Booking.com: Press

Australia’s accommodation sector has reported a positive outlook for the peak summer travel season, according to Booking.com’s latest Australian Accommodation Barometer.

Booking.com says Americans are looking ahead to sun-drenched escapes to help shake off the post-holiday blues. New data collected from Booking.com shows a notable uptick in searches for sunny destinations, suggesting that the mere act of planning a vacation can be an instant mood-lifter.

Experts predict consumers will increasingly gravitate toward "hushed hobbies" with lower environmental impact, along with conservation-based tourism centered on sustainability. Some governments are also introducing climate-conscious taxes to offset visitors' carbon footprints.

Booking.com highlights the rise of ‘romantasy retreats’, showing that 70% of travelers are interested in cold-climate, mystical destinations like Scotland’s Highlands inspired by TV shows, films, and fantasy novels.

Booking.com’s fastest-growing sector, alternative accommodations, lets travelers book private pool villas like Taman Dharmawangsa Suites in Bali, offering secluded, self-contained stays with resort facilities for a peaceful, customizable holiday experience.

Booking.com says literary-inspired travel is on the rise, with 71% of travelers open to booking trips inspired by romantasy books, as readers increasingly turn favorite novels into real-world travel experiences.

This year’s Black Friday release announced Booking.com’s most extensive sale to date where travelers can unlock unbeatable savings across six travel categories including accommodations, car rentals, attractions, airport transfers, flights and cruises.

Booking.com’s 2026 ‘Hushed Hobbies’ trend highlights travelers seeking quiet, restorative escapes, favoring activities like birdwatching, fishing, and foraging to recharge by embracing stillness.

Booking.com is offering a rare off-grid Christmas escape on a private island near the Isle of Skye for just £20, highlighting its trend-driven push toward quieter, remote stays inspired by its 2026 travel predictions.

Google’s AI Mode now helps users plan trips with auto-generated itineraries in Canvas, including flights, hotels, and activities. Through its partnership with Booking.com, users can access hotel suggestions and eventually complete bookings directly via AI Mode, making it easier to discover, compare, and reserve accommodations all in one AI-powered workflow.

Booking.com research shows travelers decide on holiday rentals in as little as seven seconds. Small touches like quality bedding, charging points, and tidy décor boost bookings, while clutter or dated styles turn guests off.

Booking.com is offering Black Friday deals from November 20 to December 3, 2025, with up to 40% off select accommodations worldwide, 25% off car rentals, 20% off attractions, and 15% off flights. These discounts apply to travel through December 31, 2026, making it a prime opportunity to book your next getaway.

David Adamczyk, VP of Product at Booking.com, champions a “trip-first mindset,” aiming for seamless end-to-end travel experiences. The company is tackling challenges like fragmented data and planning chaos, while preparing for AI-driven, personalized, “vibe-based” trip planning.

Daniel Marovitz, senior vice president, fintech at Booking.com, explores how digital payments are transforming travel across Asia-Pacific, and how fintech innovation is creating a seamless, inclusive and cashless journey for travellers and merchants.

A leading digital platform, Booking.com is a one-stop shop for planning your next vacation. From the website or the app, you can book everything from standout accommodations worldwide to a car rental or city tour.

Teddy Swims and Booking.com are offering the “This Guy Books” Experience, where five travelers get Swims as a personal concierge, $10,000 in Booking.com credit, and a special trip to Chicago. Swims jokes about the campaign’s playful, “sexy robe” concept. Booking opens Nov. 25, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Booking.com’s 10th Travel Predictions report shows that in 2026, travelers will prioritize individuality, using trips to celebrate personal achievements. Nearly 75% of travelers say they book vacations simply because they’ve worked hard and deserve it, with new motivations for travel emerging.

Booking.com is shifting loyalty from points to frictionless, effortless experiences. VP Ben Harrell highlights AI-powered tools that simplify trip planning, lifetime-tier Genius rewards, and a no-fee credit card offering cash-like travel credits and instant top-tier perks. By embedding AI, Booking.com aims to turn value-seeking travelers into habitual users who prioritize convenience and confidence over traditional points-based loyalty.

People are increasingly seeking relief from constant digital stimulation, and nature-focused, tech-free getaways offer rest, clarity, and presence. Booking.com lists “disconnection travel” as a top 2025 trend, reflecting the shift toward experiences that prioritize simplicity, balance, and mental restoration over traditional luxury.

The Alps offer skiing for all levels across France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, with stunning scenery, luxury and cozy stays, and activities on and off the slopes. Booking.com notes many travelers book spontaneously or as a reward for hard work. From France’s extensive ski-in, ski-out resorts to Italy’s family-friendly Dolomites, early planning ensures the best experience.

Booking.com has introduced AI tools to streamline partner-to-guest communication, boosting satisfaction by 73%. Across its platform, AI also powers Trip Support, Voice Assistance, Rental Help, and Flight Search Summaries, making bookings faster, more personalized, and easier to manage.

Booking.com is favored for its Genius loyalty perks, all-in-one booking for hotels, flights, and rentals, offline access, LGBT+ inclusive properties, real-time alerts, and a best-price guarantee worldwide.

Booking.com features top romantic getaways near Auckland, including Kina Cottage on the Tutukākā Coast, offering a unique ocean-to-table culinary experience for couples. Other nearby stays include luxurious, scenic options perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers seeking relaxation and connection.

Booking.com research shows that Australian travellers to Bali are increasingly planning trips around food, with 80% choosing destinations for restaurants or markets. This trend boosts demand for alternative stays with kitchens, like Sohamsa Ocean Estate and Taman Dharmawangsa Suites, letting guests cook and “live like a local.”