US, Mexico, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Singapore Lead Global Travel Trends in Tripadvisor Summer Travel Index 2025 Revealing Top Destinations and Traveler Behaviors

The index highlights top summer destinations favored by US travelers, with perennial favorites like Las Vegas and Cancun maintaining their popularity. Emerging trending locations for the summer include Fort Walton Beach in Florida and Punta Sam in Mexico, which have risen sharply in interest. Notably, younger generations such as Gen Z and Millennials demonstrate a significantly higher propensity to travel, being 38 percent more likely to take both domestic and international trips compared to Gen X and Baby Boomers.

Top Summer Destinations for US Travelers

Data indicates US travelers seek a balanced combination of lively urban experiences and relaxed beach vacations for their summer getaways, both abroad and within the United States.

Leading international summer destinations for US travelers include:

Cancun, Mexico

Paris, France

London, United Kingdom

Leading domestic summer destinations include:

Las Vegas, Nevada

New York City, New York

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Within the Caribbean, four out of the ten trending destinations for US travelers have gained popularity, reflecting a strong desire among 51 percent of travelers to focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Domestically, Florida commands attention with four destinations on the trending list. Meanwhile, nature-centric spots such as Big Sur, California and Moran, Wyoming are drawing interest, as 38 percent of travelers aim to immerse themselves in natural environments during the summer months.

Focus on Experiences

Experiences play a crucial role in travel planning, with 83 percent of travelers allocating a significant portion of their budget to activities. Most travelers plan up to five activities during their trips, while younger generations (Gen Z) are more inclined to engage in six or more experiences compared to older groups (14 percent versus 9 percent).

Though relaxation is a priority across all age groups, it is more emphasized by older travelers, with 56 percent of Boomers and Gen X choosing rest and calm compared to 47 percent among Millennials and Gen Z. Conversely, younger travelers show a greater interest in adventure and cultural exploration.

Summer vacations are treasured opportunities for making memories with loved ones. Whether exploring cultural landmarks, enjoying beaches, or taking part in guided tours and water activities, engaging in local experiences enriches trips and creates lasting memories. Travel reviews and guidance platforms help travelers identify top activities and must-see attractions to enhance their itineraries.

Planning Ahead for Seamless Travel

Advance planning continues to be essential for smooth travel experiences. More than half of travelers (57 percent) report booking activities before departure. Gen Z and Millennials lead in this trend, being 78 percent more likely than older travelers to secure on-trip activities ahead of time (71 percent versus 40 percent).

During their trips, older generations tend to rely more on local recommendations (38 percent), while younger travelers turn to social media for tips and ideas (51 percent). The most popular experience categories for 2025 include cultural and themed tours, outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding, along with cruises, sailing, and water-based tours.

Accommodation preferences also vary by age. Younger travelers favor vacation rentals (30 percent), while older travelers predominantly choose hotels (21 percent).

Utilizing platforms that combine accommodation booking and activity planning simplifies travel arrangements, enabling travelers to focus on enjoying their vacations. With over a billion reviews and contributions, Tripadvisor remains a vital resource for making informed travel decisions.

Data Collection and Methodology

The insights presented in the Summer Travel Index are based on two primary data sources:

US Mexico France United Kingdom Australia Japan and Singapore are leading global travel trends in 2025 due to strong traveler enthusiasm, economic recovery, and a surge in demand for diverse cultural and outdoor experiences, shaping top destinations and traveler behaviors worldwide.

This comprehensive analysis offers a clear perspective on evolving travel trends for the summer of 2025.