As international travel reaches a fever pitch this summer, Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking data and search patterns reveals where travelers are dreaming of and escaping to in July and August, highlighting a shift towards new cultural experiences and lesser-known locales.
Flight searches for summer travel have surged 7 percent compared to last year, with France leading the way, experiencing a remarkable 35 percent increase in outbound travel searches, followed by Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also experiencing strong momentum, underscoring robust travel intent across key markets.
In 2025, several breakout stars have emerged as the top summer destinations for Emirates, primarily concentrated in the Far East, Indian Ocean, and Europe.
Emirates’ summer hotspots
Vietnam has emerged as this summer’s ‘it’ destination, stealing the spotlight with a robust 61 percent surge in interest and a rise in booking demand. Emirates operates 25 weekly flights to three locations in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and in June this year, the airline launched services to Da Nang via Bangkok, featuring flight times that provide seamless connections to and from major European cities and key American hubs.
Vietnam’s vibrant third metropolis serves as a gateway to a trio of UNESCO World Heritage treasures and boasts over 3,000 kilometers of untouched coastline. For culinary adventurers, Vietnamese cuisine tells a story in every bite. From bustling street food markets to hidden local gems, the country’s dining scene promises an unforgettable experience.
Close behind, the island nation of Mauritius continues to enchant travelers, with searches for flights rising 41 percent, marking it as the second most in-demand destination on the Emirates network this summer. The airline offers two convenient daily flights on its iconic A380s; meanwhile, Sri Lanka has seen a 32 percent increase, clearly favored for its rich cultural tapestry, pristine beaches, ‘tea country,’ and affordable luxury experiences.
Japan maintains its magnetic appeal for global explorers, with a 28 percent growth in flight searches compared to last year. Its unique culture, stunning landscapes, modern cities, and delectable cuisine create a harmonious blend of balance and artistry. Emirates operates 21 weekly flights to three points in Japan—Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka.
The timeless allure of France rounds out the top five with a solid 25 percent boost. Emirates is helping to meet traveler demand this summer, serving Paris with 21 weekly flights, including three daily A380 flights; a daily A380 service to Nice; and a daily A350 flight to Lyon.
Rising flight searches in UAE
In the UAE, Emirates has noted a 13 percent rise in flight searches overall, and the airline has recorded a year-on-year increase for searches to destinations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, Lebanon, and Morocco. Travelers from the U.S. flying Emirates have increasingly focused their searches on African destinations such as Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, while U.K. travelers are searching 12 percent more than last year on emirates.com, showing increased interest in distant locations like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
Indian travelers are looking for more opportunities to explore Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland in 2025, while the airline notes that Australian travelers are concentrating on their European summer plans, with a rise in searches to France and the U.K. Over the past year, German travelers have been drawn eastward, showing higher search levels for Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Seychelles.
Summer typically skews towards longer breaks, particularly for Emirates travelers from India, Australia, the U.K., and Germany, who often extend their getaways into prolonged escapes—close to a third of them travel for more than a month, while those from the U.S. opt for 2-3 week stays for their summer vacations.
Healthy inbound traffic to Dubai
Emirates anticipates healthy inbound passenger traffic to Dubai during the summer months this year, showcasing the ongoing global allure of the city as a ‘must-visit’ destination throughout the year.
Solo travelers comprise nearly half of all U.S., Indian, and Australian visitors, blending business with leisure during stays averaging just over one week.
Family travel tells different stories by nationality. Approximately one-third of U.S. and Indian visitors travel as families, though preferences diverge—Indian families prefer shorter getaways while American families typically explore Dubai for 1-2 weeks. U.K. families make up the majority of British visitors, often extending their Dubai experience beyond two weeks.
Couples represent another significant segment. Younger Australian and German couples embrace extended stays, ranging from two weeks to an entire month, maximizing their time to discover Dubai.
