A new travel trend is emerging across Europe as adult summer camps begin attracting travellers looking for social experiences, outdoor activities and a break from digital life.
Long popular in the United States, the concept is now gaining momentum in Europe, where tour operators and boutique retreat organisers are launching camps designed specifically for adults. The idea is simple – spend time outdoors, participate in group activities and meet new people in a relaxed setting.
Many of these experiences echo the structure of traditional childhood summer camps, with communal meals, shared accommodation and daily programmes that include hiking, creative workshops, sports and evening gatherings.
Tour operator EF Ultimate Break is among the companies capitalising on the trend. This summer it will launch a week-long adult summer camp in the Swiss Alps aimed at younger travellers.
According to the company, the programme is designed primarily for millennials and members of Generation Z who are increasingly drawn to nostalgic travel experiences that recreate the social atmosphere of youth camps while offering more comfort and curated activities.
Social media has also played a role in accelerating interest. Last year, content creator Allison Wolf shared a video from her stay at Camp Château, a women-only summer camp in southern France.
The response was immediate. Within just five days, all places for the 2025 season were sold out, with around 11,000 people joining the waiting list.
The retreat focuses on creating meaningful social connections among women in an informal environment. Guests can stay either in shared castle rooms with bunk beds or in glamping tents designed for two people. Each evening the entire group gathers for communal dinners, reinforcing the social aspect that has become central to the concept.
Another similar experience is CampJoli, located in a château in the rural countryside of Provence. Like other adult camps, it combines outdoor activities with a retreat-style atmosphere designed to encourage friendship and shared experiences.
Industry observers say the popularity of adult summer camps reflects a broader shift in travel preferences. As more of daily life moves online, travellers – particularly younger generations – are increasingly seeking offline experiences that encourage real-world interaction.
For many participants, these camps offer something traditional holidays often lack: a ready-made community and the chance to form friendships while exploring new destinations.
