The biggest travel trends for 2025
In 2025, exciting travel adventures await. From AI-powered itineraries to hidden gems, discover the top trends for your next getaway.
What’s in store for 2025? This year, the way we travel is becoming even more intentional. Sports enthusiasts are swapping stadium seats for participatory adventures. Longevity travel is evolving into a more holistic, mind-body-soul experience. Families are planning summer-long sabbaticals, while wine lovers are uncorking the beauty of lesser-known vineyards. We’re taking slower, more considerate detours, indulging in culinary curiosities in unexpected places, and using off-board cruise and train excursions as immersive, culturally rich detours.
Here are 6 key trends shaping how we’ll explore the world in 2025:
- Travel Meets AI
Technology is taking the guesswork out of travel – and in 2025, AI will become an even more integral part of the journey. An Accor survey revealed that 13% of Brits would use an AI-tinerary in 2025, as searches for “AI in the travel industry” have seen a staggering 100% increase over the past 12 months.
Platforms like Tripadvisor are using AI to generate customized itineraries. At the airport, smart tech is replacing luggage tags and speeding up baggage handling, while some hotels – like Hyatt – now offer AI-powered beds that monitor your heart rate and movement to improve sleep quality.
- ‘Workations’ and ‘Bleisure’ Travel
The blending of business and leisure – often referred to as a “workation” or “bleisure” trip – has firmly taken hold post-pandemic. With remote work now a norm for many, people are increasingly turning business trips into extended stays, or using paid leave more strategically to live abroad for weeks or even months.
In 2024, Google searches for “working nomad” jumped by 82% reflecting a surge in interest around this lifestyle. Employers are embracing the trend, organizing team-building ‘workations’ to boost morale, while countries continue to roll out digital nomad visas to welcome remote professionals.
- Solo Travel
Once seen as a niche for bold adventurers, solo travel has evolved into a mainstream movement. In 2025, more people than ever are choosing to explore the world alone – not because they have to, but because they want to.
Fueled by social media and an increasing emphasis on self-discovery, solo travel appeals to those craving freedom, spontaneity, and personal growth. TikTok creators and Instagram influencers are playing a pivotal role, sharing itineraries, safety tips, and empowering narratives that make solo travel more accessible and appealing – especially for women.
Travelers are no longer waiting for the right companion or perfect timing. They’re booking that trip and going – on their own terms.
- Agritourism and Rural Escapes
With the pace of urban life only accelerating, travelers are craving slower, more grounded experiences. Agritourism – the practice of visiting rural areas for hands-on, farm-based experiences – is surging in popularity.
Whether it’s a weekend spent harvesting grapes in a vineyard, churning butter in a farmhouse kitchen, or simply enjoying a sunset over rolling pastures, these escapes offer a rare opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature. It’s not just about escaping the city; it’s about engaging with the land, supporting local communities, and experiencing the rhythms of rural life.
Sustainability is a core appeal here, with travelers increasingly drawn to farm-to-table dining, low-impact lodging, and the authenticity that comes with truly local experiences.
- Sports Tourism
Sport and travel are forming a dynamic new duo in 2025. More travelers are planning trips around athletic events or even joining in themselves – whether that’s signing up for a marathon, biking a scenic route, or chasing the thrill of a triathlon in a dream destination.
This shift reflects a broader focus on health, fitness, and personal goals. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are leading the charge, fueling demand for active getaways that combine movement with meaning. Major sporting events – from the Paris Olympics to Formula 1 circuits – are drawing fans from across borders, turning what used to be a spectator sport into a full-fledged travel experience.
- Hyper-Local Tourism
The quest for authenticity is leading more travelers to seek experiences closer to home. Instead of jetting off to overcrowded landmarks, many are opting for hyper-local escapes – discovering lesser-known neighborhoods, local festivals, art walks, and culinary pop-ups.
This trend celebrates the richness of local culture and allows travelers to forge deeper connections with communities. For small accommodations, this is a huge opportunity. From boutique inns to family-run B&Bs, properties that lean into local storytelling and personalized experiences can create truly memorable stays.
Looking Ahead
The travel landscape in 2025 is being reshaped by values: connection, sustainability, flexibility, and immersion. Guests are no longer just seeking a place to stay; they want a meaningful journey, whether it’s a soulful solo trip, a farm-stay in the hills, or a remote work escape to a new country. For travel businesses and hospitality providers, the message is clear: prioritize authenticity, meet travelers where they are (both digitally and physically), and build experiences that resonate long after check-out.