KAYAK is calling it: 2025 will be the Year of Long-Haul, Bucket List Trips

Rhea-AI Summary

KAYAK predicts 2025 will be dominated by long-haul international travel, with two-thirds of flight searches being international. Asia emerges as the top trending region, with flights at a 3-year price low, showing a 7% decrease compared to 2024. Japan leads as the must-see destination, with Tokyo being the most searched destination and projected top Spring Break spot for 2025.

Notable trends include significant airfare drops to Asian destinations like Sapporo (-19%), Okinawa (-17%), and Osaka (-14%). The Caribbean also shows promising trends with the lowest prices in three years, down 17% year-over-year. Business class searches have increased 19% YoY, with relatively affordable options to destinations like Cancun ($1,274) and Iceland ($2,882).

Positive

• International airfare prices lower than previous year
• Asia flight prices at 3-year low, down 7% compared to 2024
• Caribbean airfare at 3-year low, down 17% YoY
• 19% YoY increase in business class searches
• Strong demand for international travel (2/3 of searches)

Negative

• None.

Searches for Japan soar, Asia and Caribbean flight prices hit 3-year low and business class demand strengthens

KAYAK Unveils its Data-Driven Travel Trends that will Define 2025

STAMFORD, Conn., Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers, get ready to flex those passports in 2025. According to data from KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, two-thirds of all flight searches on the platform for 2025 are for international flights. And the good news? International airfare in 2025 is cheaper than last year. The even better news? Flights to KAYAK's #1 trending region for 2025 travel, Asia, are the cheapest they've been in 3 years on average.

Flights to KAYAK's #1 trending region for 2025 travel, Asia, are the cheapest they've been in 3 years on average.

Japan sticks out as the must-see destination for 2025. Tokyo is 2025's most searched destination and is expected to be the #1 Spring Break destination next year. Search interest in Sapporo, Osaka and Tokyo are up between 11 and 31% YoY. As new flight routes open up, prices come down and word gets out about skiing, expect to see social feeds filled with Mt. Fuji next year.

"We're seeing a shift in the way travelers fly," said Steve Hafner, KAYAK CEO. "Travelers are willing to fly further and spend more in 2025, as evidenced by the increase in interest to Asia and rise in business class searches on site."

To help travelers navigate their trips in the year ahead, KAYAK's Travel Trends Forecast offers data-driven tips and tricks to make the most of 2025 with top insights such as:

• Drops in Airfare to Asia: Airfare to Asia is on average down 7% compared to 2024. Top deals include flights to Sapporo (-19%), Okinawa (-17%), and Osaka (-14%).
• Caribbean is Calling: Airfare to the Caribbean is the cheapest KAYAK has seen in three years, and looking specifically at prices last year, airfare is down 17% YoY. Look out for deals to destinations like Dominica (-21%) and Barbados (-17%)
• Business Class, Anyone?: Searches are up 19% YoY because we all love a little luxury. On average, business class seats to Cancun ($1,274) and Iceland ($2,882) are surprisingly affordable.
• February is for Savings: The month of love was the cheapest to travel in 2024. For those looking to escape the cold, consider St. Lucia. Flight prices are down 17% YoY this coming Feb.

Download the KAYAK app to track your trips in 2025 and start saving your next adventures to your Wishlist now (here's how). To ensure you're getting the best price, take a screenshot of any flight itinerary via KAYAK PriceCheck and compare it against hundreds of travel sites.

About KAYAK
KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:  BKNG), is the world's leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation packages. We also support business travelers with KAYAK for Business, our free corporate travel solution, and are transforming the in-travel experience with our app and new hotel and accommodation software. For more information, visit www.KAYAK.com.

Methodology

• KAYAK considered searches for flights, rental cars and hotels between 5/1/24 - 10/31/24 for travel between 1/1/25 - 12/31/25. For year over year comparisons, the same search dates in 2023 and travel dates in 2024 were used. To determine top trending destinations, KAYAK considered flight destinations with the greatest year-over-year increase in search interest using the above search and travel dates. For Spring Break interest, the same search dates above in 2024 were used for travel between 3/1/25 - 4/30/25 vs search dates in 2023 for travel between 3/1/24-4/30/24 were used. For the best time to book data, KAYAK considered historical searches on our platform for the travel period between 10/1/23 - 9/31/24 for searches between 0 and 51 weeks before the travel date from a US origin to any destination. The best time to book was determined by looking at average round-trip, economy airfare for weeks out from travel. Prices and percentages are on average and are subject to change. Savings are on average and are not guaranteed. See landing page for full methodology HERE.

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SOURCE KAYAK

FAQ

What are KAYAK's predicted flight price trends for Asia in 2025?

KAYAK data shows flight prices to Asia are at a 3-year low, with average prices down 7% compared to 2024. Specific destinations show larger drops, including Sapporo (-19%), Okinawa (-17%), and Osaka (-14%).

How much have Caribbean flight prices decreased according to KAYAK's 2025 forecast?

According to KAYAK, Caribbean airfare is at a 3-year low, with prices down 17% year-over-year. Specific destinations like Dominica and Barbados show even larger decreases of 21% and 17% respectively.

What is the trend in business class travel for 2025 according to KAYAK?

KAYAK reports a 19% year-over-year increase in business class searches, with notably affordable options to destinations like Cancun ($1,274) and Iceland ($2,882).

Which destination is KAYAK predicting to be the most popular for 2025?

According to KAYAK, Tokyo, Japan is the most searched destination for 2025 and is expected to be the #1 Spring Break destination. Overall, Japan shows strong interest with searches for Sapporo, Osaka, and Tokyo up between 11-31% YoY.

When is the cheapest month to travel in 2025 according to KAYAK?

KAYAK indicates that February will be the cheapest month to travel in 2025, based on data from 2024 patterns.