Top Summer Travel Destinations for 2025 Unveiled
Top Summer Vacation Destinations for Americans (with a Focus on Their High Spending Habits)
As the summer season approaches, travelers are eagerly planning their getaways to some of the most sought-after destinations worldwide. Here's a roundup of the top 10 summer travel destinations for 2025, along with an estimate of the average cost per person for a 7-10 day trip.
Madeira, Portugal
Known as "The Floating Garden of the Atlantic," Madeira offers lush landscapes and a mild climate. With mid-range accommodation, meals, and activities, a trip to Madeira might cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Rich culture, Zapotec ruins, mezcal tasting, and pristine beaches make Oaxaca an attractive destination. Affordable lodging, local food, and cultural tours mean a trip to Oaxaca could cost between $1,000 and $1,800.
Kotor, Montenegro
Medieval town Kotor, located on the Adriatic coastline, serves as an affordable alternative to more expensive destinations in Croatia. A budget to mid-range hotel stay, local dining, and sightseeing could cost between $1,200 and $2,000.
Paris, France
Iconic museums, upgraded infrastructure post-2024 Olympics, and classic city charm make Paris a popular choice. Mid to upscale accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and activities could cost between $2,500 and $4,000.
London, UK
Historic sites, arts scene, and vibrant neighborhoods are just a few reasons to visit London. Similar to Paris in cost level, a trip to London might cost between $2,500 and $4,500.
Rome, Italy
Legendary history, cultural experiences, and vibrant nightlife make Rome an appealing destination. A mid-range travel budget could cover a trip to Rome, costing between $2,000 and $3,500.
Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang)
Cultural heritage, UNESCO sites, and vibrant cuisine are just a few reasons to visit Vietnam. With very affordable accommodation and food, a trip to Vietnam could cost between $1,000 and $1,800.
Dubai, UAE
Modern luxury, shopping, and desert experiences are just a few reasons to visit Dubai. Mid to high-end depending on activities, a trip to Dubai could cost between $2,500 and $4,000.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Beach resort destination Cabo San Lucas offers upscale amenities. A resort stay, dining, and activities could cost between $1,800 and $3,000.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Popular Caribbean beach destination Punta Cana provides a mix of mid to upscale pricing. All-inclusive resort packages are common, making a trip to Punta Cana cost between $1,500 and $2,800.
European capitals like Paris, London, and Rome generally have higher average travel costs, driven by accommodations, dining, and cultural experiences. Emerging or less obvious destinations like Oaxaca, Kotor, and Vietnam offer rich cultural experiences at lower costs. Popular resort destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Punta Cana provide a mix of mid to upscale pricing depending on accommodation choices. Dubai combines luxury experiences with relatively high costs but offers world-class modern amenities and activities.
These cost ranges are general estimates including airfare, mid-range accommodation, meals, local transportation, and sightseeing/activities for a 7-10 day trip. Actual costs will vary widely based on traveler preferences, booking timing, and travel packages.
Sources: Smartvel's Top 5 Summer Destinations 2025, The Science Survey's Curated Top Summer 2025 Destinations, Emirates 2025 Travel Data highlighting Vietnam and Dubai, and TravelAgeWest's Summer Travel Trends 2025.
Packing for the upcoming summer vacation may include suitcases filled with clothes, travel insurance documents, and flight tickets to any of the top travel destinations unveiled for 2025, such as Madeira, Oaxaca, or Kotor. The lifestyle during these trips could range from immersing oneself in rich cultural experiences at affordable prices in Oaxaca or Kotor, to experiencing the modern luxury of Dubai or the upscale amenities of resorts in Cabo San Lucas and Punta Cana. The cost of flights, accommodations, meals, and activities for a 7-10 day trip to these destinations can vary significantly, with European capitals like Paris and Rome generally having higher costs, while emerging destinations like Vietnam offer lower costs despite providing rich cultural experiences.