From stargazing to thrill-seeking or exploring cultural connections, the travel experiences we crave and the destinations we aspire to are constantly evolving. According to Booking.com-'s annual travel forecast survey* 67% of travelers will rethink the way they travel in 2025 and defy convention to discover less crowded destinations 60% of travelers chose luxurious relaxation that slows aging, while 54% of travelers opted for more nighttime activities to escape the ever-higher temperatures.
In the year ahead, travelers will intentionally challenge traditional travel norms by diving into new adventures, indulging in airport experiences (instead of just passing through them) and changing travel companions.
In addition to its annual predictions, Booking.com, one of the world's leading travel platforms, has delved into its data-driven insights** to uncover the hidden gems and unexpected delights sure to become top vacation destinations in 2025.
Trieste, Italija
Once considered one of the most important ports in the world, the city of Trieste in northeastern Italy offers visitors 46 km of coastline, the hinterland of which stretches a mixture of meadows, forests and rocky landscapes. The location between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia has created a culture that is a unique blend of Italian, Slovenian and Austrian influences, which is reflected in the architecture and historical landmarks. Visitors to this deep-sea port are encouraged to visit Piazza Unità d'Italia, Grotta Gigante Cave and Miramare Castle to fully experience the city's stunning surroundings and culture, or to take an unforgettable tour of Europe's only preserved cave castle, Postojna caves and Predjama castle. Active travelers will also find a lot to enjoy with numerous easy hiking trails with a view of the indented coastline. Val Rosanda, a valley located on the border between Italy and Slovenia, invites you to a challenging hike, while the Gulf of Sistiana, approx. 20 minutes drive west of Trieste, a picturesque place to enjoy an evening walk in the shadow of the surrounding mountains.
Where to stay: if you want to soak up as much of Trieste's culture as possible, this is the perfect facility Seven Historical Suites. Located in the heart of the city between the Grand Canal and Piazza Unità, this aparthotel is a few minutes' walk from the city's train station. Each apartment is unique, and the design and ambience of the decoration are inspired by architecture, works of art and historical symbols from the mid-twentieth century.
Sanya, China
Located on Hainan Island, China's southernmost province, the city of Sanya boasts soft sandy beaches and clear seas that adjoin mountainous landscapes. Known as the "Hawaii of China", the city offers 20 kilometers of coastline and a year-round warm climate with 2500 hours of sunshine. Don't miss its natural wonders and cultural spectacles, from Yanoda Rainforest Tropical Park, Nanshan Daxiaodongtian Caves and Sanya Paddy Field National Park to stunning shows at Sanya Romance Park. With an abundance of hot springs, visitors can immerse themselves in Sanya's geothermal treasures, including Nantian Hot Springs, Yalong Bay and Wuzhizhou Island, while two-day rafting and hiking tour to Hainan Wuzhishan Canyon with lunch offers a unique insight into the local landscape and culture.
Where to stay: travelers can wake up to the sound of waves in the hotel The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay. Yalong Bay Tropic Paradise Forest Park and Yalong Bay Central Square, located in Yalong Bay National District, are easily accessible from the property. In addition to sophisticated rooms and suites, most of which offer a view of the beautiful South China Sea, the hotel has five outdoor swimming pools, two tennis courts, eight luxurious restaurants and one of the largest spa centers in the region.
João Pessoa, Brazil
João Pessoa, known as the "Door of the Sun", is located at the easternmost point of South America. Considered one of the greenest places in the world, travelers can admire the city's natural beauty by visiting Jardim Botânico and Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara, while those who want to dedicate their day to culture can head to the historic Centro Historico De Joao Pessoa and the many beautiful churches of the city, including the Igreja São Francisco. For relaxation, Picãozinho, Seixas and Caribessa, popular swimming pools right next to the coast, are offered, while the red sand island (Ilha de Areia Vermelha) and alligator beach (Praia do Jacaré) are must-see spots for soaking up the sun. Travelers can also visit the Tambaú market to learn more about local handicrafts, including embroidery, pottery and crocheting techniques. As an alternative, visitors can enjoy a cultural tour on a catamaran with Forró music on the Paraíba River and in the traditional dishes that are served and get to know the art of dancing to the beats of the Brazilian music genre forra.
Where to stay: object Oceana Atlantic Hotel, located next to Caribessa Beach in João Pessoa, offers travelers a comfortable and luxurious stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Being the city's only hotel right on the sand with exclusive access to the beach, guests can easily enjoy a range of local water activities or go on a cruise to discover the alligators that inhabit the city. This accommodation facility has everything to entertain guests, from carefully selected gastronomic experiences and entertainment areas to heated and relaxing hydromassage pools and a cinema within the facility.
