 99.5 % in Wittmund (a coastal region in northern Germany) and Włocławski (in central Poland).

Paris had the highest count of nights spent in tourist accommodation by domestic tourists, while the Adriatic region of Istarska županija (Croatia) had the highest number of nights spent by international tourists

Figure 1 presents the EU’s most frequented tourist destinations in 2021: it is based on NUTS level 3 regions with the highest number of nights spent in tourist accommodation by domestic tourists (left-hand side of the figure) and by international tourists (right-hand side of the figure).

The French capital region of Paris (14.3 million) had the highest count of nights spent in tourist accommodation by domestic tourists in 2021. It was followed by two more French regions, as domestic tourists spent 11.6 million nights in each of the Mediterranean regions of Var and Hérault. There were four other regions in the EU where domestic tourists spent at least 10.0 million nights in tourist accommodation: the Adriatic regions of Venezia and Rimini (both Italy), the Mediterranean region of Alicante/Alacant (Spain) and the Spanish capital region of Madrid.

In 2021, the Adriatic region of Istarska županija in Croatia (which includes, among others, the popular holiday destinations of Poreč, Pula and Rovinj) had the highest count of nights spent in tourist accommodation by international tourists, at 20.7 million. It was followed by the Spanish island region of Mallorca (19.3 million nights), while the third most frequented region in the EU for international tourists was Venezia (Italy; 16.5 million nights). There were five additional regions across the EU which recorded more than 10.0 million nights spent by international tourists: the mountainous region of Bolzano-Bozen in northern Italy; the Greek island region of Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Rodos; Splitsko-dalmatinska županija and Primorsko-goranska županija (two more Adriatic regions in Croatia); and another Spanish island region, Tenerife.

Figure 2 extends the analysis by showing, within each EU Member State, the most frequented region for domestic and for international tourists (based on the share of the total number of nights spent in tourist accommodation in each Member State). Note that these relative shares reflect, to some degree, the number of regions in each Member State and that Cyprus and Luxembourg are single regions at NUTS level 3 (and hence are not shown), while data for Belgium is at NUTS level 2.

There were nine EU Member States (out of 25 for which data are presented) where the same region was the most frequented among both domestic and international tourists:

• in Germany, France, Malta, Finland and Sweden this was the capital region – Berlin, Paris, the island of Malta, Helsinki-Uusimaa and Stockholms län;
• in Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy and Portugal this was a region other than the capital – Prov. West-Vlaanderen, Burgas, Venezia and Algarve.

In 10 of the 16 remaining EU Member States, the capital region was the most frequented among international tourists; this was the case in Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania and Slovakia. In the other six Member States, the most frequented regions for international tourists were:

• the coastal regions of Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Rodos in Greece, Mallorca in Spain and Istarska županija in Croatia;
• the mountainous regions of Tiroler Unterland in Austria and Gorenjska in Slovenia (which includes the popular tourist attraction of Lake Bled); and
• Szczeciński in north-west Poland (which is located close to the German border and on the Baltic coast).

Among the same 16 EU Member States, the most frequented regions for domestic tourists were often less well-known internationally. Leaving aside the four landlocked Member States for which data are available – Czechia, Hungary, Austria and Slovakia – the most frequented regions for domestic tourists shared a common characteristic insofar as all but one was a coastal region: Sydjylland (Denmark); Lääne-Eesti (Estonia); South-West (Ireland); Andros, Thira, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos (Greece); Alicante/Alacant (Spain); Primorsko-goranska županija (Croatia); Pierīga (Latvia); Klaipėdos apskritis (Lithuania); Koszaliński (Poland); Obalno-kraška (Slovenia); and Constanţa (Romania). The only exception was Veluwe in the centre of the Netherlands (that contains a national park).

Impact of COVID-19: the number of nights spent in EU tourist accommodation by domestic tourists was 17.9 % lower in 2021 than it had been in 2019

Note that the detail of the analyses in the final two maps of this section has been reduced, as regional statistics at NUTS level 2 (rather than NUTS level 3) are available for a longer time series.

Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in 2019, the highest number of nights spent in tourist accommodation by domestic tourists across NUTS level 2 regions was recorded in the French capital region of Ile-de-France (40.7 million). Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (also in France), Andalucía (Spain) and Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) were the only other regions in the EU where domestic tourists spent more than 30.0 million nights. In 2021, the same five regions continued atop the ranking for the number of nights spent by domestic tourists. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (34.3 million) was the most frequented region, passing Ile-de-France that fell to second place (32.1 million), while domestic tourists spent at least 28.5 million nights in Rhône-Alpes, Andalucía and Schleswig-Holstein.

The total number of nights spent in EU tourist accommodation by domestic tourists was 17.9 % lower in 2021 than it had been in 2019. The regional distribution of this change was somewhat skewed insofar as there were 134 regions (equivalent to 56.8 % of all NUTS level 2 regions for which data are available) where the decline in the number of nights spent by domestic tourists between 2019 and 2021 was more substantial than the EU average. Some of the biggest reductions in nights spent by domestic tourists were observed in capital regions and urban regions, with tourists likely favouring more rural locations during the pandemic and lower levels of professional travel. The largest reduction was recorded in the Irish capital region of Eastern and Midland, with a fall of 72.0 %; it is shaded in yellow in Map 2. The number of nights spent by domestic tourists fell by close to half between 2019 and 2021 in the following:

• the capital regions of Région de Bruxelles-Capitale / Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Belgium), Berlin (Germany), Wien (Austria) and Bratislavský kraj (Slovakia);
• the German regions of Darmstadt, Düsseldorf and Stuttgart; and
• Notio Aigaio in Greece.

At the other end of the range, there were 34 NUTS level 2 regions across the EU where the number of nights spent by domestic tourists was higher in 2021 than it had been in 2019; Algarve (Portugal) was the only region in the EU to record almost the same number in both years (0.0 % rate of change). Together, these 35 regions are shown in the darkest shade of blue in Map 2. Looking in more detail, the biggest increases in nights spent by domestic tourists were observed in:

• the Slovenian capital region of Zahodna Slovenija (up 65.8 %);
• Zeeland in the Netherlands (up 56.9 %); and
• Cyprus (up 52.9 %).

Impact of COVID-19: the number of nights spent in EU tourist accommodation by international tourists was 56.8 % lower in 2021 than it had been in 2019

The total number of nights spent in EU tourist accommodation by international tourists was 56.8 % lower in 2021 than it had been in 2019 (compared with a fall of 17.9 % for the number of nights spent by domestic tourists). The downturn in international tourist activity could be linked to national governments introducing travel bans and/or quarantine restrictions that stopped or dissuaded many people from travelling to an international destination (particularly when using air transport that could be cancelled at short notice due to a change in rules/regulations). Furthermore, at least during the initial stages of the pandemic, national, regional or local governments often imposed restrictions on a range of activities to prevent the spread of the virus (for example, closing hotels completely, reducing access to bars and restaurants, or banning large groups of people).

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the highest number of nights spent in tourist accommodation by international tourists across NUTS level 2 regions was recorded in the Spanish island region of Canarias (83.9 million in 2019), while large numbers of international tourist nights – within the range of 48.2–80.6 million – were recorded in Jadranska Hrvatska (Croatia), Illes Balears, Cataluña (both Spain) and Veneto (Italy). In 2021, these five regions were also at the top of the ranking, although the impact of the pandemic on international tourist nights was much greater in the Spanish regions. Jadranska Hrvatska (61.0 million nights spent by international tourists) was the most frequented region, followed at some distance, by Canarias (32.1 million). In Jadranska Hrvatska, the number of nights spent by international tourists between 2019 and 2021 was 24.3 % lower than it had been in 2019. This was the smallest fall recorded for any NUTS level 2 region of the EU and could be contrasted with decreases of 61.7 % and 66.9 % in Canarias and Cataluña, respectively.

The asymmetric impact of the COVID-19 crisis is apparent when studying Maps 2 and 3; note that these two maps use a common scale to aid comparison. EU regions that traditionally attracted high numbers of international tourists were generally far more affected by the pandemic than regions principally frequented by domestic tourists:

• the overall number of nights spent in tourist accommodation by international tourists was lower in 2021 than in 2019 in all 236 NUTS level 2 regions for which data are available;
• there were 66 regions where the number of nights spent by international tourists was more than 65.0 % lower in 2021 than in 2021 (in contrast to a single region for domestic tourists);
• only two regions reported a smaller decrease in the number of nights spent by international (rather than domestic) tourists between 2019 and 2021 – Notio Aigaio (Greece) and Chemnitz (Germany).

Map 3 shows that the regional distribution of the overall change in nights spent by international tourists between 2019 and 2021 was somewhat skewed insofar as there were 138 regions (equivalent to 58.5 % of all regions) where the decrease in total nights spent was more substantial than the EU average. Among these, the biggest falls – where the number of nights spent fell by more than 65.0 % (as shown by the lightest shade of yellow in Map 3) – were primarily concentrated in:

• capital regions – those of Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden;
• other urban regions (which may have been impacted, among others, by a downturn in business travellers);
• island regions (that are typically reached by air transport, which was significantly curtailed during the pandemic).

Looking in more detail, three of the five NUTS level 2 regions with the biggest decreases in their number of nights spent in tourist accommodation by international tourists between 2019 and 2021 were capital regions: Lazio (Italy; down 82.0 %), Praha (Czechia; down 79.1 %) and Bratislavský kraj (Slovakia; down 78.1 %). There were also very large contractions observed in Ciudad de Ceuta (Spain; down 87.1 %) and Etelä-Suomi (Finland; down 79.7 %) although both these regions received relatively few international tourists (even prior to the pandemic).

Seasonality

Seasonality can have a considerable impact on tourism: it is linked to a range of environmental factors such as climate or geographical location, as well as socioeconomic factors like public and school holidays or factories closing down for annual leave. During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional patterns of seasonality were overlaid with the impact of peaks/troughs in infection rates and changes to travel and/or quarantine restrictions. As a result, many people had to reassess their holiday plans, choosing different types of accommodation, changing their preferred mode of transport, travelling at different periods of the year, and/or considering alternative destinations; some chose not to travel at all.

