2025 summer travel trends revealed 

Guests from the US, Brazil, Spain, and Greece are seeking domestic escapes this summer, while those in the Netherlands and Belgium are seeking adventures abroad¹. From off the beaten path culinary enclaves, to star-chasing events and last-minute staycations, these are the trends shaping summer travel.

Flavorful destinations heat up summer travel 

Globally, 1 in 5 guests said they chose Airbnb over other types of accommodation because they wanted a local travel experience². This summer, travelers are avoiding the summer crowds and swapping culinary capitals for more local, affordable foodie destinations. A recent consumer poll conducted by Panterra reveals that nearly half (47%) of travelers prioritize authentic local cuisine as their top food and beverage experience³. For foodies looking to discover the next “it” dining destinations, here are the top trending spots this summer⁴:  

• Alassio, Italy, offers a similar coastal retreat to Positano, with a vibrant culinary scene centered around its fresh local seafood, wild flowers and herbs, and famous Riviera Ligure DOP extra-virgin olive oil.  
• Rotterdam, Netherlands, also known as the country’s ‘second city’, is recognized for its innovative international food scene. Food enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the city’s culinary delights during this tasty food tour.
• Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain, is a charming beach town located along the Costa de la Luz, boasting a selection of globally recognized, award-winning restaurants with seafood specialties like bluefin tuna.
• Belo Horizonte, Brazil is famous for its flavorful and traditional Minas Gerais dishes, including Feijão Tropeiro, a hearty bean dish, and the beloved Pão de Queijo cheese bread. It’s also a  coffee capital, with rich local brews to explore on this historic coffee tour. 
• Shillong, India, is celebrated for its unique local delicacies and traditional Khasi cuisine, including famous street foods like Shillong aloo muri/chana, a flavorful snack made with puffed rice, potatoes, and onions, and Shillong kwai, a betel leaf prepared with lime and areca nut. 
• Marloth Park, South Africa, adjacent to Kruger National Park, boasts a unique climate ideal for grape cultivation, and is home to some wonderful hidden vineyards.
• Arakawa City, Japan, is a quieter alternative to bustling Shibuya. Situated in eastern Tokyo, it’s a haven for food lovers, featuring ramen and gyoza classes, and Joyful Minowa, a lively shopping arcade with traditional, family-run kissaten coffee shops. 
• Rawai, Thailand, is a relaxed beach town on the southernmost tip of Phuket, known for cuisine that pays homage to the country’s culinary roots, including the freshest seafood and local ingredients. 
• Santa Teresita, Argentina, is located in the culinary capital of Buenos Aires, which boasts over 50 top award-winning restaurants. Its dynamic food scene is a culinary melting pot, with influences from Italian, Spanish, and other European cultures. 
• Oneonta, NY, United States, is a hidden gem escape in the Catskills that’s home to a variety of breweries alongside a diverse array of dining options, with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients.

Fandom travel surges as fans chase stars and stadiums 

Fandom travel has fueled the rise of “star chasers,” or travelers who pursue their favorite artists and athletes by attending concerts and sporting events, often traveling great distances to be immersed in the action. According to Panterra’s consumer survey⁵:

• About a quarter of participants anticipate traveling more for big events in the next year than they have previously, especially those in Brazil (45%), Mexico (38%), and the US (32%)⁵. 
• Concerts ranked second, following family reunions, as events that motivate people to travel, with 23% of participants saying they would travel for them⁵. 
• Concerts are especially appealing to younger women compared to their male peers; 33% of Gen Z women are interested in traveling to concerts vs. 24% of their Gen Z male peers⁵.

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

• Houston, TX, United States searches have surged +620% during Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour dates in June⁶.
• Manchester, United Kingdom searches have surged +500% during the Oasis concert dates in July⁷.
• Perth, Australia searches have surged +250% during the State of Origin Rugby game in June⁸. 
• Charlotte, NC, United States searches have surged +200% during Shakira’s concert dates in May⁹.
• Santiago, Chile searches have surged 85% during Kylie Minogue’s concert dates in August¹⁰.

With thousands of guests seeking  to attend these summer events,¹¹ they’re likely to generate positive economic impact for local hosts, communities and businesses such as restaurants and shops. According to a 2024 global survey of Airbnb guests, visitors spent an average of $165 USD per guest per day on local restaurants, groceries, and attractions. What’s more, hosts help ensure more neighborhoods benefit from this influx of guest spending. Guests reported that about 40% of their total spending occurred in the neighborhood of their Airbnb listing in 2024¹². 

Spontaneous staycations on the rise with US travelers 

This summer, US guests are prioritizing staycations, with more searches for trips within 300 miles of guests’ homes¹³. Groups and families represent the largest segment of staycations in the US, accounting for over 60% of nearby searches¹⁴. Panterra’s consumer survey also reveals:

• 43% of Americans plan to drive rather than fly for their upcoming trips¹⁵.
• 39% of Americans indicate they are already traveling or are very likely to travel domestically instead of internationally to save money¹⁶.
• 29% of Americans with children aged 18 or younger living at home report that they are already choosing staycations over travel to other destinations, or are very likely to do so¹⁷.

We know travelers have been booking last minute trips. For those looking for nearby, spontaneous adventures, here are the top trending domestic destinations amongst US guests this summer, with unique stays ranging from cozy cabins to beach house retreats¹⁸: 

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These destinations also offer a wide range of experiences for every guest, whether they’re on vacation, or locals exploring their own backyard. From silent disco yoga at San Francisco’s Baker Beach, to sunset hiking and kayaking in Arizona, to sailing in Long Beach, each destination has outdoorsy experiences that cater to summer nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Tips and tricks to plan the best summer getaway

No matter the reason for travel, destination, budget, or group size, summer travelers can take advantage of some helpful tips and tricks to find the perfect stay: 

• Tip 1: Find affordable stays with total price display
  • For guests seeking budget-conscious summertime stays, we recently updated our pricing to show guests the total cost of a stay, including fees upfront, so guests can easily see if a listing is within budget. Animated search tips also show up on listings to make it easy to find and take advantage of weekly or monthly stay discounts, which over two-thirds of hosts offer on Airbnb¹⁹.
• Tip 2: Streamline planning for group travel by sharing wishlists 
  • Airbnb makes it easy for groups to stay together in one location, eliminating the need to book multiple hotel rooms. With shared wishlists, friends and family can spend less time debating where to stay this summer and more time planning an unforgettable vacation. Shared wishlists enable everyone to add the homes they like to the list, write notes and vote on their favorite listings to help find a place that everyone agrees on.
• Tip 3:  Read reviews and listing highlights
  • One of the best strategies to find the best stay for a particular trip is to look at reviews to uncover unique features and amenities that can enhance guest stays without breaking the bank. Mentions of features like chefs kitchens, on-site laundry, or proximity to public transport, can help guests find listings that provide the best value for their trip. Personalized listing highlights at the top of a listing page also show amenities that are tailored to guests’ search criteria. 
• Tip 4: Discover the best listings with quality badges
  • Listing highlights like ‘Guest Favorite’ and ‘Superhost’ help travelers  know when they’ve spotted a great listing and host. Guests should keep an eye out for a top home highlight to see if the listing you’re looking at is in the top 1, 5, or 10 percent of homes on Airbnb, or if it’s hosted by a Superhost, known for going above and beyond to provide excellent hospitality.

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.