05-05-2025
When To Book This Summer's Trending Destinations For A Good Deal
This summer, destinations like Zürich, Basel and Tbilisi are on the rise where temperatures are usually cooler.
Travelers are set to embrace a mix of familiar favourites and rising hotspots in Europe and beyond this summer, according to the Summer Travel Outlook released by Expedia. While destinations like Paris, Mallorca, and New York continue to dominate searches, Sardinia holidays are booming and long-haul trending destinations such as Sapporo, Nha Trang and Cairns are piquing the interest of holidaymakers seeking new adventures during the off-season.
This summer, destinations like Zürich, Basel and Tbilisi are on the rise where temperatures are usually cooler, says Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Expedia. Rising costs also have travelers searching for ways to stretch their travel budget, and the Summer Outlook shows that sandwiching the summer is the key—flight prices are lower in June, and the least busy time to travel is late August.
Twin-centre holidays: travelers can look to multi-stop adventures to make the most of their summer holidays. Rome and Sardinia offer the perfect mix of cultural exploration and Mediterranean relaxation, with Alghero and Olbia (both +90% in searches) providing stunning coastal escapes after a few days spent discovering the ancient Roman ruins.
Summer of football: Switzerland is also gaining popularity due to being the host of a major European football cup, drawing visitors to Zürich and Basel. Expedia Group's latest research also revealed that 44% of sports fans travel internationally for events.
Rome and Sardinia offer the perfect mix of cultural exploration and Mediterranean relaxation
Emerging long-haul escapes: destinations further afield are capturing the attention of travelers this summer with Nha Trang, Vietnam (+160%) known for its pristine beaches and world-class diving spots rising in popularity. Cairns, Australia (+155%) is trending due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, where travelers can experience its magical underwater world.
Tbilisi in Georgia (+145%) is emerging as a cultural hotspot, offering affordable luxury, historic charm, and a thriving foodie scene. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro (+135%) is drawing visitors with its famous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lively Festa Junina celebrations happening in June.
Popular city breaks: city breaks continue to dominate summer travel plans, with Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Dublin being on the popular destinations list. Paris remains the ultimate romantic getaway, with its timeless architecture and café culture. Barcelona offers a blend of beach relaxation and cultural hotspots, while Amsterdam's canals and nightlife keep it high on travel wish lists. Dublin's lively pub scene and rich history make it an enduring favourite.
Mallorca's mix of golden beaches, charming old towns, and lively resorts makes it a versatile pick.
Short-haul island getaways: sunseekers are heading to classic Mediterranean destinations for their summer holidays, with Mallorca and Ibiza leading the way. Mallorca's mix of golden beaches, charming old towns, and lively resorts makes it a versatile pick, while Ibiza remains a top choice for those looking to experience upscale beach clubs, luxury hotels, and its legendary electronic music scene.
Expedia has also calculated the best dates to fly over the summer. The cheapest dates are between 8 and 12 June, while the most expensive period is between 19 and 26 July. To avoid the crowds, travel between 27 and 31 August, and avoid the busiest time between 20 June and 25 July.
According to Expedia's 2025 Air Hacks Report, booking your flight on a Sunday can save you up to 22% of the airfare cost, compared to booking on a Friday.
As for hotels, you'll find the best deals between 13 and 24 June, while prices peak between 9 and 10 August. Accommodation fills up between 6 and 20 June, while quieter dates are between 17 and 31 August.