With COVID-19 infection rates generally lower in the summer (than the winter) months, the traditional dominance of July and August was amplified in 2020. There was a partial return to ‘normality’ in 2021, as seasonality patterns returned somewhat closer to those displayed pre-pandemic, albeit at a lower overall level.

There were 358 million and 431 million nights spent in EU tourist accommodation during the months of July and August 2021. As such, they were the two busiest months for tourism in the EU, together accounting for more than two fifths (43.1 %) of all nights spent in tourist accommodation during the course of 2021. Note that tourist arrivals are generally more evenly spread than the number of nights spent across the calendar year, due to a higher concentration of longer stays in the summer months. Domestic tourists were the main contributors to this summer peak, as they accounted for approximately two thirds of all nights spent in July and August 2021 (67.7 % and 66.6 % respectively); these shares were considerably higher than before the pandemic, when international tourists had accounted for approximately half of the total nights spent in the EU during the summer months.

Map 4 shows for each NUTS level 2 region the share of the two busiest months in the total number of nights spent in tourist accommodation during 2021. In approximately three quarters of EU regions (185 out of the 242 for which data are available), July and August had the highest numbers of nights spent. In those regions where July and August were not the two busiest months, it was generally the case that one or both were replaced by autumn or winter months (towards the end of the year). Note there were a considerable number of lockdowns in place at the start of 2021 and hence most traditional winter resorts did not receive very high numbers of tourists during the first few months of 2021. The exceptions – where July and August were not the two busiest months – were observed among capital regions or urban regions, which may receive a relatively high number of tourists for professional reasons and are popular destinations for short/weekend breaks. For example, October and November were the two busiest months in 2021 in the Belgian, French, Spanish and Hungarian capital city regions. It is also interesting to note that some popular coastal destinations also had peaks in seasonality towards the end of the year that could be linked, at least in part, to their favourable climates. This was the case, for example, in Canarias (Spain) where October and November were the two busiest months, or the French outermost regions of Guadeloupe, Martinique and La Réunion where December was one of the two busiest months.

There were 49 NUTS level 2 regions across the EU where the two busiest months of the year accounted for at least half of all nights spent in tourist accommodation during 2021. These regions with a high degree of seasonality are shown by the darkest two shades of blue in Map 4. Looking in more detail, there were five regions where the two busiest months of the year accounted for at least two thirds of the total nights spent. In all five cases, this high degree of seasonality could be linked to a dramatic increase in tourist activity during the summer months of July and August 2021, as seen in:

• the two main tourist regions of Bulgaria – Yugoiztochen and Severoiztochen – where July and August accounted for 70.9 % and 67.8 %, respectively, of the total nights spent in tourist accommodation during 2021;
• the most frequented tourist region in the EU (at NUTS level 2) – Jadranska Hrvatska (Croatia; 68.7 %);
• Sud-Est in Romania (68.5 %); and
• Calabria in southern Italy (66.6 %).

The lowest levels of concentration in the two busiest months were generally observed either in capital/urban regions or in more rural, sparsely populated regions that had relatively low levels of tourism; in both cases, demand was more evenly spread over the year. In 2021, there were 31 NUTS level 2 regions where the two busiest months accounted for less than 30.0 % of the total nights spent in tourist accommodation (as shown by the lightest shade of yellow in Map 4). This group included:

• the capital regions of Bulgaria, Spain, France, Croatia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Finland and Sweden;
• several German regions with relatively large cities – Darmstadt, Stuttgart, Münster, Düsseldorf and Bremen;
• four out of the five outermost regions of France (while the fifth region, La Réunion, had a share of 30.0 %).

The lowest levels of seasonality during 2021 were observed in:

• the Spanish autonomous region of Ciudad de Melilla (which had a very low overall number of tourists), where August and September accounted for 22.6 % of the total number of nights spent in 2021;
• the French capital region of Ile-de-France, where October and November accounted for 24.4 % of all nights spent; and
• the Bulgarian capital region of Yugozapaden, where July and August accounted for 25.5 % of all nights spent.

Tourism pressures

Sustainable tourism involves the preservation and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage, including the arts, gastronomy or biodiversity. The success of tourism is, in the long-term, closely linked to its sustainability, with the quality of destinations often influenced by their natural and cultural environment and/or integration into the local community. Since the advent of mass tourism in the 1950s and 1960s, EU regions have been affected by tourism in different ways: while some regions continue to receive very few visitors, others have seen their numbers of tourists grow considerably. Although some regions in the EU receive a steady flow of tourists year-round, most receive the vast majority of their visitors during a single season.

Tourism intensity, defined here as the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation per 1 000 inhabitants, is shown in Map 5. Note that the statistics presented are likely to underestimate the true extent of tourism pressures, given the numerator for the ratio does not include same-day visitors or tourists staying in non-rented accommodation (such as second homes, or stays with friends/relatives). Across the whole of the EU, there were 4 096 nights spent in tourist accommodation per 1 000 inhabitants in 2021. The regional distribution of tourism pressures was heavily skewed, highlighting that mass tourism tends to be concentrated in relatively few regions and those outside of capital cities and other major urban areas, often have a relatively small resident population. Indeed, the ratio of tourist nights spent per 1 000 inhabitants was higher than the EU average in less than 3 out of every 10 NUTS level 3 regions (339 out of 1 116 for which data are available). Map 5 shows where tourism pressures were concentrated in 2021: there were 117 regions where at least 11 200 nights were spent in tourist accommodation per 1 000 inhabitants (as shown by the darkest shade of blue). These regions could be divided into two groups:

• regions characterised by mass tourism, that are relatively well equipped to receive large numbers of tourists in heavily frequented resorts at the same time of year;
• other destinations that were relatively sparsely populated, where even quite small numbers of tourists might place a considerable strain on the local infrastructure.

Looking in more detail, there were eight NUTS level 3 regions where the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation per 1 000 inhabitants was greater than 50 000 in 2021:

• the Adriatic regions of Istarska županija and Ličko-senjska županija (in Croatia) – the former had the highest ratio of tourism intensity across the EU, at 103 137 nights spent per 1 000 inhabitants;
• the Greek island regions of Zakynthos and Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Rodos.
• the Spanish island region of Fuerteventura (that is part of Canarias);
• the western Austrian region of Außerfern;
• the Belgian coastal region of Arr. Veurne; and
• the northernmost German region of Nordfriesland (also a coastal region).

Guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via online collaborative economy platforms

Developments in information and communication technologies have had a major impact on the tourist accommodation market. The emergence of online platforms has made it easier for small-scale service providers to advertise/offer their rooms, apartments and holiday homes to potential guests, with a rapid expansion of this market.

Experimental statistics on short-stay accommodation offered via online platforms

The information presented so far in this chapter has been based on official tourism statistics, compiled according to Regulation (EU) No 692/2011 . Those statistics provide only limited coverage of holiday and short-stay accommodation, as data for holiday homes, apartments and rooms in otherwise private buildings are often outside the scope of tourism registers and surveys. Official statistics on holiday and short-stay accommodation are generally underestimated, given that several EU Member States limit the scope of observations to establishments with, for example, at least 10 bed places. In recent years, this coverage issue has been further compounded by the emergence of online platforms that provide relatively simple methods for private individuals and small enterprises to offer short-stay accommodation; this has led to a surge in the provision of this type of accommodation.

For this reason, Eurostat embarked on an experimental data collection exercise aimed at improving the completeness of tourism statistics. It is based on a previously unexplored channel, namely data on listings/bookings obtained directly from four major online platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor and Expedia Group). The exercise was restricted to the collection of information on holiday and short-stay accommodation (NACE Group 55.2), reflecting the principal type of accommodation for service providers within the collaborative economy.

As with other areas of the tourism sector, the COVID-19 crisis had a considerable impact on the number of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation reserved through online booking platforms. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, some 511.9 million guest nights were spent at short-stay accommodation across the EU. This number fell dramatically to 271.2 million in 2020 (down 46.9 %), before recovering somewhat during 2021, when 363.9 million guest nights were spent at short-stay accommodation reserved through online booking platforms. As such, the number of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation in the EU remained 28.9 % lower in 2021 than it had been pre-pandemic. However, a more detailed analysis reveals an interesting contrast insofar as the number of nights spent by domestics guests rose 19.9 % between 2019 and 2021, whereas the number of nights spent by international guests fell 53.1 %. Across the 1 166 NUTS level 3 regions for which data are available, there were 821 regions that recorded an increase in the number of nights spent by domestic guests between 2019 and 2021. By contrast, there were only 95 regions where the number of nights spent by international guests rose during the period under consideration. Those regions that did report an increase in their number of nights spent by international guests were usually rural regions; they were generally characterised by a relatively low initial number of international guests (in 2019).

The Mediterranean coastal region of Alicante/Alacant (Spain) was the most frequented region in terms of nights spent by domestic guests in short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms

At the time of writing (April 2023), the latest annual data for short-stay accommodation reserved through online booking platforms concern 2021. Across NUTS level 3 regions, the most frequented tourist regions for domestic guests – in absolute terms – were coastal regions in two of the largest EU Member States:

• the Spanish regions of Alicante/Alacant (that had the highest count, at 3.7 million guest nights) and Málaga; and
• the southern French regions of Var, Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-Maritimes.

The most frequented tourist region for domestic guests that was not coastal was the French region of Haute-Savoie in the Alps.

The Adriatic region of Splitsko-dalmatinska županija (Croatia) was the most frequented region in terms of nights spent by international guests in short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms

Figure 3 also shows those NUTS level 3 regions that recorded the highest number of nights spent by international guests at short-stay accommodation offered via online booking platforms. In 2021, the highest count was recorded in the southern Croatian coastal region of Splitsko-dalmatinska županija (5.6 million nights). There were seven other regions across the EU where upwards of 3.0 million nights were spent by international guests:

• four of these were located in Spain – Málaga, Barcelona, Mallorca and Tenerife;
• two in Portugal – Área Metropolitana de Lisboa and Algarve;
• with one (additional) region in Croatia – Istarska županija.