Tromsø, Norveška
Located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway's largest city, hailed as one of the best destinations for viewing the aurora borealis and midnight sun phenomenon – but not at the same time of year. Among the rich flora and fauna, picturesque landscapes and magnificent fjords, you will gain a unique perspective of the Norwegian wilderness by taking advantage of this opportunity to training of Alaskan husky puppies in Tromsø. As for the city itself, Tromsø is known for its historic wooden dwellings and is home to one of the most important groups of imperial houses in the country, the oldest of which dates back to 1789. As a place to rejuvenate, visit Pust, a floating sauna in the heart of Tromsø harbor overlooking the Arctic Cathedral.
Where to stay: for travelers who avoid the sun and choose darker nights, glass roofs and giant panoramic windows in the facility Aera – Glass cabins they encourage wanderers to plunge into the night sky. With more than half of travelers (62%) interested in visiting destinations with dark skies*, in 2025 many travelers will opt for uninterrupted stargazing experiences (72%) and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59%) . Mountain houses range from cabins in the style of accommodation with breakfast to studio apartments that have a fully equipped kitchen. After a peaceful night watching the Northern Lights, guests can enjoy nearby hiking and skiing, as well as local Norwegian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. In order to explore the surroundings of the facility, visitors are recommended car rental, which can be collected upon arrival at Tromsø Langnes Airport.
Willemstad, Curaçao
Not far from the coast of Venezuela is Curaçao, an unspoiled island that abounds with dramatic cliffs, refined bays and epic views of the Caribbean Sea. Its energetic capital, Willemstad, is characterized by pastel-colored colonial buildings, lively markets and beach-lined coves. Start the ideal day by enjoying Willemstad's signature dishes, such as red snapper with polenta at the Plasa Bieu street market, and continue with a self-guided tour to admire the city's enchanting street art or climb the Rif Fort and enjoy the view. Willemstad, a former Dutch trading settlement, is today included in the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to the preservation of the historic center and port. Those who want to learn more about the island's colonial history should give it a try No waiting in line: Kurá Hulanda museum ticket to learn more about the transatlantic slave trade and view ancient artifacts from the great empires of West Africa.
Where to stay: travelers who like Willemstad's vibrant aesthetic should enjoy a stay at the picturesque hotel Curaçao Gardens. Surrounded by lush greenery, this pastel-colored property offers light and airy apartments, a shallow tropical pool and a blooming garden. Guests are just a short walk from some of the city's most famous attractions, including the Queen Emma Bridge and the Floating Market.
Tignes, Francuska
Tignes, a top holiday destination in the French Alps, is a year-round playground for adventure seekers, ideal for the 23% of baby boomers who said they would visit more adventurous destinations in 2025. During the winter, skiing and snowboarding dominate the region's 300 km of trails, but Tignes will not disappoint those active boomer travelers who want to explore equestrian trails (31%) or hike some of the world's largest network of hiking trails (18%). traveled during the warmer months of 2025. In the off-season, visitors can head to the lake for an afternoon of beach volleyball, relax at the Tignes Wine Festival in August or explore the nearby villages of Le Lavachet, Le Lac and Val Claret. Regardless of the season, lively after ski the scene in Tignes offers plenty of traditional Alpine delicacies, sun-drenched terraces, bars and clubs for dancing until dawn. While there are plenty of activities on and off the slopes once you arrive in Tignes, its remote location means travelers will need to plan their trip well, and car rental it is possible at Geneva, Chambery or Grenoble airports.
Where to stay: The Suites – Bouvier House it is located in the heart of Val Claret within the Vanoise National Park. The facility offers travelers a luxurious experience and has an indoor pool and spa facilities that can be enjoyed by all guests, and above each apartment there is a living room and balconies with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Whether you've hit the slopes during your winter break or are looking for a relaxed summer hike and a refreshing swim in an alpine lake, this accommodation is right in the middle of everything Tignes has to offer.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Featuring true geological diversity, San Pedro de Atacama boasts sandstone canyons, salt flats studded with flames, steaming geysers and volcanic peaks. Located in northern Chile at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level, this small desert town is located in one of the driest places in the world and is an oasis of narrow streets and raw brick buildings. San Pedro de Atacama is the perfect destination for travelers who want to deepen their connection with the natural world, find peace and relax. To explore the surrounding natural wonders, including the pristine Atacama Desert in its full glory, travelers should consider car rental. Considering the town's high altitude and the absence of light pollution, this small group astronomy tour in San Pedro de Atacama offers a truly unique and unforgettable night under the stars. It's the ideal location for nearly two-thirds (62%) of travelers considering visiting dark-sky destinations. The Valley of the Moon, Laguna Cejar and Puritam Hot Springs are also stunning sights not to be missed, accentuating the region's landscape of twisted, wind-carved rock formations, sand dunes and jagged ridges.
