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

The No. 1 Memorial Day destination is in Florida (and it’s not Miami)

Orlando takes this year's top spot

Orlando

A record-breaking 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel domestically for Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA. Despite high prices, many are taking advantage of the long holiday to spend time with loved ones and taking trips closer to home.

This year’s top Memorial Day destinations, based on AAA booking data for travel between May 22 and 26, might surprise you. Orlando takes the number one spot, beating out beach cities and even Miami. The Central Florida city continues to draw families with its theme parks and proximity to Port Canaveral, a major cruise hub.

Travel

This surprising African country is this year’s hottest destination for wellness travel

Consider visiting Namibia for your next wellness retreat

Namibia

In recent years, wellness travel has surged in popularity as people seek to recharge and escape the pressures of daily life. According to Mastercard’s Travel Trends 2025 report, Namibia has emerged as the top wellness destination this year, surprising many as an unexpected leader in the global wellness travel scene.

Namibia’s landscapes, featuring towering red dunes, vast desert plains, and rugged mountains, create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. The country offers an array of luxury lodges and spas, where visitors can indulge in treatments like massages, mud therapy, and exfoliation, all designed to help travelers unwind in a truly unique setting. Wellness companies like Our Habitas take it a step further, offering specialized experiences such as full-body masks, rose quartz facials, sunrise yoga, and massages with warmed stones.

Travel

45 million people are traveling for Memorial Day: Here’s how to avoid the traffic

AAA highlights the best times to hit the road during the holiday weekend

Traffic

Get ready for packed roads and long lines, as 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend this year, marking a new record, according to AAA. The travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, and most of those travelers, nearly 39.4 million, are hitting the road. While air travel and other modes of transportation like trains, buses, and cruises are also up this year, driving remains the top choice for Memorial Day travelers.

With gas prices lower than last year’s average ($3.59 per gallon), road trips are more appealing than ever. In fact, 87% of travelers will be driving to their destinations, making traffic jams and congested highways all but guaranteed.