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.
