Amidst macroeconomic uncertainties, travel remains a constant on people’s minds and enthusiasm for exploration endures. New data from leading digital travel platform Booking.com reveals that mid-2025 is shaping up to be a season of big travel plans, longer trips, and meaningful escapes. Optimism is high: 92% of Thai leisure travelers feel excited about exploring the world in the months ahead, and 66% expect to spend more on travel than in 2024.* From sun-soaked coastlines to vibrant cities and cultural discoveries, the trending destinations offer something for every kind of traveler, from Egypt’s coral reefs to Bangkok’s lively streets and southern Spain’s golden beaches.
Top Trending Global Destinations for mid-20251
Hurghada, Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Tokyo, Japan
Dubai, UAE
Bangkok, Thailand
Alicante, Spain
Nice, France
Malaga, Spain
Rimini, Italy
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Families
With 70% of Thai parents making travel a top yearly priority, family vacations are set to play a big role during this period. Today’s families are seeking more than just sun and downtime- 97% of Thai parents say they’re looking for trips that expose children to a variety of cultures and experiences.* Whether that means exploring ancient temples and futuristic tech or enjoying a vibrant food scene, families are looking to book trips that inspire curiosity and connection. The way these trips are being planned are also getting easier and smarter, thanks to technology. Families are leading the way in using AI to simplify travel planning, with 96% also saying AI tools make the process faster and more efficient, more than any other traveler type.*
Groups
Group travel is gaining momentum this midyear, with 40% of Thai travelers planning trips with friends.* Leading this trend is Gen Z with 43% opting for group getaways. These younger travelers are seeking experiences that combine social connection with nature as 62% prioritize activities like stargazing and outdoor adventures. This aligns with a broader movement, where 54% of Thai travelers express a desire to explore natural landscapes such as lakes, mountains and national parks.*
Couples
In 2025, couples are increasingly valuing memorable experiences over material gifts. A significant majority across generations—83% of Thai millennials and 84% of Thai Gen Z,—prefer the gift of travel to physical presents.* This shift aligns with the 53% of Thai travelers planning to take a trip with their partner this year.**
Unique stays on the rise
Alternative accommodations are seeing a surge in popularity, with a 10% year-over-year increase in searches compared to the same period last year. Booking.com offers more than 8.1 million listings in homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay, such as boats, treehouses, country homes, and beachfront bungalows.
While apartments and guesthouses remain the top alternative accommodations, offering comfort, convenience and local charm, travelers are increasingly exploring other options. Trending accommodation types vary by traveler group:
- Group travelers are showing a growing interest in riads and holiday homes, with searches up by 16% and 12%, respectively.
- Families are gravitating towards villas and camping, experiencing surges of 19% and 16%.
- Couples are favoring tented camps and chalets, which have seen increases of 16% and 13%.
Booking.com continues to simplify travel planning for 2025, offering a seamless platform where travelers can arrange every aspect of their journey. With over 30 accommodation categories—including homes, apartments, and unique stays—alongside flights, car rentals, and local attractions, Booking.com connects every element of the trip. Travelers can also take advantage of Getaway Deals, with discounts of up to 20% for stays with checkout before September 30, 2025. Plus, members of the Genius loyalty program unlock even more perks—like free room upgrades and breakfast—at a wide range of properties worldwide.
