Latest news with #SmarterSummerReport
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Summer 2025 travel trends: Top cities, dates to save
An April 28 to May 1 survey of 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by members-only home-swapping community Kindred found that 90% were "actively looking" for ways to save on summer travel. USA TODAY reviewed various industry reports to glean the biggest trends among expected travelers this summer. Here's what to consider as you plan your trip. Top summer destinations There are no surprises among the most popular destinations this summer, which include a mix of international and domestic cities. Skyscanner's Smarter Summer Report includes Tokyo, London, New York, Rome and Los Angeles in the top five. Kayak's Summer Travel Check-In also has Tokyo, London and Rome in its top five, but included Paris and Orlando instead of New York and Los Angeles. Kayak also notes international flights are 11% cheaper to Asia, down 8% to Europe, and 5% lower to Africa this summer, compared to last summer. However, according to Airbnb's summer travel trends, nearly 40% of Americans will or are likely to stick to domestic destinations to save money, instead of going abroad. Airbnb adds that nearly 30% of Americans with kids 18 or younger living at home are planning staycations instead of going elsewhere or will "very likely" do so. What are the cheapest periods to travel? Skyscanner found Wednesdays are generally the cheapest day to travel and the cheapest week to travel is Aug, 25 through 31. Travelers who wait to fly in August may find better deals than for June and July, according to Kayak, however it says those planning trips around summer holidays will find the cheapest outbound flights on Tuesday, July 1 ahead of Independence Day and Saturday, Aug. 30 ahead of Labor Day. If you've always dreamed of RV life, here's how to try it Should I drive or fly to my destination? To save money, some travelers are skipping flights and hitting the road. Of more than 2,800 U.S. travelers surveyed for Deloitte's 2025 Summer Travel Survey, 22% said they plan to drive instead of fly this summer due to airfares. Without specifying cost other reasons, Airbnb's data shows 43% of Americans plan to drive instead of fly this summer. Where do people stay when traveling? Deloitte reports 80% of travelers plan to stay in hotels and 25% plan to stay in private rentals at least once this summer, both up from last year, but nearly 25% plan to stay with friends or family to save money. Kindred found an even higher number, over 40%, of its surveyed respondents choosing to stay with friends or family and 12% opting for home stays, which have historically been more popular abroad than in the U.S.
USA Today
7 days ago
- USA Today
Vacationing on a budget: How the economy is impacting 2025 summer travel
Vacationing on a budget: How the economy is impacting 2025 summer travel Show Caption Hide Caption Top three travel trends for summer 2025 Airbnb shares data behind the top summer destinations and motivators for 2025. Less may be more when it comes to summer vacations this year. While travelers are still planning to get away, many are shifting their destinations, trip duration and other factors amid economic uncertainty. An April 28 to May 1 survey of 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by members-only home-swapping community Kindred found that 90% were 'actively looking' for ways to save on summer travel. USA TODAY reviewed various industry reports to glean the biggest trends among expected travelers this summer. Here's what to consider as you plan your trip. Top summer destinations There are no surprises among the most popular destinations this summer, which include a mix of international and domestic cities. Skyscanner's Smarter Summer Report includes Tokyo, London, New York, Rome and Los Angeles in the top five. Kayak's Summer Travel Check-In also has Tokyo, London and Rome in its top five, but included Paris and Orlando instead of New York and Los Angeles. Kayak also notes international flights are 11% cheaper to Asia, down 8% to Europe, and 5% lower to Africa this summer, compared to last summer. However, according to Airbnb's summer travel trends, nearly 40% of Americans will or are likely to stick to domestic destinations to save money, instead of going abroad. Airbnb adds that nearly 30% of Americans with kids 18 or younger living at home are planning staycations instead of going elsewhere or will 'very likely' do so. What are the cheapest periods to travel? Skyscanner found Wednesdays are generally the cheapest day to travel and the cheapest week to travel is Aug, 25 through 31. Travelers who wait to fly in August may find better deals than for June and July, according to Kayak, however it says those planning trips around summer holidays will find the cheapest outbound flights on Tuesday, July 1 ahead of Independence Day and Saturday, Aug. 30 ahead of Labor Day. If you've always dreamed of RV life, here's how to try it Should I drive or fly to my destination? To save money, some travelers are skipping flights and hitting the road. Of more than 2,800 U.S. travelers surveyed for Deloitte's 2025 Summer Travel Survey, 22% said they plan to drive instead of fly this summer due to airfares. Without specifying cost other reasons, Airbnb's data shows 43% of Americans plan to drive instead of fly this summer. Where do people stay when traveling? Deloitte reports 80% of travelers plan to stay in hotels and 25% plan to stay in private rentals at least once this summer, both up from last year, but nearly 25% plan to stay with friends or family to save money. Kindred found an even higher number, over 40%, of its surveyed respondents choosing to stay with friends or family and 12% opting for home stays, which have historically been more popular abroad than in the U.S.
