#Trending This Week - The 3:45 Dinner, 3.1 Summer Vacations, Land Snorkeling, Tranquil Landscapes, Booking Close In OR Far Out
Issue 249 • June 24, 2025
The 2025 summer travel season is showing signs of being vastly different than last year. Some key trends are already emerging. Here’s what you need to know this week in a quick three-minute read.
Tranquil Landscapes Are A Draw In Europe
Based upon feedback from travel advisors, there seems to be a clear desire for space, tranquility, and the opportunity to disconnect from the crowds for consumers heading to Europe this summer. People seem to be drawn to destinations which offer a sense of escape and serenity and Tuscany is one of the top destinations of choice this year. There is also a noticeable shift toward more active travel, with a growing interest in private hiking experiences. Read more in Travel Pulse here.
Americans Will Take 3.1 Summer Vacations
The summer has barely started (officially) but we’ve got some key data on American summer travel habits including the fact that while there are still concerns about the economy, 53% of those surveyed by Deloitte remain committed to taking a vacation this summer, up from 48% in 2024. Many are opting for more frequent but shorter trips, taking an average of 3.1 vacations compared to 2.3 in 2024. Quick getaways are also popular, with 41% planning trips of three nights or less, versus 37% last year. Read more in TravelAge West here.
It’s Time To Embrace Land Snorkeling
So how exactly does one land snorkel? Land snorkeling doesn’t involve masks or fins or even water! It is paying attention to where you are in any given moment, not necessarily where you are going. The point is to focus on minute details in the same way you might hover over a reef to view the comings and goings of tropical fish and the current’s effect on sea fans. Read more in The New York Times here.
The Rise Of The 3:45 Dining Trend
A parenting movement dubbed the 3:45 Dinner has been taking off, reshaping the way – and the time – families enjoy their evening meals. It’s actually less about eating dinner at 3:45 pm sharp and more about a broader cultural shift toward earlier dining habits – whether such meals include the whole family or just the kids. And it’s impacting restaurant dining as well as it has ushered in plenty of opportunities for restaurants which can cater to these families. Read more in The Food Institute here.
Consumers Booking Close In AND Far Out
They are calling it the tale of two booking patterns: travelers who are either booking on really short notice or very far ahead. Agents are reporting a virtual standstill with destination weddings and honeymoons business while servicing luxury travelers — especially last-minute ones — is at a rapid-fire pace. Some cite the last-minute bookings mainly from clients who are concerned about uncertainty surrounding job security and the economy. Read more in Travel Weekly here.