Comparing the two lists – the 20 most frequented regions for domestic and for international guests – there were six regions that featured in both rankings:

• the Spanish regions of Málaga, Alicante/Alacant and Madrid;
• the Portuguese region of Algarve;
• the French regions of Alpes-Maritimes and Paris.

The analysis presented in Figure 4 focuses on cities . It shows those EU cities with the highest number of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms in 2021 (with a split between domestic and international guests).

Figure 4 shows the 20 most frequented cities in the EU as measured by the number of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms in 2021. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis was particularly hard on city destinations, likely reflecting a downturn in business as well as personal travel. Among these 20 most frequented cities, a majority reported that their overall number of guest nights was at least 50 % lower in 2021 than it had been in 2019. The largest decreases were recorded in Budapest (Hungary; down 72.9 %), Roma (Italy; down 69.5 %), Wien (Austria; down 66.3 %), Barcelona (Spain; down 65.0 %) and Lisboa (Portugal; down 64.1 %). Marseille (France) was the only city – among the top 20 in 2021 – to report a higher number of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms in 2021 than in 2019 (up 0.9 %).

In 2021, Paris was the most frequented city in the EU in terms of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms (a total of 6.4 million nights). This was considerably higher than in Barcelona (3.9 million), while Lisboa, Madrid, Nice and Roma also reported more than 3.0 million guest nights. Figure 4 also provides information as to the origin of guests staying at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms. The relative importance of domestic and international guests to each city varied considerably. For example, while more than four out of every five nights spent in Marseille could be attributed to domestic guests, almost 9 out of every 10 nights spent in Lisboa could be attributed to international guests. In 2021, domestic guests accounted for more than half of all nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms in Marseille, Gdansk, Nice, Warszawa and Paris. International guests accounted for more than three quarters of all nights spent in Lisboa, Budapest, Porto, Barcelona, Wien, Venezia, Athina and Roma.

The final analysis in this section based on data from online booking platforms concerns a timelier dataset. At the time of writing (April 2023), information for the first three quarters (January to September) of 2022 is available at NUTS level 2, which allows for a more profound analysis of the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

During the first three quarters of 2022 (which include the peak months of July and August), the number of guest nights spent at EU short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms was 450.4 million. This was 6.3 % higher than the value recorded during the first three quarters of 2019 (423.7 million), suggesting that the online bookings market had recovered from the impact of the pandemic.

The Adriatic coastal region of Jadranska Hrvatska (Croatia) recorded, by far, the highest number (25.7 million) of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms during the first three quarters of 2022. Note that most regions have their guest nights concentrated in the summer months (and hence their peak season is included in the data presented here). However, tourist demand in some regions may be spread more evenly across the year and so the final quarter (for which data are not yet available) may account for a greater share of the annual total. The Spanish region of Andalucía had the second highest number of guest nights (20.4 million), followed by Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (France; 18.9 million), and two more Spanish regions – Cataluña (14.8 million) and Comunitat Valenciana (13.2 million). Together these five regions accounted for more than one fifth of the total number of guest nights spent at EU short-stay accommodation during the first three quarters of 2022.

The number of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms during the first three quarters of 2022 increased in the vast majority of NUTS level 2 regions when compared with the equivalent period in 2021. The number of guest nights increased in 239 out of 242 regions for which data are available. Two of the three exceptions were located in the Netherlands, with no change in the number of guest nights recorded in Friesland and a modest fall in Drenthe. The only other region in the EU to record a fall (also modest) in its number of guest nights was Sud-Est (Romania). At the other end of the range, there were 26 regions where the number of guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms at least doubled between the first three quarters of 2021 and 2022. This group included the capital regions of Belgium, Czechia, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia. Among these, there were two regions – Budapest (Hungary) and Praha (Czechia) – where the number of guest nights more than trebled during the period under consideration.

Map 6 can be used to identify those regions with: i) at least 2.5 million guest nights spent at short-stay accommodation offered via selected online booking platforms during the first three quarters of 2022; and ii) at least 66.6 % growth in the number of guest nights between the first three quarters of 2021 and 2022. There were 21 NUTS level 2 regions that met both of these criteria, and they are shown using the darkest shade of green. This group of 21 regions was composed principally of regions located in traditional holiday destinations across southern EU Member States – in Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal. However, it also included:

• three regions in Austria – Wien, Salzburg and Tirol;
• the French and Hungarian capital regions of Ile-de-France and Budapest;
• Małopolskie in Poland (whose provincial capital is Kraków).

Source data for figures and maps

Data sources

Tourism statistics presented within this chapter may be split into two main types:

• official statistics relating to the occupancy of tourist accommodation establishments; and
• experimental statistics on short-stay accommodation booked through four major online booking platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor and Expedia Group).

Official statistics relating to the occupancy of collective tourist accommodation

Regional tourism statistics are available from suppliers of tourism services and are collected through surveys of tourist accommodation establishments (establishments are also referred to as local kind-of-activity units ). These surveys provide information that covers tourism capacity (counts of establishments, rooms and bed places) and occupancy (the number of arrivals and nights spent). The data may be analysed by region, by degree of urbanisation, and for coastal/non-coastal areas.

Since 2012, the legal basis for the collection of tourism statistics has been Regulation (EU) No 692/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2011 concerning European statistics on tourism and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1051/2011 of 20 October 2011 . Among other changes, Commission delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1681 of 1 August 2019 introduced a requirement to provide additional data on nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments:

• monthly data for NUTS level 2 regions;
• annual data for NUTS level 3 regions;
• annual data for selected cities (capital cities, cities with at least 200 000 inhabitants, and other selected cities with relevance for tourism).

Tourism statistics are analysed according to the tourist’s country of residence (not the tourist’s citizenship). Domestic tourism covers the activities of residents who stay in their own country (but outside their usual environment) and this may be contrasted with the activities of international tourists (often referred to as inbound or non-resident tourists).

Experimental statistics on short-stay accommodation reserved through online booking platforms

Statistics on short-stay holiday rentals have traditionally been under-covered, given the relatively high number of small market participants – many of whom are private individuals – that are often excluded from business or tourism registers. Indeed, Regulation (EU) No 692/2011 allows tourism statistics to be collected using a threshold whereby EU Member States can opt to limit the scope of their observations to establishments having at least 10 bed places (or 20 bed places for smaller tourism countries). In practice, this means that a significant part of the short-stay holiday rentals market is not represented in official statistics.

Following an agreement with Airbnb, Booking.com, Tripadvisor and Expedia Group, since 2021 Eurostat has published a set of experimental statistics for short-stay accommodation booked through these four online platforms. This new data source allows an information gap to be closed, since many holiday homes, apartments and rooms in otherwise private buildings were previously not covered by tourism statistics. However, at this stage it is not yet possible to integrate this new source into existing tourist accommodation statistics, due to the potential double-counting of online listings that are also covered by traditional statistics; methodological work in this area is ongoing.

The four online platforms agreed to share their data on the number of nights booked and the number of guests, allowing access to reliable information on holiday and other short-stay accommodation reserved through their platforms. These experimental statistics are published from reference year 2018 onwards and may be analysed at a regional and at a city level. It is important to stress that, while these statistics from online platforms cover a significant part of the market, they do not cover the entire market and new online platforms may emerge. In the future, Eurostat will investigate the possibility of extending the scope of this experimental data collection exercise to other types of accommodation (for example, hotels).

Indicator definitions

Tourist accommodation establishments include all types of tourist accommodation providing, as a paid service, accommodation for tourists, regardless of whether or not the provision of tourist accommodation is the main or a secondary activity. These establishments are defined according to the activity classification NACE as units providing short-term or short-stay accommodation services:

• hotels and similar accommodation (NACE Group 55.1) – includes accommodation provided by hotels, resort hotels, suite/apartment hotels, motels;
• holiday and other short-stay accommodation (NACE Group 55.2) – includes holiday homes, visitor flats and bungalows, cottages and cabins without housekeeping services, youth hostels and mountain refuges;
• camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks (NACE Group 55.3) – includes the provision of accommodation in campgrounds, trailer parks, recreational camps, and fishing and hunting camps for short-stay visitors.

The number of nights spent (overnight stays) is based on a count of nights that guests/tourists actually spend (sleep or stay) in specific types of accommodation.

Within the context of experimental statistics on short-stay accommodation reserved through four selected online booking platforms, the number of nights spent at short-stay accommodation is compiled using the number of overnights stays (in other words, the number of nights that short-stay accommodation has been rented out) multiplied by the number of guests staying at the accommodation. Note the scope of these experimental statistics is narrower than that used for traditional tourism statistics, with information only collected for NACE Group 55.2.

The EU is a key cultural tourism destination thanks to its heritage that includes museums, theatres, archaeological sites, historical cities, industrial sites as well as music and gastronomy. The EU aims to promote a balanced approach between the needs to boost growth on one hand, and the preservation of artefacts, historical sites, local traditions and the environment on the other. Tourism makes a significant contribution to the economy across the EU and can help to achieve the objectives of various EU, national, regional and local policies thanks to its cross-cutting economic and social dimensions. The EU’s competence in the area of tourism is one of support and coordination in relation to the actions of individual EU Member States. Policymakers seek to maintain the EU’s position as a tourist destination while supporting the contribution made by tourism-related activities to overall growth and employment.

A European Commission communication Europe, the world’s No. 1 tourist destination – a new political framework for tourism in Europe (COM(2010) 352 final) was adopted in June 2010 and remains in force. It provides a framework for the development of tourism within the EU, with four priority areas for action: stimulate competitiveness; promote sustainable and responsible tourism; consolidate Europe’s image as a collection of sustainable, high-quality destinations; maximise the potential of policies / financial instruments for developing tourism in the EU.

