According to Google Flights’ 2025 Summer Travel Trends report, the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is this Summer’s most popular international destination for flights departing from the US. The report also looked at a number of other travel trends, including types of trips and luggage.
Looking at Google Flights’ 2025 Summer Travel Trends report, US travellers are looking to spend their Summer holiday in hot and tropical places. Curaçao, a constituent Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in particular seems to be interesting American travellers.
There are many reasons why Curaçao meets such great success amongst travellers. Firstly, its climate. Maximum temperatures on the island fluctuate around 30°C all year round and at the same time, the island is situated at the edge of the hurricane zone, meaning hurricanes are relatively rare.
Secondly, the island’s landscape. There are more than 30 white-sand beaches on Curaçao such as Playa Kenepa, Cas Abao, and Playa Jeremi. Combined with the azure blue water and tropical greenery they make the island a very summery place to hang out. Moreover, it makes it the ideal destination for many outdoor activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to windsurfing and flyboarding. The colourful houses which can be found in the villages and cities only add to the charm of the island.
Thirdly, despite its small footprint, Curaçao has a very rich history and culture. European, African, Latin American, and Indian influences mix together, while three official languages can be heard on the island: Papiamentu, Dutch, and English. A large amount of Dutch forts can be visited on the island, plantation homes are remnants of the past and part of the capital Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cultural mix also translates into a very interesting culinary scene, promising to keep your taste buds entertained.
Beach destinations and other travel trends
Curaçao may have come out at the top of the ranking but other Caribbean islands such as St. Lucia and Aruba also figure among the most popular locations. For flights departing from the US between 1 July 2025 and 31 August 2025, these are the 10 most popular international destinations.
The Travel Trends report also unveiled that people are opting for outdoorsy destinations, with cabins being one of the most trending key words for those looking for a place to stay. And while people used to prefer carry-ons over checked bags, travellers now seem to be searching for ways in which they can pack more than ever, including vacuum bags and compression packing cubes.
