Expedia has unveiled its annual travel trends report, combining its wealth of first-party booking data across platforms like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, with insights from 25,000 travelers. The report offers a sneak peek into the biggest travel trends of 2025, revealing the evolving desires of travelers around the world. In 2023, the term “destination dupe” made waves, highlighting spots that resemble pricier destinations but come at a fraction of the cost. This trend is set to expand, with budget-conscious travelers exploring more alternative destinations.
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Biggest Travel Trends of 2025: A Shift in Preferences
From the decline in bleisure trips to the rise in spontaneous getaways, the biggest travel trends of 2025 show that Millennials and Gen Z are embracing adventure. These generations are prioritizing experiences over material possessions, viewing travel as an essential part of their lifestyle. Many are willing to make sacrifices to travel more, such as cutting back on daily expenses or taking jobs that offer more paid time off. Their desire to disconnect from work during travel reflects a growing trend toward relaxation and immersive experiences.
Vocation Vacation: A Top Trend in 2025
A key theme among the biggest travel trends of 2025 is the “vocation vacation.” More young professionals are prioritizing travel over career advancement, valuing experiences over climbing the corporate ladder. According to the report, 56 percent would trade a raise for more vacation time, highlighting how important travel has become. Despite financial barriers like a lack of savings or limited paid time off, this generation finds creative ways to save for their next getaway. Whether it’s moving back in with parents or taking up side hustles, travel remains a top priority.
Spontaneous Escapism: Going Rogue in 2025
Another one of the biggest travel trends of 2025 is spontaneous escapism. A striking 70 percent of travelers are planning to act on impulse, booking trips with just a few days’ notice. In an era of political tensions and global events, many are looking for a quick escape. The report reveals that 78 percent of Americans are considering traveling abroad to avoid the stress of the 2025 U.S. elections. With a preference for non-traditional destinations, many are turning to spots like Albania or the Philippines over the usual European hotspots.
Clear-Mind Tourism: A Shift in Travel Styles
Clear-mind tourism is another standout among the biggest travel trends of 2025. Sober tourism, where travelers opt for experiences free of alcohol, is gaining momentum, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. The emphasis is on cultural immersion, relaxation, and new learning experiences, with 83 percent expressing interest in sober travel. This trend aligns with their desire to disconnect from daily distractions and focus on meaningful moments. Alongside this, 25 percent of young travelers plan to reduce their smartphone use during trips, focusing instead on the beauty around them.
Biggest Travel Trends of 2025: Traveling with Strangers
An unexpected but notable addition to the biggest travel trends of 2025 is the rise of solo travel with a twist—traveling with strangers. Many younger travelers, particularly Gen Z, are open to leaving their social circles behind and making new connections on the road. Around 58 percent said they prefer to book trips solo and meet new friends along the way, reflecting a desire for authentic and spontaneous experiences. This openness to new social interactions while traveling shows a shift in how these generations approach exploration.
Involved Travel: A Deep Dive into Sustainability
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of the biggest travel trends of 2025. Young travelers, aged 18 to 35, are more focused than ever on leaving a positive impact on the destinations they visit. For 90 percent, sustainability is a key factor in their travel plans. However, their focus has shifted to immersive experiences that directly benefit local communities and wildlife. This preference for hands-on involvement, such as volunteering or supporting eco-friendly accommodations, over carbon offset programs, indicates a more engaged and direct approach to responsible tourism.
2025 Travel Trends: A Data-Driven Outlook
Expedia’s “Unpack 25” report, created with data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, is a deep dive into the biggest travel trends of 2025. The insights reveal that travelers are looking for new ways to explore the world, whether through off-the-grid adventures or emerging destinations. Sustainability, cultural immersion, and spontaneous escapes are all set to shape the future of travel. Industry insiders predict a growing interest in destinations that offer unique, authentic experiences, catering to the wanderlust of a generation that values adventure.
Sports and Music Tourism: The Next Big Thing
Fans are incredibly passionate about sports and music experiences for a variety of reasons. As Sumit Prakash, Country Director of Collinson International, notes, “Fans are not only travelling more, but they’re also willing to spend significantly to make their trips extra special, as they believe this to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” This is particularly true for sports enthusiasts, with over half of them exceeding USD 500 (approximately INR 41,500) per trip. Younger travelers, especially those aged 25-34, are the most enthusiastic spenders, often investing over USD 1,000 (around INR 83,000) for unforgettable sports and music events.
