Trip volume continues to rise According to UN Tourism, it has returned to pre-COVID levels. There’s also Airbnb annual list Top Destinations highlights the international locations guests are most eager to visit next year.
Ali Killam, Airbnb’s editorial director, told CNBC Make It that the list shows three major travel trends that are likely to dominate in the new year: experiential travel, group travel and people traveling further afield.
“Our data shows that guests are indeed looking for destinations that host major events such as concerts, cultural festivals and sporting events,” Killam said. “Tourists are increasingly looking for destinations and places that offer them not only places to visit but also once-in-a-lifetime experiences they can’t get anywhere else.”
Airbnb data also shows travelers are particularly interested in beach destinations and cities that are more remote than usual.
Killam added: “Cities that offer true cultural immersion experiences for guests seeking a different perspective or experiencing a new culture are also popular.”
Here are 25 destinations that Airbnb expects to visit in 2025.
America
- puerto escondido mexico
- Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
- Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Cartagena, Colombia
- la serena chile
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- mar del plata argentina
- Baton Rouge, United States
- Florianópolis, Brazil
- Houston, Texas, USA
- brasilia brazil
- Jacksonville, United States
The United States is the only country with three cities on the list.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Stacey Revere | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
Killam said it might surprise some people to see Green Bay, Wisconsin, on the list, but Airbnb data shows it’s popular because it will host the NFL draft in April 2025.
Green Bay offers visitors the opportunity to visit the NFL team, the Green Bay Packers, as well as various breweries, chocolate shops and Italian markets.
“We are seeing more and more people looking for opportunities outside of big cities and tourist destinations to slow down, unplug and interact with nature,” Killam said.
Another city worth mentioning is Houston, Texas. Killam said Airbnb data shows the city is becoming increasingly popular for business and conference tourism.
The city is home to the Astros baseball team and the Space Center Houston Science Museum.
Europe
- Palermo, Italy
- sevia spain
- Bad Staffelstein, Germany
- Combru, France
- Cardiff, Wales, UK
- French Double Alps
Bad Staffelstein, Germany
Image Alliance | Image Alliance | Getty Images
For travelers looking for places off the beaten path, Kilham points to Bad Staffelstein, a small town about an hour’s drive from Nuremberg, Germany.
Bad Staffelstein is a popular health resort with its famous thermal salt baths.
“It’s also a great destination for cyclists and hikers who want to get away from it all,” Kilham said. “They can really enjoy the scenic trails and views of the surrounding mountains in the area.”
Asia
- Tokyo, Japan
- Kyoto, Japan
- Mumbai, India
- Hua Hin, Thailand
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Putisis Thongtai | Moment | Getty Images
Killam said searches in Thailand have increased, especially since the third season of HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus” will be filmed in the country.
Airbnb data shows searches for family and group tours have increased in Chiang Mai, one of this year’s filming locations.
Killam said travel to Japan will increase in 2024 and will not slow down in 2025.
“It’s known to be the center of traditional Japanese culture and is really becoming a destination known for the cultural immersion it offers,” she added.
Australia
- Manly, New South Wales, Australia
- Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia
Manly is just 11 miles from Sydney, Australia, making it ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing coastal environment close to a major city. It is also a popular surfing destination and has several beaches.
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