Zürich and Basel lead the list of trending short-haul destinations as the sports tourism season is going strong 

Sardinia holidays are booming, with Olbia and Alghero trending up 90% 

Sapporo, Nha Trang, and Cairns emerge as top long-haul trending destinations, with travellers seeking exotic escapes. 

Paris, Mallorca, and New York remain the most popular destinations, with strong search demand continuing into summer.

Brits are set to embrace a mix of familiar favourites and rising hotspots this summer, according to the Summer Travel Outlook released today by Expedia^®. While destinations like Paris, Mallorca, and New York continue to dominate searches, Sardinia holidays are booming and long-haul trending destinations such as Sapporo, Nha Trang and Cairns are piquing the interest of British holidaymakers seeking new adventures during the off-season. 

The Summer Travel Outlook also reveals that Zürich (+225%) and Basel (+185%) top the trending list, reflecting not only a growing preference for cooler city breaks but also interest in attending sports events as the country gears up to host a major European football cup.  

“This summer, the short-haul travel trend continues as Brits head to destinations like Zürich, Basel and Tbilisi where temperatures are usually cooler. That doesn’t mean travellers shy away from long-haul travel though with Sapporo, Nha Trang, and Cairns trending during the off-season,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. “Rising costs also have Brits searching for ways to stretch their travel budget, and the Summer Outlook shows that sandwiching the summer is the key – flight prices are lower in June, and the least busy time to travel is late August.” 

Destination Insights¹ 

• Twin-Centre Holidays: Travellers can look to multi-stop adventures, to make the most of their summer holidays. Rome and Sardinia offer the perfect mix of cultural exploration and Mediterranean relaxation, with Alghero and Olbia (both +90%) providing stunning coastal escapes after a few days spent discovering the ancient Roman ruins. Long-haul pairings include Tokyo and Sapporo (+160%), offering an exciting combination of urban thrills and natural wonders, with Sapporo’s cool summer climate providing a refreshing contrast to Tokyo’s dynamic cityscape.
• Summer of football – Switzerland is also gaining popularity due to being the host of a major European football cup, drawing visitors to Zürich and Basel. Expedia Group’s latest research also revealed that 44% of sports fans travel internationally for events.
• Emerging Long-Haul Escapes: Destinations further afield are capturing the attention of Brits this summer with Nha Trang, Vietnam (+160%) known for its pristine beaches and world-class diving spots rising in popularity. Cairns, Australia (+155%) is trending due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, where travellers can experience its magical underwater world. Tbilisi, Georgia (+145%) is emerging as a cultural hotspot, offering affordable luxury, historic charm, and a thriving foodie scene. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro (+135%) is drawing visitors with its famous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lively Festa Junina celebrations happening in June.
• Popular City Breaks: City breaks continue to dominate summer travel plans, with Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Dublin being on the popular destinations list. Paris remains the ultimate romantic getaway, with its timeless architecture and café culture. Barcelona offers a blend of beach relaxation and cultural hotspots, while Amsterdam’s canals and nightlife keep it high on travel wish lists. Dublin’s lively pub scene and rich history make it an enduring favourite.
• Short-Haul Island Getaways: Sunseekers are heading to classic Mediterranean destinations for their summer holidays, with Mallorca and Ibiza leading the way. Mallorca’s mix of golden beaches, charming old towns, and lively resorts makes it a versatile pick, while Ibiza remains a top choice for those looking to experience upscale beach clubs, luxury hotels, and its legendary electronic music scene. Travellers looking to get the best value Med holiday deals should book their stay in April or May to avoid summer peak costs. Madeira is also seeing increased interest, offering dramatic volcanic coastlines, year-round sunshine, and scenic levada walks that appeal to nature lovers.
• Trending Domestic Destinations: Birmingham (+105%), Norfolk (+90%), and Dundee (+75%) are among the fastest-growing domestic destinations. Birmingham’s evolving food and cultural scene is drawing more weekend visitors, while Norfolk’s coastline and countryside make it a top pick for summer retreats. Dundee, with its waterfront regeneration and growing arts scene, is quickly becoming a must-visit Scottish city. Meanwhile, Windsor, Bishop’s Stortford, and Lincoln are also trending. Windsor’s royal connections and scenic Thames path make it a perfect weekend getaway, Bishop’s Stortford offers historic charm close to London, and Lincoln’s medieval heritage and iconic cathedral continue to attract history enthusiasts.

Best Time to Fly This Summer² 

• Travellers looking to save should aim to depart around 12 June, which is currently the cheapest day to fly. In contrast, 19 and 26 July are the most expensive days to take off, coinciding with the start of the school holidays and peak summer demand.  
• Those hoping to avoid the crowds should plan to travel on 27 or 31 August, which are the least busy travel days. Meanwhile, 20 June and 25 July are expected to be the busiest days to fly.  

Best Time to Stay This Summer³ 

• The cheapest days to book are 13 and 24 June, ideal for those looking for early summer deals without the midsummer rush. On the other hand, 9 and 10 August are forecasted to be the most expensive nights to stay, likely due to high demand during the summer holidays.  
• If avoiding crowds is a priority, the 27 and 31 August stand out again as the quietest dates to check in, making them perfect for a more relaxing getaway. In contrast, 6 and 20 June are tipped to be the busiest hotel nights. 

Summer Travel Tips  

• Save with flight alerts: Use Price Tracking on the Expedia app to pinpoint the optimal booking window and receive instant notifications when flight prices drop.  
• Book on a Sunday: According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, booking your flight on a Sunday can save you up to 22% of the airfare cost, compared to booking on a Friday.  
• Reserve a hotel with flexible policies: Use Expedia’s search filters to look for properties offering “free cancellation” or “reserve now, pay later,” and opt for the refundable room.   
• Bundling: With flights, car hire, hotels and activities, Expedia offers customisable holiday packages in one place, allowing travellers to save hundreds of pounds on average when booking multiple items on Expedia. Travellers then also have their itinerary all in one place, making it easier to keep track of their journey.  
• VIP Access: Become a One Key member and enjoy various benefits by selecting a VIP Access property available worldwide.  
• Expedia Family Getaway Sale – Starting on 1^st May, save 25% or more on selected hotels with Member Prices when you join. Book by 26^th May, travel by 30^th September 2025. Book here