Travel Trends for 2025: What to Expect

As we approach 2025, travelers have a lot to look forward to. The global travel landscape is shifting, with a growing focus on more authentic, sustainable, and mindful travel experiences.

Communities around the world are embracing this shift, offering travelers less time on tour buses and more meaningful interactions with locals. Here are some key trends shaping the future of travel:

1. Authentic and Immersive Travel

Travelers are increasingly seeking out experiences that allow them to connect with local communities and cultures. In 2025, expect to see a rise in homestays, local service projects, and community-led tours. These immersive experiences offer a deeper understanding of how people live in different parts of the world, making travel more than just sightseeing.

2. Eco-Friendly Travel

Environmental concerns are at the forefront of travelers' minds. With climate change a growing issue, eco-friendly accommodations and activities are becoming a priority. From eco-resorts and treehouse stays to initiatives like coral restoration and wildlife conservation, 2025 will see travelers actively seeking out sustainable options that minimize their environmental impact. Look for declines in Airbnb stays due to bad publicity.

3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

More people are choosing lesser-known, less-crowded destinations over popular tourist hotspots. Nature-based travel is on the rise, with many opting for quiet retreats in smaller towns and rural areas, away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. This shift not only offers a more peaceful experience but also helps alleviate over-tourism in crowded destinations.

4. The Growing Problem of Overtourism

Overtourism is becoming a growing issue that the industry struggles to address. In 2025, it’s unlikely to subside, but travelers chasing bucket-list destinations may face more than just squirtguns. New rules, fees, and restrictions are being introduced to slow down the relentless stream of tourists. While many economies depend on tourism, too much of it is bad for everyone.

Overcrowding adversely affects both locals and visitors, and in the long run, it can destroy the natural beauty that made a destination desirable in the first place. Travel hotspots like Amsterdam, Iceland, and Barcelona have started implementing tourist taxes during peak months to manage visitation. In Venice, a city of only 50,000 residents, 30 million visitors arrive annually—many of them day-trippers who contribute nothing to the local economy. To counteract this, Venice introduced a €5 daily fee for certain dates through July 2025.

5. Youth-Driven Travel

Gen Z is driving travel trends, with 56% of young people planning to travel more in the future. This generation is known for creating buzz about travel and encouraging friends and family to explore new destinations. For teens, travel also plays a crucial role in shaping their life decisions and easing mental health challenges.

6. Reconnecting with Nature

The pandemic reintroduced many to the joys of nature, and that appreciation continues to grow. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and stargazing are becoming increasingly popular. Travelers are seeking out destinations with clear skies, like Alqueva in Portugal, for stargazing and other nature-focused activities.

7. Professional Travel Advice is Back

As travel options expand and it becomes harder to navigate the multitude of choices, more travelers are turning to professional travel advisors. In 2025, nearly half of all travelers will seek expert guidance to plan their trips, especially when visiting off-the-beaten-path locations or managing complex family dynamics on the road.

8. Family Travel with Purpose

Family travel in 2025 will move beyond the typical “Spring Break” and “Multi-Generational Trips.” Parents are increasingly using travel as an opportunity for immersive education and healing. Whether it’s a mother-daughter trip after a family loss or taking children out of school for a hands-on learning experience, travel is being seen as a powerful tool to create open-minded global citizens.

9. Bleisure and Destination Dupes

“Bleisure” travel—combining business and leisure—is continuing to rise in popularity, allowing travelers to extend work trips for personal exploration. Additionally, “destination dupes,” or alternatives to popular spots, are becoming a go-to for those seeking similar experiences without the crowds.

10. The Decline of Insta-Focused Travel

While social media remains a powerful tool for travel inspiration, the obsession with getting the perfect Instagram shot has led to frustration in crowded locations. In 2025, there will likely be a shift toward more thoughtful, less performative travel experiences, where the focus is on personal fulfillment rather than capturing the perfect selfie.