Top summer travel trends and destinations for UK travellers in 2025

Summer is here and with wanderlust setting in, Airbnb today reveals the UK’s top travel trends and destinations for 2025’s sunshine season, along with a selection of Airbnb Homes and Experiences for planning the perfect trip.

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

“This summer, we’re seeing a clear shift in how people want to travel. Brits are moving beyond the typical beach holiday, leaning into adventure, culture, and moments that feel more personal – whether that’s hiking along the dramatic coastline of Portrush, chasing live music in Manchester, or discovering food scenes off the beaten path in Tropea. The demand for meaningful, immersive travel is growing and with Airbnb, guests can find everything from unique places to stay to authentic, local experiences.”

TREND: ✈️ Fandom travel

Fandom travel is on the rise, with travellers following their favourite artists, athletes and sports by attending concerts and events, often travelling great distances to be immersed in the action.

WHERE TO GO:

From arena tours to international tournaments, here are some big event destinations that are experiencing a surge in demand this summer:

• Manchester, England – With excitement building for the highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour, searches for the band’s birthplace have grown exponentially, as fans head back to where it all began.
  • Airbnb stay: Whitworth Locke Studio Apartment
• Portrush, Northern Ireland – This seaside town is fastly being put in the spotlight as fans flock to catch The Open 2025 on its world-class golf courses.
  • Airbnb stay: Fisherman’s Loft
• Bristol, England – A summer full of festivals, including the renowned BBC Proms, has fuelled an uptick in searches, as festival-goers flock to the city for live performances and cultural experiences.
  • Airbnb stay: Vibrant Apartment

WHAT TO DO:

• Embark on a silent disco adventure, Manchester

TREND: 🏝️White Isle Dupes

Brits are increasingly seeking vibrant fun-filled settings that offer the same bohemian charm and buzzing nightlife as Ibiza’s White Isle – but without the hefty price tags. 

WHERE TO GO:

• Durrës, Albania – Offering beach clubs, a growing nightlife scene and Ibiza-like energy at a fraction of the cost, searches for the coastal gem of Durrës are booming.
  • Airbnb stay: City Centre Concept Apartment
• Tivat, Montenegro – A picturesque coastal town with a Monaco-meets-Ibiza allure, Tivat offers luxury for less. The multimillion-dollar makeover that saw its pier turned into a chic marina could be causing its growth in popularity.
  • Airbnb stay: Modern Apartment 
• Agadir, Morocco – With 1.3M TikTok views and counting, this North African gem is turning heads, drawing in families and friends with its laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, and surf-friendly shores. 
  • Airbnb stay: Ocean View Penthouse

WHAT TO DO:

• Blue cave & Lady of the Rocks speedboat adventure, Montenegro 
• Learn about and enjoy Agadir’s culture, Morocco

TREND:  🌄Peak escapism

Whether driven by wellness trends or a craving for fresh air, this summer, Brits are swapping sun loungers for summit views. Search demand is soaring for mountain towns and rugged coastlines that offer real adventure – from hiking and wild swimming to unforgettable moments in nature. 

WHERE TO GO:

• Bushmills, Northern Ireland – A stone’s throw from the Giant’s Causeway, this charming village is a gateway to breathtaking cliff tops, and serene beaches.
  • Airbnb stay: Broadskies Cabin
• Balloch, Scotland – Offering easy access to the Trossachs National Park, perfect for kayaking, hiking, and peaceful rambles, this lochside spot has witnessed an increase in searches by well-over 100% this summer
  • Airbnb stay: Annie’s Apartment
• Rocca Pietore, Veneto, Italy – Tucked in the heart of the Dolomites mountain range, this alpine village is perfect for glacier hikes, high-altitude trails and scenic cable car rides with jaw-dropping views.
  • Airbnb stay: The Nest

WHAT TO DO: 

• Climb the Dolomites along Via Ferrata, Italy 

TREND: 🍉Foodie escapes on a budget

Whilst culinary-cations are not going away, this summer travellers are trading in gastronomic capitals in favour of local, affordable foodie spots. According to a recent Airbnb study,⁴ 42% of Brits say proximity to unforgettable dining experiences plays a key role in their holiday decisions – and over the warmer months, it’s clear that lesser-known gems, serving up authentic, affordable bites are what UK travellers are most hungry for.

WHERE TO GO:

Here are the emerging foodie destinations that are making waves this summer³: 

• Tropea, Calabria, Italy – Famous for its sweet red onions, spicy ’nduja and seaside trattorias, Tropea is southern Italy’s answer to fine dining without the fanfare.
  • Airbnb stay: Stunning Holiday Home 
• Pefkos, Rhodes, Greece – With souvlaki, seafood and sweeping Aegean views, Pefkos dishes up Greek island magic, kinder on the purse strings than the more obvious Greek islands.
  • Airbnb stay: Kavos Beach House
• Almancil, Portugal – While not as well-known as Lisbon or Porto, Amancil is close to Loulé and the Algarve countryside, offering authentic Portuguese cuisine – think piri-piri chicken, cataplana stews, grilled sardines and regional pastries. 

WHAT TO DO:

• Discover the secret world of olives, Rhodes 
• Prepare traditional Calabrian pasta with a local nonna, Tropea

With 70% ¹ of guests saying they often book an Experience when they travel, it’s clear that appetite for more immersive getaways is growing. That’s why Airbnb is proud to be evolving with its new Experiences and Services offering – giving guests the chance to enjoy one-of-a-kind activities, both thought-up and hosted by locals and experts who know their area best.

Top trending international destinations this summer for UK travellers²

• Rocca Pietore, Veneto, Italy
• Puglia, Italy
• Le Mans, France
• Bern, Switzerland
• Almancil, Portugal
• Durrës, Albania 
• Tivat, Montenegro
• Agadir, Morocco
• Tropea, Calabria, Italy
• Pefkos, Rhodes, Greece

Top trending domestic destinations this summer for UK travellers²

• Bushmills, Northern Ireland
• Balloch, Scotland
• Shropshire, England
• Portrush, Northern Ireland
• Manchester, England 
• Bristol, England
• Cardiff, Wales 
• Milton Keynes, England
• Londonderry, Northern Ireland
• Wembley, England

All listings and Experiences included in this article are intended to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not endorse or promote these listings or any other accommodations or Experiences on the platform.