Where to stay: object Terrantai Lodge, located in the historic center of the small town of San Pedro de Atacama, is a peaceful and relaxing haven. Beautifully built from natural stone and equipped with attractive wooden furniture and decorations, it provides a real homely atmosphere. The interior of the facility is an oasis of peace full of wellness amenities that guests can enjoy, from daily yoga classes to an elegant library where fresh organic tea is served. When travelers are ready to get out and explore, the popular Rua Caracoles street full of art galleries, shops and restaurants will be nearby.
Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Naha means "open field" in the original language of the island of Okinawa, but this cosmopolitan city has greatly outgrown its roots. Naha, Okinawa's capital, is full of fascinating contrasts, including the historic Shuri Castle and bustling Kokusai Street full of arts and crafts shops. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, which is offered goya shampoo, a stir-fried bitter melon dish with tofu, egg and pork belly; taco rice and juice room, noodles with pork ribs. If you want to see and do more, Okinawa World is a unique theme park that showcases the city's culture and is home to Gyokusendo Cave, which is among the largest cave systems in Japan. A leisurely stroll through the Shikina-en Royal Garden provides a wonderful example of traditional landscaping in the style typical of the Ryukyu Islands. For thrill seekers this a two-hour private Gorilla Karting experience in Okinawa it's a great way to speed through the city while enjoying the sights. Passengers can also rent a car and after a short drive arrive at one of Okinawa's beautiful beaches with turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Where to stay: catch the easy island rhythm in the quiet and gentle surroundings of the hotel Okinawa EXES Naha, which combines Japanese culture with the culture of the Ryukyu Islands. With a seasonal outdoor pool designed for lounging, this five-star hotel is ideal for transitioning into a state of zen. And since they're only a short taxi or bus ride away from the city center, visitors can choose between sightseeing or kicking back and relaxing.
Villajoyosa, Španjolska
Villajoyosa in the province of Alicante in southeastern Spain is a tame corner of the Costa Blanca region that has retained the essence of its rich fishing heritage. Streets lined with beautiful palm trees stretch over quiet sandy beaches surrounded by distinctively colored houses, which in the past were colored to match the ships, which helped fishermen spot their home from the sea. Soak up the city's history by visiting some of its famous sites, such as the Gothic Church of Nuestra Señora de Asunción and the archaeological sites of the Tower of the Cross and the Tower of Saint Joseph. Those who want to get to know the regional culture more deeply, and especially its cuisine, should go to a short drive to Alicante and go to this one half-day guided historical tour with tapas tasting, which includes a visit to a local tapas restaurant to try signature dishes of the area, such as arroz con costra, oven-baked rice, olleta, a hearty stew cooked with a variety of peas and meats, and tuna mojam, filleted salted tuna.
Where to stay: nothing exudes serenity like Suites at Sea, an object just a few minutes' walk from the city center and in an excellent location by the sea. The apartments have a well-equipped kitchen and a spacious living room, and some of them also have a terrace for relaxing in the sun. Eco-conscious travelers will especially appreciate the self-sufficiency of the building, which generates its own solar energy to support the cooling and heating system.
Houston, United States of America
As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston, or 'H-Town', offers a unique combination of Southern hospitality and cultural vibrancy. From the artistic district of Montrose, known for its vibrant music and LGBTQ+ scene, to the colorful East End with its rich Latin American culture, the city offers a variety of places where every visitor will find something for themselves. Houston's world-renowned dining scene, museums and vibrant music culture make it a dynamic urban destination. For those short on time, the NASA Space Center Admission Plus Houston Tour offers a convenient way to explore the city's top attractions with a visit NASA's Johnson Space Center. Beyond the city limits, Greater Houston opens the door to a broader Texas experience. In less than an hour, travelers can reach Galveston, where historic charm meets the expansive beaches of the Gulf Coast. Scenic driving through typical Texas landscapes they discover hidden gems like small towns, sprawling ranches and vast prairies.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of the city, Reside Houston offers modern comfort and historic charm. Housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, this boutique hotel offers spacious, loft-style rooms with high ceilings and industrial chic, reflecting the area's unique architectural heritage. Guests are just steps away from the vibrant energy of Houston, where sleek skyscrapers meet cultural landmarks like the Theater District and Discovery Green Park. Whether visitors want to explore the city's neighborhoods, restaurants or museums, this stylish accommodation offers the perfect base for those looking to experience all that Houston has to offer.
*The 2025 travel forecast survey was commissioned by Booking.com and was conducted on a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months. A total of 27.713 respondents from 33 countries and territories participated (including 1016 from Argentina, 1002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1006 from Canada, 1007 from China, 1005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1009 from Germany, 1004 from Hong Kong, 1002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1013 from Mexico, 1011 from the Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1009 from Thailand, 503 from the United Arab Emirates, 1012 from the United Kingdom, 1006 from the USA and 1016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed the online survey in the period from July to August 2024.
**Destinations must be among the top 1000 most booked destinations on Booking.com between June 15, 2023 and June 15, 2024. The resulting list is then sorted according to the increase compared to last year. Destinations were adjusted slightly to ensure geographic distribution.
