Top travel goals? Dubai on everyone’s summer bucket list, new survey shows

Dubai: This summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest—and boldest—travel seasons in years.

According to new Booking.com data, nearly half of leisure travellers globally are ready to spend more on holidays than they did in 2024. And they’re not just booking short getaways. Think longer trips, richer experiences, and meaningful escapes.

Topping the charts of must-visit places? Dubai. Whether you're a family planning school break adventures or a couple chasing a dreamy getaway, the city is trending hard in Booking.com's global travel searches.

The heat is on—literally. People are chasing the sun and Instagram-worthy views. Leading the way are Egypt’s Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, thanks to their beach resorts and epic diving spots.

Tokyo and Bangkok continue to lure travellers hungry for food, culture, and neon-lit nights. And yes, Dubai joins the top ranks alongside Spanish coastal gems like Alicante and Malaga, France’s Nice, and Croatia’s Dubrovnik.

For families, it’s about more than poolside lounging. A whopping 85% of parents say they want their kids to experience different cultures when they travel. And with over half ranking travel as their top yearly priority, it’s clear families are booking with purpose.

Dubai is standing out in this space, especially among UAE residents who want to escape the everyday without needing passports or long-haul flights. The city’s indoor attractions (hello, snow parks in summer), kid-friendly beaches, and evolving cultural zones are making it a family fave.

Paris and Tokyo still win points for history and adventure, but Dubai's futuristic flair and easy accessibility are giving them serious competition this season.

Forget flowers—this year, it’s all about the flight tickets. According to Booking.com, nearly three-quarters of Gen Z and millennial couples say they’d rather travel together than unwrap a physical gift.

So, where’s love in the air this summer? Sharm El Sheikh, Tokyo, Milan, and yes—Dubai again. With a luxe hotel scene that keeps expanding, romantic desert stays, and yacht-filled evenings, Dubai is positioning itself as one of the world’s hottest couple getaways.

There’s a clear shift in how people want to stay. Alternative accommodations are trending globally, with a 10% rise in searches year-on-year. Travellers want space, authenticity, and Insta-friendly vibes.

Here's what’s hot right now:

In Dubai, the short-term rental boom has followed suit—expect everything from waterfront apartments to luxury lofts with skyline views on platforms like Booking.com.

If you're a planner who dreads spreadsheets, good news: tech is doing the heavy lifting this year. More travellers, especially parents, are leaning on AI-powered tools to research faster, plan smarter, and book better. Expect more personalised suggestions, one-click bundles, and loyalty perks built into your experience.

Whether you're planning a family staycation, romantic city-hopping, or group adventure with friends, this summer’s top travel trends say one thing: people want more from their getaways—and they’re willing to spend on it.

Dubai’s consistent appearance across all travel categories—families, couples, groups—makes it clear: the city isn’t just a pitstop, it’s a main event.

So, if you're based in the UAE (or flying in), now's the time to jump on early-bird deals, stack your loyalty points, and secure that dream itinerary. Whether it’s diving in the Red Sea, sushi feasts in Tokyo, or rooftop brunches in Downtown Dubai, Summer 2025 is officially in session.