Understanding these trends is key for those seeking better, more meaningful experiences. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next getaway, this article gathers insights from leading 2025 travel reports to reveal the top trends and what matters most to people when planning a trip.
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The Post-Pandemic Travel Resurgence
It may come as no surprise that international travel rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
By 2024, the global tourism industry had experienced a remarkable resurgence, effectively returning to pre-pandemic levels.
According to the UN Tourism Data Dashboard, an estimated 1.4 billion international tourists traveled worldwide.
This marks a 99% recovery compared to 2019 and an 11% increase over 2023, with 140 million more international arrivals.
Many destinations reported higher-than-expected tourist numbers, reflecting the renewed enthusiasm for new experiences abroad.
Post-pandemic travel trends show that people are increasingly willing to spend on experiences that are important to them, whether that’s eco-friendly hotels, technology-driven trips, or unique adventures.
Beyond spending habits, they are also prioritizing meaningful experiences, wellness, and safety when planning their trips.
The Biggest Concerns Among Travelers
While people are eager to venture abroad, safety remains a top priority.
IMG’s 2025 IMG Travel Outlook Survey found that 58% of respondents plan to spend as much on travel in 2025 as they did in 2024, while 29% plan to spend even more.
This highlights strong demand for global exploration and the continued importance of planning trips carefully and protecting oneself while abroad.
However, people also have significant concerns about protecting themselves and the money they invest in international trips.
Falling sick while traveling is the top concern, cited by 54% of respondents. Other major worries include canceled flights and unavoidable trip interruptions.
A quarter (25%) fear the need to cancel their trip before departing, and 20% concerned about issues getting to or from their destination.
These concerns are well-founded, too, as dealing with such issues abroad can be both time-consuming and costly, especially given the high cost of medical care in many countries and the difficulty of securing refunds or changes.
Given these concerns, travel insurance has become increasingly recognized as essential. Almost all (95%) of IMG survey respondents purchased coverage for at least one international trip in 2024.
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Policies that cover medical emergencies and travel interruptions provide peace of mind and allow people to focus on enjoying their trip.
So, if you’re planning to venture abroad this year or beyond, don’t overlook the importance of comprehensive coverage in safeguarding both your health and your investment.
Read More: Compare Travel Insurance Plans
The 10 Biggest Travel Trends of 2025
1. Embracing Variety
Current travel trends are pushing people to think differently about how they explore the world and get more creative with their plans.
Many are realizing that different types of vacations fulfill different purposes, so they’re scheduling a mix of trips throughout the year.
According to an IMG survey, 42% of respondents are looking for beach vacations and rural tourism experiences, while 23% are seeking special interests and events.
In 2025, many people are planning family visits, seaside getaways, and cruises, all within the same year.
For example, they might book a summer vacation to the coast to relax, take a city getaway for a discovery-filled solo break, or extend a business trip for leisure.
Family vacations and cruises are particularly popular, as they allow for quality time together without the stress of organizing a large, complex trip.
2. Multigenerational Travel
One increasingly popular travel trend sees several generations of a family vacationing together.
Multigenerational trips give parents, children, and grandparents the opportunity to bond over new experiences and spend quality time together outside their normal routines.
For some, it’s also a way to pass on a family legacy of experience and well-being.
According to the 2025 Global Travel Trends Report by American Express, 58% of Millennial and Gen Z parents plan to take their extended family on vacation in 2025.
Most of these parents (89%) said the goal is to spend quality time together.
Additionally, the whole family is getting involved in planning these vacations so that everyone can enjoy them.
The same survey found that 68% of Millennial and Gen Z parents take input from their children while planning family vacations, compared with 56% of Gen X and Baby Boomer parents.
As a result, they’re looking for destinations, accommodation, and experiences that are family-centric and suitable for all ages.
3. Tailored Experiences
Personalization is one of the major travel trends for 2025, and it’s becoming increasingly important.
In fact, News Market US predicts that the global customized travel market will reach a value of around US$262.90 billion by 2034.
More people are looking for experiences that are completely personalized to their preferences.
As such, they want tailored services and packages that cater to their age, interests, and preferred way of exploring. This might include personalized itineraries, unique experiences they’re interested in, or tailored hotel experiences.
Bespoke tourism is particularly relevant for niche markets, such as solo female travelers, who may prioritize safety and select experiences and accommodations accordingly.
