Summer Travel: What’s Trending In 2025

This summer, travel is about more than just going somewhere. As we take a look at recent surveys and data from Google and Airbnb, it’s clear that people are craving authentic experiences in the months ahead, — a meal cooked by a local, a cabin surrounded by pine trees, or dancing in a stadium with thousands of fellow fans. From checked bags to road trips to island escapes, travelers are choosing to make their time off matter.

Coastal Curiosity & Island Escapes

Source: Google Summer 2025 Travel Trends

According to Google Flights, travelers are chasing sea breezes and salt air this summer. Top-trending destinations include tropical islands like Puerto Rico, Curaçao and St. Lucia, along with U.S. coastal gems like Maui, Nantucket and Rio de Janeiro.

• TURNER Takeaway: The beach isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the main event. Fashion, flight searches and vacation planning are all aligned around the island aesthetic.

Food-Focused Travel with a Local Twist

Source: Airbnb Summer 2025 Travel Trends

Nearly 1 in 5 Airbnb users choose their accommodation based on access to authentic local experiences, with 47% of travelers ranking local cuisine as their top food and beverage priority (Panterra Consumer Survey).

• TURNER Takeaway: Culinary curiosity is driving travel decisions—often away from major cities and toward hidden-gem destinations with strong local flavor.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature-Based Lodging

Source: Google Travel Trends

In the U.S., cities with access to nature, like Billings, MT; Juneau, AK; and Bangor, ME, are trending. Cabin stays are leading for couples, while “dude ranch” vacations are the top family trend for 2025.

• TURNER Takeaway: Nature travel is evolving from a pandemic-era necessity into a long-term preference for peaceful, experiential travel.

Fandom Travel: Events as Destinations

Source: Airbnb Summer 2025 Travel Trends

A growing number of travelers are embarking on what’s being dubbed “fandom travel.” Roughly 1 in 4 people say they’ll travel more in 2025 for concerts, festivals or sporting events. Gen Z women in particular are leading this charge, with 33% saying they are more likely to travel for concerts compared to 24% of Gen Z men.

• TURNER Takeaway: People are traveling for moments, not just places. Events now rival family reunions as top travel motivators.

The Return of the Checked Bag

Source: Google Search Trends

Google data shows “checked bags” have now surpassed “carry-on bags” in search volume, marking a notable shift in travel behavior.

• TURNER Takeaway: Travelers are preparing for longer or more diverse trips and packing more gear than in recent years.

Spontaneous Staycations & Road Trips

Source: Airbnb Summer 2025 Travel Trends

U.S. guests are increasingly choosing trips within 300 miles of home, with 43% planning to drive instead of fly. Nearly 30% of parents say they’re opting for staycations over longer-distance travel. Southern Living also reports that road trips are trending strongly, especially in the South, where travelers can hit several spots in a day’s drive.

• TURNER Takeaway: Road trips and nearby getaways offer control, flexibility, and savings—all key motivators in today’s travel climate.