The European Commission has encouraged the diversification of the EU’s tourism offer through initiatives relating to maritime/coastal tourism, sustainable tourism, cultural tourism, tourism for all, accessible tourism, low-season tourism or collaborative tourism. To enhance the visibility of the EU as a tourist destination and increase international tourist arrivals, the European Commission undertakes a wide range of communication and promotion activities. Furthermore, it provides ad hoc grants to the European Travel Commission (ETC) , a non-profit organisation responsible for promoting Europe as an international tourist destination through reports, handbooks and websites (such as visiteurope.com ).

In its communication on maritime and coastal tourism A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism (COM(2014) 86 final), the European Commission reflected on the diversity of the EU’s coastal regions and their capacity to generate wealth and jobs by fostering ‘a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe’ in line with the Blue Growth opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth (COM(2012) 494 final). With this in mind, policymakers are seeking to redefine ‘mass-tourism’ and to develop new forms of ‘niche’ tourism which focus on solutions that are sustainable from an economic, social and environmental point of view.

The COVID-19 pandemic put considerable pressure on the EU’s tourism and travel-related activities. On 13 May 2020, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive package of initiatives to establish a coordinated framework to resume activities after the first wave of the pandemic within Europe. At the centre of the package was a communication that provided a strategy to stimulate recovery, Tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond (COM(2020) 550 final). The package also included:

• a common approach to restoring free movement and lifting restrictions at EU internal borders in a gradual and coordinated way;
• a framework to support the gradual re-establishment of transport whilst ensuring the safety of passengers and personnel;
• a recommendation to make travel vouchers an attractive alternative to cash reimbursement for consumers;
• criteria for restoring tourism activities safely and gradually and for developing health protocols for hospitality establishments such as hotels.

On 17 March 2021, the European Commission made a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable certificates on vaccination, testing and recovery to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic (COM(2021) 130 final). Regulation (EU) 2021/953 (the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation) entered into force on 1 July 2021, facilitating the free movement of people within the EU during the pandemic. It allowed residents of the EU to have their COVID certificates issued and verified and was extended to cover non-EU countries if various conditions (including reciprocity) were met; 49 non-EU countries (and territories) joined the system.

During the pandemic, thousands of consumers were affected by flight and package travel cancellations with cross-border consumer disputes increasing significantly. In response, the European Commission, assisted by the European Consumer Centre Network , developed information for cancelled accommodation, car rentals and events that had been booked as individual services and gave guidance about alternative dispute resolution bodies (which could be used to help consumers and traders find amicable solutions out-of-court).

On 10 March 2020, the European Commission adopted a European industrial strategy , which was updated in May 2021 to take account of circumstances following the COVID-19 crisis. The strategy highlights how 14 industrial ecosystems – of which tourism is one – may lead green and digital transformations, boosting the EU’s global competitiveness. To do so, the European Commission proposed launching a number of ‘transition pathways’: tourism was selected as the first of these, given it was among those activities hardest hit by the pandemic. The Transition Pathway for Tourism describes measures and outputs needed to accelerate green and digital transitions, while improving the resilience of tourism. To remain competitive, the EU’s tourism sector will need to invest in the up/reskilling of its professional workforce. In December 2021, the EU Pact for Skills – Skills Partnership for the Tourism Ecosystem was launched. It brings together businesses, social partners (representatives of workers and of businesses), vocational and education training providers, and regional/municipal authorities with the aim of supporting commitments for reskilling and upskilling the European tourism workforce.

Direct access to

• Short-stay accommodation booked through four major online collaborative economy platforms
• Short-stay accommodation offered via online collaborative economy platforms – impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Tourism industries – economic analysis
• Tourism industries – employment
• Tourism introduced
• Tourism statistics
• Tourism trips of Europeans (online publication)
• Recent Eurostat publications on tourism
• Eurostat regional yearbook – 2023 edition
• Tourism satellite accounts – 2023 edition

Online publications

• Regions in Europe – 2023 interactive edition
• Rural Europe – online publication
• Urban Europe – online publication
• Regional statistics (t_reg) , see:
• Tourism (t_tour) , see:
• Regional statistics by NUTS classification (reg) , see:
• Tourism (tour) , see:
• Collaborative economy platforms – statistics on short-stay accommodation
• Eurostat statistical atlas (Chapter 10)
• Regional statistics illustrated

Manuals and further methodological information

• Methodological manual on territorial typologies – 2018 edition
• Methodological manual for tourism statistics – 2014 edition
• Methodological note: experimental statistics on short-stay accommodation offered via online collaborative economy platforms
• Statistical regions in the European Union and partner countries – NUTS and statistical regions 2021 – 2020 edition
• Tourism – Methodology – Metadata, manuals and guidelines
• Occupancy of tourist accommodation establishments (ESMS metadata file – tour_occ_esms)
• Regulation (EU) No 692/2011 of 6 July 2011 concerning European statistics on tourism and repealing Council Directive 95/57/EC
• Regulation (EU) No 1051/2011 of 20 October 2011 implementing Regulation (EU) No 692/2011 concerning European statistics on tourism, as regards the structure of the quality reports and the transmission of the data
• Commission delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/1681 of 1 August 2019 amending Regulation (EU) No 692/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning European statistics on tourism, as regards the transmission deadlines and adaptation of Annexes I and II
• Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism – Communication from the Commission COM(2007) 621 final of 19 October 2007
• Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination – a new political framework for tourism in Europe – Communication from the Commission COM(2010)  352 final of 30 June 2010
• European Commission – EU tourism dashboard
• Coastal and marine tourism
• Cultural tourism
• Sustainable tourism
• Transition pathway for tourism
• European Commission – Pact for Skills
• Performance of European tourism before, during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic
• Tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond – Communication from the Commission COM(2020) 550 final of 13 May 2020
• United Nations World Tourism Organization – UNWTO tourism data dashboard

Maps can be explored interactively using Eurostat’s statistical atlas (see user manual ).

This article forms part of Eurostat ’s annual flagship publication, the Eurostat regional yearbook .

• General and regional statistics
• Regions and cities
• Statistical article
• Tourism countries and regions
• September2024
• ISSN 2443-8219
• This page was last edited on 20 March 2024, at 14:15.
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What Do Airplanes Do at Night When You're Asleep?

By Brett Snyder

There's an old saying that an airplane doesn't make money sitting on the ground. That's why airlines do everything they can to keep planes in the air on as many as flights as they can. For example, if they can cut the turnaround time between flights throughout the day, then they can probably add an extra flight at the end of that day. But once we get into the late-night hours, things change.

Simply because of the lengthy travel and numerous time zone changes, overnight flights are routine for long-haul distances. But not many people want to fly at night for domestic or regional travel. It used to be that airlines would run a ton of domestic overnight flights; fuel was cheap, so if you could cover that and the cost of the crew, then you could make money. America West even had a night-flight hub in Vegas, but when fuel prices started to spike, the cost of running those flights jumped while demand failed to keep pace. The hub was dismantled and many other airlines cut their marginal red-eyes as well.

Airlines also use the wee small hours to perform aircraft maintenance, but of course not all airplanes that sit overnight need work. So airlines have had to get creative in order to increase their aircraft utilization when you're sleeping. The key is to find markets that can be profitable even during those late-night hours. That has become much harder with higher fuel prices, but clearly airlines are still finding a way. Here's what they're trying:

Going Cheap

Spirit is known for barebones customer service, no frills, and extremely cheap fares. But to keep those fares low, it has to run its airplanes more frequently than most. That has resulted in some pretty hairy red-eyes, including the brutal Phoenix to Dallas–Ft. Worth. flight leaves at 1:55 a.m. and gets into Dallas at 5:05 a.m. (It leaves an hour earlier once daylight saving shifts, since Arizona doesn't change.) It regularly clocks in at about one hour and 45 minutes in the air—good luck getting any sleep on that one. But if people want cheap flights, they'll put up with the pain.

Following the Family

JetBlue is known for great service, great legroom, and live television, but it is also earning a reputation as a great way for Caribbean families to travel back and forth between their homes in the northeast U.S. and their relatives in the islands. For example, JetBlue is increasing its service this summer to include eight daily flights from JFK to both Santiago and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic . It's effectively a 24-hour operation with flights arriving at 12:50 a.m., 2:15 a.m., and 3:30 a.m. with similarly painful depature times. Why would such customer-unfriendly options exist? Because seeing family is most important and that means flying whenever you can get a more affordable fare.

Venturing North

Another summer trend centers around Alaska. JetBlue started Long Beach to Anchorage a few years ago and will add Seattle to Anchorage this year. Virgin America will begin San Francisco to Anchorage this summer, and Southwest has also expressed an interest. Why are airlines so interested in the 49th state?

Demand to Alaska explodes during the summer, and fares are high. So airlines can add flights there and still make good money. What's more, people generally expect to fly at night in this market. There's nothing quite like leaving the Continental U.S. when the sun is shining, seeing the sun set, and then seeing it un-set as you reach Alaska and its 24-hour daylight. And by incorporating red-eyes, the airlines can use airplanes that would otherwise be sitting still.

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13 Easy Tips for Overnight Flights: How to Sleep on a Plane

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Check out these easy tips for overnight flights to get some shut eye on your next international flight.

After traveling to close to 40 countries all over the world, I’ve taken my share of overnight flights . 

I know all too well that creeping feeling when you book an overnight flight — you wonder, “How on earth am I going to fall asleep (and stay asleep) on an airplane?”

Although sleeping on an airplane seems impossible, I’ve gotten better and better about catching some Zzz’s at 30,000 feet.

In this post, I’ll share some of my best and easiest tips for overnight flights. From how to choose the right seat, to what to bring with you, to what to drink (and what not to), and lots more.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

13 Easy Tips for Overnight Flights

Wondering how to sleep on an overnight flight? Check out my best tips and tricks for surviving overnight flights overseas.

1. Splurge on Extra Legroom or an Upgrade

If you’ve flown economy lately, you’ve surely noticed the seats (and the room between the seats) is getting smaller and smaller. Not to mention that many airplane seats have little to no cushion. 

While you may be comfortable — as comfortable as you can be — flying economy on shorter flights, consider splurging on your seat or cabin on long overnight flights.

