Between geopolitical uncertainties and natural disasters, the compass of desires turned this summer: the French hit the jackpot with camping and the mountains, while continental Spain, Egypt, and Vietnam surfed on a growing demand.
On the contrary, Greece stumbled between earthquakes, fires, and heatwaves, Turkey and the United States suffered from the context and the cost of living, while Thailand declined amid regional tensions, and the Balearic Islands and Canaries stagnated with airfare skyrocketing.
A tale of a tumultuous yet inspiring summer: between unexpected favourites and resounding disappointments, French travelers have favoured the outdoors in France, continental Spain, Egypt, and a Vietnam at its peak, while neglecting Greece, Turkey, the United States, and Thailand due to geopolitical issues, fires, earthquakes, and a higher cost of living. As of September 26, 2025, the snapshot of the market reveals desires for nature, proximity, and smart pricing, with very promising prospects for winter and 2026.
The French opted for pragmatism and pleasure. The winning trio? Camping and the mountains in France, continental Spain easily accessible by car or train, and an irresistible Vietnam where all-inclusive vacation sales have actually doubled, while the overall volume jumped by about +54.7 % in a year. In contrast, Greece experienced a complicated summer (fires, earthquakes, heatwaves), Thailand took a step back, and interest in the United States waned amid rising tensions and costs.
France, queen of the outdoors
Smart camping and kitchens that save the day
Outdoor hospitality has confirmed its excellence: the French have preferred bare pitches and establishments with kitchens, in order to control the meal budget, even opting for 3-star campgrounds over 4-star ones. The result: friendly atmosphere, picnic baskets, and evenings spent discussing the world under the stars. For families traveling together, some ideas for adventures with children easily slip into the itinerary, as suggested by this inspiring highlight: going on an adventure with your children.
The mountains offer four seasons
Another big winner: the mountains, more affordable price-wise than the coast, and now thought of in four seasons. Blueberry-scented hikes, bike parks, and high-altitude lakes have attracted families in search of fresh air. It brings back the taste for long days, picnic baskets, and micro-adventures.
Europe: between recovery and slow down
Continental Spain: the comeback no one missed
Thanks to its proximity and easy access by train and car, continental Spain held steady throughout the summer. The only slight nuance in the sun: the Balearic Islands and Canaries remained stagnant, held back by the prices of airfares.
Greece: a summer under high tension
Greece declined by about -6.5 %: caused by a series of fires, earthquakes, and episodes of extreme heat. The postcards remain beautiful, but travelers have sometimes said “we’ll see later.”
Finland: the nice surprise from the North
Finland shone with an increase of about +43.5 %, boosted by its reputation as “the happiest country in the world.” Boreal forests, design, and saunas: chic simplicity is on the rise.
Mediterranean under pressure: better choose your steps
Faced with summer crowds, some have recalibrated their desires. Venice, Santorini, Barcelona? It’s better to visit during off-peak times, as this useful breakdown reminds us on Venice, Santorini, and Barcelona. The summer of 2025 confirmed: timing and micro-itineraries make all the difference.
Asia: a shift between stars and disappointments
Vietnam: the irresistible star
Heading to Vietnam, where one sips coffee on the Train Street in Hanoi while sales curves soar. All-inclusive stays have doubled there in a year, and the destination is racing ahead with nearly +54.7 % overall. Northern mountains, Halong Bay, floating markets of the Mekong: the map of pleasures is overflowing.
Thailand: stop-and-go, but winter might smile
Thailand has stalled: for All Saints’ Day, departure intentions have dropped by about -45.7 % compared to 2024, following tensions with neighbouring Cambodia. However, good news: the frustrated demand from summer is shifting to winter 2025, with a recovery already visible. To prepare for packing at the right season, the autumn 2025 travel trends offer very concrete avenues.
Cambodia and South Korea: the beautiful promises
Cambodia seems to be in good shape for winter, with encouraging sales, far from the large coastal flows. As for South Korea, it continues to attract, especially those who have already ticked off Japan and want another pop, food, and design culture.
Americas and Africa: contrasting signals
United States: the dream a bit more expensive
The United States declined by about -10.4 %, penalized by the geopolitical news and a swollen cost of living. New York remains magical, but the wallet has sometimes said “wise.” We keep an eye on good deals outside the high season to reignite the flame.
Egypt: heading to the Nile, and more if affinities
Egypt is performing and should break records again this winter thanks to Nile cruises. Luxor, Aswan, sunset temples: the icon of cultural travel is making a grand return, and the trend could last into 2026.
Continental Tanzania: safari with detour
Continental Tanzania was penalized by the country’s airlines being placed on the European Union’s blacklist, complicating domestic flights. The great outdoors remains magical, but more precise organization was needed.
The Dominican Republic puts direct back on track
After a few years on hold, the Dominican Republic could boost its arrivals thanks to the reopening of the direct Air France flight from Paris, ideal for a tropical winter without stopovers.
Calendar, tips, and alternatives to prolong the momentum
When the calendar disrupts habits
Dates sometimes dictate the weather of travels. On the 2025 scale, the Golden Week and other holidays reshuffled the booking cards; this guide on travel changes related to the Golden Week 2025 helps aim precisely between crowds and good prices.
All Saints’ Day, autumn, and smart getaways
For All Saints’ Day and autumn, the focus is on feel-good itineraries: art cities, vineyards, and soft light. The autumn 2025 trends list what truly works, when to book, and how to dodge the crowd.
Morocco: the autumn that feels good
Craving spices, riads, and the Atlas? Morocco checks all the boxes for a sunny autumn. Ideas for getaways, festivals of colors, and reasonable budgets to nibble on here: destinations in Morocco for an autumn trip.
Micro-adventures with family, the new chic
Between a lodge by a lake and a scenic train, micro-adventures invite families. To fuel inspiration, this idea booklet of adventures with children is a goldmine: playful paths, nature at hand, and XXL memories.
Choose your window, choose your crowd
Want Venice without the queues? Santorini with calm blue? Barcelona in local mode? This anti-crowds decoder is valuable for calibrating your getaway: Venice, Santorini, Barcelona: tourism under the microscope. A final tip: book early for Egypt (Nile effect guaranteed) and Vietnam (heavy trend), while keeping an eye on flight openings — the Dominican Republic knows a thing or two about this.
