Where to Go in 2025: The Travel Trend Everyone’s Following
Imagine a place where you can indulge in rich culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes—all without maxing out your credit card. Sounds too good to be true? Not in 2025.
Travelers are now becoming creative with their choices. Most choose destinations that combine authentic experiences with budget-friendly prices instead of traditional tourist hotspots. The Priceline survey discovered a surprising trend that nearly one-third of travelers would give up coffee forever to continue exploring the world.
And so, if you’re for buzzworthy places, then Priceline released its list of upcoming popular travel destinations for the summer, featuring a destination that combines metropolitan excitement with rural charm.
The destination offers vibrant streets and stellar shopping alongside five-star dining experiences at three-star prices while located near one of the world’s most famous cities. This destination transforms ordinary visits into enduring, life-long memories.
If you’re curious about getting the best destination to set your sights on, then keep reading.
What’s The 2025’s Most Surprising Travel Hotspot?
While most travelers set their sights on Paris, a quiet revolution is unfolding just beyond the city’s borders. Nestled in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower—yet worlds away from the chaos of tourist crowds—is Vanves, a small suburb that’s suddenly stepping into the global spotlight.
According to Priceline’s latest travel trends report, Vanves has claimed the crown as 2025’s top vacation destination—and it’s not hard to see why.
A Parisian Experience Without the Price Tag
The Parisian neighborhood of Vanves exists within just a 13-minute ride from central Paris. There, visitors can experience picturesque walks while enjoying authentic French food at reasonable prices and explore local markets without facing the crowds or high costs of central Paris. The town feels like Paris but without the typical tourist crowds and at a relaxed pace.
Olympic Buzz Turned Travel Boom
The 2024 Paris Olympics brought international attention to Vanves when it hosted the men’s and women’s cycling road races. The unexpected encounter with fame triggered a surge of online searches and travel interest as Priceline’s analysis revealed.
The Olympic spotlight exposed to the world what residents of Vanves already knew: their town contains a unique character and charm alongside unexpected delights, according to Kate Schwab of Atout France USA.
Beyond its Olympic moment, Vanves maintains its vibrant local scene through its charming artisan shops and cozy cafés and weekend markets, which match the best of Parisian shopping experiences.
The town’s narrow streets invite visitors to discover vintage finds while sharing espresso moments with residents in an authentic setting that Europe’s main cities struggle to maintain.
Why Vanves Deserves a Spot on Your 2025 Travel List
The town of Vanves offers everything travelers need, whether they are experienced visitors seeking peaceful surroundings or new visitors seeking an intimate taste of French.
The neighborhood offers an affordable lifestyle with Parisian charm while maintaining seamless access to the city’s enchantment. Forget traditional tourist destinations because this suburban gem is reshaping the French travel experience.
How Did Vanves Claim the Spotlight?
To uncover 2025’s most buzzworthy destination, Priceline dug into a full year’s worth of travel interest, analyzing hotel search data from July 2023 to June 2024. The results were eye-opening. Vanves didn’t just edge out the competition – it surged ahead with a staggering 407% increase in year-over-year searches.
For context, the second-place destination experienced a 291% increase in searches while Vanves maintained a lead of more than 100 percentage points. Travelers are increasingly drawn to the unique qualities of this previously overlooked Parisian suburb.
Why Vanves Is the Perfect Alternative to Paris in 2025
As France gears up to become one of the most visited countries in the world, Vanves offers travelers a scenic environment that is calmer, more budget-friendly experience just outside the hustle of central Paris. But what really makes this place the best destination for many? Well, let’s have a look:
- Budget-Friendly Hotels and Dining
Staying in Vanves can save you big. For instance, the nightly rates for four-star hotels located in central Paris exceed $200, yet you can find comparable accommodations in Vanves starting at $129. The cost of traditional French cuisine in Vanves matches only half of what you would spend in downtown Paris. - Charming, Affordable Shopping
Vanves is home to the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves, a year-round weekend flea market beloved by vintage enthusiasts. From antique furniture to vinyl records, it’s a treasure trove for shoppers looking for unique finds without the crowds—or the prices—of Paris’s better-known markets. - Authentic Local Life
For the perfect blend of authentic French cultural experience with modernity, Vanves is unmatched. Here, you are set to experience authentic neighborhood cafés and serene parks alongside genuine interactions with local residents in this area where Paris’s central districts have lost their authentic character. - Easy Access to Paris and Beyond
Just 13 minutes from the Eiffel Tower by car and well-served by public transit, Vanves is perfectly positioned for exploring Paris’s top sites. Plus, it’s under 30 minutes from Versailles, making it a great base for day trips.
2025’s Top 9 Trending Travel Destinations You Need to Know
In 2025, travelers are shifting their focus away from over-touristed capitals and toward lesser-known gems that offer more authentic, local experiences.
According to Priceline, the hottest destinations for the upcoming year reflect a growing preference for neighborhood charm, real-life culture, and the hidden corners of major regions – places where travelers can slow down and feel at home.
And so, if you’re one of them, here are the best alternatives to Vanves, then here are 9 other places to visit:
- Algarve, Portugal – Known for its stunning coastline, laid-back villages, and delicious seafood, this southern region is a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
- Tbilisi, Georgia – With its rich history, colorful architecture, and emerging food and wine scene, Georgia’s capital is capturing the hearts of culture seekers.
- Field, Canada – Tucked away in British Columbia’s Yoho National Park, this peaceful mountain village is ideal for nature lovers looking for serenity and jaw-dropping scenery.
- Penang, Malaysia – A cultural melting pot famous for its street food, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene.
- Querétaro, Mexico – A colonial-era city with cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and a growing reputation as a cultural and culinary hub.
- Torrey, Utah – Gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey attracts travelers seeking epic desert landscapes and stargazing in a quiet, small-town setting.
- Chincoteague Island, Virginia – A charming coastal retreat best known for its wild ponies, beaches, and unspoiled natural beauty.
- Stowe, Vermont – This New England town is a year-round favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing to scenic fall foliage.
- Friday Harbor, Washington – Located in the San Juan Islands, this seaside village is perfect for spotting whales, kayaking, and soaking up Pacific Northwest charm.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, it’s worth noting that the trending in 2025 destinations showcase a definitive move toward genuine experiences beyond typical tourist hotspots. The trend is now between peaceful mountain communities and vibrant cultural centers.
These top destinations for 2025 showcase that memorable travel experiences exist without needing expensive costs or crowded tourist areas. You can explore European hidden places or North American natural sites, or Asian and Latin American cultural traditions.
