YourUpdateTV speaks with Airbnb.org: Reimagining Spring Break: Why More Travelers Are Choosing Slower, More Meaningful Trips

Why travelers are ditching traditional fast-paced vacations in favor of extended, cultural, and self-care-focused trips

/EIN News/ -- NEW YORK, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spring break isn’t just for students anymore! Travelers are redefining the season with longer, more immersive getaways, swapping the traditional spring break locales for cultural experiences and self-care escapes. So, where are people going, and what’s driving this shift? Recently, Channel Communications Lead at Airbnb, Ali Killam, conducted a satellite media tour in partnership with D S Simon Media to share the latest insights on 2025’s biggest travel trends—including the destinations travelers are gravitating toward and why.

Around the world, travelers are proving that spring break isn’t just for students. Fueled by the desire to prioritize self-reflection, immerse in cultural events and spend quality time with family, travelers are exploring destinations all around the world this spring, from breathtaking beaches in Ubatuba, Brazil, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to charming European cities Basel, Switzerland and Cologne, Germany¹.

Solo wanderlust and the comfort of soft travel

Spring break is evolving beyond group travel, with two key trends emerging this season. First, solo travel is on the rise, with individuals specifically focused on soft travel–or slower paced trips that prioritize leisure and wellbeing. These solo adventurers are embracing more relaxed and meaningful travel experiences, opting for longer trips averaging 17 nights, as compared to 9 nights for duo travelers and 8 nights for families². 

The second trend is travelers taking the literal approach to soft travel by bringing their furry friends along for the adventure³. These trends highlight a shift towards personalized vacation experiences that cater to the different group sizes. 

• Solo travel continues to surge  beyond Valentine’s Day weekend and into spring, with a 90% growth in solo searches for spring travel dates compared to last year⁴. 
• Compared to last spring, searches for trips with pets have risen by 30%⁵, with solo travelers experiencing the most significant increase of over 40%⁶.
• Interest in countryside escapes has risen this spring compared to last⁷.  
• With school breaks in the spring, destinations that offer family-friendly events and activities, including parades during Cologne Carnival to educational exploration at the Ubatuba Aquarium in Brazil, are trending⁸.  

Trending destinations this spring 

Here are some of the top trending destinations this spring based on a growth in searches since spring 2024:

Basel, Switzerland: Basel is set to be a bustling destination this spring as it gears up to host the iconic international song competition in early May. In addition to this event, music lovers from around the globe can experience the city’s rich cultural heritage through its  renowned museums,  architecture, and lively culinary scene.

Ubatuba, Brazil: Ubatuba is the ideal coastal getaway for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of São Paulo during the national long weekend, May 1-4. Known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes and vibrant local culture, Ubatuba offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With over 70 pristine beaches to choose from, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, surfing, and exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. 

Milan, Italy: Milan is a vibrant city celebrated for its fashion, culture, and design. In April, it buzzes with energy during Milan Design Week, a week-long event that highlights innovative artists, captivating installations, and the latest trends, attracting creatives from around the world. For travelers seeking a creative outlet, Milan offers a wealth of experiences, including  a Mosaic course in Atelier Milan. 

Stillwater, OK, United States: Stillwater is a charming college town with a strong community spirit, especially during Spring Family Weekend in March. This event invites families to enjoy fun and festivities on campus and throughout the city including local attractions, live music, and delicious cuisines. With its welcoming atmosphere and engaging activities, Stillwater is an ideal destination for families looking to create lasting memories this spring break. 

To learn more about other spring travel trends visit the Airbnb Newsroom.

¹ Based on internal Airbnb data, of trending searches travelers made in Q1 – Q4 2024 for Spring 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

² Based on internal Airbnb data, of duration of travel by group size made by global guests in Q1 – Q4 2024 for Spring 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

³ Based on internal Airbnb data, of searches by solo, duo, family, and group travelers with pets made in Q1 – Q4 2024 for Spring 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

⁴ Based on internal Airbnb data, of searches by group size made in Q1 – Q4 2024 by US guests for Spring 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

⁵ Based on internal Airbnb data, of searches by global guests with pets made in Q1 – Q4 2024 for Spring 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

⁶ Based on internal Airbnb data, of searches by US solo, duo, family, and group travelers with pets made in Q1 – Q4 2024 for Spring 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

⁷ Based on unique searches for countryside listings Q1 – Q4 2024 for Spring 2025 compared with unique searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

⁸ Based on internal Airbnb data, of trending searches travelers made in Q1 – Q4 2024 for Spring 2025 compared with searches made in Q1-Q4 2023 for Spring 2024

About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

About Ali Killam, Communications Lead at Airbnb
Ali Killam oversees Airbnb’s editorial communications, constantly keeping her finger on the pulse of the travel industry, researching data and consumer insights to uncover the hottest travel trends, up-and-coming destinations, and more. Ali also manages the Airbnb Newsroom, which showcases all of the company's major announcements, product launches, editorial content, and more in one place. Prior to joining Airbnb, Ali was an award-winning multimedia journalist, with experience reporting for multiple broadcast stations across the Midwest.

About D S Simon Media:
The firm is well known as a leader in the satellite media tour industry and produces tours from its studio and multiple control rooms at its New York headquarters. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail and non-profits. Established in 1986 the firm has won more than 100 industry awards.

About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Airbnb.

Dante Muccigrosso
Director of Media Integration & Client Reporting
E: dantem@dssimon.com
C: 973.524.0104

A video accompanying this announcement is available at 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77844c5e-b07b-424d-b1e5-58eec94b06f4