According to the United Nations tourism agency, travel continues to increase to pre-COVID-19 levels. And Airbnb’s annual list of popular destinations highlights the international locations customers are most eager to visit in the coming year.
Ali Killam, Airbnb’s editorial director, told CNBC Make It that the list shows three key travel trends expected to dominate the new year: experiential travel, group travel and people traveling further afield.
“Our data shows that guests are actually searching for locations where major events such as concerts, cultural festivals and sporting events are taking place,” says Killam. “More and more guests are looking not only for places to visit, but destinations and places that will provide them with once-in-a-lifetime experiences they can’t get anywhere else.”
Airbnb’s data also shows that beach destinations and cities that are less crowded than what travelers are more familiar with are of particular interest.
“There is also a trend for cities to offer true cultural immersion experiences for guests looking to gain a different perspective or experience a new culture,” Killam adds.
Airbnb introduces 25 travel destinations 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, USA
- Florianopolis, Brazil
- Houston, Texas, USA
- Brasilia, Brazil
- jacksonville usa
The United States was the only country with three cities on the list.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Stacy Revere | Getty Images Sports | getty images
Killam says some may be surprised to see Green Bay, Wisconsin, included on the list, but he says it’s popular because it will host the NFL draft in April 2025, according to Airbnb data.
Green Bay offers travelers the opportunity to see the NFL team, the Green Bay Packers, as well as numerous breweries, chocolatiers, and Italian markets.
“We’re seeing more people seek out places outside of major cities and tourist destinations to find opportunities to slow down and connect with nature,” says Killam.
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 science museum at Space Center Houston.
europe
- Palermo, Italy
- Seville, Spain
- Bad Stafelstein, Germany
- French Bean Bleu
- Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- Les Deux Alpes, France
Bad Stafelstein, Germany
Grim Alliance | Grim Alliance | getty images
For travelers looking for places off the beaten track, Killam turned to Bad Staffelstein, Germany, a small town about an hour from Nuremberg.
Bad Staffelstein is a popular wellness resort thanks to its famous thermal beaches.
“It’s also a great destination for cyclists and hikers who want to get a little more off the grid,” Killam says. “They can really enjoy the scenic trails and views of the mountain ranges surrounding the area.”
Asia
- Tokyo, Japan
- Kyoto, Japan
- Mumbai, India
- Hua Hin, Thailand
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Putiset Tongtae | moment | getty images
Searches for Thailand have increased, says Killam, especially after it was announced that Season 3 of HBO’s hit series “White Lotus” would be filmed there.
Airbnb data shows searches for family and group trips to Chiang Mai, one of the filming locations, have already increased this year.
Killam says travel to Japan increased in 2024 and is not expected to slow down in 2025. Japan, especially Kyoto, is becoming a trend, especially among family travelers and Gen Z.
“It’s known as a center for traditional Japanese culture and is really emerging as a place to offer cultural immersion,” she adds.
australia
- Manly, New South Wales, Australia
- Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
Just 11 miles from Sydney, Australia, Manly is a great location for travelers looking for a relaxing coastal environment close to major cities. It is also a popular surfing spot and home to several beaches.
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