With an exciting lineup of concerts and sports competitions coming up in 2025, the demand for such experiences is set to rise. Mohak Nahta, founder of Atlys, points out the remarkable growth seen in recent years. For instance, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour resulted in a notable 20% increase in visa applications, while Coldplay’s concerts in Singapore and Paris sparked significant spikes in tourism.
Looking ahead, events like Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour, which will touch cities like Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong, and Seoul, demonstrate that the allure of sports and music tourism will remain a key trend in the travel sector. Fans are more eager than ever to participate in these electrifying events, showcasing their passion for travel intertwined with their love for sports and music.
Wellness Tourism Gets a Futuristic Twist
Among the biggest travel trends of 2025 is the evolution of wellness tourism. This sector is undergoing a transformation, with travelers seeking futuristic wellness experiences like AI-powered biohacking, vibroacoustic therapy, and digital detoxes. Wellness retreats now offer unique therapies such as sound immersion sessions and cryotherapy to help travelers unwind and rejuvenate. Experts like Mark Sands of Six Senses Hotels emphasize the growing importance of mental and physical well-being during travel, making this trend a key part of the travel landscape in 2025.
Set-Jetting Takes Off Again
Set-jetting, where travelers visit filming locations of popular movies and TV shows, is back as one of the biggest travel trends of 2025. From Scotland’s scenic landscapes featured in Avengers: Endgame to Jordan’s deserts showcased in Dune, these destinations are seeing a surge in visitors. Set-jetting allows fans to connect with their favorite stories in a unique way, turning their travel experiences into cinematic adventures. It’s a trend that not only brings travelers closer to iconic scenes but also introduces lesser-known locations to a broader audience.
Bleisure Travel Continues to Evolve
Bleisure travel remains relevant in 2025, with hybrid work schedules allowing professionals to mix business with leisure. This ongoing trend, part of the biggest travel trends of 2025, appeals to Millennials and Gen Z, who see no strict divide between work and relaxation. With the rise of remote work, professionals can explore new cities while still keeping up with their job responsibilities. It’s a balance that allows for both productivity and exploration, making business trips more appealing by extending stays for a bit of sightseeing or cultural immersion.
Coolcations: Escaping the Heat with Style
Among the biggest travel trends of 2025, “coolcations” are on the rise, catering to those looking to beat the heat. With concerns about climate change affecting travel plans, many are seeking cooler destinations or places by the water. Water-centric vacations have become more popular, with travelers looking for relaxation near lakes, rivers, and oceans. From ice therapy sessions to floating yoga classes, wellness retreats are adapting to this trend, offering refreshing escapes that help travelers unwind while keeping cool.
Not-Hot Tripping: A Response to Overtourism
In response to overtourism, many travelers are opting for “not-hot” destinations, making this a significant part of the biggest travel trends of 2025. Instead of flocking to popular tourist spots, they’re exploring lesser-known gems like Greenland, Ghana, or Mongolia. These destinations offer unique cultural experiences without the crowds, providing a more intimate connection to local communities. Travel companies like Intrepid Travel are leading the way, offering new itineraries that help redistribute tourism and reduce the impact on over-visited locations.
Longer Safaris: A Meaningful Way to Explore
Longer, more immersive safaris have emerged as one of the biggest travel trends of 2025. Travelers are increasingly drawn to extended stays in places like Sub-Saharan Africa, where they can connect with nature and local wildlife. These extended safaris allow for a deeper understanding of the environment, making them more appealing to those seeking a meaningful travel experience. As the focus shifts toward sustainable tourism, these longer trips provide an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature while supporting conservation efforts.
Adventure Awaits: The Future of Travel
As we embrace the biggest travel trends of 2025, it’s clear that travelers are looking beyond the ordinary. With trends like clear-mind tourism and vocation vacations gaining momentum, the focus is on finding balance and enjoying every moment. The year 2025 promises to be a time of discovery, where travelers are encouraged to explore new destinations, embrace sustainable practices, and make lasting memories. It’s a year where travel becomes more than just a getaway; it becomes a way to connect with the world in meaningful ways.
