preloadsummer travel trends new york

From style and food to art and music, New York is where trends tend to begin. Not only that, but it’s also one of the most diverse cities in the country with cultures from around the world coming together. Which is why, when looking at the hottest destinations for summer, we decided to see what’s trending for New York travelers.

Summer has unofficially started, so where are New York’s trendsetters planning their summer breaks? We found 8 top trending destinations for the season that are sure to spark your interest, no matter where you’re traveling from. So, pack your bags, pull on your Manolos and hit the streets of these stylish cities.

8 Trending Summer Destinations for New Yorkers

  • Zurich, Switzerland (up 102% in interest): Lucky you, when we looked at cheap airfares to Europe for the summer, Zurich topped our list. Cosmopolitan and polished, this city lets you get a taste of home while still going somewhere out of the ordinary.
  • Oakland, CA (up 44% in interest): Considered the Brooklyn of the West Coast (yeah, people do say that), an influx of artists, musicians and chefs to the area has given Oakland instant hipster cred.
  • Willemstad, Curacao (up 35% in interest): It’s all about those beachy waves, baby. Teal blue waters (and cocktails) mark the shores of this sunny escape.
  • Zagreb, Croatia (up 33% in interest): New Yorkers like to think they’re always one step ahead of everyone else when it comes to trends. Croatia has long been a hidden gem and airfare is down 34% versus last year.  
  • Madrid, Spain (up 32% in interest): Giving Gotham a run for its money as the city that never sleeps, the Spanish capital offers a beautiful architecture, delicious food and a bustling nightlife.
  • Asheville, NC (up 28% in interest):  Soak in that Southern charm. New Yorkers are looking for some Southern hospitality to accompany their vacation.
  • Medellin, Colombia (up 27% in interest): Warm weather, beautiful scenery and a vibrant culture all contribute to flight searches for Medellin seeing a 27% increase compared to last year. Quickly becoming one of the “It” cities in the world, New Yorkers are once again ahead of the trend.
  • Ibiza, Spain (up 16% in interest): Both a deal destination (prices are down 39% this year compared to last) and a hot spot, Ibiza is party central all summer long.

Whatever adventures summer brings, start your search at KAYAK to make sure you have the information you need to book what’s right for you. Prefer to stay in New York, or visit for the first time? Check out our list of things to do in NYC written by a local New Yorker.