Although the lie-flat seats in first class are the best for sleeping on a plane comfortably, splurging doesn’t have to mean first class. Extra legroom, sitting in the bulkhead, premium economy, and of course, business class are all great upgrades.

In my personal experience, upgrading (using points) to premium economy or business class makes a world of difference. Not only are the seats wider, but there’s more room between them. There are less people in the cabin, which translates to less noise. Sometimes they incline more and come with footrests, too!

2. Choose Your Seat Wisely

It’s important to choose your seat wisely in the first place — it can mean the difference between getting some Zzz’s and getting knocked into all night long.

The window seat is considered the best seat for flying overnight since you can prop yourself up against the window. Plus, you don’t have to get up every time your neighbors have to use the restroom.

Personally, I’ve found the window seat to be too cold, often with air circulating up a vent along the wall. I also have been stuck for hours needing to go to the bathroom while my seatmates snooze!

The aisle seat is unanimously the worst seat for sleeping on airplanes. To explain, your seatmates will need you to get up every time they need to go to the bathroom, flight attendants push their carts up and down the aisles, and people put their hands on your seatback.

As for where in the cabin to sleep, avoid seats near the bathroom or galley. People will get up all flight long, and some people feel the need to hold on to or lean against your seat as they’re waiting.

Even though the bulkhead offers more room, I’ve found it can be annoying as people will sometimes walk in front of you to get to the restroom or stretch. Bulkhead seats are often located next to the restrooms, too.

A seat near the middle of the cabin usually does well in terms of reducing noise and movement.

3. Read Instead of Using Screens

Experts are all warning us about the harmful effects of blue light before bed. The light suppresses our body’s natural release of melatonin, making it harder for us to fall asleep.

While you might find it’s time to settle in and watch a movie or play on your phone on a red eye flight, you’re much better off reading, playing sudoku, or listening to calming music to relax your mind and ease into sleep.

4. Wash Your Face and Brush Your Teeth Before Boarding

Although you might want to look cute for your flight, I think it’s more important to be comfortable. Before boarding your flight, wash your face, (or use wipes, although I don’t personally recommend them) and brush your teeth. On the go, I sometimes use these waterless toothbrushes.

This travel case and cup makes for a great overnight flight accessory. Simply pull it out in the airport restroom, brush your teeth, and store.

You’ll feel cleaner and more relaxed before getting on the night time flight having gone through your bedtime routine.

5. Use Earplugs and a Mask

Whatever you do, bring ear plugs and a sleep mask . This is the most important thing you can do to get some shut-eye on overnight flights, in my opinion.

Put your ear plugs in as soon as you get on the plane to muffle everything around you from the engines to the seat belt signs going on and off.

Then, put on your eye mask when you’re ready to sleep. Although the cabin lights are dimmed during overnight flights, they’re turned on periodically for meals and such. Plus, most people will have their seat back screens on, flickering blue light in your direction.

If you can sleep with music playing, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones (I use the Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones ). These will really help to drown out people talking around you. Put these on over your ear plugs. Technically, you don’t even have to play music — you can just let the noise canceling tech do its job.

6. Bring a Travel Pillow

I resisted those silly-looking travel neck pillows that people clip to their backpacks for years. I’d often opt to bring a regular bed pillow. But, once I tried a travel pillow, I was hooked and now consider it essential for any overnight flight.

A stiff travel neck pillow can help you prop your head up. Because there’s nothing worse than starting to fall asleep on a plane, and waking up as soon as your head drops. It also helps stave off neck pain.

There are lots of different shapes and sizes of travel pillows these days. BCOZZY neck pillow for travel makes a pillow that you can adjust. Whatever you do, buy one ahead of time, because they’re often 2x the price at the airport.

Lastly, wash your pillow (or at least the pillow case) after every flight. If you’re wondering if airlines give you a pillow on overnight international flights, the answer is yes. However, they’re usually super small and flat! I usually use them for lumbar support or to add some padding to the armrest. Get a travel pillow .

7. Avoid Caffeine or Alcohol

It goes without saying that caffeine is a no no before bed. Skip afternoon coffee in the airport or on the plane, too. Instead, order water so that you stay hydrated — which is important for staying healthy.

The same goes for alcohol, which is technically a stimulant. In other words, it might help you relax initially, but you won’t be able to stay asleep for long.

If you do want to drink alcohol, experts recommend drinking one glass only. Do this with the first drink service so your body has some time to process it.

The best thing to drink on airplanes is water. Sip it slowly throughout the flight to stay hydrated. You can even bring your own water bottle and fill it up at the airport.

8. Dress for the Occasion

An essential tip for overnight flights is to dress for the occasion. And, it goes without saying the occasion is: sleeping!

Instead of dressing up, choose to dress comfortably. A comfortable t-shirt and yoga pants are perfect.

Next, dress in layers, so you can cover up or take off as needed as planes tend to fluctuate in temperature. A sweatshirt or puffy jacket will do. A scarf can be helpful as well using the provided blanket.

Fuzzy socks are also a must as they’re super comfy and will keep you warm. No one wants to wear shoes to bed! (But do wear shoes to the restroom!)

Some people also swear by wearing compression socks. Compression socks will help with blood flow, and people who use them say they are also relaxing — who knew?

A ball cap can also be a nice way to shield your face.

9. Fasten Your Seatbelt

In the case that the captain turns on the seatbelt sign due to turbulence during the flight, flight attendants will walk the cabin to verify everyone has their seatbelt buckled.

So that you don’t get woken up, make sure to have your seatbelt buckled and visible at all times.

This goes for anything else they might wake you for, too. More recently, the customs forms have been either done away with or done electronically upon arrival. But, you can always leave your tray table down for them to leave forms (and snacks) on.

Also, note that most hostels are staffed 24 hours and have security cameras installed. If you are ever uncomfortable or don’t feel safe, then tell the staff and ask for a room change!

10. Eat in the Airport Before Your Flight

Although eating on the plane gives you something to do, eating before bed can disrupt your sleep. You should eat at least three hours before bed time to give your body time to digest.

Although it can be quite the expense and the choices are usually limited, try to eat in the airport before your flight. Or, bring your snacks onto the flight, and eat them as soon as you get to 10,000 feet.

It’s much better to eat early, allow your body to digest, and rest on the flight rather than eating the meals the flight attendants serve.

11. Bring a Portable Battery

There is hardly anything worse these days than a dead battery! Charge all your devices ahead of time, even in the airport if needed.

Although most larger planes are equipped with outlets, not all of them are. Plus, sometimes they don’t work or are awkwardly placed, and you have to unplug them every time someone needs to go to the restroom.

Avoid worrying about your battery and your cords, and just bring your own portable backup battery. Plug in your device(s), tuck the battery behind your back, and get to sleep!

We all know what it’s like to not be able to sleep because our mind is racing. It’s the same when you’re on a plane. Try your best to relax. If listening to a meditation or calming music helps, put your headphones in and listen.

Also, don’t get frustrated with yourself if you can’t sleep soundly. Sleeping on a plane isn’t going to be easy for the majority of people, and it’s normal to wake up and switch positions.

Instead of getting agitated or giving up and turning on your device, get up, stretch, and sip some water. Just stay calm, and try to fall asleep again.

13. Give Yourself One Day to Ease Into Your Vacation

When you only get a few weeks vacation every year, it’s understandable to want to maximize your vacation time. You might be tempted to book a flight that leaves earlier (say around 7 pm) and gets to your destination early in the morning. This will give you an entire day of touring, right? 

We recommend you opt for a later flight if it’s available, closer to your bedtime. Even though you might get in later, you’ll be more likely to get some sleep. Plus, you’re going to be jet lagged either way.

Whatever time you get in, try not to schedule anything on the first day of your vacation to give your body and mind time to recover. Unpack, unwind, grab some snacks, and begin orienting yourself to your destination.

Any serious touristing can wait until the next day when you’re feeling refreshed.

Overnight Flight Tips: Frequently Asked Questions

How do i prepare for an overnight flight to europe.

You may want to adjust the time you go to bed and wake up by 30 minutes each night in the week before you go to allow your body to start adjusting. You’ll also want to bring essentials like comfy clothes, a water bottle, and ear plugs.

Is it better to fly to Europe overnight?

Flights to Europe from the United States are usually overnight flights. Take the latest flight you can (say 10 pm) so that it’s the closest hour to your normal bed time.

How do you survive an overnight flight?

Lots of patience! Stay calm and relaxed, listening to music or meditations if you need to. You’ll also want to sip water and dress comfortably.

Which seat is best for overnight flight?

The window seat is widely considered the best for overnight flights since you can lean up against the window to sleep.

How can I avoid jet lag from US to Europe?

To avoid jet lag when flying from the United States to Europe, it’s best to follow the European time zone as soon as you get on the plane rather than the time at your home. This will help your body start to adjust right away. Upon arrival in Europe, spend the rest of the day out touring. By evening, you’ll be super tired and will likely fall asleep soundly and wake up refreshed.

What to take on an overnight flight to sleep?

Talk to your doctor or naturopath about the best options for what to take to fall asleep on an airplane, if anything.

How do you survive an overnight flight in economy?

Try to get a seat towards the middle of the cabin to avoid noise and movement at the galley and restroom.

Are overnight flights worth it?

Yes, overnight flights are worth the hassle. First off, sometimes they are the only option to get you to your destination! Depending on the destination, they can also be cheaper and less crowded.

Do overnight flights provide pillows and blankets?

Most (but not all) airlines give you pillows and blankets on overnight flights. The quality varies as well, so we recommend you bring your own travel neck pillow and dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature.

Are overnight flights busy?

Overnight flights can be full or nearly empty; it depends on the route.

Why are overnight flights called red-eye?

Overnight flights are called red-eye flights because passengers’ eyes are likely red and puffy from the lack of sleep!

Is turbulence worse at night?

Statistically, nighttime or morning flights are better for turbulence when compared to those in the day. However, I’ve been on turbulent overnight flights where the pilot turns on and off the seatbelt sign all night long many, many times.

