This summer, travelers are skipping the airport hustle and hitting the road instead. And honestly, we get it. With flexibility, affordability, and the freedom to explore on your own schedule, road trips are making a serious comeback in 2025. Hotels and resorts have a big opportunity to lean into this trend.
Discover how your property can leverage these 2025 summer travel trends.
Road trips are having a moment
Air travel is not going anywhere, but it is not winning any popularity contests either. Between high prices and unpredictable delays, more people are choosing to drive. Families are especially planning relaxed, personal trips where the journey is just as meaningful as the destination.
Local travel is the new luxury
Travelers are realizing they do not need to go far to feel refreshed. No-passport vacations are trending, and guests are exploring nearby towns, mountain hideaways, and unexpected gems just a short drive away. Staycations are trending, too, as travelers look for ways to recharge close to home. For hotels, that means putting extra focus on your drive market audience.
This is the season to launch campaigns that speak directly to locals and nearby guests. Think messaging like your next stay is closer than you think, or plan a getaway without going far. These are the kinds of ideas that make spontaneous bookings feel easy and attainable.
It is all about family vibes
Summer break is prime time for multigenerational travel. With kids out of school and everyone craving more quality time, families are choosing slower trips where they can really reconnect. Think campfires, ice cream, and long conversations under the stars. Those small but unforgettable moments matter.
How hotels can tap into the trends
Refresh your look for summer
Give your website and social platforms a summer glow-up. Highlight poolside scenes, shady patios, and anything that feels bright, breezy, and inviting.
Speak to the drive market
Use regional targeting in ads and email. Highlight ease of access, last-minute booking perks, and pet-friendly stays. Make it easy for nearby guests to say yes to a quick trip.
Seasonal menus matter
Light, refreshing options like smoothies, chilled drinks, and fresh local bites go a long way in helping guests feel cared for on a warm day.
Lean into nostalgia
Road trips bring out the sentimental side in all of us. Craft campaigns around memory-making, spontaneous detours, and the joy of unplugging together.
The bottom line
In 2025, guests are not just looking for a place to stay. They are looking for moments that feel meaningful and easy to reach. Hotels that create space for connection and comfort, and that speak to the power of a local adventure, will be right where travelers want to be.
Need a refreshed social media strategy? Let’s talk. Contact GCommerce Solutions today.
The post Summer travel trends 2025: road trips, family time, and why closer is better appeared first on GCommerce Solutions.