Travel Trends 2025: the most popular destinations for this summer

As international tourism reaches a new peak this summer, the latest analysis of global search and booking data reveals where travelers dream of escaping to in July and August. This year, a shift toward authentic cultural experiences and less conventional destinations is notable.

Flight searches for summer travel have increased by 7% year-over-year. France leads the way with an impressive 35% growth in outbound travel searches, followed by Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the United Arab Emirates are also showing strong momentum, reflecting robust travel intent in key markets.

By 2025, some destinations have emerged as true summer stars, especially in the Far East, the Indian Ocean, and Europe.

Vietnam is emerging as the clear favorite, with a notable 61% increase in traveler interest and high booking demand. The city of Da Nang, recently connected by new air routes, offers access to three World Heritage sites and over 3,000 km of pristine coastline. Its street food and local traditions are capturing the attention of culture and cuisine lovers.

Mauritius follows with a 41% increase in flight searches, thanks to its combination of idyllic beaches and improved air connectivity. Sri Lanka also stands out with 32% more interest, valued for its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and affordable luxury options.

Japan continues to consolidate its position as one of the world's favorite destinations, with a 28% increase in searches, driven by its balance of modernity, tradition, and unique cuisine. Meanwhile, France rounds out the top five with solid growth of 25%.

The report also shows interesting patterns by market. From the United States, interest in African destinations such as Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa is growing. In the United Kingdom, travelers are turning to New Zealand, Japan, and Sri Lanka, while Germans are increasingly looking eastward: Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea.

Summer continues to be a season for long getaways, especially for travelers from India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany, many of whom take vacations lasting more than a month. Americans, on the other hand, prefer stays of two to three weeks.

Dubai also remains an attractive destination, with an increase in inbound flights during the season. Solo travelers, couples, and families from various regions choose the city for both vacations and a combination of leisure and business.

Source: Emirates.