Getting There Isn’t Half the Fun: Study Finds Logistics the Most Stressful Part of Travel

A new study from European operator The Tour Guy says travel demand remains strong — but traveller tolerance for complexity is shrinking. 

Study results suggest that today’s biggest source of trip friction isn’t the destination itself; it’s navigating the burden of planning, coordinating, and managing the journey.

According to the research, 55% of travellers cite transportation as the most stressful part of a trip, with an additional 37% pointing specifically to the challenge of moving between destinations. 

Overall, 93% say travel logistics reduce their ability to relax while travelling—revealing a disconnect between the excitement of travel and the reality of coordinating it.

The Tour Guy says the findings suggest a clear shift: in modern travel, friction isn’t driven by choosing where to go — it’s driven by figuring out how to make it happen.

“The reality is that most travellers aren’t overwhelmed by deciding where to go — they’re overwhelmed by everything required to make the trip work,” said Sean Finelli, Co-Founder and CEO of The Tour Guy. 

“As travel has become more accessible, it has also become more complex. From navigating unfamiliar transit systems to coordinating multi-stop itineraries, travellers are increasingly expected to act as planners, operators, and problem-solvers throughout the journey. Transportation and transitions have quietly become one of the biggest sources of travel stress. People want to maximize every moment and spend less time worrying about logistics.”

The study appears to be good news for travel advisors, as friction is shaping behaviour. It found that 74% of travellers are more likely to book when travel logistics are simplified, suggesting that ease — not just inspiration — is becoming a defining factor in travel decisions.

The findings point to a broader shift across the industry: growing demand for curated experiences that reduce travel complexity without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

For its part, The Tour Guy has responded by expanding its portfolio of guided day trips from Paris and Rome across Europe — including Paris to Normandy, Paris to Versailles, Rome to Tuscany, and Rome to Pompeii— turning what would otherwise require multiple bookings and independent coordination into all-in-one experiences. The goal is simple: handle the logistics so travellers can focus on experiencing the destination.

“Our travellers want more than just a checklist of attractions,” Finelli added. “They want context, stories, and unforgettable moments — made easy. And that’s exactly what we strive to do.”