From Trending Destinations to Budget Getaways: A Guide to Spring and Summer Travel

The warmer months are here, and for many people, that means travel is top of mind.

Whether that means squeezing in a spring getaway over the next two months or have your sights set on a summer escape, you'd hardly be alone in pondering the possibilities.

A series of travel industry reports have just been issued that may help make your travel planning for spring and summer just a little bit easier.

Both KAYAK and Expedia have released a trove of data surrounding the trends emerging for the coming months, including identifying some of the most budget-friendly destinations for spring and summer, as well as how to score flight deals and when to fly (and not fly) if your goal is avoiding the crowds.

Let's break it all down.

KAYAK Spring Travel Hacks

With the American economy experiencing a rough few weeks and months, it's hardly any surprise that value travel is at the top of many people's minds.

According to KAYAK's Spring Savings Report, the rising cost of transportation and accommodations is a key concern.

The good news is for those planning to travel between April and June, there are deals to be had, particularly in warm-weather locations.

Some of the destinations where KAYAK data shows particularly budget-friendly economy roundtrip ticket prices for Q2 2025 include:

• Mexico City: $416
• Los Angeles, California: $303
• Phoenix, Arizona: $345
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida: $297
• New Orleans, Louisiana: $357

Looking at these same locations for average nightly hotel costs for Q2 2025, they are equally budget-friendly.

• Mexico City: $211
• Los Angeles, California: $249
• Phoenix, Arizona: $249
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida: $267
• New Orleans, Louisiana: $261

When you combine the cost of airfare and nightly hotel costs, Mexico City comes in as the cheapest destination to visit, with a total tab of $1471 for a five-day trip, according to KAYAK. Meanwhile, a five-day trip to Los Angeles would set you back just $1,547.

Airfare Deals for Spring

The current average domestic airline ticket price is about $348, according to KAYAK. But if that's too steep for your travel budget, there's good news.

With domestic airfare averaging $348, these under-$300 roundtrip flight picks punch above their weight—proving you don't have to spend big to score a memorable spring or summer escape.

KAYAK has identified plenty of U.S. destinations where the average roundtrip ticket prices for spring 2025 are under $300. Here are some of the top bargains:

• Punta Gorda, Florida: $233
• Atlanta, Georgia: $251
• Oakland, California: $268
• Raleigh, North Carolina: $278
• New York, New York: $282

There are also a few destinations where airline ticket prices are a particular bargain for spring, selling for much less than they did in Q1 2025. One of the best deals to be had on this front? Sydney, Australia. Ticket prices to the land down under have declined 16 percent compared to the first few months of the year and are now averaging $1,105, a drop of about $213 from Q1.

And before we move on to summer, here's just a few more useful bits of information from KAYAK: Asian countries top the list for airfare drops compared to this same time last year.

The biggest deals can be found for China, South Korea, and Hong Kong, which KAYAK says aligns with its 2025 prediction that Asia would be the cheapest it's been in three years.

China tops the list of bargains in Asia, for which there's a 16 percent decline in airfare for travel from April through June compared to Q1 2025. That means travelers can expect to save an average of $245 on airline tickets.

Summer Travel Trends And Tips From Expedia

Turning our attention to summer 2025,  it seems more than a few Americans are seeking short-haul getaways this year to hotspots like Cancun, Punta Cana, Aruba, and the Bahamas, according to Expedia data. Make of it what you will, but Americans appear to be favoring trips that are within four hours of their home this summer.

"This summer, Americans are craving classic seasonal escapes—sun, sand, and sea—without the hassle of long-haul travel," Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations, told TravelPulse.

"With tighter budgets in play, travelers are prioritizing quick, affordable beach getaways that offer non-stop flights, shorter travel times, and exceptional value on hotels and airfare," Fish added. 

Not all Americans are following this trend, however. Expedia data also reveals that off-peak season, long-haul destinations are experiencing plenty of popularity for the summer months, as well.

Dubbed "Detour Destinations" these are locations being sought out because they allow travelers to avoid crowds.

Topping the list in this category? Miyako, Japan, which is experiencing a 105 percent uptick in interest on Expedia. 

"With its pristine beaches, lush greenery and crystal-clear waters,"" Expedia says Miyako offers an ideal alternative to more crowded island destinations. Similarly, Cairns, Australia is attracting travelers who want to explore the Great Barrier Reef during Australia's quieter low season.

Back in the United States, one of the top Detour Destinations is Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"Baton Rouge is emerging as a top summer travel destination in 2025, thanks to its vibrant lineup of festivals, rich cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities,"" Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations, told TravelPulse.

What's more, says Fish, Baton Rouge will host multiple events this summer including its well-known Baton Rouge Blues Festival and Bayou Country Superfest, inviting travelers from across the country to enjoy local music and culture. 

"Beyond the festivals and live music, travelers can experience outdoor activities and family-friendly fun in the local parks and trails,"" says Fish.

Parting Tips for Summer Travel Deals

If you still haven't booked your summer getaway, Expedia offers some advice on how to score the best deals.

For instance, late August offers the most affordable fares and dramatically reduced crowds for both domestic and international locations, per Expedia.

The best time to fly if you're looking to save money on a domestic flight is August 19 or August 25, when ticket prices will be lowest. Internationally, the cheapest airline ticket prices can be scored by flying on August 18 or August 23.

The most expensive days to fly are June 26 and June 27 domestically and June 19 and June 27 for international trips.

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