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Highlights:

  • Cancun and Las Vegas lead international and domestic destination rankings for U.S. travelers
  • Travelers prioritize relaxation, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities this summer
  • Younger generations favor advance booking, vacation rentals, and social media for trip planning

Tripadvisor has released its 2025 Summer Travel Index, offering a detailed look into how U.S. travelers are preparing for the upcoming vacation season. The data, based on both site analytics and a global survey, suggests a busy summer ahead with 63% of respondents expressing enthusiasm for their upcoming travel plans.

According to the findings, Cancun, Mexico, is the top international travel destination for U.S. tourists, followed by Paris, France, and London, United Kingdom. On the domestic front, Las Vegas, Nevada, takes the lead, trailed by New York City and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The report shows that travelers are searching for a mix of urban excitement and relaxation by the water. This year, the Caribbean features prominently in international travel trends, with four of the top ten rising destinations located in the region. 51% of travelers indicated that their main goal for summer travel is to relax and rejuvenate, underscoring the growing demand for low-stress getaways.

Meanwhile, Florida continues to attract domestic interest, appearing four times on the list of trending U.S. destinations. In contrast, more secluded spots such as Big Sur, California, and Moran, Wyoming, are also seeing increased attention, as 38% of travelers report seeking nature-focused trips.

The importance of activities and local experiences was a recurring theme in the data. A large majority—83% of respondents—plan to allocate a portion of their travel budget to activities, with 89% expecting to schedule up to five outings during their trip. Gen Z travelers stand out, with 14% aiming to book six or more experiences, compared to an average of 9% among older travelers.

Although relaxation remains the top travel priority across all age groups, younger travelers are more likely to pursue cultural exploration and adventure. Among older respondents (Boomers and Gen X), 56% say relaxation is their main objective, compared to 47% of Millennials and Gen Z. Conversely, younger generations are more inclined toward immersive travel experiences.

Planning behavior also varies by generation. A total of 57% of travelers say they will book activities in advance, but Gen Z and Millennials are particularly proactive—71% of them plan on booking ahead, compared to 40% of older age groups. While on the road, Boomers tend to seek advice from locals (38%), whereas Gen Z travelers (51%) turn to social media for guidance.

Accommodation preferences also differ by age. Younger travelers are more likely to choose vacation rentals (30%), while older groups show a preference for hotels (21%). The top trending travel experiences for summer 2025 include cultural and themed tours, outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding, and water-based tours, including cruises and sailing trips.

The findings are based on Tripadvisor’s behavioral data from platform searches between February 1 and April 10, 2025, as well as a consumer sentiment survey conducted in partnership with Qualtrics across six countries. The study provides insight into the evolving preferences and behaviors shaping the 2025 summer travel season.