Cision Canada
15-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Determined Canadians embrace flexibility to maximize summer getaways with 68 per cent still looking to book
Skyscanner's Smarter Summer Report helps travellers get the most out of 2025"Maximizer Summer" with expert tips and insights: Canadians are planning smarter than ever: 84 per cent are willing to shift their dates to save money, and 45 per cent are selecting destinations based on budget The cheapest week to travel is August 25 and the cheapest day to fly is Friday Canadians are mixing dream getaways with smart spending: 76 per cent of travellers are open to lesser-known destinations in exchange for better value TORONTO, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - According to new research from global travel app Skyscanner, a new trend is emerging: the Maximizer Summer. In 2025, Canadian travellers don't just want summer - they want more of it - and they're planning smarter to make it happen. As part of its new Smarter Summer Report, Skyscanner's survey found that 88 per cent of Canadians believe it's important to maximize their summer vacation this year. "It's not just about where you go but how you plan." Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's Travel Expert. "Canadians are taking a more intentional approach this year, looking to extend every aspect of their time off, from stretching their budget and travel time to staying flexible and exploring more destinations." Top 10 Most Affordable Destinations for Canadians: Calgary - flights from $364 Halifax - flights from $371 Kelowna - flights from $475 St. John's - flights from $553 Puerto Vallarta - flights from $557 Nassau - flights from $619 Montego Bay - flights from $619 Charlottetown - flights from $659 Castries - flights from $701 Buenos Aires - flights from $723 Cheapest Week to Travel: Week of August 25 Cheapest Day to Fly: Friday FOR THE FULL RELEASE CLICK HERE Visit for more information about the leading travel app. ABOUT SKYSCANNER Skyscanner is a leading global travel app that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 52 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel or car hire options. Pricing and survey insights and methodology available on request. SOURCE Skyscanner
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Determined Canadians embrace flexibility to maximize summer getaways with 68 per cent still looking to book
Skyscanner's Smarter Summer Report helps travellers get the most out of 2025 "Maximizer Summer" with expert tips and insights: Canadians are planning smarter than ever: 84 per cent are willing to shift their dates to save money, and 45 per cent are selecting destinations based on budget The cheapest week to travel is August 25 and the cheapest day to fly is Friday Canadians are mixing dream getaways with smart spending: 76 per cent of travellers are open to lesser-known destinations in exchange for better value TORONTO, May 15, 2025 /CNW/ - According to new research from global travel app Skyscanner, a new trend is emerging: the Maximizer Summer. In 2025, Canadian travellers don't just want summer - they want more of it - and they're planning smarter to make it happen. As part of its new Smarter Summer Report, Skyscanner's survey found that 88 per cent of Canadians believe it's important to maximize their summer vacation this year. "It's not just about where you go but how you plan." Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's Travel Expert. "Canadians are taking a more intentional approach this year, looking to extend every aspect of their time off, from stretching their budget and travel time to staying flexible and exploring more destinations." Top 10 Most Affordable Destinations for Canadians: Calgary - flights from $364 Halifax - flights from $371 Kelowna - flights from $475 St. John's - flights from $553 Puerto Vallarta - flights from $557 Nassau - flights from $619 Montego Bay - flights from $619 Charlottetown - flights from $659 Castries - flights from $701 Buenos Aires - flights from $723 Cheapest Week to Travel: Week of August 25 Cheapest Day to Fly: Friday FOR THE FULL RELEASE CLICK HERE Visit for more information about the leading travel app. ABOUT SKYSCANNERSkyscanner is a leading global travel app that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 52 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel or car hire options. Pricing and survey insights and methodology available on request. SOURCE Skyscanner View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Times
13-05-2025
- Business Times
How to maximise your travel budget: Tips for savvy holidaymakers
