Skip to main content

These are the hottest destinations of 2025, according to British Airways

New York takes this year's top spot

Twlight on the Manhattan skyline
Manhattan, New York City Luca Bravo / Unsplash

British Airways Holidays has just released its 2025 Travel Trends Report, revealing the hottest must-visit destinations based on traveler searches and booking trends.

But it’s not just about where people are going, it’s also about how they’re traveling. The report highlights emerging trends in vacation curation, with travelers seeking more personalized, immersive, and unique experiences than ever before. 

Recommended Videos

The hottest destinations for 2025

New York City
Davidvives90 / Pixabay

When it comes to the most searched holiday package destinations on ba.com, the airline reported that New York is the number one travel destination. As one of the most famous vacation destinations for decades, this one likely comes as no surprise. 

Here’s the full list of the most searched destinations.

  1. New York
  2. Dubai
  3. Barbados
  4. Cancun
  5. Tenerife
  6. Orlando
  7. Maldives
  8. Mauritius
  9. St Lucia
  10. Malta

2025’s ‘Rising Stars’

Agadir
kabaretka / Pixabay

British Airways also took a look at destinations that have been rising in searches throughout the start of 2025.

  1. Agadir: 308% search increase
  2. Abu Dhabi: 94% search increase
  3. Crete: 44% search increase
  4. Koh Samui: 38% search increase
  5. Gibraltar: 17% search increase
  6. Nashville: 17% search increase
  7. Kos: 16% search increase
  8. Qatar: 16% search increase

Other notable findings

Skyline of Dubai daytime
ZQ Lee / Unsplash

The report doesn’t just reveal the hottest destinations, it also highlights how travel habits are evolving. One major shift? Food-driven travel. 69% of travelers consider food an important factor when choosing a destination, and many are now crafting entire itineraries around viral dishes and local specialties.

Beyond food, travel is becoming more experience-focused. 70% of travelers want to return from holiday having learned something new, and 32% of travelers planning a 2025 trip are likely to book accommodations based on activities, experiences, or sports facilities.

Meanwhile, all-inclusive holidays are making a strong comeback, especially among younger generations craving stress-free escapes. With 42% of travelers admitting they “only want to eat, drink, and lie in the sun” on vacation, the appeal of buffets, organized activities, and all-inclusive pricing is stronger than ever.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Experience the NCAA tournament like never before at The Venetian’s March Mayhem event
Basketball fans, get ready
Brackets at The Stadium

March Mayhem is making its triumphant return to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, delivering the ultimate game-watching experience for the 2025 NCAA tournament. From Thursday, March 20, to Saturday, March 22, Brackets at the Stadium will transform The Stadium into a 24,000-square-foot basketball paradise, complete with stadium-style seating, luxury accommodations, and an electrifying atmosphere.

With a massive 9-by-16-foot screen as the focal point, plus over 100 additional TVs surrounding the space, fans won’t miss a single moment of the action. You can enjoy the games from a semi-private skybox, a bar-top table, or a lounge-style seat.

Read more
What is mystery travel? The exciting trend of secret getaways
A thrilling way to explore the unknown
Passport and plane ticket

What is mystery travel? Mystery travel is a fairly new concept on my radar, but I’ve noticed its growing popularity over the past few years. More and more travelers are embracing the thrill of the unknown, letting someone else plan their trips while they sit back and enjoy the surprise. Airlines like SAS have even jumped on board with programs like Destination Unknown, where an entire aircraft filled with frequent flyer members embarks on a long flight to a surprise location – last year’s destination was Athens.

Curious to learn more about the rise of mystery travel and why people are drawn to these spontaneous adventures, I spoke with Lillian Rafson, Founder and CEO of Pack Up + Go, a travel agency specializing in surprise vacations. From hidden destinations to curated itineraries, mystery travel is quickly becoming a favorite way to explore the world without the stress of planning. Let’s dive into what mystery travel is and why it might be the most exciting way to book your next trip.
What is mystery travel?

Read more
First time in Texas? Don’t miss these unforgettable Fort Worth experiences
Wine, dine, and explore in Fort Worth
Fort Worth Stockyards

My first time in Texas led me to visit Fort Worth, where I first encountered authentic "Texas charm." This city instantly impressed me with its diverse offerings of things to do and friendly southern atmosphere. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family visiting the region, culture, fun, and exploration await in this city. Though I wasn't sure what to expect, my visit to the city of Fort Worth inspired me to return to Texas to explore more on my next adventure.

As an avid traveler, I always look beyond the basics of the "top things to do" when visiting a city. In my experience, it's the "hidden gems" or less popular things that end up becoming my favorite parts of my trips. On your next visit to the "Panther City," don't miss the opportunity to try these three things to do in Fort Worth.
Wine tasting at Cowtown Winery

Read more