Trip.com Group has released its summer travel analysis, revealing a clear shift toward shorter getaways and cooler climates among global travelers. The data, drawn from bookings across the company's platforms, shows a 40% year-on-year increase in short-trip reservations, with short-haul flights in East Asia and Europe rising 73%.
Short Trips and Family Travel Dominate
The trend is most pronounced in East Asia and Europe, where travelers are prioritizing quick escapes over extended vacations. In markets such as Mainland China, South Korea, and Japan, hotel bookings for families with children aged 12 and under have more than doubled. A Trip.com Group survey indicates that family trips have overtaken travel with partners or friends as the most appealing travel experience.
This aligns with broader industry patterns seen in recent months. For example, Fliggy Data Reveals Premium Travel Surge for 2026 Dragon Boat Festival, indicating sustained demand for family-oriented and premium travel in the region.
Coolcations Gain Momentum
Demand for so-called "coolcations"—holidays in cooler climates—has jumped 74% year-on-year. Destinations like Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland are seeing increased interest, while Asian locations such as Inner Mongolia and Sapporo are attracting more international visitors. For South Korean travelers, Ulaanbaatar and Sapporo, with their mild summer temperatures, are among the top choices.
This shift is also evident in other travel segments. For instance, Explora Journeys Reveals Alaska 2027 Itineraries for Explora III Debut Season, highlighting the cruise industry's response to demand for cooler-weather itineraries.
AI Tools Reshape Trip Planning
The use of artificial intelligence in travel planning is accelerating. Trip.com's AI-powered tools, TripGenie and TripPlanner, are helping travelers create customized itineraries quickly. AI-assisted order volumes on Trip.com have increased by 400% year-on-year, indicating a growing reliance on technology for travel inspiration and bookings.
This technology trend is not limited to Trip.com. Other platforms are also leveraging AI to enhance the booking experience. For example, Agoda Data Reveals 114% Jump in Niigata Searches for FUJI ROCK 2026, showing how data-driven insights are shaping travel demand.
For travel professionals, these trends underscore the importance of adapting inventory and marketing strategies to cater to shorter booking windows, family-oriented packages, and cooler destinations. The rise of AI also suggests that seamless digital experiences will be a key differentiator in capturing the modern traveler.
As summer 2025 unfolds, the data from Trip.com Group offers a clear signal: the industry must pivot toward flexibility, personalization, and climate-conscious offerings to meet evolving traveler preferences.
