Image. Travel trends - new year, new opportunities. Showcasing a few adventure travelers immersed in scenic exploration. Generated by DALL·E 2 - ChatGTP4 from OpenAI.
What is the future of travel?
At Travel Explorations, we inspire travellers to pursue unique adventures. Therefore we’re always keeping a close eye on the latest trends, and it’s amazing to see the new ways, destinations, and motivations shaping how people travel.
Our information about travel trends and opportunities are collected from several sources, and presented in this article. Who’s travelling? Where are travellers going? What do travellers want? How much are people spending? What’s new for 2025 travel trends? What’s changed since 2024?
Here is what you should know about your journeys ahead. In 2025, the world’s travellers are as diverse as their dreams. The map is being redrawn by travellers seeking the extraordinary. They’re venturing beyond the well-known paths to uncover remote places and lesser-known gems. 2025 isn’t just about where to go - it’s about embracing the journey as part of the destination. More than ever, people are seeking authentic experiences. Important new travel trends for 2025 are AI tools, immersive experiences, and eco-friendly travel. These are shaping the future of exploration. The most important changes since previous year (2024) are that travellers are more mindful, destinations more sustainable, and experiences more innovative than ever.
The travel industry in 2025 is influenced by several key trends:
- Sustainable and experiential travel: Travellers are prioritising eco-friendly options and authentic local experiences. Destinations are promoting sustainability and cultural immersion to meet this demand (source: EL PAÍS).
- Longevity-focused travel: An emerging trend termed "passport to longevity" highlights that 52% of American travellers are willing to invest in trips aimed at improving lifespan and health. This includes transformative wellness experiences such as cryotherapy, red light treatments, and stem cell therapies. Innovative Wellness Offerings are increasing: destinations are expanding their wellness services to include unique experiences. Sources: New York Post, and The Times&Sunday Times).
- Wellness and fitness tourism: There's a growing interest in trips focused on mental and physical well-being, including fitness retreats and wellness-focused vacations. Source: report released by Neilson Beach Clubs, which polled 2,000 adults as well as sharing its own booking figures to identify key trends in travel.
- Technological integration: Advancements in AI and digital tools are enhancing personalized travel planning and in-destination experiences, making trips more seamless and tailored (source: McKinsey & Company).
- Multi-Generational and solo travel: Both family trips spanning multiple generations and solo journeys are on the rise, reflecting diverse traveller preferences (source: Insight Vacations).
- Emerging and secondary destinations: Travellers are exploring lesser-known locations, often as detours from major hubs, seeking unique experiences away from traditional tourist spots (source: The Guardian).
These trends highlight a shift towards more conscious, personalised, and diversified travel experiences in 2025.
Some important trends from two reports:
TrovaTrip's annual Travel Trends report:
- Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge for 2025 travel trends, making up 84% of all responses. Their passion for exploration, community, and meaningful experiences is setting the tone for the year ahead.
- Women are at the forefront, representing 77% of respondents and embracing solo adventures like never before
- Italy has claimed the title of the most sought-after global destination, while Alaska holds strong as the leading domestic hotspot for the second year in a row.
- Emerging trends like noctourism (night travel) are transforming the travel scene, offering one-of-a-kind after-dark experiences.
Seven travel trends shaping 2025 (source: ODRIMEDIA.co.ke):
- Noctourism: Travellers are embracing nighttime experiences, such as stargazing, late-night museum visits, and observing natural phenomena like heightened northern lights displays in destinations like Finland, Norway, and Iceland.
- Calmcations: Peaceful retreats focused on tranquility and unplugging from technology are gaining popularity, with destinations like Norway's Havila Voyages and Finland's Majamaja offering serene, off-grid experiences.
- AI-driven travel: Artificial intelligence is transforming travel planning, enabling personalized itineraries and efficient booking. Apps like Byway lead the way, though some travellers still appreciate traditional methods like brochures.
- Social adventures: Solo travelers are seeking connections through group tours and shared experiences, with companies like G Adventures and Flash Pack creating opportunities for meaningful human interaction and holiday romance.
- Hidden gems: A shift away from overtourism is directing travellers toward lesser-known destinations like Uzbekistan, East African islands, and undiscovered regions of Europe, promising authentic and welcoming experiences.
- Climate-responsive choices: As climate change reshapes travel, northern destinations like Finland and Norway are becoming summer favorites for their cooler climates, while safari trips adjust seasons to match wildlife patterns.
- Nostalgia tourism: Travellers are revisiting childhood experiences through music tourism, adult summer camps, and retro-themed vacations, reflecting a desire for comfort and simplicity in an uncertain world.
For more detailed glimpses into the year, read the complete reports:
Read also about travel trends in the article Top Travel Trends to Watch in 2025 (source: Katie Bower,Independent Travel Advisor/Entrepreneur - LinkedIn-page).
Whether your dream is to explore the cave town of Vardzia in Georgia, experience the Northern Lights in Norway and Finland, go on a safari in Africa, discover Peru`s ancient wonders, or enjoy the tranquil beaches of Mozambique, 2025 is full of possibilities. The only question left is: Where will your next adventure take you?
Stein Morten Lund, 22nd January 2025
Additional information
International travellers to Europe prioritise safety and quality this summer (2024) - Press release from European Travel Commission (ETC).
Enthusiasm for travel is rising in key international markets, with 59% of respondents interested in overseas trips for summer 2024 — a notable 9% increase compared to 2019. Europe’s appeal is gradually picking up, albeit at a slower pace, due to security and affordability concerns. Nevertheless, Europe remains a top destination choice, with 41% of surveyed individuals planning to visit this summer, down 4% from 2019 levels. This is according to the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB) 2/2024 published today by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV.
Download the complete report here: International travellers to Europe prioritise safety and quality this summer.
*** Coming up our new article about use of AI-services and trends. Follow us in Travel Explorations and keep updated.
“My hope for 2025 is a world that is safer and more peaceful, opening doors to greater opportunities for travel and exploration. I am deeply passionate about discovering hidden, unexplored places - each journey reflecting my profound connection to the world, its people, and their diverse cultures. A reduction in conflicts and wars would allow adventurers like me to roam freely and safely, embracing the beauty and stories of our shared planet.” Editor-in-chief in Travel Explorations, Stein Morten Lund.
E-mail this
Print this
