These are the hottest vacation destinations for 2025, according to VRBO

Where you should head for spring break, July 4, and more.

By Amanda Teague Published January 15, 2025

Maui — BKD / Pixabay

VRBO has just unveiled its 2025 Vacation Guide, offering travelers expert recommendations on the best places to visit and when to book their trips. From sunny beach retreats to busy city escapes, these top destinations are set to be the most popular travel spots for 2025 during certain holidays.

Spring break

A view of the beach in Clearwater, Florida. — Photo by John Coletti / Getty Images

Spring Break is just around the corner, and VRBO has some hot recommendations. Florida’s Gulf Coast spots like Clearwater, Rosemary Beach, and Miramar Beach are top picks, but you’ll need to book early. By February, 80% of beach houses in Clearwater are already reserved. If you’re into winter fun, head to Arizona’s Phoenix and Scottsdale, or hit the slopes in Colorado’s Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, or Keystone.

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Memorial Day

Panama City Beach — Gabily / Pixabay

For Memorial Day, VRBO suggests heading to the Florida Panhandle – think Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, or Rosemary Beach, for the perfect beach getaway. If you’re craving southern charm, Charleston, South Carolina offers history, culture, and beautiful coastal views.

July 4

A view of the pier in Nags Head, North Carolina (Outer Banks). — James Willamor / Flickr

If you’re traveling over July 4, VRBO recommends classic spots like the Outer Banks, North Carolina, Hilton Head, South Carolina, Gulf Shores, Alabama, Delaware beaches, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. With July Fourth shaping up to be the busiest travel week of the year, VRBO suggests booking your beach or lakefront rental at least three months in advance to secure the perfect spot for your summer celebration.

Winter break

Breckenridge — Noahshore / Pixabay

For Winter Break, VRBO offers two great options: go tropical or hit the slopes. If you’re dreaming of the sun, Maui, Hawaii is the perfect escape. For snow lovers, check out Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Breckenridge, Colorado, or Park City, Utah, all offering gorgeous winter landscapes and plenty of activities.

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

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Travel

This West Coast city was just named the most walkable in the U.S.

Seattle came out on top

aerial view of seattle

A new study has just revealed America’s most walkable cities, and Seattle claims the top spot. In an era where travel trends are shifting toward convenience, budget-friendliness, and wellness, walking vacations are on the rise. According to Google search data, “walking vacation” queries are up 29% and “staycation” searches have climbed 13% over the last quarter. In response, footwear brand FitFlop released its first-ever U.S. Walkability Index, analyzing which cities are best explored on foot.

The index ranked 30 major U.S. cities based on several pedestrian-friendly factors: distance, time, elevation gain, and step count between the city’s top five attractions, along with its overall Walk Score. Seattle came out on top thanks to its compact layout and relatively low-effort walking routes. Major attractions like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Pike Place Market are all within a 1.4-mile radius, ideal for a day of sightseeing without needing a car or public transit. The city’s moderate elevation and a solid Walk Score of 74.4 sealed its status as the most walkable city in the country.

Travel

11 essential Japan travel tips first-time visitors might miss

Ready to explore Japan like a pro?

Tokyo, Japan

If Japan is on your bucket list, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most fascinating destinations in the world, but before you hop on that flight, it helps to brush up on a few key Japan travel tips, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Western and eastern cultures can be pretty different, and even something as simple as ordering food or getting on a train might feel a little unfamiliar at first. When I think of Japan, I picture quiet side streets, polite conversations, and attention to detail that makes everything feel calm and intentional. It’s a beautiful place, but having a few insider tips can make your trip even better.

Travel

Sacramento’s Aftershock Festival is back with big bands and low prices

This Sacramento music fest is shaping up to be the event of the fall

Aftershock Festival

Looking ahead to fall travel and live music? One of the country’s biggest rock festivals is making its triumphant return this October, and unlike many other major events, it won’t break the bank.

Aftershock Festival, running October 2-5, 2025, in Sacramento, California, is a four-day celebration of rock and metal held at Discovery Park. This year’s lineup features heavy hitters like Blink-182, All Time Low, and Korn. But what truly sets Aftershock apart is its affordability and convenience for travelers coming from out of town.