Travel trends in 2024 may rewrite the rules for 2025. That includes rejection of tradition and defying rules on age, gender and sense of self … all taking travel in some compelling new directions.
In a world marked by rapid change and increasing uncertainty, travelers are defying convention and rewriting the rules of travel. According to Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research, instead of retreating in the face of global elections, AI advancements, and rising costs of living, many travelers are seeking to redefine their travel experiences and forge deeper connections with themselves, their loved ones, and the destinations they visit.
Booking.com commissioned research* among over 27,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories to uncover their plans for 2025. The findings reveal nine travel predictions that herald a new era of exploration and self-discovery. From embracing the nocturnal world to seeking the elixir of life, here are the trends that will shape the future of travel.
1. Noctourism: Travel Trends 2025
Noctourism: Travel trends 2024 show travelers turning their attention to the night sky, seeking connections with the universe. Darker sky destinations will become popular, offering starbathing experiences, star guides, and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events. Concerns about climate change will also influence this shift, with travelers opting for cooler locations and reducing their sun exposure. An appreciation for the nocturnal world will deepen connections with nature, leading to a rise in accommodations without lights to preserve flora and fauna.
– 62% of travelers are considering destinations with darker skies
– Popular activities include starbathing (72%), star guides (59%), and cosmic events (59%)
– Climate change concerns are driving this trend, with 54% planning nighttime activities to avoid daytime heat
2. The Quest for Immortality: Travel Trends 2025
Passport to Immortality: Travel trends in 2024 show that vacations will no longer be just about relaxation moving forward. They will become opportunities for personal growth and longevity. Travelers will seek out longevity retreats, where they can revitalize their bodies and minds through innovative therapies and wellness activities. Stem cell treatments, red light therapies, and cryotherapy will be on the itinerary as travelers embrace a more balanced and healthier version of themselves. Some travelers will even be willing to pay for a vacation solely dedicated to extending their lifespan and well-being.
– 60% of travelers are interested in longevity retreats
– Sought-after therapies include body vibration (56%), red light therapy (52%), and cryotherapy (48%)
– 58% would pay for a vacation solely aimed at extending their lifespan and wellbeing
3. AI-Powered Responsible Tourism: Travel Trends 2025
AI = Alternative Itineraries: Technology will continue to play a crucial role in shaping travel experiences in 2025 as travel trends for 2024 have shown. Travelers will use AI-powered tools to curate trips that are not only personalized but also contribute positively to the destinations they visit. By using AI to find authentic experiences and avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, travelers will foster deeper connections with local communities. They will also apply a responsible lens to technology usage, avoiding tagging lesser-known destinations on social media to preserve their unique charm.
Technology is playing a crucial role in shaping sustainable travel experiences:
– 66% will continue to use technology to make informed decisions and find authentic experiences
– 41% are interested in using AI to curate trips
– 67% hope to use technology to find less crowded areas
4. Multigenerational Megatrips: Travel Trends 2025
As travel trends in 2024 show, vacations will continue to be a means of creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. Baby boomers, in particular, will prioritize spending money on transformative trips rather than leaving an inheritance. This trend will take on an altruistic approach as older relatives help younger generations navigate the cost of living crisis by paying for their vacations. Multi-generational trips will become the ultimate bonding experience as grandparents, parents, and grandchildren embark on adventures together.
Family travel gets a financial boost:
– 46% of travelers prefer spending on a trip of a lifetime rather than leaving an inheritance
– 80% of baby boomers are happy to pay for their children’s vacations
– 78% of boomers will cover their grandchildren’s travel expenses
5. Men’s Wellness Retreats
Traditional ‘men-only’ trips are undergoing a transformation, focusing on well-being, self-development, and vulnerable male bonding. Cultural changes and conversations around male mental health will drive this shift, with men seeking moments of rest, rejuvenation, and personal growth. Women will play a role in encouraging the men in their lives to prioritize self-care and embark on men-only trips, recognizing the importance of mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world.
Male-only trips focus on mental health and personal growth:
– 47% would encourage men in their lives to go on men-only trips
– Top reasons include switching off from stress (29%) and rest and rejuvenation (30%)
– 56% of women encourage their partners to take men-only trips
6. Boomer Thrill-Seekers
Baby boomers will defy conventional expectations of retirement by embracing adventure and thrill-seeking in their later years. This emerging cohort of travelers will push beyond their comfort zones, participating in adrenaline-pumping activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and even skydiving. They will prove that age is just a number and that travel has no limits when it comes to seeking new experiences.
Baby boomers defy expectations with adventure-seeking behavior:
– 23% are interested in adventure vacations (up from 10% from last year)
– Popular activities include horseback riding (31%) and wine raves (27%)
– Extreme activities like skydiving (11%) and volcano boarding (8%) are also on the radar
7. Neurodivergent-Friendly Travel
Travel trends in 2024 point to a new power for neurodivergent travelers. In 2025, neurodivergent travelers will continue to demand more inclusive travel experiences that cater to their unique needs. Emerging technologies will revolutionize how these travelers navigate the world, providing them with up-to-date travel information and suggestions for quieter spaces in airports and hotels. Sensory rooms and ‘block out noise’ options will become sought after, ensuring a more comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Travelers are calling for an industry-wide initiative that seamlessly shares their needs and preferences with airlines and accommodation providers.
The industry adapts to diverse neurological needs:
– 49% of neurodivergent travelers have had negative experiences due to their condition
– 66% are keen on AI tools providing up-to-date travel information and suggestions for quieter spaces
– 69% want an industry-wide initiative to share their needs with travel providers
8. Vintage Voyaging
Sustainability will take center stage in travel fashion moving forwarf as trendy travelers become vintage voyagers. Instead of buying vacation wardrobes before their trips, travelers will visit thrift stores while on holiday, curating a more sustainable suitcase. This shift is not just about style; it’s a savvy way to maximize experiences while minimizing costs. Travelers will find hidden gems in second-hand stores, embracing slow fashion and making eco-conscious choices that bring cultural connections back home.
Sustainable fashion meets travel:
– 51% are interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during the trip
– 55% would visit thrift stores while on vacation
– 73% have already purchased vintage or second-hand products abroad
9. The New Airport Experience
As travel trends in 2024 have shown, Airports will become more than just transit hubs in 2025. They will transform into destinations themselves. Travelers will choose their vacation destinations based on the airport experience, seeking unique facilities and entertainment options. Gen Z and millennials will drive this trend, demanding sleep pods, spas, and fine dining at airports. The start of the journey will become as exciting as the destination itself, with travelers embracing a new era of airport entertainment.
Airports become destinations in themselves:
– 34% express interest in visiting a place because of its airport
– 60% are curious about airports with unique experiences or facilities
– Popular amenities include sleep pods, spas, and Michelin-star restaurants
As we look at travel trends in 2024, these data buckets highlight a shift towards more mindful, inclusive, and transformative travel experiences. From embracing the night sky to seeking longevity retreats, travelers are rewriting the rules of what it means to explore the world.
“In 2025, travelers will be using their trips to transform themselves, their relationships and ultimately the world around them,” says Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and CMO at Booking.com. “A growing proportion of men are seeking getaways that challenge outdated gender expectations and foster mental wellbeing. And almost one in five boomers are refusing to let age keep them from chasing down new adventures. It’s all about breaking travel norms to foster a deeper sense of connection. Technology and imagination are coming together to create a new era of traditions and ultimately make it easier for everyone to shape their own journeys in 2025 and beyond.”
Conclusion: Travel Trends 2025
*Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam).
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