RateHawk has reported a 20% year-on-year increase in worldwide Summer bookings with summer travel trends showing continued demand from United States travellers for European and long-haul destinations.
The B2B platform, which provides bookings for accommodation, flights, transfers and car rentals, analysed travel patterns among travel advisors and their clients during the 2026 summer season.
According to RateHawk, established European destinations continue to attract travellers from the United States through their historic centres, major cities and cultural attractions. Interest is also increasing in longer-distance destinations, including Iceland and Australia.
The company said demand remained strong despite continuing uncertainty in the Middle East and the recent implementation of the European Union’s new border system.
The United States and Canada lead booking volumes, supported during 2026 by the FIFA World Cup, which is generating domestic and international travel demand.
European destinations maintain demand
Italy, Greece, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland rank as the most popular European destinations booked through travel advisors in the United States.
Spain and Portugal are recording increased demand from US travellers. In Spain, the average accommodation rate is $288 per night, with travellers staying for an average of four nights.
Portugal records an average daily rate of $328 and an average stay of three nights.
Germany continues to attract a significant number of visitors from the United States, supported by its role as one of Europe’s main transport and travel hubs.
Switzerland is the highest-priced destination among the leading international markets, with an average accommodation rate of $619 per night and an average booking duration of three nights.
Across the most-booked destinations among North American travellers, the average daily accommodation rate during the high season is $421. This represents a 5% increase compared with the previous year, while the average stay is three nights.
Iceland records 47% growth
Iceland ranks just outside the ten most-booked destinations but has recorded growth of up to 47% compared with summer 2025.
RateHawk linked the increase to the developing “coolcation” travel trend, under which travellers choose destinations with lower summer temperatures.
In Asia, Japan remains among the ten leading destinations for travellers from North America.
Australia is also recording strong demand from visitors from the United States. RateHawk attributed part of this increase to the introduction of new direct air services connecting the US with major Australian cities.
The Australian travel Industry Association reported that the number of travellers from the United States increased by 20% during summer 2025 compared with 2024.
Australia’s average daily accommodation rate is $150. Travellers stay for an average of four nights in Sydney and three nights in Melbourne.
Among the most-booked international destinations, Brazil provides the lowest average accommodation rates. Travellers pay an average of $116 per night and stay for approximately four nights.
Astrid Kastberg, Managing Director at RateHawk, commented: “Despite a range of challenges this season, including the ongoing jet fuel crisis and Middle East conflict, demand for summer travel remains strong. RateHawk’s diverse supply has enabled travel agents to stay flexible and responsive. Since the beginning of the year, we have built strong direct partnerships with more than a hundred hotels across Europe, Latin America, and other key markets. This ongoing expansion allows us to meet the evolving needs of our partners and their clients, ensuring excellent options are always available, no matter the destination.”
Tags: Astrid Kastberg, RateHawk