Should you sleep after an overnight flight?

Most travelers suggest staying up after an overnight flight as long as you can. This way, you’ll be extra tired when bedtime rolls around and hopefully get a good night’s sleep!

Sweet dreams on your next overnight flight

To sum up, these are the tips and tricks for surviving overnight flights we have found most useful as we’ve traveled the world to close to 40 countries.

If you found these overnight travel tips, share them with your social network so that they too can get a good night’s sleep on their next overnight flight!

Traveling to Europe? You may also like…

Planning to backpack the world? Check out some of our top articles:

• Everything You Need to Know About Bus Travel in Europe
• Women’s Packing List for Backpacking Europe
• 12 Types of Hostels: Find your Ideal Hostel
• 20 Safest Cities in Europe

Blogger & Ex-Spanish Teacher

Tristina Oppliger has traveled to 35+ countries on five continents. Having previously lived in Spain, she loves studying foreign languages and cultures. In fact, she has a Master's in Foreign Language Education and is a former Spanish Teacher! Tristina is passionate about living free—remote work, exploring the world, and finding adventure wherever she goes.

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• Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type

Number of overnight travelers in the Philippines in 2022, by type (in millions)

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• Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021
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Statistics on " Tourism industry in the Philippines "

• International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion
• Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
• Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
• Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category
• Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type
• Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
• Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector
• Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022
• Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type
• Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022
• International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023
• Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
• Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type
• Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021
• Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021
• Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022
• Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022
• Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029
• Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment
• Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
• Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
• Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
• Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
• Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2022, by star classification
• Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city
• Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

Other statistics that may interest you Tourism industry in the Philippines

• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion
• Basic Statistic Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
• Basic Statistic Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country
• Premium Statistic Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category

Economic impact

• Premium Statistic Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector
• Premium Statistic Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type
• Premium Statistic Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022

Inbound tourism

• Basic Statistic International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023
• Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
• Premium Statistic Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021
• Premium Statistic Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021
• Premium Statistic Domestic passenger count Philippines 2022, by airline
• Premium Statistic Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment
• Premium Statistic Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
• Premium Statistic Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2022, by star classification
• Premium Statistic Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city
• Premium Statistic Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

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Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Plan Your Trip

What Is An Overnight Layover

Published: December 23, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Doria Padilla

• Hotel Reviews
• Travel Guide

Introduction

Flying can be an exhilarating experience, offering the opportunity to explore new destinations, connect with loved ones, or embark on exciting adventures. However, the prospect of an overnight layover can dampen the spirits of even the most enthusiastic travelers. While the idea of spending a night in an unfamiliar airport may initially seem daunting, it can also present unexpected opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and even a touch of adventure.

An overnight layover occurs when a traveler's flight itinerary includes a prolonged stop at an airport, typically lasting from late evening to early morning. Although it may not be the most anticipated aspect of a journey, an overnight layover can offer a unique glimpse into the culture and ambiance of a transit city, providing a chance to make the most of an otherwise overlooked opportunity.

This article aims to shed light on the concept of an overnight layover, exploring its definition, the potential advantages and disadvantages, practical tips for navigating the experience, and strategies for transforming it into a memorable and enjoyable part of one's travel journey. By delving into the intricacies of overnight layovers, travelers can gain valuable insights that may enrich their travel experiences and alleviate any apprehensions associated with extended airport stays.

Definition of an Overnight Layover

An overnight layover, also known as a stopover, refers to a prolonged break in travel wherein a passenger must wait at an airport for an extended period, often overnight, before continuing their journey to the final destination. Typically lasting anywhere from eight to twelve hours or more, an overnight layover can present both challenges and opportunities for travelers.

During an overnight layover, passengers may find themselves navigating the airport's facilities and services, seeking ways to rest, relax, and pass the time until their connecting flight. While the prospect of spending the night in an airport may initially evoke feelings of discomfort or inconvenience, it can also offer a unique chance to explore the transit city, experience its culture, and make the most of an otherwise overlooked travel interlude.

For some travelers, an overnight layover may involve securing accommodation within the airport, whether in designated rest zones, lounges, or nearby hotels. Others may opt to venture outside the airport to explore the surrounding area, sample local cuisine, or engage in brief sightseeing excursions, provided that time and visa restrictions allow.

Despite its potential challenges, an overnight layover can also serve as an opportunity for relaxation, reflection, and unexpected discoveries. By understanding the nature of an overnight layover and the possibilities it presents, travelers can approach this aspect of their journey with a sense of curiosity and openness, embracing the chance to turn a seemingly mundane layover into a memorable and enriching experience.

Pros and Cons of Overnight Layovers

Like any aspect of travel, overnight layovers come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help travelers prepare for and make the most of their layover experience.

Opportunity for Exploration: Overnight layovers can provide a unique chance to explore the transit city, offering a brief glimpse into its culture, cuisine, and attractions. Travelers may seize the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks, sample local delicacies, or immerse themselves in the city's ambiance, thereby adding an unexpected layer of enrichment to their journey.

Rest and Recuperation: For weary travelers on long-haul flights, an overnight layover can offer a much-needed opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. Whether through designated rest zones within the airport, comfortable airport lounges, or nearby hotel accommodations, passengers can seize the chance to recharge before continuing their travels.

Cultural Immersion: Embracing an overnight layover as a cultural interlude, travelers can engage with the local community, gaining insight into customs, traditions, and daily life in the transit city. This cultural immersion can foster a deeper appreciation for the diversity of global travel experiences.

Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Overnight layovers may disrupt passengers' sleep schedules, leading to fatigue and disorientation. Finding restful accommodations within the airport or managing time effectively to explore the city while ensuring adequate rest can pose a challenge.

Limited Time Constraints: Depending on the duration of the layover, travelers may have limited time to explore the transit city, potentially feeling rushed or unable to fully experience all the city has to offer.

Logistical Challenges: Navigating airport facilities, securing accommodations, and managing luggage during an overnight layover can present logistical hurdles, requiring careful planning and adaptability.

By weighing these pros and cons, travelers can approach overnight layovers with a balanced perspective, leveraging the advantages while mitigating the challenges to ensure a fulfilling and memorable layover experience.

Tips for Surviving an Overnight Layover

Surviving an overnight layover involves strategic planning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. By implementing the following tips, travelers can navigate their layover with greater ease and make the most of this unique aspect of their journey.

Research the Airport: Prior to the layover, familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport, identifying rest zones, lounges, and other facilities that can offer comfort and convenience during your stay.

Secure Accommodations: If possible, consider booking a nearby hotel room to rest and recharge during the layover. Alternatively, inquire about designated rest areas or lounges within the airport that offer comfortable seating and amenities.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Maintain proper hydration and nourishment by carrying a refillable water bottle and nutritious snacks. This can help sustain energy levels and promote overall well-being during the layover.

Dress Comfortably: Opt for comfortable attire and footwear to enhance mobility and relaxation. Layers can also provide flexibility in adapting to varying temperatures within the airport.

Entertainment and Distractions: Pack a book, tablet, or other forms of entertainment to pass the time. Engaging in activities that bring enjoyment and relaxation can alleviate the monotony of a prolonged layover.

Maximize Rest Opportunities: If rest is a priority, seek out quiet areas within the airport where you can unwind. Noise-canceling headphones or a sleep mask can further enhance the quality of rest during the layover.

Explore the City: If time permits and visa regulations allow, consider venturing outside the airport to explore the surrounding city. Be mindful of transportation logistics and the duration of the layover to ensure a seamless return to the airport.

Stay Informed: Remain updated on flight schedules, gate changes, and any pertinent announcements to avoid missing connecting flights or encountering unexpected delays.

Connect with Fellow Travelers: Strike up conversations with fellow passengers, sharing experiences and tips for navigating overnight layovers. Building connections can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support during the layover.

Maintain a Positive Mindset: Approach the layover with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Embracing the unexpected can lead to serendipitous discoveries and memorable experiences.

By integrating these tips into their layover strategy, travelers can transform an overnight layover from a mere stop in their journey into a rewarding and enriching experience.

Making the Most of an Overnight Layover

Turning an overnight layover into a memorable and enjoyable experience involves seizing the available opportunities and approaching the interlude with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness. By embracing the following strategies, travelers can transform their layover from a mere waiting period into a captivating and enriching segment of their journey.

Immerse in Local Culture: Use the layover as an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Sample regional cuisine, visit nearby attractions, or engage with the local community to gain a glimpse into the city’s unique identity.

Discover Hidden Gems: Venture beyond the confines of the airport to explore hidden gems within the transit city. Whether it’s a quaint café, a scenic park, or a historic site, uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations can add depth to your layover experience.

Capture Memories: Document your layover with photographs or journal entries, capturing the essence of the transit city and the moments of serendipity encountered during your brief stay.

Relax and Recharge: Prioritize self-care by seeking out moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it’s indulging in a leisurely meal, finding a peaceful spot to unwind, or enjoying a brief spa treatment, prioritize activities that promote well-being.

Connect with Locals: Strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers, exchanging stories and insights. Building connections can offer a deeper understanding of the transit city and create lasting memories.

Embrace Spontaneity: Allow room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries. Serendipitous encounters and unplanned experiences often yield the most cherished memories.

Engage in Cultural Activities: Check if there are cultural events or performances taking place in the transit city during your layover. Attending a local concert, art exhibition, or traditional performance can infuse your layover with enriching cultural experiences.

Sample Local Delicacies: Indulge in the flavors of the transit city by sampling its signature dishes and culinary delights. Whether it’s a street food market or a renowned restaurant, savoring local cuisine adds a sensory dimension to your layover.

Appreciate the Moment: Cultivate a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the present moment. Embracing the transient nature of the layover can lead to a heightened sense of awareness and gratitude for the travel experience.

Reflect and Reimagine: Use the layover as a moment for reflection and introspection. Consider the experiences of your journey thus far and envision the adventures that lie ahead, infusing the layover with a sense of anticipation and possibility.

