2025 Skyscanner Travel Index: The Top 10 Trending Destinations for Singaporeans

By Know Well

The 2025 Skyscanner Travel Index signals a new phase in outbound travel from Singapore - one shaped by cultural curiosity, emotional reset, and a growing openness to unexpected destinations. For once, Tokyo and Osaka are absent from Singapore’s top searches. Instead, China emerges as the standout winner, with Lijiang (No.1) leading the trend surge, followed by Chongqing (No.3) and Hangzhou (No.7). Thessaloniki (No.2) in Greece surprises as the top European pick, while Okinawa (No.5) remains Japan’s only representative on the list. Other fast-rising names - Tromsø, Rovaniemi, Daegu, Paro, and Innsbruck - illustrate a growing appetite for offbeat, experiential travel.

The Index, derived from a comparative analysis of flight search data between 2023 and 2024, highlights destinations with up to a 410 percent increase in searches. While not all may translate to confirmed bookings, the surge signals intent — and in travel marketing, intent often precedes movement. Here are the Top 7 trending travel destinations for Singaporeans in 2025:

1. Lijiang, China

    A UNESCO-listed old town where ancient Naxi culture meets mountain tranquility. Its blend of heritage charm and modern boutique stays makes it the most-searched destination of the year.

2. Thessaloniki, Greece

    Greece’s vibrant port city, celebrated for its waterfront cafes, Byzantine landmarks, and creative youth culture - a fresh alternative to Athens and Santorini.

3. Chongqing, China

    A metropolis built on hills and rivers, known for its neon skyline, hotpot obsession, and futuristic transport system. It’s fast becoming China’s “vertical city” of discovery.

4. Tromsø, Norway

    The Arctic gateway where travellers chase the Northern Lights and explore polar landscapes, now a favorite for winter adventure seekers.

5. Okinawa, Japan

    The island chain famed for its turquoise waters, longevity culture, and laid-back rhythm - offering a slower, sunnier Japan experience.

6. Rovaniemi, Finland

    Official hometown of Santa Claus, but increasingly visited year-round for its glass igloos, reindeer treks, and design-driven Nordic hospitality.

7. Hangzhou, China

    A poetic city blending classical scenery and digital innovation, home to West Lake, tea hills, and one of China’s most dynamic tech ecosystems.

According to Skyscanner’s 2025 report, 77 percent of Singapore travellers view overseas trips as essential to mental wellness - a notable evolution from pre-pandemic escapism to post-pandemic restoration. Travel has become part of emotional maintenance: a way to reset, rebalance, and reconnect. This reflects a larger Asia-Pacific trend of “wellness-driven wanderlust,” where journeys are less about landmarks and more about mental clarity.

Interestingly, 60 percent of respondents express interest in visiting destinations featured in video games, revealing how digital storytelling is beginning to shape real-world travel decisions. For brands in tourism, entertainment, and hospitality, this intersection between virtual and physical experience represents a fast-emerging opportunity to engage new audiences through narrative immersion.

Autumn and spring remain peak travel seasons - particularly sakura and foliage periods - but Singaporeans are increasingly seeking non-peak windows to avoid crowds. Cost remains a practical consideration: while the majority continue to search for budget-friendly flights, Skyscanner notes that most intend to travel at the same frequency or more compared to 2024, despite economic uncertainty. This suggests that travel has re-entered the “non-negotiable” category of discretionary spending.

When it comes to destination choice, food (75%), attractions (65%), and weather (62%) remain decisive factors. The Singapore traveller’s profile continues to skew toward culinary curiosity, aesthetic experience, and climate comfort - three pillars that together define the Singaporean notion of “value for adventure.”

The 2025 Index is not simply a popularity chart; it maps shifting consumer sentiment across cultural, psychological, and economic dimensions. Destinations that balance authentic local experiences with ease of access and affordability stand to benefit most. For tourism boards and airlines, the message is clear: connect emotionally, communicate value transparently, and curate experiences that align with the traveller’s search for renewal.

Source: TimeOut, “Revealed: Top 10 trending travel destinations for Singaporeans in 2025” https://www.timeout.com/singapore/news/revealed-top-10-trending-travel-destinations-for-singaporeans-in-2025-101624?.com