Summer is a season of energy and exploration for young adults aged 18–25. With school out for many and warmer weather inviting more social activity, this time of year inspires a mix of work, play, and self-improvement. For some, summer is a chance to make money through seasonal work or internships; for others, it’s the perfect time for travel, festivals, and personal projects.
Their online searches during summer reflect this balance between productivity and leisure — and offer valuable insight into their priorities. Below, we’ll explore the top summer search themes for this age group, why they trend, and how to connect with this active, opportunity-driven audience.
Top Summer Search Themes for 18–25 Year Olds
1. Summer Jobs, Internships, and Side Hustles
By summer, many young adults are in full work mode — whether it’s earning money for the fall semester, gaining hands-on experience, or growing a side hustle. Common searches include:
- “highest paying summer jobs for college students”
- “flexible part-time jobs near me”
- “remote internships 2025”
- “how to start a freelance business”
- “side hustle ideas for students”
Why it peaks in summer:
- Seasonal industries like tourism, hospitality, and events hire in large numbers.
- Many internships run exclusively during summer break.
- Students and young professionals often use this time to explore freelance or entrepreneurial projects without the pressure of full-time commitments.
Details & Examples:
- A college sophomore may be searching for a hospitality job in a tourist-heavy city to earn extra money.
- A recent graduate might be balancing a part-time job with freelance design work, looking up resources for client acquisition.
- Popular searches also include gig economy jobs like delivery driving, dog walking, and social media management.
Tip for engagement: Post summer job listings early and highlight flexibility, pay rates, and skill-building opportunities.
For more information check out these articles and pages:
- Seasonal Search Trends by Age Group
- Smart Hustles & Side Income Strategies Guide to Earning More
- The Niche Finder: Browse Ideas to Start Your Journey
- Wakewall Seller’s Guide for Online Marketplaces
- City & State SEO Trends by Month
2. Festivals, Concerts, and Outdoor Events
Summer is synonymous with entertainment, and young adults are often the most engaged participants. Top searches include:
- “music festivals lineups”
- “free outdoor concerts near me”
- “local summer events calendar”
- “volunteer at music festival”
- “food truck festivals near me”
Why it peaks in summer:
- Outdoor event season is at its peak with music, food, and cultural festivals.
- Many young adults see events as both a social experience and a networking opportunity.
- Volunteering can provide free access to big events and behind-the-scenes experience.
Details & Examples:
- Groups of friends often coordinate which festivals to attend based on artist lineups.
- Many plan weekend trips around multi-day events.
- Searches also rise for “festival packing lists” and “what to wear to festivals.”
Tip for engagement: Promote early ticket sales, offer group discounts, and highlight social media shareability.
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3. Travel and Adventure Planning
Summer is peak travel time for this age group — whether it’s road trips, backpacking, or local exploration. Frequent searches include:
- “cheap summer vacation ideas”
- “budget-friendly road trips”
- “student travel discounts”
- “backpacking routes in the US”
- “best beaches for young adults”
Why it peaks in summer:
- School breaks and lighter work schedules allow for extended trips.
- The weather opens up more outdoor adventure options.
- Many combine travel with work opportunities, such as summer jobs in resort towns.
Details & Examples:
- A college junior may plan a cross-country road trip with friends.
- Some seek adventure travel like hiking national parks or attending destination festivals.
- Solo travelers often look for budget hostels, shared rides, and group tours.
Tip for engagement: Travel brands should showcase affordable packages, highlight group travel safety, and provide checklists for trip planning.
4. Summer Fitness, Sports, and Outdoor Activities
With sunny days and longer evenings, physical activity spikes. Searches often include:
- “summer workout challenge”
- “best outdoor sports for beginners”
- “kayaking near me”
- “group hiking events”
- “how to start paddleboarding”
Why it peaks in summer:
- Warm weather encourages outdoor exercise.
- Many join intramural sports leagues or outdoor clubs.
- The season aligns with fitness goals tied to travel, events, or personal health.
Details & Examples:
- Students may join beach volleyball leagues or local running groups.
- Outdoor adventure searches also include rock climbing, camping, and cycling.
- Wellness content — like summer smoothie recipes and hydration tips — also trends.
Tip for engagement: Offer beginner-friendly activities and promote them via social media platforms popular with this age group.
5. Skill-Building and Creative Projects
While summer is often seen as a break, many young adults use the time for personal development. Searches include:
- “learn a new skill in 30 days”
- “online courses for beginners”
- “how to start a podcast”
- “DIY home projects”
- “summer reading list”
Why it peaks in summer:
- Without academic pressure, there’s more freedom for creative and skill-based pursuits.
- Many want to add to their résumés or portfolios during the downtime.
- Platforms like YouTube and TikTok make skill-learning more accessible and fun.
Details & Examples:
- A graphic design student may experiment with video editing for fun or freelance work.
- Others might explore creative writing, cooking, or photography.
- Many opt for free or low-cost online learning platforms to stay engaged.
Tip for engagement: Create and promote challenges (e.g., “30 Days of Photography”) to motivate ongoing participation.
6. Apartment Hunting and Relocation Prep
Summer is one of the busiest moving seasons, especially for recent graduates. Top searches include:
- “affordable apartments near me”
- “how to move out for the first time”
- “city relocation guide”
- “best neighborhoods for young professionals”
- “cost of living comparison”
Why it peaks in summer:
- College graduates relocate for jobs.
- Lease terms often end in late spring or summer.
- Warmer weather makes moving easier.
Details & Examples:
- Young adults may compare cities based on rent prices and job opportunities.
- Many look for roommates or co-living spaces to reduce costs.
- Searches also rise for “first apartment checklist” and “moving tips.”
Tip for engagement: Rental platforms and relocation services should target ads between May and August for maximum relevance.
How to Reach 18–25 Year Olds in the Summer
Summer is a time of action for young adults — they’re making decisions, planning trips, and joining activities. Businesses and organizations can connect with them by:
- Posting seasonal job opportunities in industries like travel, events, and retail.
- Offering early-bird festival deals and emphasizing group attendance benefits.
- Highlighting budget-friendly travel packages for young adults.
- Promoting outdoor events and activities with strong visual appeal.
- Creating how-to content for skill learning and relocation planning.
Timing is key — much of this age group plans weeks or months ahead, so campaigns should launch in late spring or early summer.
How Wakewall Can Help
From organizing job applications to tracking festival dates, planning trips, and keeping fitness goals on schedule, Wakewall helps young adults stay on top of their summer plans. By combining scheduling, discovery, and social features, it turns summer’s endless opportunities into achievable plans.
Conclusion: Energy, Exploration, and Experience
For 18–25-year-olds, summer represents freedom and possibility. Their searches reveal a drive to make the most of the season — earning money, gaining experience, traveling, staying active, and building skills. They balance work and leisure, often intertwining them into a single summer narrative.
Understanding these seasonal patterns allows marketers, event organizers, and brands to create timely offers that fit seamlessly into their summer goals.
