Airbnb reveals top spring travel trends and destinations for the UK in 2025

As spring travel plans take shape, Airbnb today reveals the UK’s emerging travel trends and destinations for the 2025 season. From ‘rhythm-roaming’ in music capitals to ‘echo-city’ travel – skipping popular destinations in favour of more quiet and affordable alternatives – Airbnb’s data reveals where Brits are booking next – and what inspires their trips.  

Globally, solo travel is on the rise, with more travellers choosing longer, wellness-focused ‘soft travel,’ and paw-cations are growing in popularity as pets become as important as passports.

Luke Impett, Partnerships and External Affairs Lead for Northern Europe at Airbnb, comments: 

“Airbnb travellers are increasingly seeking more than just ticking off their bucket-list destinations. Our data indicates a growing interest in exploring hidden gems , aligning trips with passions, such as  music, and seeking to make  solo-trips more meaningful by bringing along a four-legged companion. This spring, as our wonderful Airbnb hosts open up their doors, it is a perfect opportunity to visit new places outside of summer and to enjoy unique and beautiful spaces that offer an authentic local experience.”

Airbnb’s top spring travel trends and destinations for UK travellers¹

Rhythm Roaming

Music is setting the tempo for travel this spring, with UK holidaymakers embracing music-driven getaways. UK searches for Basel, Switzerland, the home of 2025’s Eurovision Song Contest, have tripled compared to last spring – rising by over 100%. Meanwhile, Nashville, Tennessee, is rising the ranks as a must-visit destination, fuelled by a growing national love for country music, with icons like Beyoncé leading the charge.

The top Guest Favourite Airbnbs in these trending destinations:

For travellers seeking top-tier accommodation, Guest Favourite Airbnbs are the most-loved stays, chosen by guests for their excellent reviews, ratings, and reliability.

Nashville, Tennessee – The Belmont Belle

Basel, Switzerland – Cabin near downtown Basel

Echo city travel

Airbnb reveals that more and more Brits are opting for echo-city travel – skipping the most popular city or region for an equally charming, yet less-crowded and more affordable alternative.

Topping the list of the most popular cities for spring travel on Airbnb are Italian wonders like Verona, Rocca Pietore, and Puglia – with soaring searches for spring showing UK travellers are looking beyond the obvious choices for low-season travel. 

Elsewhere, the Moroccan city of Agadir is seeing growing demand, as many seek out warmer weather and look to skip the bustling souks of Marrakech in favour of tranquil golden beaches, along the southern Atlantic coastline instead.

The top Guest Favourite Airbnbs in these trending destinations:

Verona, Italy – Small ancient apartment escape

Rocca Pietore, Italy – Apartment with break-taking views

Agadir, Morocco – Modern apartment

Box-set breaks

The small screen is having a big influence on travel plans this spring, with UK holidaymakers flocking to locations that have played starring roles in their favourite TV shows. Following Gavin & Stacey’s much-anticipated finale return, searches for Barry in Wales have more than doubled for trips this spring, as fans of the hit series look to visit the iconic seaside town where it all began.

The White Lotus effect is also in full swing. Airbnb searches for Koh Samui rose by over 80% in 2024 compared to the previous year after it was confirmed as the backdrop of the latest season.² For fans wanting the full White Lotus experience, one of the stunning properties from the new season is available to book on Airbnb.

The top Guest Favourite Airbnbs in these trending destinations:

Barry, Wales – Bright Seaside Home

Koh Sumai, Thailand – Brand New 3 Bedroom Sea View Villa

Airbnb’s top spring travel trends for global travellers

Solo-scaping

Airbnb’s global data reveals that across the world, solo travel continues to surge, as searches for solo trips have grown by 80% for this spring compared to last year.³
Solo adventurers are specifically seeking out ‘soft travel’ – slower-paced trips focused on relaxation and wellbeing – by booking longer, more meaningful journeys, averaging 17 nights, compared to 9 nights for duo travellers and 8 nights for families.⁴    

Top trending destinations among UK travellers that are  perfect for solo-scaping¹

Osaka, Japan – a vibrant city perfect for solo travellers looking to immerse themselves in the city’s iconic food scene and historical landmarks.

Japanese designer’s house

Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain – sun-soaked Palma offers solo travellers a blend of relaxation and adventure, exploring its Gothic architecture and rich culinary scene.

Bright and cosy apartment

San Sebastian, Spain – foodie paradise ideal for solo adventurers looking to savour Michelin-starred dining, surf world-class waves, and wander cobbled streets.

Renovated studio in the heart of the Old Town

Cape Town, South Africa – offering dramatic landscapes, a thriving art scene, and scenic coastal drives for a combination of adventure and tranquility.

Hillside penthouse with spectacular Table Mountain views

Paw-cations

Travellers are also taking the literal approach to soft travel – bringing their furry friends along for the adventure. Compared to last spring, searches for trips with pets have risen by 30%.⁵ 

Top trending destinations among UK travellers perfect for pet-friendly getaways⁹

New Forest District, UK – with miles of open heathland, forest trails, and pet-friendly pubs, the New Forest is a paradise for dogs (and their humans).

Bluebell Cottage

Balloch, Scotland – nestled by the banks of Loch Lomond, Balloch is an ideal retreat for pet owners looking for scenic lakeside strolls, boat trips, and fresh Highland air.

Beautiful scenic cottage