Summer 2025 Travel Trends & Tips from Luxury Travel Expert

  • June 12, 2025
Summer 2025 Travel Trends & Tips from Luxury Travel Expert

Insight directly from Classic Vacations, the #1 rated global luxury travel company. CEO Melissa Krueger shares details on Classic’s top booking destinations, a shift in traveler behavior and mindset, popular itineraries, and more.

Top Travel Trends

Trending Destinations:

  • Maui – Visitor arrivals have increased by 3.8% compared to 2024, indicating a renewed traveler enthusiasm for the island, according to Classic Vacations.
  • Italy – June bookings have spiked by 40%, with growing interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations like Turin, while mainstays such as Rome and Milan remain in high demand.
  • Luxury Caribbean – There’s strong momentum for travel to upscale islands including Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, St. Barts, and Antigua, reflecting a continued preference for high-end Caribbean escapes.
  • Asia – Interest in Japan and Thailand is climbing, driven by expanded flight options and rising traveler confidence, per insights from Classic Vacations.

Traveler Behaviors:

  • Spontaneous Planning – In North America, global search volume regarding travel has risen 15% in the past year, yet many travelers are delaying final decisions—booking domestic trips around 20 days in advance and international ones roughly 30 days out.
  • Return to Tradition – More families are gravitating toward familiar favorites, returning to the same villas or resorts annually to foster cherished traditions and lasting multi-generational memories.
  • The Rise of “JOMO” (Joy of Missing Out) – Travelers are embracing slower, more mindful experiences. Nature-centric getaways and unhurried itineraries are gaining favor over tightly packed schedules.
  • Active Meets Restorative – Itineraries increasingly combine physical activity—such as hiking, paddling, or biking—with wellness elements like cold plunges, forest bathing, or nutrition-focused workshops.

Melissa’s Top Travel Tips

Travel Hacks, From an Expert

  • Mix Up the Stay – Travelers can pair a flagship resort with a boutique hotel or a yacht charter to diversify the experience and balance the budget.
  • Midweek Arrivals – Arriving on a Wednesday and departing the following Tuesday can help travelers save up to 15% while enjoying less crowded beach clubs and attractions.
  • Open-Jaw Flights – Flying into one city and out of another allows travelers to avoid backtracking and make the most of their itinerary.
  • Ship, Don’t Schlep – Bulky gear like paddleboards or golf clubs can be shipped ahead via FedEx, helping travelers skip oversize baggage fees and airport hassle.
  • Use Local WhatsApp Contacts – In destinations like Greece and Hawai‘i, travelers often get quicker responses when using WhatsApp to reserve beach chairs, book surf lessons, or confirm local services.
  • Melissa’s Personal Favorite – TOURISM CARES Meaningful Travel map connects travelers to sustainable, community-led organizations, services, and accommodations that create a lasting positive impact on both local communities and the environment.

Must Visit Destinations

  • South of France – Where Riviera glamor meets effortless charm. Think sun-soaked beach clubs, scenic catamaran outings, and chic boutique stays such as the iconic Hôtel La Ponche in St. Tropez.
  • Greek Islands – A tailor-made escape awaits. From lively beach clubs in Mykonos to the peaceful coves of Paros, travelers can hotel hop or charter a yacht for the perfect blend of energy and tranquility.
  • Sunriver, Oregon – A nostalgic, Americana-style summer with a luxurious twist. Families can enjoy upscale home rentals at Caldera Springs, ideal for bike rides, s’mores, and sunsets that stretch past 9 p.m.