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If summertime has you itching to get out of your neighborhood and ready for a vacation, the best place to turn to for inspiration is social media. Seeing other people share their travel details not only helps inform your own trips, but it also exposes you to trending vacation ideas you may not have considered before. So far in 2025, a few trends in particular have started to take over feeds. "Coolcations" are popular getaways for those tired of the hot summer weather. "Cowboy Core" is now going viral as a vacation aesthetic. And for people feeling burnt out and in need of an excuse to treat themselves, "Me-Moons" are the next big thing.
Following a trend is an easy way to choose a theme and destination for your next trip, making the vacation planning process less stressful — especially when combined with the Chase IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. Cardmembers earn IHG® One Rewards points with every purchase, bringing them even closer to their next trip. And through July 23, new cardmembers can earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases on the card within three months from account opening, so they'll be jetting off in no time.
Below, learn more about the biggest travel trends of the year — plus the destinations and IHG® Hotels & Resorts properties that can host your perfect getaway.
If you've been eyeing a pair of cowboy boots during your online shopping sessions, blasting more country music than usual, and binge-watching TV shows set in the American West, you've probably been influenced by the "Cowboy Core" trend. While it's possible to integrate those Wild West aesthetics into your everyday life without leaving your neighborhood (see: the aforementioned cowboy boots), why not make the ranch life real life this summer or fall? For a western-inspired vacation, head to San Antonio, Texas, where you'll have access to iconic sites like the Alamo and the San Antonio River, as well as nearby hiking and horseback riding. While there, stay at Kimpton Santo San Antonio - Riverwalk, a convenient option located on the San Antonio River Walk (a pedestrian route with great views, shopping, and restaurants) and offering amenities like a heated rooftop pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary evening social hour.
Who hasn't wanted to sink into the world of their favorite book or movie? That's the idea behind "Set-Jetting," a travel trend that has brought tourists around the world to the locations of popular television shows and famous films. While Los Angeles might seem like an obvious place to set-jet, New Orleans has become an increasingly popular filming location for productions. The iconic, idiosyncratic architecture, classic streetcars, and moss-draped trees make for a gorgeous backdrop to any story set in the southern United States — including many well-known films and series. And when you stay at voco St. James Hotel, you'll be even more immersed in the city's cultural history: The historic building is located near the French Quarter and exudes old-world charm with its French Colonial architecture.
If the 2024 total solar eclipse had you longing for even more cosmic phenomena, your best bet is to head to a "Dark Sky Place," a designation that comes from an international program that preserves and protects natural areas with little to no light pollution. Zion National Park in southwest Utah is officially certified by the International Dark Sky Places program, meaning it's a great place to observe the night sky, whether that's stargazing, viewing the full moon, or even planning your trip around an upcoming astronomical event. Zion has several trails and sites for viewing the night skies — beyond stars, you can expect to see the Milky Way, as well as occasional satellites and meteors. For easy access to Zion, book a stay at Holiday Inn La Verkin - Zion Park, which is just a short drive away from the park (as well as other natural sites like Bryce Canyon and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area).
If summer heat has you craving the comfort of your AC, you could also consider booking a trip to a cold-weather destination for a "Coolcation." You'll cool off and be able to partake in activities that usually only come around one season a year, like skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, or just feeling cozy in a big sweater. At Staybridge Suites Anchorage, you'll be conveniently located near both the Anchorage airport (the largest airport in the state) as well as the city's historic downtown neighborhood, where you can visit local museums or find a hiking trail or park (it's also within driving distance of several skiing options). Staybridge Suites Anchorage is an extended stay hotel, which means you'll also have access to an in-suite kitchen and complimentary self-service laundry. Cardmembers can take advantage of complimentary late checkout upon availability with IHG One Rewards Silver Elite status (a benefit of the Chase IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card) for a few more hours to hike or ski.
Why should we need a special occasion or an excuse to celebrate ourselves? That's the idea behind "Me-Moons," or traveling to treat yourself — no wedding or honeymoon required. For an ideal me-moon, head to New York City, where you'll have access to all the TLC and self-care you need. A session at a dreamy day spa? Check. Shopping in Soho? Check. Going out for a solo dinner, followed by some theater? Check and check. (Plus, you'll also earn 3X points per every dollar spent on dining with the Chase IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card.) No matter how you like to treat yourself, New York City will have something for you. For easy access to all of the places you'd like to indulge, stay at EVEN Hotel New York - Times Square South. You'll be centrally located just one block from Penn Station and most of the major subway lines — and have access to its on-site Kitchen & Bar.
Learn more about the Chase IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card today and start planning your next vacation. With 6,300+ IHG Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide, there's an IHG property that can host your stay — no matter which trend you're chasing.
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