In 2025 Italians will fly to the United States, Japan and Thailand. Egypt and the United Kingdom are growing. Airalo also anticipates the emerging destinations of 2026 and the eSIM boom
United States, Japan and Thailand: this is the triptych that dominates the travel desires of Italians in 2025. Taking a snapshot of the trends that marked the year – and offering a preview of the 2026 routes – is Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace with over 20 million users and the first unicorn in the sector.
Immediately behind the podium are Turkey and Egypt, with the latter protagonist of a notable leap: +175% compared to 2024. A result that confirms how the “hot” Mediterranean is once again becoming central in the choices of Italian travellers.
Morocco, Albania, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia also enter the top ten. The United Kingdom marks an increase of over 200%, returning among the most popular destinations after a period of decline linked to the post-Brexit: changed connectivity, roaming no longer included and a new push towards more flexible solutions such as eSIMs.
2025 has been a year of continuous movement. Also according to the Bank of Italy, on average in the summer months the spending of Italians abroad grew by 2.6% compared to 2024.
Warm December: Sri Lanka, Maldives and Philippines lead the boom
December, however, tells another story: that of escape towards the heat. Airalo analyzes confirm a consolidated trend: during the holidays the desire for tropical destinations grows.
Requests take off towards the Maldives (+128.96%), Tanzania (+136.45%), Vietnam (+202.64%) and the Philippines (+147.08%). But the real protagonist is Sri Lanka, which recorded a +362.76% and took first place in terms of increase in demand. Warmth, ocean, forests: Christmas is no longer just snow, but a bright elsewhere.
The emerging destinations of 2026
Alongside the photograph of the year that is ending, Airalo anticipates the trends of 2026. In the lead are Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Peru, South Korea and Colombia: destinations that respond to the growing desire for authenticity, iconic scenarios and lasting experiences.
In Sri Lanka, Ella’s famous Nine Arches Bridge dominates the forest with an almost cinematic aesthetic. In Tunisia, Dougga – a UNESCO heritage site – offers one of the best preserved Roman archaeological sites in North Africa.
South America enchants with the Colca Canyon in Peru, one of the deepest in the world, and with Cartagena de Indias, a UNESCO heritage colonial city, vibrant with ancient walls and a Caribbean atmosphere.
South Korea continues to seduce with its futurism: in Seoul, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the manifesto of a city that lives in the future.
eSIM: the silent revolution of global travel
In addition to destinations, technology is changing the rules of travel. eSIMs are transforming the way Italians move. Between November 2024 and October 2025, the use of Airalo solutions grew by more than 50%. Connecting instantly, without surprises, has become indispensable: maps, translators, apps, digital check-ins. It all starts before you even leave the airport.
«2025 was a fundamental year for Airalo: we exceeded 20 million users, achieved unicorn status and launched an enhanced platform» comments Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir, CEO and co-founder. «In Italy the use of our eSIMs has increased by over 50%. By 2028, eSIMs will be the norm, not the exception.”
The Italian traveller, for Airalo, is increasingly global, digital, instinctive. In 2026, eSIM will continue to be a key tool for borderless travel. Not just where to go, but how to be there: immediately, everywhere, without constraints.
