Discover Top Trending Travel Destinations and Stays for Summer 2025 with Booking.com

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27 May, 2025

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a big travel season, with nearly half (48%) planning to spend more on their upcoming trips than they did in 2024.
Hurghada, Egypt tops the global trending destination list this summer, with families drawn to its warm climate, easy resort access, and world-class diving along the Red Sea.
Alternative accommodations continue to be popular with travelers, with a 10% increase in searches for unique properties compared to last summer. This year, travelers are seeking more space, comfort, and authenticity — villas and holiday homes are leading the way.

Travel remains a constant on people's minds, and as the seasons shift toward summer, enthusiasm for exploration endures—even amidst macroeconomic uncertainties.New data from leading digital travel platform Booking.com reveals that this summer is shaping up to be a season of big travel plans, longer trips, and meaningful escapes. Optimism is high: 77% of global leisure travelers feel excited about exploring the world in the months ahead, and nearly half (48%) expect to spend more on travel than in 2024.* From sun-soaked coastlines to vibrant cities and cultural discoveries, this summer’s trending destinations offer something for every kind of traveler, from Egypt’s coral reefs to Tokyo’s lively streets and southern Spain’s golden beaches.

Top Trending Global Destinations for Summer 2025

Families

With 53% of parents making travel a top yearly priority, family vacations are set to play a big role this summer. Today’s families are seeking more than just sun and downtime- 85% of parents say they’re looking for trips that expose children to a variety of cultures and experiences.* Whether that means exploring ancient temples and futuristic tech in Tokyo or enjoying Alicante’s vibrant food scene, families are looking to book trips that inspire curiosity and connection. The way these trips are being planned are also getting easier and smarter, thanks to technology. Families are leading the way in using AI to simplify travel planning, with 85% also saying AI tools make the process faster and more efficient, more than any other traveler type.

Top Trending Summer Destinations for Families

Groups

Group travel is gaining momentum this summer, with 1 in 5 global travelers planning trips with friends.* Leading this trend is Gen Z with 33% opting for group getaways. These younger travelers are seeking experiences that combine social connection with nature as 36% prioritize activities like stargazing and outdoor adventures. This aligns with a broader movement, where 48% of global travelers express a desire to explore natural landscapes such as lakes, mountains and national parks.

Top Trending Summer Destinations for Groups

Couples

In 2025, couples are increasingly valuing memorable experiences over material gifts. A significant majority across generations—73% of millennials, 74% of Gen Z, and 69% of boomers—prefer the gift of travel to physical presents. This shift aligns with the 45% of travelers planning to take a trip with their partner this year. For those considering popular destinations like Milan and Alicante, nearby gems such as Trieste and Villajoyosa—both featured in Booking.com's 2025 Trending Destinations—offer enriching cultural experiences and picturesque settings, making them ideal additions to a romantic itinerary.

Top global trending summer destinations for couples

Unique stays on the rise

Alternative accommodations are seeing a surge in popularity, with a 10% year-over-year increase in searches compared to last summer. Booking.com offers more than 8.1 million listings in homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay, such as boats, treehouses, country homes, and beachfront bungalows.

While apartments and guesthouses remain the top alternative accommodations this summer, offering comfort, convenience and local charm, travelers are increasingly exploring other options. Trending accommodation types vary by traveler group:

Group travelers are showing a growing interest in riads and holiday homes, with searches up by 16% and 12%, respectively.
Families are gravitating towards villas and camping, experiencing surges of 19% and 16%.
Couples are favoring tented camps and chalets, which have seen increases of 16% and 13%.

Booking.com continues to simplify travel planning for 2025, offering a seamless platform where travelers can arrange every aspect of their journey. With over 30 accommodation categories—including homes, apartments, and unique stays—alongside flights, car rentals, and local attractions, Booking.com connects every element of the trip. Travelers can also take advantage of Getaway Deals, with discounts of up to 20% for stays with checkout before September 30, 2025. Plus, members of the Genius loyalty program unlock even more perks—like free room upgrades and breakfast—at a wide range of properties worldwide, adding extra value and ease to their summer travels.

Maldives Luxury Guide

Over a million tourists visit these islands every year for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Now it's your turn to experience Maldives, the gem of the Indian ocean to discover plenty of hidden treasures. You can experience different experiences of luxury in Maldives best resorts, mingling with celebs in your best beachwear, dining in style, and falling in love with the underwater world. For those seeking romance, the Maldives offers enviably luxurious private accommodation and indulgent spas. Maldives makes the best holiday experiences year after year after year.

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