Eleanor Moody, Travel Expert and Spokesperson at HomeToGo, comments: “As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that travelers are seeking more meaningful and personalized experiences, whether through longer, indulgent vacations or by prioritizing destinations that offer unique, hands-on adventures. Budget-consciousness and climate awareness are shaping how people plan their trips, with a growing number opting for off-peak travel to avoid both crowds and weather extremes. From epic, bucket-list escapes to thrifty, experience-rich journeys, 2025 is set to be a year where travelers make the most of every moment – and every dollar.”
From epic escapes to ‘delaycations,’ here’s a look at five key travel trends for 2025 – plus a preview of the year’s top destinations – as identified by insights from HomeToGo:
Trend 1: Epic Escapes
HomeToGo’s recent survey of 800 Americans revealed that 27% of U.S. travelers are gearing up for longer, more extravagant vacations in 2025, compared to 2024. HomeToGo’s search data shows that the average stay in 2025 will stretch to 22 days – 19% longer than last year – with travelers venturing an average of 1,603 miles to their destinations, a 5% uplift from 2024.
When it comes to domestic breaks, U.S. travelers have their sights set on destinations that deliver bucket-list-worthy experiences. Hawaii, with its stunning beaches and rich culture, takes the #2 spot on the list of the most searched states for spring and summer 2025, while Arizona, famed for its outdoor adventures and the iconic Grand Canyon, sits comfortably at #3. Looking ahead to fall and winter, the crystal-clear lakes of Michigan and the rugged coastline of Maine rise to take second and third place respectively, as travelers seek out epic cooler-season escapes.
Trend 2: Thrifty Trips
Price will be the top priority for 36% of all travelers in 2025, with vacationers across generations eager to make their money go even further. 51% of Gen X participants in HomeToGo’s 2025 travel survey stated that, when selecting a destination, they are focused on getting the most bang for their buck above all other factors. This was likewise the case for 39% of Baby Boomers, 32% of millennials and, finally, 22% of Gen Z.
Destinations with budget-friendly accommodation shine on the list of the top trending spots for travel in 2025 from HomeToGo, with many of the ranking locations boasting nightly prices lower than 2025’s worldwide median of $155. For example, Japan – which has a median price per night for a vacation rental of $125 – has seen a year-on-year search increase of +43% for stays in spring and summer. For 2025 fall and winter stays, Thailand and Costa Rica, which show below median nightly accommodation prices of $62 and $141, have similarly seen year-on-year search increases of +40% and +74% respectively.
Trend 3: Experiential Adventures
HomeToGo 2025 travel survey revealed that, while price remains a top priority for around a third of American travelers, 21% now view a place’s experiential offering as the most important element when choosing a destination. This shift pushes more traditional concerns like weather further down the list, with only 17% of trip planners now considering clear skies to be their top priority.
In 2025, travelers will be curating vacations packed with unforgettable, hands-on adventures. In HomeToGo’s travel survey, nearly half (48%) of travelers stated that they are planning trips centered around food and drink experiences, such as gourmet festivals and wine harvests. Close behind, 42% are excited to catch live music performances and gigs, while 41% are drawn to sporting events. Nature’s wonders, from lunar eclipses to animal migrations, are on the itinerary for 37%, with 30% eager to participate in skill workshops and classes, and 28% prioritizing wellness retreats.
Trend 4: Bae-Cations Across the Ages
Whether it’s for honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply romantic rendezvouses, couples are making travel a two-person affair: 50% of respondents in HomeToGo’s travel survey plan to jet off with their partner in 2025. While couples’ escapes are a favorite across all age groups, millennials are leading the charge, with 67% planning to travel with a partner during the year ahead, rather than with family, friends, pets, or solo.
Island escapes are proving to be prime choices for romantic retreats in 2025. Sri Lanka ranks as a top trending island destination for spring and summer, having seen a year-on-year search increase of +138%, followed by Saint Kitts and Nevis (+121%), and Sint Maarten (+80%). Moving into fall and winter, the interest in other island destinations heats up, with notable increases in demand registered for locations including Malta (+90% year-on-year search increase), Bermuda (+85%), Barbados (+80%), and Aruba (+57%).
Trend 5: Delaycations
Travelers are expected to expand beyond typical summer season stays, with 45% of respondents planning off-peak getaways to avoid the crowds and stretch their budgets. Climate concerns are also fueling this shift: 35% of travelers—led by 42% of millennials—are adjusting their travel plans to dodge extreme weather events such as heat waves.
While 66% of travelers are still seeking sunny beach escapes in 2025, many are turning to destinations that offer year-round warmth, instead of traveling during the hottest months. According to HomeToGo’s data, the top-trending spots for fall and winter 2025 include Lanzarote (+163%), Bali (+192%), Puerto Vallarta (+202%), and Playa del Carmen (+210%) – locations in which travelers can enjoy sun and sand without the high-season rush.
2025’s Most On-Trend Travel Destinations
Using a depth of travel data for 2025 – including exclusive HomeToGo insights as to median accommodation affordability, average length of stay, and average number of guests, alongside weather conditions and experiential offering statistics – HomeToGo has pinpointed and ranked the 20 most on-trend U.S. destinations for the year ahead. From a Brazilian metropolis to sun-kissed spots on Spanish islands, find a preview of the top 10 below:
| Rank | Destination | Epic Escapes Score | Baecation Score | Experiential Adventures Score | Thrifty Trips Score | Delaycations Score | Total Score |
| #1 | Pāhoa, Hawaii | 5.81 | 9.57 | 5.63 | 9.42 | 10.00 | 40.43 |
| #2 | Port Isabel, Texas | 7.86 | 10.00 | 5.41 | 8.35 | 7.68 | 39.30 |
| #3 | Hampton, Virginia | 10.00 | 9.96 | 6.13 | 7.93 | 5.00 | 39.02 |
| #4 | Laughlin, Nevada | 7.67 | 9.97 | 5.77 | 9.33 | 6.25 | 38.99 |
| #5 | Yuma, Arizona | 8.13 | 6.83 | 6.69 | 9.25 | 6.79 | 37.69 |
| #6 | Beaverton, Oregon | 8.47 | 7.09 | 6.79 | 9.73 | 5.18 | 37.26 |
| #7 | Gulfport, Mississippi | 6.21 | 9.36 | 6.35 | 7.24 | 6.79 | 35.95 |
| #8 | Lake Havasu City, Arizona | 8.03 | 6.04 | 6.65 | 7.91 | 6.79 | 35.42 |
| #9 | Redondo Beach, California | 6.19 | 9.81 | 6.61 | 5.00 | 7.68 | 35.29 |
| #10 | Venice, California | 7.31 | 7.66 | 6.20 | 6.40 | 7.68 | 35.25 |
Tags: Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo, vacation rentals
