Japanese cities top the list.
For travelers around the globe, two Japanese destinations are topping their wish lists. According to research by the Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI), Tokyo and Osaka are expected to be the most popular trending destinations this summer. MEI analyzed flight bookings from June to September and compared them with last year’s market share to identify 15 trending destinations for this summer.
None of the cities on the list is in the United States. Instead, it’s dominated by Asian destinations. In addition to the Japanese cities, other emerging hot spots include Shanghai, Seoul, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Fukuoka (Japan). European destinations are also represented, with Paris in the third spot, while Madrid and Mallorca took the fifth and eighth positions, respectively. Surprisingly, travelers have also shown interest in Egyptian destinations such as Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.
The trending list looks slightly different for American and Canadian travelers, with more destinations closer to home, such as San Juan, Punta Cana, Calgary, Nashville, and Tulum.
Related: Yosemite Park Workers Bracing for ‘Chaos’ During Summer Peak Season
Summer Travel Trends
The report also offered insights into this year’s summer travel trends. While recent geopolitical developments and economic policies may influence discretionary spending, travel may remain largely unaffected by tariffs, which typically impact products rather than services. However, political uncertainty could shape travelers’ decisions.
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Japan’s surge in popularity is partly due to the depreciation of the yen, giving travelers more value for their money. A consumer survey by Mastercard in 2024 found that people are increasingly traveling with a purpose—interests in wellness, adventure, food, and major sporting events are influencing their destination choices.
Business travel, however, appears to be slowing. Following the pandemic, corporate travel took time to rebound, and in the United States, uncertainty and federal budget cuts have further impacted recovery. Yet the study showed that U.S.-based travelers are taking longer trips overall—up from 8.8 to 10.2 days in Asia-Pacific, and from 7.4 to 8.1 days in Europe.
Related: A Running List of Countries Issuing U.S. Travel Advisories
In the United States, travel earnings are expected to decline this year. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the nation may lose $12.5 billion due to negative sentiment surrounding U.S. travel. Several countries have issued warnings to their citizens, citing policy changes and strict visa and immigration processes.
Canada, the largest source of international visitors to the U.S., has been at the forefront of this trend. Unfriendly tariff policies, annexation discussions, and increased scrutiny at the border have fueled concerns.
In 2024, the U.S. recorded 72.4 million international arrivals. While 90% of the tourism industry is driven by domestic travelers, international tourists spend significantly more—about $4,000 per trip, eight times more than the average domestic traveler, according to the New York Times. With a cooler reception anticipated this year, airlines are cutting schedules and preparing for reduced tourist numbers.
Related: Canadians Are Canceling Travel Plans to U.S. and Threatening Boycotts