The Ultimate Summer Getaways of 2025 Share One Key Trait
The peak season for traveling is summer. With children not having school, casual Fridays at the office, and pleasant temperatures, it appears as though all your acquaintances are taking trips elsewhere. Yet even so,
the beach
And some European cities have timeless classics.
summer travel destinations
, the popular destinations for this year reveal a distinct perspective of our planet. A recent report from
Airbnb
on
summer travel trends
Indicates that travelers seek experiences tailored to them instead of popular vacation spots frequently seen on their social media feeds. In 2025, desirable travel locations will encompass foodie havens, urban centers hosting major summer concert events, as well as retreats offering opportunities to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in natural settings.
To help us break down this year’s top summer travel trends, we tapped Deborah Trevino, a leisure travel advisor for
Direct Travel
. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing few days away or an action-packed, two-week journey, there’s a travel trend for you. Just make sure your
A carry-on bag can accommodate everything you require.
before you depart!
Flavorful Destinations
Based on information from Airbnb and a recent consumer survey carried out by Panterra, approximately 47 percent of travelers are now giving priority to locations famous for their regional food.
instead
Of the attractions, Alassio in Italy and Rotterdam in the Netherlands are drawing crowds of gastronomy enthusiasts seeking exceptional dining experiences. Popular urban centers such as Tokyo and New York are losing out to lesser-known areas renowned for their cuisine. Places like Arakawa City in Japan and Oneonta in New York have emerged as rising stars on Airbnb, noted for their burgeoning culinary scenes.
Short and Sweet Escapes
Economic unpredictability is causing individuals to become much more mindful of their budgets, yet they’re not canceling their summer vacation plans completely. Rather than going all out with extensive trips, tourists are seeking ways to enjoy themselves intensely within shorter durations. So instead of embarking on a leisurely three-country tour spanning two weeks in Europe, people are opting for focused or deep-dive experiences lasting just a few days or even a long weekend.
However, the financial strain doesn’t seem to be affecting those with bucket list items to cross off. Trevino notes that while people may not stay as long in destinations these days, they’re still prioritizing travel.
Fandom-Fueled Itineraries
Following the wave of travel associated with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, dedicated fans continue to chase after their favorite musicians across different countries just so they can catch live performances. This season, attention has shifted towards two major events: Oasis’ comeback tour and Beyoncé’s upcoming Cowboy Carter Tour. As reported by Airbnb, inquiries about accommodations in Houston, Texas—Beyoncé’s birthplace—are up by an impressive 620 percent since the release of her new concert schedule. Meanwhile, anticipation for Oasis’ highly awaited return has boosted search rates for Manchester, England—a city closely linked to the band—by as much as 500 percent.
Nature-First Exploration
Instead of diving into urban exploration with a jam-packed schedule, numerous tourists prefer a less connected way of traveling. “The focus is entirely on unwinding and escaping the constant clamor of daily life, allowing them to leave their worries behind,” explains Trevino. “Essentially, it’s about disconnecting—whether aboard a cruise, during a road trip, or when visiting another nation where they can relax and fully engage with a new culture, savor various cuisines, and take in stunning landscapes.”
According to Trevino, Thailand, Japan, the Nordic nations (which include Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), Croatia, and Greece are all experiencing exceptionally high trends.
Spontaneous Staycations
The most popular summer travel trends for this year aren’t necessarily distant getaways. Actually, 43 percent of Americans
plan to drive
Instead of opting to fly for vacations this year, more people are choosing shorter trips within 300 miles from their homes. Financial considerations also factor into this trend, with 39 percent of Americans stating they prefer domestic travel over international journeys to cut costs.
People increasingly prefer spending time outdoors and exploring national parks and vast open areas,” states Trevino. “There’s a strong desire for openness and tranquility, which contrasts sharply with the experience of an airport filled with people and adhering to strict schedules. A road trip offers much more flexibility and aligns better with personal preferences.
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