Travel Trends Summer 2025 

Summer 2025 is shaping up to redefine how the world travels. After a strong rebound last year, travel is expected to surge even more — but not in the ways you might expect. From coolcations to napcations, this summer’s trends reveal that travelers are seeking richer, more meaningful experiences, balancing adventure with rest, and choosing destinations and activities that fit their evolving lifestyles. Here’s what to expect as travelers pack their bags this summer. 

Travel Continues to Surge 

Travel is definitely on the agenda for many Americans this summer, but how they choose to travel is shifting. According to Nerd Wallet’s 2025 Summer Travel Report: 

• More than 2 in 5 Americans (44%) plan to take a vacation requiring a flight or hotel stay. 

• 87% will be leaving town for at least one night. 

• According to Bankrate’s 2025 Summer Travel survey, about half (53%) are planning some type of summer getaway, whether domestic, international, or a relaxing staycation. 

• Still, only 38% of travelers plan on staying within the U.S. and 15% are heading abroad. Interestingly, 10% of Americans are opting for a staycation for at least part of their summer plans. 

Why People Are Traveling 

Family and personal connections are taking center stage this summer. Travelers report that their top reasons for hitting the road or skies include: 

• Visiting friends and family (47%)
• Taking a family vacation (39%)
• Enjoying a trip with a significant other (36%)
• Traveling with friends (23%)

Concerts (15%), solo trips (14%), professional sporting events (10%), weddings (9%), and work trips (9%) are also popular reasons for travel. 

Where Travelers Are Headed 

Domestic Destinations

The top 10 trending U.S. destinations are a mix of city life, island escapes, and outdoor retreats. This summer, travelers are booking trips to: 

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
2. Billings, Montana
3. Nantucket, Massachusetts
4. St. Louis, Missouri
5. Providence, Rhode Island
6. Maui, Hawaii
7. Omaha, Nebraska
8. Juneau, Alaska
9. Bangor, Maine
10. Madison, Wisconsin

Hawaii takes the top spot overall, with searches up 132% compared to last year. 

International Hotspots 

Europe remains irresistible to American travelers. London, Sardinia, and Bali top the list of most-searched international destinations for summer 2025. Airline seat capacity to Europe is expected to grow 3% (4.9 million to 5.1 million seats), while flights to Asia and Australasia will see an even sharper increase of 5% (92,000 seats). 

How Travelers Are Getting There 

2025 is officially the year of the road trip. More travelers are choosing the freedom of the open road over the hassle of airports: 

• It’s cheaper and easier than flying.
• Road trips offer something for everyone, from national parks to charming small towns.
• Getting off the beaten path is a growing priority.

Meanwhile, smaller regional airports are seeing the biggest surges in passenger traffic — a sign that travelers are looking for easier, less crowded ways to get where they’re going. 

Experiences That Matter 

Nostalgia Travel 

Many families are revisiting childhood vacation spots, with 58% of global travelers choosing destinations they loved as kids to share with the next generation. 

Group Travel and Togetherness 

Whether it’s family reunions, skip-gen trips (grandparents traveling with grandchildren), or vacations with friends, group travel is booming. The average group size has grown by 1% year-over-year to 5 people per booking. 

Outdoor Adventures 

Travelers are making a conscious effort to unplug. One in four travelers plan to limit their screen time, and outdoor adventures are more popular than ever. Explore Worldwide reports a 47% rise in walking and hiking tours and a 27% growth in cycling trips. “Cabins” are the top lodging trend for romantic getaways, while “dude ranch” vacations are leading the charge for families. 

New Trends

Workcations and Extended Stays 

With remote work still going strong, travelers are taking longer trips, with the average stay increasing by 9% to 10 days. Extended shoulder season trips are also on the rise as people seek less crowded, more affordable experiences. 

Coolcations 

As temperatures rise, so does the desire to cool off. Travelers are flocking to chillier destinations like Scandinavia, Iceland, Denmark, and Norway. Bookings to these cooler climates have skyrocketed by 263% year-over-year. Meanwhile, overheated states like Arizona are seeing a 37% drop in summer travel. 

Napcations 

Rest is becoming a travel priority. Hotels offering sleep-enhancing amenities like blackout curtains, soundproof rooms, and aromatherapy are gaining traction. Travelers are seeking out restorative vacations where relaxation isn’t just an option — it’s the main event. 

How Travelers Are Paying for It 

The financial side of travel is evolving, too. Credit card points and loyalty programs are playing a bigger role than ever: 

• 85% of summer travelers plan to use a credit card to cover at least some of their expenses.
• 20% of travelers are planning to dig into their rewards points or miles to pay for their vacations.
• 75% of Millennials and Gen Z say it feels rewarding to book travel with points.
• Nearly 3 in 10 (29%) of travelers are also planning to take on debt to fund their vacations.

Fighting Overtourism 

Travelers are increasingly seeking out second cities and hidden gems to avoid the crowds: 

• About 67% of travelers say they want to visit less crowded places.
• 63% are interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• JOMO (“joy of missing out”) travel is on the rise, with travelers reporting less stress and a greater ability to reconnect with loved ones when they skip the tourist traps.

Second-city travel is booming, and Americans heading to Europe are favoring destinations beloved by locals rather than tourist hotspots. 

Conclusion 

Summer 2025 is all about balance — between adventure and rest, exploration and reconnection, excitement and simplicity. Whether travelers are road-tripping across the country, revisiting nostalgic destinations, hiking through Europe, or just catching up on some much-needed sleep, one thing is clear: travel this summer is more meaningful than ever.