Emirates Unveils the Hottest Summer Holidays of 2025

With international travel in full swing this summer, Emirates has analysed global booking trends and search patterns to reveal the destinations travellers are dreaming of for July and August. The focus is shifting towards new cultural experiences and hidden gems, with many destinations showing a surge in popularity.

Flight searches for summer holidays have increased by seven per cent compared to last year. France remains the top European favourite, with a notable 35 per cent jump in outbound travel searches. Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia are also seeing high interest, alongside Germany and the UAE, reflecting strong travel intentions across key markets.

This year’s standout destinations are mainly in the Far East, Indian Ocean, and Europe, and here’s what’s trending with Emirates travellers: 

Emerging Summer Hotspots

Vietnam has stolen the spotlight this summer, with a remarkable 61 per cent increase in interest and growing booking demand. Emirates operates 25 weekly flights to three vibrant Vietnamese cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang (launched in June). With seamless connections to major European and American hubs via Bangkok, Vietnam offers a rich tapestry of UNESCO World Heritage sites, pristine beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine, making it an ideal choice for adventure lovers and culture seekers alike.

Close behind is Mauritius, with a 41 per cent rise in flight searches, making it the second most popular destination this summer. Emirates offers two daily flights to this stunning island paradise on its iconic A380s. Sri Lanka also remains a firm favourite, with a 32 per cent increase, thanks to its captivating culture, pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and affordable luxury.

Japan continues its magnetism with a 28 per cent rise in flight searches. Known for its unique blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity, the country’s landscapes, cities, and cuisine continue to attract explorers. Emirates offers 21 weekly flights to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka.

France maintains its timeless appeal with a 25 per cent uplift in search interest. Emirates’ flights to Paris are plentiful, with 21 weekly services—including three daily A380 flights—plus daily services to Nice and Lyon, meeting the growing demand.

The Science Behind the Wanderlust: Booking Trends and Travel Preferences

In the UAE, Emirates has experienced a 13 per cent rise in overall flight searches, with notable increases to Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, Lebanon, and Morocco. Meanwhile, American travellers are increasingly searching for trips to African destinations like Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa. UK travellers are more eager than ever, with search interest up by 12 per cent compared to last year, particularly towards far-flung locations such as New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.

Indian travellers are seeking opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland for 2025 adventures. Australian travellers are focused on European summer plans, with increasing searches to France and the UK. Germans are looking eastward, with rising interest in Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Seychelles.

Typically, summer breaks tend to be longer for Emirates travellers from India, Australia, the UK, and Germany—often extending beyond a month. Meanwhile, US travellers generally opt for a 2-3 week holiday.

Dubai’s Summer Scene: Diverse and Dynamic

Dubai continues to draw travellers from around the world during summer, reaffirming its status as a year-round ‘must-visit’ destination. Nearly half of US, Indian, and Australian visitors are travelling solo, blending business and leisure with stays of just over a week.

Families make up about a third of US and Indian visitors, with shorter trips preferred by Indian families and American families often staying 1-2 weeks. British families tend to extend their visits beyond two weeks, exploring the city leisurely.

Couples, particularly younger Australians and Germans, frequently opt for extended stays, ranging from two weeks to a month, eager to immerse themselves in everything Dubai has to offer.