[SINGAPORE] It's not even June yet but so much has already happened. From Trump tariffs and market jitters to economic uncertainties and currency movements, many global issues are affecting travel decisions – as do destinations deemed unfriendly or too popular. The US, for instance, with its more aggressive border scrutiny, is increasingly seen as unwelcoming. Last week, travel platform Expedia flagged weak demand for travel to the country, following similar signals earlier from vacation rental platform Airbnb. Indeed, luxury travel operator Scott Dunn has observed that many of its guests here are seemingly avoiding the US for the mid-year holidays and heading to places such as Europe and Africa, which are perceived as stable, safe and welcoming. There is no doubt, however, that the desire to travel remains strong. In its Smarter Summer Report released on Tuesday (May 13), travel search aggregator Skyscanner said 93 per cent of Singapore holidaymakers are planning the same or more trips this summer season (June to September) compared with last year. Its April research conducted with a sample of 2,000 Singapore respondents found that 59 per cent have yet to book their trips, due mainly to uncertainty over where to go, with 43 per cent seeking more destination inspiration before making plans. Skyscanner says half of Singapore travellers are using travel comparison tools to find the best value flights, hotels and car hires, with 42 per cent extending their summer holidays to travel during the shoulder season to avoid peak crowds and enjoy lower prices. Some 78 per cent are also open to shifting their travel day or week to save money. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up 'Travellers are not just looking to get away, they are looking to make every moment of their summer holiday count by maximising value,' says Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner travel trends and destination expert. Top tips to stretch that travel dollar Given that 54 per cent of Singapore travellers say they want to maximise their summer holidays to experience more destinations and activities than before, Hui has some suggestions on how to get your money's worth. Tip #1: Leverage the Singapore dollar's strength against the US dollar to pick destinations whose currencies are now weaker in comparison, Hui suggests. Some examples include Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. Travellers looking to make the most of these favourable exchange rates can consider multi-currency wallets to lock in good foreign exchange rates now, and spend the money later when they visit these destinations. Some 36 per cent of Singapore travellers are looking to do multi-city trips. Pictured here is Khlong Hae Floating Market in Hat Yai, Thailand. PHOTO: SKYSCANNER Tip #2: Consider destinations closer to home, explore more affordable modes of transport, and think about multi-city trips – something 36 per cent of Singapore travellers are looking to do, according to Skyscanner's report. Based on its searches in late April for early May flights for a multi-city trip from Singapore to major destinations in Vietnam – from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and then to Hanoi (accounting for about four days in each destination) – Skyscanner found that costs can be kept under S$500. Alternatively, travellers can fly into a destination and explore surrounding cities by car. Renting a car is more cost-effective and flexible, especially when travelling in groups or off the beaten track. Hui says Australia is a good example of this – travellers can fly into Sydney and take a scenic road trip to the Blue Mountains, Jervis Bay and even Canberra. Tip #3: Be flexible with where and when you choose to go in order to take advantage of cost savings. This requires travellers to stay spontaneous and open-minded. For example, Skyscanner's report found that the cheapest week for Singapore travellers during the summer holidays falls between Jul 28 and Aug 8, while the cheapest day of the week to travel is Wednesday. Be flexible with where and when you choose to go in order to take advantage of cost savings. Pictured here is a lavender field in summer in Furano, Hokkaido, Japan. PHOTO: SKYSCANNER Travellers can also make use of its new Drops tool, which offers a collection of flights that have fallen in price by at least 20 per cent that day, compared with the last seven days. Tip #4: Keep up to date with prices on a desired flight, which is another function that travellers can take advantage of in Skyscanner's Price Alerts function. This allows those with a destination and travel date in mind to be automatically notified whenever there are price changes. Tip #5: Swop popular destinations, which tend to come with higher prices, with alternatives. This is something 77 per cent of Singapore travellers are willing to do, according to Skyscanner's report. These holidaymakers are