We’ve researched all of the 2025 Travel Trends and are sharing the ones we think will be the most popular. From traveling for wellness and Spending Kids’ Inheritance to long layovers and hurkle-durkling we’re breaking down the biggest travel trends of the year.
Soft Travel
One of the biggest 2025 travel trends is soft travel or travel that encourages ease, rest, and simplicity. According to the Hilton Trends Report, “more than one in five travelers plan to get away for self-discovery or mental health when traveling for leisure. These travelers seek destinations that allow them to escape the chaos of their busy lives, connect with nature, and slow down.
If you’re seeking an experience that will allow you to soothe your nervous system in a safe space, you may be interested in one of our Getaways.
Tech Support
AI is a powerful tool and is beginning to make waves in the travel space. Travel platforms like Booking.com have introduced AI Trip Planners that allow travelers to create custom itineraries based on destination and personal preferences.
Noctourism
Noctourism (nocturnal tourism) refers to the trend of traveling to marvel at the solar system in all its glory. According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions, 60% of people want to visit destinations with limited light pollution so they can witness once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events.
Our Chasing The Northern Lights Tour takes you to the safest country in the world, Iceland. This tour is ideal for anyone enthusiastic about Noctourism. It’s perfect for the traveler who loves nature and is willing to wake up early and stay up late for a glimpse at the Aurora Borealis.
MeMooners
There’s a new term in the travel zeitgeist and we approve! Memooners are travelers who treat themselves to a vacation that’s as good as a honeymoon. The Hilton report revealed that 47% of global respondents often travel by themselves and 64% of solo travelers consider a good book their favorite travel partner.
Solo travel is also booming in the cruise industry, as Windstar Cruises reported an 81% increase in solo travelers since 2019.
Traveling Foodie
Food is a major motivator for many travelers, especially foodies. According to the Hilton Trends Report, Nearly 1 in 5 global leisure travelers seek out new restaurants or culinary experiences, with 50% of travelers booking restaurant reservations before their flights.
Traveling Foodies will enjoy eating their way through Japan on our Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour. During this 8-day travelers will learn how to make sushi, enjoy a picnic in the park, visit Tokyo’s largest wholesale fish market, and experience traditional tea ceremonies.
Going For The ‘Goods’
Some people travel to South Korea to stock up on skincare, while others are visit Japan to invest in quality vintage designer items. Regardless of the destination, travelers are Going for the Goods and making sure they pack an extra bag for all the goods they are bringing home. A global Expedia survey revealed that 44% percent of travelers shop for local goods they can’t get at home.
A Gate Escape
A couple of years ago people thought that skiplagging was the cheat code. The real cheat code is a Gate Escape otherwise known as a pre-planned long layover. Travelers recognize that the vacation begins before you arrive at your final destination and plan layovers at destinations with the best airports. According to Booking.com’s predictions, 34% of travelers are interested in visiting a destination based on its airport. Among Gen Z and Millennial travelers, 43% are excited to indulge in luxurious airport experiences like sleeping pods, spas, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Some of our clients recently turned a long layover into a luxurious pre-trip adventure. When they realized their flight to Thailand would have a layover in Singapore they decided to make it a stopover and stay in Singapore a few days before and after our group tour.
You can plan a Gate Escape to Singapore or South Korea if you sign up for our Thailand: Songkran Festival Tour. The 10-day tour begins with 5 days in Bangkok, visiting temples, seeing the sights, and taking a Thai cooking class. Followed by 5-days in the sand and sun of Phuket.
Neuroinclusivity
We’ve been champions of inclusive travel since our inception, so we’re happy to see that Neuroinclusivity is one of the 2025 travel trends. According to the 27,000+ international travelers who participated in Booking.com’s research, 49% of neurodivergent travelers have had a negative experience due to their needs. 50% believe their travel options are limited due to a lack of inclusivity.
Spending Kids’ Inheritance (SKI)
Since 46% of travelers would rather spend their money on the trip of a lifetime than leave an inheritance. The trend of Spending Kids’ Inheritance (SKI) remains strong among Baby Boomers (49%) and the Silent Generation (40%).
Multi-generational trips will increase in 2025 as travelers prioritize quality family time over material wealth. According to Booking.com’s predictions, 80% of Boomers are happy to fund their children’s and grandchildren’s vacations.
Our 12-day Oaxaca: Dia de Muertos Tour is the ideal multi-generational trip. It’s not only an opportunity to experience the most unique Dia de Muertos event in the world. It’s a chance to learn how to reconnect with your ancestors through ancient rituals and traditions.
Set-Jetting
Movies, TV Shows, and streaming services continue to influence travel choices. Surprisingly people are still traveling to NYC to see the Sex & The City apartment up close and personal. Outlander continues to increase tourism to Scotland, while fashionistas rush to the city of lights to recreate their Emily in Paris moment. Season four of Bridgerton is in the works, nevertheless, fans are touring the popular historic sites from the show. The Expedia survey revealed that two-thirds of travelers say movies, streaming services, and TV shows have influenced their travel choices, a 16 percent increase from last year.”
Hurkle-Durkling
Everyone’s exhausted, which is why sleep tourism will continue to be a huge travel trend. Hurkle-Durkling is the Scottish phrase for lounging in bed all day and it’s a vacation trend for 1 in 5 global travelers according to the Hilton Trends Report.
Skyscanner released a Travel Trends report where 49% of Americans said they sleep better on vacation. Travelers have been going on Sleep Retreats where the only focus is quality shut-eye. Some hotels have started to introduce features to help aid sleep like pillow menus and sleepy teas. In comparison, others are offering a Sleep Concierge which includes a pillow menu, weighted blanket, and a sleep-inducing meditation session with a hypnotherapist and sleep expert.
Our Fat Camps in Finger Lakes, New York are the best place for hurkle-durkling in 2025. Our adult summer camp focuses on self-care, sleeping in, travel, and fun! It’s perfect for people who enjoy chats around the campfire, walks in nature, seasonal cuisine, and small-town vibes.
