From tech to tranquillity: the 2025 travel trends playbook
The travel industry is heading into an exciting year, with trends that reflect how people are rethinking the way they explore the world. These shifts present incredible opportunities for travel businesses to adapt, innovate, and inspire. Here's a look at the key trends shaping the year ahead.
Personalised travel is the gold standard
Generic holidays are out, and tailored experiences are in. Today’s travellers crave trips that align with their passions - whether it’s foodies indulging in culinary tours, art lovers exploring creative workshops, or culture enthusiasts seeking authentic local connections.
Unpack ’25, Expedia’s latest report, highlights a growing demand for curated itineraries and boutique stays that feel unique and personal. Similarly, Condé Nast Traveller affirms that community-based tourism is booming, with travellers keen to learn local crafts or stay in family-run guesthouses. It’s all about creating memories tailored to their interests that are as unique as they are meaningful.Interestingly, this personalisation trend extends into more niche areas, such as astrological cartography, where travellers plan trips aligned with their birth charts to enhance personal growth or achieve life goals. Meanwhile, astro-tourism, as reported by The Independent, is gaining traction, with travellers seeking out celestial experiences like meteor showers, eclipses, and stargazing hotspots. By combining travel with astrology and cosmic phenomena, these trends tap into the desire for deeper, more spiritual connections.
Sustainability: from buzzword to must-have
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have but a deal-breaker. Travellers are demanding eco-conscious options, from carbon-offset flights to destinations focused on conservation and marine reserves to eco-friendly accommodations, such as hotels and lodges with sustainability certifications or that employ green technologies. Likewise, slow travel, which involves prioritising scenic train journeys, cycling tours, or in-depth regional exploration, is also on the rise, as noted by BBC Travel and The Independent. It's all about fostering loyalty with travellers by making them feel their choices matter.
Tech-enhanced travel
Technology is reshaping (and revolutionising) every aspect of the travel experience, making it smoother, smarter, and more immersive. As covered by Breaking Travel News, virtual reality (VR) now allows travellers to preview destinations before booking and is being used in museums, art galleries, and historical sites to offer immersive experiences. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) provides hyper-personalised recommendations based on individual preferences, environmental factors, and budget considerations.
Smart apps are also raising the bar by offering real-time updates, self-check-in kiosks, luggage trackers, and dynamic itineraries, as highlighted by The Telegraph. From AI chatbots uncovering hidden gems to mapping tools that provide users with detailed geographical information, directions, and real-time navigation, technology has become a non-negotiable in delivering top-tier travel experiences.
Wellness travel: relaxation reimagined
Wellness is the ultimate luxury. Travellers are increasingly prioritising holidays that nurture their mental and physical well-being, such as holistic retreats, spa escapes, and digital detoxes. Nature-based getaways, with activities like hiking, cycling, or forest bathing, are particularly popular, providing a chance to unplug and recharge. As Expedia notes, mindfulness is becoming the most coveted souvenir. Travel businesses that prioritise health and wellness will prosper by tapping into this growing demand for rejuvenation.
Group and multi-generational travel are thriving
Travellers are prioritising shared experiences and connections. Breaking Travel News highlights the boom in multi-generational holidays, led by the over-50s market, with families opting for cruises, villas, and resorts that offer accommodation, activities, and tours that cater to all age groups.
Meanwhile, The Independent reports that friendship groups are also increasingly embracing shared adventures, from milestone celebrations to weekend getaways. These trips offer a chance to explore new places, try activities together, have fun, and escape the routine of daily life, all while enjoying the support and camaraderie of close friends.
The draw of quiet luxury
Luxury travel is undergoing a makeover, with privacy and exclusivity as the new ultimate indulgences. According to The Telegraph, consumers are shying away from exaggerated flash, instead looking for more intentional and authentic experiences that are understated but have an emotional connection with a more personalised touch. Hence, secluded beaches, remote national parks, and off-the-beaten-track villages are becoming the hidden gems that offer solitude and a sense of discovery, making them irresistible to those looking for something distinctive.
Unique and emerging trends
While major trends dominate the headlines, 2025 also brings exciting niche movements that offer opportunities to stand out. Here’s what’s gaining traction:
Set-jetting gains momentum
Inspired by TV and film, travellers are flocking to filming locations, blending fandom with exploration. Guided tours and themed experiences tied to popular series are becoming increasingly sought after.
Extreme adventure travel
From polar expeditions to deep-sea diving and high-altitude treks, thrill-seekers are pushing boundaries. Exclusive, expert-led itineraries are key to capturing this market.
Regenerative tourism
Beyond sustainability, travellers are embracing regenerative tourism and participating in eco-restoration projects, community initiatives, and cultural preservation efforts. In this market, authenticity is key.
The trends shaping the year ahead present enormous opportunities for travel businesses to innovate and differentiate. Whether highlighting your sustainability efforts, integrating cutting-edge tech, or crafting personalised and wellness experiences, now is the time to ensure your product portfolio aligns with travellers' evolving values.