By integrating these strategies into their approach to an overnight layover, travelers can elevate this transient interlude into a captivating and meaningful chapter of their travel narrative, fostering lasting memories and a sense of enrichment.

While overnight layovers may initially evoke feelings of inconvenience or restlessness, they also offer a canvas for unexpected adventures, cultural immersion, and moments of serendipity. By understanding the nature of overnight layovers and embracing strategic approaches, travelers can transform these interludes into captivating chapters of their journeys, fostering enriching experiences and enduring memories.

From seizing opportunities for exploration and cultural immersion to prioritizing self-care and embracing spontaneity, the strategies for navigating and making the most of an overnight layover are as diverse as the travel experiences they engender. By approaching layovers with open-mindedness and a spirit of curiosity, travelers can uncover hidden gems, connect with local communities, and capture the essence of transit cities, infusing their journeys with an added layer of depth and authenticity.

Ultimately, an overnight layover is not merely a pause in the journey but an invitation to engage with the world in unexpected ways, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the diversity of travel experiences. By integrating practical tips and embracing the potential for discovery, travelers can navigate overnight layovers with grace and creativity, cultivating enduring memories and a broader perspective on the tapestry of global travel.

As travelers embark on their journeys, may they approach overnight layovers not as interruptions, but as interludes ripe with the promise of exploration, connection, and the art of savoring the transient moments that enrich the travel narrative.

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

The Complete Guide to Japan's Regional Rail Passes

The famous Japan Rail Pass is actually just one of MANY rail passes available in Japan. There are a growing number of regional rail passes, which cover train travel in different regions of the country, from Hokkaidō to Kyūshū. Regional rail passes are cheaper than the countrywide JR Pass, which means they may save you even more money.

Like the countrywide JR Pass , these regional rail passes are all issued by JR (Japan Rail). Or more specifically, a JR — JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Shikoku, JR Kyūshū, or JR Hokkaidō. You see, the JR network is regional as well. So to track down all the information about the different passes, you’d have to visit the websites for all the different JRs. Or you can just skim this handy article we compiled instead.

What are JR regional rail passes?

Generally speaking, JR regional rail passes give you unlimited rides on all JR trains within a specific region. However, there are a few passes that work a little differently, covering routes rather than regions (like the Hokuriku Arch Pass). Regional rail passes vary widely in their scope: they may cover travel in a greater metro region (such as Kantō or Kansai), or whole islands (like the passes for Hokkaidō, Shikoku, and Kyūshū).

Almost all passes cover Shinkansen travel if there is a Shinkansen route in the region. For example, the Shikoku rail pass won’t cover any Shinkansen travel because there are no Shinkansen on Shikoku. All passes cover travel on JR limited express trains.

Important! There is no regional rail pass that covers travel on the Tokaidō Shinkansen — the one that travels between Tokyo and Kyoto. If you want a rail pass that will cover this journey, the All Japan Rail Pass is your only option.

Some passes cover reserved seats on Shinkansen and limited express trains, but others cover only unreserved seats — though there may be an option to reserve seats at a discount. A few passes cover additional, non-standard things like ferries, buses, and/or municiple trams. Regional rail passes from JR West, for example, include free rental cycles from JR West Ekirin rent-a-cycle shops. Some also come with discount coupons for area sights or other modes of transport.

In all cases, to make the most of your pass you’ll want to dig into the fine print.

Who can use JR regional rail passes?

Most Japan rail passes can only be used by travelers entering Japan on a foreign passport with a “temporary visitor” visa (aka a tourist visa).

Not eligible? The following passes are currently available to foreign residents of Japan (meaning you have a foreign passport but some other kind of visa, like a work visa):

Tokyo Wide Pass

• JR East Tōhoku Area Pass
• JR East Nagano & Niigata Area Pass

Check out our guide to rail passes for foreign residents for more details.

Where can I buy a regional rail pass?

Currently all regional rail passes can be purchased online and from overseas travel agents. JR West passes can’t be bought in Japan, however the rest of the passes can be. Note that some passes are cheaper if purchased overseas, which can be done online.

Purchasing passes in Japan

From October 2023, JR West stopped selling passes at stations to prevent congestion, so buying overseas is your only option. However, other JR regional rail passes can be purchased at major JR train stations within the scope of the pass (more or less). For example you cannot buy a JR Shikoku pass in Tokyo or at Narita Airport (that would be JR East’s territory); you have to buy it from a station operated by JR Shikoku. There are some exceptions; just bear this in mind when making your travel arrangements.

From April 2021, you can scan your passport at certain Reserved Seat Ticket vending machines at major JR East stations to purchase any JR East regional rail pass. Stations include Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Hamamatsuchō, Yokohama, and Narita Airport, among others. You will also be able to make seat reservations on these machines, saving you the extra step of going into the ticket office. As an added bonus, you can also go straight through the automatic ticket gates, instead of being restricted to the staffed gate. These changes also apply to the JR Tokyo Wide Pass and the Hokuriku Arch Pass.

Getting your rail pass with an exchange voucher

If you buy a rail pass overseas (including online), you’ll get a voucher. When you arrive in Japan you’ll need to exchange for the actual pass at a JR ticket office. Make sure to have your passport with you, because they will check!

You can do this at the same JR stations where you would buy the pass. For JR East and JR Hokkaidō passes, see this list of stations ; for JR West and some JR Central passes, see this list of stations . See also the individual sections and/or pages for each rail pass.

Activating your regional rail pass

When you purchase a pass or exchange your voucher for a pass, you will be asked when you would like to activate the pass. This can be the same day, so you can start your travels immediately, or a later date.

If your pass includes seat reservations you can make seat reservations for Shinkansen and limited express trains at the same time. We recommend seat reservations if you’re traveling during a holiday period, like Golden Week (end of April through early May).

Pro tip: If you have a lot of luggage, or even one huge bag, consider sending it on ahead with a luggage delivery service . New Shinkansen luggage rules from May 2020 dictate that luggage with dimensions of over 160cm but under 250cm will require special reservations (at no extra cost), and bags over 250cm won’t be allowed onboard the bullet train at all.

Traveling with a regional rail pass

Most regional rail passes are similar to the Japan Rail Pass — roughly passport-sized and made of card paper. These don’t work in the automatic ticket gates, so you’ll have to use a gate where staff are present. Usually, you just show the pass to the station staff and they will wave you through.

There are some regional rail passes that are more like regular train tickets, which you can use in the automatic ticket gates.

If you’re planning to base yourself in Tokyo, with a couple of day trips or an overnight adventure to one of the nearby prefectures, this may be the best Japan rail pass for you.

Unlike most other JR passes, this one can be used by all foreign passport holders . So, foreign residents: keep this pass in mind next time you’ve got a long weekend.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass at a glance:

The Tokyo Wide Pass covers reserved seats and can be bought in Japan. It covers travel from Tokyo to many popular excursions, including: Nikkō , Izu , Fuji Five Lakes , Karuizawa , and ski resort Gala Yuzawa .

It also includes travel to/from Narita and Haneda airports. Read more about the Tokyo Wide Pass and how to make the most of it.

JR East passes

JR East passes cover rail (and some bus) travel in the central, eastern, and northeastern parts of Japan — i.e. Kantō, Nagano , Niigata , Tōhoku , and (parts of) Hokkaidō . There are a couple of passes to chose from, two of which can now be purchased by foreign passport holders on any visa.

JR East passes at a glance:

These passes can be bought both overseas and in Japan — the price is the same. All of these passes cover reserved seats. Plus, all but the last pass (the Tōhoku–South Hokkaidō Pass) cover travel starting in Tokyo, including transport to/from Narita and Haneda airports.

Read more about JR East passes here , including info on key destinations that you can visit with each pass.

JR Central passes

JR Central’s “tourist passes” cover destinations in the region between Kantō and Kansai. These passes are a little different from the other regional rail passes: Rather than covering travel in a broad area, they cover travel along certain rail lines. This means the route is pretty much set — though it remains up to you which places you choose to stop at.

JR Central tourist passes at a glance:

Out of all of these passes, only the Takayama–Hokuriku Area Pass covers a Shinkansen (the Hokuriku Shinkansen). All are available to foreign passport holders with temporary visitor status, and can be bought in Japan at select stations.

Notably, a few passes cover transport around Japan’s Alpine region (in Nagano and Gifu prefectures). This means potential stops in popular destinations like the Kiso Valley , Matsumoto , Takayama , and Shirakawa-gō , plus travel along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Other passes include destinations like: Mt. Fuji , the Izu Peninsula , Ise , and the Kii Peninsula (where the Kumano Kodō pilgrim trails are located).

For more details, check out our complete guide to JR Central passes , which includes sample itineraries for each pass.

Kansai Area Pass & Kansai WIDE Area Pass

The Kansai Area Pass and the Kansai WIDE Area Pass are for travel on JR trains in and around the Kansai region . This includes popular destintions like Kyoto , Osaka , Nara , Kōbe , and Himeji . Both passes also cover travel to/from Kansai International Airport (on the limited express Haruka train).

Both passes are only available to foreign passport holders with temporary visitor status. Also as of October 2023, they can no longer be bought in Japan — instead you’ll need to buy them before you arrive.

With the Kansai Area Pass, you can choose how many days you want to use the pass:

The Kansai Area Pass only includes reserved seats for the Haruka Express.

Meanwhile, the Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers a little more ground than the Kansai Area Pass. Notably, it includes travel to Kansai’s most popular hot spring town, Kinosaki Onsen , and the Kii Peninsula. It also allows you to travel over the Great Seto Bridge to Takamatsu, on the island of Shikoku .

Kansai WIDE Area Pass at a glance:

The Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers reserved seats on the Sanyō Shinkansen and other limited express trains.

JR West regional rail passes

JR West covers the western half of Honshū: that’s everything from Kansai westward to the Kanmon Strait (which separates Honshū and Kyūshū). If your travels are focused on this part of the country — and especially if you are flying into Kansai International Airport (KIX) — these passes might interest you.

These passes are only available to foreign passport holders with temporary visitor status. Also, as of October 2023 they can no longer be bought in Japan, you’ll need to buy them before you arrive.