The rise of digital technology and AI is a major contributor to this growing trend. This year, 15% of people say they’ve used generative AI for planning their trips, up from 10% last year.
These tech-savvy consumers are using technology to research activities and attractions, destinations, and dining options, and even make bookings based on AI recommendations.
Millennials and Gen Z are especially engaged, with 83% finding AI useful for researching destinations, attractions, dining options, and making bookings.
4. Unique Travel Experiences
One of the biggest consumer travel trends for 2025 is uniqueness, as individuals seek experiences that take them to unusual places and push them out of their comfort zones.
These also come with the benefits of authentic experiences, opportunities for cultural immersion, and the chance to connect with other explorers and enjoy a community setting.
Many looking to disconnect are opting for astrotourism, which allows people to explore destinations where they can stargaze and enjoy dark sky tourism, such as chasing the Northern Lights in Norway.
These trips appeal to those seeking a peaceful escape and an alternative to busy, modern cities.
Live event tourism is another major travel trend in 2025. In fact, 60% of respondents in the American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report said they plan to book a trip around an entertainment or sports event this year.
In 2023 and 2024, many “Swifties” journeyed to see Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour, which spanned five continents.
This set a precedent for music tourism, with fans now flying in to see shows like the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Las Vegas and Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in London.
Beyond music, people are also attending major sports events like Formula 1 and Wimbledon, as well as festivals like Brazil’s Carnival.
Read More: Travel to an International Sporting Event
5. Bleisure (The Perfect Blend of Work and Play)
With the rise of remote work, it’s becoming far easier for people to combine work and travel.
They may spend weeks or months at a time exploring new destinations while also keeping up with their workload.
For example, they might work online with their team in the mornings and use their afternoons to visit museums or go hiking.
Although the digital nomad lifestyle is trending, those with office jobs are getting more creative in using their paid leave to spend more time on the road.
Corporate travel trends suggest that those who can work remotely are taking longer trips (39% in 2025 compared to 31% in 2024).
In addition, those who frequently venture overseas for work are now more likely to extend their business trips to enjoy a fun weekend away before flying home.
However, this trend is more common among younger generations, with 52% of individuals under 35 adding personal time to a business trip.
6. The “White Lotus Effect”
Pop culture now has a strong influence on where people want to visit, with many seeking out the filming locations of their favorite TV shows and films.
This is sometimes called the “White Lotus effect”, referring to the hit HBO show set at luxury hotels in idyllic locations. Fans of the show have flocked to the destinations and hotels depicted on screen.
The 2025 State of Summer Travel Survey by luggage shipping service, LugLess, found that 78% of the series’ fans said they had planned – or wanted to plan – a trip to White Lotus filming locations.
Specifically, these include the Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii (61%), Sicily (in Italy, 50%), and Koh Samui (in Thailand, 38%), where each of the show’s three seasons was set.
But the trend goes beyond film and TV, driving trips inspired by pop culture more generally. For example, some fans might journey to find a graffiti wall featured in a viral music video or explore the setting of their favourite books.
Many pop-culture moments also happen as viral social media moments. In fact, 47% of those aged 18–34 say these platforms influence their plans.
As a result, some younger people prefer to chase the big Instagram or TikTok travel trends for 2025, seeking unique experiences.
7. Eco-Friendly Travel
Sustainability has been a buzzword in the travel industry for over a decade. However, sustainable travel trends are increasingly important as people become more aware and discerning.
Hotels are a key focus, with 76% of respondents to a 2025 IGES survey saying they consider a hotel’s eco-friendly credentials when making a booking.
In the U.S., for example, this might include accommodations with eco-friendly design, solar panels, water-saving measures, energy efficiency, and community outreach programs.
Carbon footprint is another key consideration in consumer travel trends, with many seeking ways to offset their emissions and favor green transportation and carbon-neutral experiences, such as hiking, cycling, or using electric cars.
Climate change is another factor shaping green travel trends. As many popular destinations become too hot in the summer months, eco-minded explorers are opting for “coolcations” in locations with more temperate weather.
Virtuoso, a global network of luxury travel advisors, reports that 72% of its advisers say clients consider climate when selecting destinations.
As a result, destinations like Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway gained popularity between 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Italy, Greece, and France saw a decline during the peak summer months of June through August, when temperatures in Mediterranean Europe are the hottest.
