Booking.com unveils the hottest travel destinations and accommodations to explore in summer 2025

With excitement building around travel for summer 2025, Booking.com has unveiled a diverse range of trending travel destinations and accommodations that cater to various preferences and travel styles. As the global economy gradually stabilizes, nearly half of travelers anticipate spending more on their upcoming trips compared to previous years, signaling a resurgence in travel enthusiasm. Key insights reveal that destinations known for their rich cultural experiences and breathtaking natural beauty are topping the charts. This year, travelers are not only looking for traditional sun-soaked getaways but are also eager to embrace unique stays that offer comfort, authenticity, and a touch of adventure.

Key Trends Shaping Travel Choices in 2025

The landscape of travel is continuously evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. This year, several trends have emerged that reflect the desires of contemporary travelers. One significant trend is the increasing interest in alternative accommodations, which saw a 10% rise in search inquiries compared to the previous summer. Options such as villas, holiday homes, and other unique properties are now sought after as families and groups prioritize space and comfort during their vacations.

This shift stems from a more profound craving for experiences that enhance travelers’ connections with their surroundings. The current generation of travelers seeks to immerse themselves fully in local culture, making destinations that provide cultural touchpoints more attractive than ever. Factors such as local cuisines, historical landmarks, and interactive experiences heavily influence their choices.

Analyzing the Popular Destinations

According to the latest findings from Booking.com, the top trending global destinations for summer 2025 are:

• Hurghada, Egypt
• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
• Tokyo, Japan
• Dubai, UAE
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Alicante, Spain
• Nice, France
• Malaga, Spain
• Rimini, Italy
• Dubrovnik, Croatia

These destinations not only offer breathtaking scenery but also cater to various traveler preferences, whether for family vacations, romantic getaways, or group adventures. For instance, Egypt’s coastal cities are drawing families with their warm climate and easy access to world-class diving experiences.

Destination	Primary Attraction	Travel Type
Hurghada, Egypt	World-class diving	Families
Tokyo, Japan	Cultural experiences	Families, Couples
Dubai, UAE	Luxurious experiences	Couples, Families
Alicante, Spain	Vibrant food scene	Couples, Groups

As can be seen, family vacations are gaining popularity, and parents are increasingly looking for experiences that expose their children to various cultures and perspectives. With around 53% of parents prioritizing travel as a yearly obligation, planning these adventures is now smarter and more driven by technology, including AI tools that streamline the itinerary creation process.

Emerging Preferences Among Travelers

Families are not the only demographic influencing travel trends; individual travelers and groups are also redefining how trips are planned. With the younger generations leading the charge, the importance of engaging social experiences amid natural surroundings cannot be overstated. Recent research indicates that 33% of Gen Z travelers opt for group trips, seeking to cultivate connections through shared adventures.

This trend highlights a broader desire among travelers to explore natural landscapes—such as lakes, mountains, and national parks. Destinations rich in outdoor activities and adventure sports are sure to see a surge in interest. As younger travelers pursue experiences over material possessions, this shift reflects a growing emphasis on creating lasting memories.

Top Destinations for Groups

For those traveling in groups, particularly young adults seeking adventure, the following destinations have garnered significant attention:

• Ayia Napa, Cyprus
• Alicante, Spain
• Albufeira, Portugal
• Paris, France
• Marrakech, Morocco

This year also marks a notable push towards experiences that integrate both social connection and adventure. Activities such as stargazing, hiking, and exploration of unique natural environments are rising in popularity, with an estimated 48% of global travelers desiring to explore newly accessible outdoor landscapes.

Travel Group Type	Interests	Trending Destination
Gen Z	Adventure, Social Connection	Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Families	Cultural Exposure	Tokyo, Japan
Couples	Romantic Escapes	Dubai, UAE
General	Nature Exploration	Marrakech, Morocco

For travelers seeking enriching connections and shared experiences, combining friends with nature-centric destinations is likely to yield unforgettable memories, further shaping travel trends in the future.

Couples and The Pursuit of Unique Experiences

The travel preferences of couples are particularly intriguing this year. A significant portion of travelers, spanning various age demographics, emphasize the importance of memorable experiences over material gifts. This year, approximately 73% of millennials, 74% of Gen Z, and 69% of baby boomers prefer vacations with their partners to traditional gifts. The desire to travel together and create shared memories has become a priority for many couples.

Among the top destinations for couples, cities renowned for their romance and cultural offerings are certainly standing out. Notable mentions include:

• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
• Tokyo, Japan
• Milan, Italy
• Dubai, UAE
• Alicante, Spain

The romantic allure of these cities is complemented by their surrounding natural beauty and rich history. For instance, the lesser-known towns near popular destinations, such as Trieste in Italy and Villajoyosa in Spain, offer enriching cultural experiences often overlooked by tourists. Couples can enhance their itineraries by exploring these hidden gems, further maximizing their romantic escapism.

Destination	Cultural Highlights	Romantic Features
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt	Desert landscapes, vibrant markets	Luxury resorts, serene beaches
Tokyo, Japan	Historical temples, modern attractions	Beautiful gardens, night views
Milan, Italy	Classical architecture, art museums	Candlelit dining, scenic canals
Alicante, Spain	Historical sites, vibrant culture	Sunset beaches, intimate dining experiences

As couples continue to prioritize their shared journeys over tangible gifts, travel plans in 2025 promise to be rich in diversely captivating experiences.

The Rise of Alternative Accommodations

As the travel landscape continues to shift, the rise of alternative accommodations cannot be overlooked. With a surge in interest, the need for unique stays has grown dramatically. In 2025, travelers seek more than just hotels; they are looking for accommodations that resonate with their personal tastes and provide unique experiences. Booking.com now offers over 8.1 million listings across various categories of homes, apartments, and distinctive lodgings.

This expansion into unique properties signifies a broader movement towards enriching travel experiences where guests can enjoy the comforts of home while exploring unfamiliar territories. Popular options for travelers this summer include:

• Villas
• Camping sites
• Tented camps
• Treehouses
• Beachfront bungalows

Each accommodation type offers its distinct charm, drawing different traveler demographics depending on their needs. For instance, families show a marked preference for spacious villas, resulting in a 19% rise in villa searches. Meanwhile, group travelers are increasingly interested in riads and shared holiday homes, marking increases of 16% and 12% respectively.

Accommodation Type	Traveler Demographic	Search Increase (%)
Villas	Families	19%
Tented Camps	Couples	16%
Riads	Groups	16%
Holiday Homes	Groups	12%

The variety of accommodations enables travelers to tailor their experiences based on their travel style and the kind of adventures they wish to embark upon. As travel continues to evolve, expectations are reshaping the market landscape, challenging providers to innovate continually.