JR West passes at a glance:

These passes covered reserved seats, except for the San’in-Okayama Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass.

Many of these passes include travel in Kansai — so including what’s covered in the Kansai Area Pass or Kansai WIDE Area Pass — plus additional regions, like Hiroshima , for example. Other passes don’t include travel in Kansai — though there is an option to stack one of these passes with the Kansai Area Pass or Kansai WIDE Area Pass for longer, deeper travel.

Most (but not all!) passes cover travel along all or part of the Sanyō Shinkansen — the Shinkansen that runs between Shin-Osaka (Osaka) and Hakata (Fukuoka, in northern Kyūshū). A couple of passes also cover travel to parts of Hokuriku, including Kanazawa and the Noto Peninsula.

More coverage of JR West regional rail passes here .

Hokuriku Arch Pass

The Hokuriku Arch Pass is a joint pass from JR East and JR West. It covers travel between Tokyo and Kansai — the only pass to do so, other than the countrywide Japan Rail Pass . The catch? It doesn’t cover the fastest, most convenient way to get between the two: the Tokaidō Shinkansen.

Instead, it covers travel on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kanazawa, via Karuizawa and Nagano; and then the limited express train that connects Kanazawa and Osaka, via Kyoto. As it turns out, this is actually an excellent itinerary, which we detail here , along with more info on the Hokuriku Arch Pass.

This pass is availble to foreign passport holders on a temporary visa. It covers reserved seats for the Hokuriku Shikansen and other limited express trains.

Hokuriku Arch Pass at a glance:

It’s a better deal to buy this pass overseas . But you can purchase it in Japan, at major JR East and JR West train stations that fall within the scope of the pass.

JR Shikoku passes

JR Shikoku’s All Shikoku Rail Pass covers rail travel around the island of Shikoku for three to seven consecutive days:

This pass is only available to foreign passport holders with a temporary visitor stamp. It does not cover reserved seats.

JR Shikoku also has a regional rail pass, the Kagawa Mini Rail and Ferry Pass , which covers travel in Kagawa, one of Shikoku’s four prefectures. For more details on JR Shikoku rail passes, plus ideas for where to travel in Shikoku, read our guide to Shikoku rail passes .

Setouchi Area Pass

Like the Hokuriku Arch Pass, the Setouchi Area Pass is a joint pass — this one from JR West and JR Shikoku. It covers travel between the major cities of Kansai; Shinkansen travel between Shin-Osaka and Hakata (Fukuoka); travel in northern Shikoku, between Takamatsu and Matsuyama; the ferry to Shodōshima, and island in the Seto Inland Sea; and also the ferry between Matsuyama and Hiroshima.

The Setouchi Area Pass is only available to foreign passport holders with temporary visitor status. It includes reserved seats on Shinkansen and limited express trains.

Setouchi Area Pass at a glance:

As of October 1, 2023, station sales of this pass have ended. To purchase one, you have to book online.

JR Kyūshū passes

JR Kyūshū’s All Kyūshū Pass covers rail travel on Kyūshū, including use of the Kyūshū Shinkansen, which runs between Hakata (Fukuoka) in the north and Kagoshima-chūō (Kagoshima). Only foreign travelers entering Japan on a tourist visa are eligible to purchase these passes.

You can buy the All Kyūshū Pass in Japan as well as overseas. It includes unlimited reserved seats on the Shinkansen and limited express trains.

In addition to the All Kyūshū Pass, JR Kyūshū has a pass just for the northern half of the island and one for the southern half of the island. Read more about JR Kyūshū regional rail passes .

Sanyō–San’in Northern Kyūshū Pass

The Sanyō–San’in Northern Kyūshū Pass — a joint pass between JR West and JR Kyūshū — covers everything that JR West’s Sanyō–San’in Area Pass does, plus what JR Kyūshū’s Northern Kyūshū Pass covers. (Meaning it covers Kansai west to Kumamoto, in central Kyūshū).

It’s only available to foreign passport holders with temporary visitor status. It covers reserved seats on Shinkansen and limited express trains.

Sanyō–San’in Northern Kyūshū Pass:

It can be purchased in Japan at at major JR West and JR Kyūshū train stations that fall within the scope of the pass. Or you can buy online from an overseas agent .

JR Hokkaidō passes

The JR Hokkaidō’s All Hokkaidō Pass covers rail travel on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō . It does not cover the Hokkaidō Shinkansen, which connects Hokkaidō with Honshū. Instead, it covers travel on the network of rail lines (including limited express trains) that connect Hokkaidō’s major cities and tourist destinations, and also New Chitose Airport .

The pass, which is only for tourists, is good for five, seven, or ten consecutive days of travel:

This pass includes reserved seats on limited express trains.

JR Hokkaidō’s Hokkaidō Free Pass, meanwhile, can be used by anyone, regardless of passport or visa status (it’s just not as good of a deal). JR Hokkaidō also has two other regional rail passes: the Sapporo–Noboribetsu Area Pass and the Sapporo–Furano Area Pass .

For more details on these passes and more, see our guide to JR Hokkaidō rail passes .

Regional rail pass FAQs

What is the difference between the japan rail pass and jr regional rail passes.

The Japan Rail Pass covers rail travel across the country (except for Okinawa) while regional passes cover travel only in certain parts of the country. In exchange for limited scope, regional rail passes cost less (how much so depends on the pass). So the Cheapo trick here is to work out if you can reasonably confine your travels to a particular area, in order to make use of a cheaper pass.

Or, on the other hand, to decide if it is worth paying a little bit more to have more flexibility over where you can travel.

Another important difference is that only the countrywide Japan Rail Pass covers travel along the Tokaidō Shinkansen — the most popular Shinkansen and the one that most conveniently connects Japan’s two most popular destinations, Tokyo and Kyoto.

Meanwhile, some regional rail passes do include travel on non-JR trains, local buses, ferries, and/or trams that the countrywide JR Pass doesn’t.

A few regional rail passes can be purchased by foreign residents of Japan (i.e. foreign passport holders not entering the country on a temporary tourist visa). For more details on those passes and how to purchase them, see our guide to JR passes for foreign residents .

Are regional rail passes a good deal?

Generally speaking, JR regional rail passes are a good deal. They tend to pay off if you make one round-trip Shinkansen journey (or limited express train journey) to one of the more far-flung destinations covered by the pass.

See individual rail pass pages — for JR East , JR Central , JR West , JR Shikoku , JR Kyūshū , and JR Hokkaidō — for a closer look at the value of individual passes.

One thing to keep in mind though is the cost of getting to the region covered by the pass, especially if you are coming in from overseas. Most international flights arrive at Narita Airport, followed by Haneda and Kansai Airport (KIX); moreover, flights to Narita tend to be the cheapest.

Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports fall within the scope of the Tokyo Wide Pass, most of the JR East passes, and the Hokuriku Arch Pass — but no other passes. Likewise, only the Hokuriku Arch Pass, Setouchi Area Pass, Sanyō–San’in Northern Kyūshū Pass, JR West passes that include Kansai, and some JR Central passes cover travel to/from KIX.

For other passes you are looking at a flight to a regional airport, or additional train/bus fare. In which case, a national JR Pass might be better value.

What other alternatives are there to JR Passes?

If you don’t want to use a rail pass, there are still lots of options. You can take the bus, fly, or even rent a car. However, depending on your travel plans, one option may be better than others. Read our guide to JR Pass alternatives for the full breakdown.

Can I stack passes?

There is no policy that says you can’t! By stacking regional rail passes, you can possibly spend less than you would on a 14- or 21-day All Japan Rail pass.

What happens if my pass gets lost or stolen?

Don’t let this happen! It will not be replaced! If this does happen, head to the nearest JR station lost and found. Since passes can only be used by the person whose name is on the pass, someone might find it and turn it in.

Can I travel from Tokyo to Kyoto with a regional rail pass?

There is only one regional rail pass that covers travel between Tokyo and Kyoto and that is the Hokuriku Arch Pass. However, you cannot use the Hokuriku Arch Pass to ride the Tokaidō Shinkansen (the Shinkansen that travels between Tokyo and Kyoto). Instead, the Hokuriku Arch Pass allows you to travel between the two cities by way of Nagano and Kanazawa, which is not at all a direct route (though it does take you to some lovely places).

There is no regional rail pass that covers the Tokaidō Shinkansen!

Can I travel to/from Narita Airport with a regional rail pass?

Only the following passes cover travel to/from Narita Airport: the Tokyo Wide Pass; JR East’s Nagano & Niigata Area Pass, Tōhoku Area Pass, and East–South Hokkaidō Pass; and the Hokuriku Arch Pass. Travel is on the JR Narita Express (N’EX) train .

Both terminals 1 and 2 have JR East Travel Service Centers where you can purchase and activate rail passes.

Can I travel to/from Haneda Airport with a regional rail pass?

The same passes that cover travel to/from Narita Airport also cover travel to/from Haneda Airport on the Tokyo Monorail .

There is a JR East Travel Service Center at Haneda’s International Terminal, where you can purchase and activate rail passes. That said, unless you are getting on the Shinkansen that day, it is probably not the best use of your pass (since getting to Tokyo from Haneda only costs ¥ 500 on the monorail).

Can I travel to/from Kansai Airport with a regional rail pass?

Only the following passes cover travel to/from Kansai Airport (KIX): the Kansai Area Pass, Kansai WIDE Area Pass, and Kansai WIDE Area Excursion Pass; JR West’s All Area Pass, Kansai–Hiroshima Area Pass, Kansai–Hokuriku Area Pass, and Sanyō–San’in Area Pass; JR Central’s Takayama–Hokuriku Area Pass and Ise–Kumano–Wakayama Area; the Hokuriku Arch Pass, Setouchi Area Pass, and Sanyō–San’in Northern Kyūshū Pass.

Travel to/from KIX is on the JR limited express Haruka train , a ¥ 1,200 – ¥ 1,800 value one-way.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in July 2022. Last updated in October 2023.

• Bullet train
• Rail Passes

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