Where did you travel in 2025? Did you hop from city to city, embracing European café culture and jumping between galleries from the comfort of a plush hotel? Or was it a strictly fly-and-flop year full of beachy escapes and cool-offs in crystal clear waters?
Whether it made it out of the group chat or off the bucket list or not, there’s a good chance you searched for one of the destinations outlined in Google’s latest ‘Year in Travel’ list. These are the destinations that saw huge spikes in 2025, indicating they’re unique to this year compared to last. While many of the cities and islands listed below are well-known and much-frequented by jetsetters, these places saw a sustained traffic spike in 2025 compared to 2024 – suggesting we pined over these spots more than anywhere else. From Caribbean islands to underrated Spanish cities, this is your travel wrapped.
10. Düsseldorf
While the legendary beer tents of Munich and the historical attractions of Berlin continue to draw in millions of visitors each year, many of us are seeking alternative destinations with fewer crowds. The German ‘fashion capital’ Düsseldorf fits the bill perfectly, thanks to its walkability and the variety of scenes on offer, from the charming Old Town to the glitzy boutiques.
Where to stay: Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf has long been regarded as one of the city’s best. For something more affordable with a great location, check into Meliá Düsseldorf.
9. Basel
Art Basel draws the international glitterati to this chic Swiss city each year, but it’s the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final that the city held in July that would have caused a considerable spike in flight interest.
Where to stay: Stay at Hotel Brasserie au Violon for a unique Basel experience – the hotel sprawls across a converted prison.
8. Reykjavik
The rise of the ‘coolcation’, expanded flight services, and an increasing desire among travellers to go off-grid and make the most of their time away are among the major factors that will have led to a spike in flight searches to Iceland’s capital in 2025. According to Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, departures of foreign travellers in July 2025 were up more than nine per cent on the previous year.
Where to stay: The Reykjavik Edition is undoubtedly the city’s chicest address.
7. Malaga
Various reports highlighted Malaga as a globally trending destination for 2025. March 2025 saw an 8.3 per cent increase in travellers compared to March 2024, with many visitors from further north in Europe eager to extend their summer. As one of Spain’s most southerly cities, balmy days aren’t unusual throughout the spring and even winter, with summer temperatures so high that an increasing number of travellers seek to avoid what were once regarded as the peak months.
Where to stay: The contemporary, cool vibe of Only You Málaga makes it the perfect base for a city break.
6. Kraków
Kraków’s place in Google’s Year in Travel study is supported by Kayak’s 2025 holiday insights report, which shows interest in the Polish city is at an all-time high. Ongoing cost-of-living concerns have led more and more travellers to turn their attention to the culturally rich Eastern European destination, attracted by cheaper hotel rates and affordable flight prices.
Where to stay: How about staying in a centrally-located 19th-century palace? Hotel Stary’s the one for you if such regal addresses appeal.
5. Ibiza
Be it the notorious hedonism of the White Isle’s nightclubs or a spotlight on the island’s more wild northern reaches, Ibiza received a sustained spike in Google flight searches in 2025 – interesting, considering several reports suggested the number of British visitors was down year on year. Renewed interest in Ibiza may have been supported by new openings such as Soho Farmhouse Ibiza and ‘hyperclub’ [UNVRS].
Where to stay: There’s no shortage of exceptional places to stay here. Some of our favourite hotels in Ibiza include Mikasa Ibiza Boutique Hotel, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay and The Standard Ibiza.
4. Santander
The Spanish tourism industry experienced a record-breaking year for travel in 2025, and it appears the northern city of Santander came out on top. Be it the beaches, the slightly cooler peak-summer temperatures or a desire for a long seafood lunch for less than some of the country’s other seaside destinations, the capital city of the Cantabria region is clearly one to watch.
Where to stay: Eurostars Hotel Real offers the city’s grandest stay.
3. Dubai
Dubai’s tourism growth shows no signs of slowing down, with sunseekers jetting off to lounge on the Emirate’s dazzling beaches and experience the latest sleek hotel openings in ever-growing numbers. As the Condé Nast Traveller team know all too well, there’s no shortage of new launches in the region, with the latest head-turner being Ciel Dubai Marina – the world’s tallest hotel.
Where to stay: Atlantis The Royal is one of the best family-friendly addresses, perhaps in all the UAE. Split your time between the skyscrapers and the starry skies of the desert with a detour to Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa.
2. Barbados
Increased airlift and new opulent openings mean Barbados is 2025’s second-most-searched-for destination in terms of sustained interest. A series of well-publicised upcoming openings may be resulting in renewed interest in the tropical island, including The Hotel Indigo Bridgetown Barbados, Pendry Barbados and Royalton Vessence Barbados.
Where to stay: Do Barbadian resorts get any more iconic than Sandy Lane?
1. Bilbao
Bilbao has long been one of Spain’s underrated cultural gems. Plenty of trips to the coastal city centre, around trips in and out of the likes of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, and the Itsasmuseum Bilbao. Sporting events played a significant role in the spike in interest in flights to Bilbao, with the UEFA Europa League Final between Tottenham and Manchester United in May 2025. Vueling also launched new daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Bilbao in March, making the city – and the wider Basque country – easier to access for a long weekend escape.
Where to stay: Radisson Collection Hotel Bilbao is a calming haven within reach of all the city’s highlights.