8. Dude Ranches
Country life is emerging as a major millennial travel trend. With the rise of country music and popular shows like Yellowstone and Ransom Canyon, people are increasingly seeking experiences that immerse them in the Wild West.
That’s why unique rural getaways, such as “dude ranch” vacations, are gaining popularity. In fact, one recent study reported a 94% increase in horse trail riding over the past year, along with a 42% rise in American ranch stays.
A dude ranch offers an all-inclusive, immersive vacation centered on country living. Guests spend plenty of time with horses, riding trails, exploring the terrain, and sometimes even helping care for them.
Depending on the ranch, activities might also include square dancing, shooting, fly-fishing, cookouts, or wagon rides.
This opportunity to embrace a different way of life is driving interest in ranch getaways across Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana, as well as in Western-inspired cities like Nashville, Reno, and Denver.
For many would-be cowboys, a dude ranch experience is quickly becoming a bucket-list adventure.
9. Sleep Tourism
Wellness travel trends have been popular for years, but in 2025, sleep tourism is emerging as a key focus for those seeking wellbeing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36% of U.S. adults report getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night, which is considered insufficient for optimal health.
This underscores the growing trend of sleep tourism, where individuals prioritize rest and recovery during their trips.
In fact, a Mintel report indicates that 43% of potential wellness travelers in the UK want to improve their sleep while on vacation.
As a result of this trend, HTF Market Intelligence predicts the global sleep tourism market will grow nearly 8% annually and exceed US$400 billion between 2023 and 2028.
At the simpler end of the scale, hotels are offering amenities to help guests sleep better. For example, Hilton Hotels provides “Power Down” features, including temperature-controlled mattresses, slipper socks, and sound-minimizing technology.
Many properties also offer blackout curtains, pillow menus, lavender sprays, chamomile tea, and specialised spa treatments to promote restful sleep.
But sleep tourism goes beyond hotel amenities. Destination wellness hotels are curating relaxing retreats where the main goal is to get forty winks.
Luxury resort brand Six Senses offers dedicated sleep programs featuring yoga, meditation, spa treatments, wellness therapies, nutrition, and low-intensity training.
Similarly, Florida’s Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers a “Sleep Well Retreat” with sleep-optimizing smart beds, wellness experiences, movement classes, and healthy food designed to reset the circadian rhythm.
With more people prioritizing rest and wellness, sleep-focused trips are quickly becoming a must-have experience for 2025 and beyond.
10. Solo Travel
Once reserved only for the most adventurous explorers, solo travel is now one of the biggest trends for 2025.
IMG reports that 48% of respondents plan to take a solo trip this year, with 54% focusing on urban tourism.
With everyone leading busy lives, solo travelers aren’t waiting for friends and family to have adventures – they’re embracing the freedom and empowerment of hitting the road alone.
Solo trips are one of the most popular Gen Z travel trends, fueled by TikTok videos and Instagram reels showcasing destinations and experiences.
It’s particularly appealing to women, with social media boosting confidence and female content creators highlighting female-friendly destinations, sharing recommendations, and offering safety tips for women.
Additionally, networks of female solo travel communities have emerged on platforms like Facebook, allowing people to connect and meet others on the road, creating a sense of safety and community.
There’s even a growing number of tailored services and packages designed specifically for women exploring alone.
Read More: Solo Travel for Women: The Top 10 Countries in 2025
Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?
Understanding current travel trends is useful for both tourists and industry businesses.
For consumers planning to venture abroad in 2025, researching trends can help discover new, sustainable ways to explore and uncover under-the-radar destinations.
It can also help plan trips more effectively by leveraging emerging technologies like AI and using the most relevant platforms and services.
Similarly, travel trends are important to industry businesses because they help them meet consumer demands, stay competitive, and guide strategic planning and budgeting.
With top tourism trends emphasizing bespoke trips, live events, and far-flung destinations, having reliable insurance is essential.
A plan that covers medical and travel emergencies gives peace of mind, allowing you to focus on fun – even if plans change.
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About the Author:Gayatri is a seasoned travel and lifestyle journalist who has lived in Bangkok, London, Melbourne, and now Hong Kong, where she runs her content agency, The Wordsmith’s Ink, and writes for global publications. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her traveling, working out, watching Formula 1 or the NBA, or getting lost in a good book.