prepared to explore a less well-known destination to enjoy cost savings and avoid crowds. Swop popular destinations with alternatives. Pictured here is Stanley Park in Vancouver, Canada. PHOTO: SKYSCANNER For instance, Hui suggests swopping Paris, France, for Vienna, Austria, which is also known for its romantic streets, palaces and beautiful architecture. While both cities are famous for historic cafes, art and music, walkability and city charm, budget-friendlier Vienna offers a more laid-back experience with fewer tourists. If you're planning to visit Edinburgh, Scotland, for gothic-inspired architecture, open spaces and dramatic natural landscapes, consider Christchurch, New Zealand, instead. The latter offers striking stone buildings, historic churches, big botanical gardens and vast green spaces. As a gateway to the Southern Alps, Christchurch also provides access to jaw-dropping natural sights, while being a more relaxed, less tourist-heavy alternative, says Hui. Palawan in the Philippines is a good substitute for the Maldives – at a significantly more accessible price point. PHOTO: PEXELS And a good substitute for the Maldives is Palawan, Philippines, which boasts over 7,000 islands, crystal-clear waters and luxe beachfront resorts at a significantly more accessible price point. Calling it 'a paradise for beach-lovers who want the Maldives vibe on a budget', Hui says the archipelago boasts pristine beaches as well as excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. It is also home to the Unesco-listed Subterranean River National Park – one of the world's most impressive cave systems. Skyscanner's report also includes Singapore travellers' top 10 most popular destinations in July and August 2025, along with the cheapest weeks and days to fly there, as well as the cheapest alternative destinations. Smart picks for the affluent traveller Meanwhile, the well-heeled are also seeking advice for more off-the-beaten-track destinations to avoid crowds – as well as increasingly high costs, says Scott Dunn's travel specialist, Gwen Ho. Iceland's dramatic landscape and favourable currency exchange is making it a more attractive destination. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK When it comes to Europe, Singaporeans are drawn to Iceland's dramatic landscapes of waterfalls and volcanoes, as well as puffin-spotting, relaxing soaks in geothermal pools and glacier hikes. 'The favourable currency exchange has also made traditionally high-cost destinations like Iceland more attractive,' she says. Sunset over the Temo River in Sardinia, Italy. PHOTO: ISTOCK As conventional summer hotspots like the Amalfi Coast and Paris have become increasingly crowded and expensive, affluent travellers are seeking alternatives offering the same European charm but with greater privacy and authenticity. An example is Sardinia, one of Italy's hidden gems, which is gaining popularity for its pristine beaches, archaeological ruins, charming seaside towns and elegant resorts. Over in South Africa, well-rounded luxury experiences from wine tastings, gourmet dining and art experiences to whale watching, hiking and private game drives can be had at great value due to favourable exchange rates and a robust infrastructure. Like Hui, Ho's tips for luxury travellers seeking better value include being open to travelling slightly off-peak. 'For Europe, June and early September offer similar weather to peak July to August, but usually with lower rates and fewer crowds,' she explains. 'For Africa, consider travelling just before or after the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania (late June or early September), when prices tend to be more favourable and wildlife sightings should still be excellent.' Travellers can also choose longer stays in fewer places as properties may offer stay/pay promotions – such as four nights for the price of three. This also allows you to travel deeper in a destination while reducing transit costs. One should also look for emerging destinations – such as the Dolomites in Italy or Alentejo in Portugal – which are seeing increased interest but have yet to reach the price levels of more established hot spots. Rwanda is emerging as a must-visit for those seeking rare and meaningful wildlife encounters. It also has luxury eco-lodges, such as the Bistate Lodge. PHOTO: WILDERNESS SAFARIS Finally, if you've already decided where to go, then book well in advance to lock in rates and secure any additional benefits. 'For popular summer destinations, early booking secures access to in-demand properties, preferred room categories and the best guides,' says Ho. For instance, if Rwanda is on your bucket list, booking in advance (minimally six months) is ideal as there are limited trekking permits released each day.
