8 Biggest International Travel Trends to Watch in 2025
Sustainable Tourism Takes Center Stage
Sustainable travel is essential to eighty percent of the global travelers Booking.com polled in 2023; this number is predicted to rise in 2025. This covers looking for environmentally friendly lodging, cars, and activities. To confirm the dedication of a property, search for certificates like Green Key or EarthCheck. In a July 2023 Statista survey, fifty percent of respondents searched for environmentally friendly lodging. Not only will there be more regenerative tourism projects aimed at improving and restoring ecosystems, but they will also lessen the adverse effects. Additionally, community-led conservation efforts and support for nearby businesses are gaining momentum.
The Allure of the All-Inclusive
Appreciating the convenience and value, Gen Z is fuelling a rebirth of all-inclusive resorts. The Unpack '25 report by Expedia shows a comeback in this category as new resorts provide first-rate restaurants, unusual events, and opulent conveniences. The top all-inclusive locations in 2025 are Cancun, Mexico; Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria; and St. John's, Antigua.
Technology Transforms Travel
Personalized itineraries driven by artificial intelligence and virtual reality destination previews will improve travel preparation. By tracking goods and services, blockchain technology provides more openness in sustainable tourism operations. Thanks to mobile apps devoted to sustainable travel, travelers find greener options simpler.
Trains Take the Lead
Train travel is flourishing, particularly in Europe, with a fresh emphasis on environmentally friendly travel. Byway projects an increase in train travel by 2025. New paths, opulent lodging, and the possibility to savor travel drive this trend. Thanks to new train lines and increasing environmental awareness, more people choose rail over air travel for fewer distances.
The Rise of the "Detour Destination"
Travelers looking for less congested substitutes for well-known tourist destinations are looking for Expedia's Unpack "25," which offers similar charm and culture with a more personal feel by highlighting "Detour Destinations," including Reims (instead of Paris), Brescia (instead of Milan), and Cozumel (instead of Cancun).
Phenomena-Driven Travel
Travel arrangements are being developed to see the Northern Lights, track animals in International Dark Sky Parks, and stargaze. Examples of phenomenon-driven sites are Arches National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Phillip Island, Australia.
The "Joy of Missing Out" (JOMO)
Private vacation rentals provide peace where guests can relax and disconnect. Prominent JOMO locations are Bend, Oregon; Tulum, Mexico; and Kennebunkport, Maine. Travelers who prioritize relaxation and secluded retreats over busy crowds and continuous connectivity might expect to see changes in this area.
Longer Stays and Blended Travel
The 2025 Travel Outlook report from Skift Research highlights the trend of "blended travel," or combining work and leisure, and lengthier leisure vacations. With trip lengths of almost two weeks, visitors are looking for more cultural immersion and strategies to maximize their time away. Leading in scheduled "bleisure" travel are India (92%) and China (84%). More employment flexibility and searching for more meaningful travel experiences help justify this trend.
| Trend | Description | Key Destinations | Pricing/Budget | Source/Supporting Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longer Stays | Travelers are prioritizing longer trips for deeper cultural immersion and maximizing time off. | Global: England, Japan, Paris, Italy, Mexico, Dubai, Spain, US Asia: Sapporo, Osaka, Tokyo | International airfare down 4% (KAYAK) Domestic airfare up 3% (KAYAK) Hotel rates steady (KAYAK) International rental car rates up 8% (KAYAK) Domestic rental car rates up 4% (KAYAK) | Skift Research 2025 Travel Outlook, Zicasso Luxury Travel Report, KAYAK 2025 travel trends |
| Blended Travel ("Bleisure") | Combining work and leisure travel, often extending business trips for personal exploration. | Global: New York City, San Francisco, London, Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris, Berlin, Boston, Austin, Dublin US: Williamsburg, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Daytona, Lake Wales, Mesa, Cocoa Beach, Pigeon Forge, Orlando, Park City, New York City, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, St. Augustine, Miami, Nashville, Scottsdale, Tampa, Phoenix, Kissimmee | Marriott average business stay up 20% (2023 vs. 2019) Most bleisure trips 2-3 nights (70%) Average bleisure trip cost: $1,566 85% of bleisure travelers' hotel covered by employer 76% of bleisure travelers' airfare covered by employer | Skift Research 2025 Travel Outlook |
| Sustainable Travel | Increased focus on eco-friendly accommodations, transportation, and experiences, minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities. | Kenya, South Africa, Bhutan, Maldives, Antarctica, Arctic, Amazon Rainforest, Galapagos Islands, Peru, Central America, Greece, Egypt, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Morocco, Nicaragua, Panama, Rwanda, Botswana | 49% of travelers find sustainable options too expensive (Booking.com) High net worth individuals willing to pay up to 40% more for sustainable travel (Simon Kucher) | Multiple sources, including Booking.com, Euromonitor, World Animal Protection, etc. |
| Solo Travel & Group Travel for Solos | Growth in solo travel, particularly among women, and the emergence of group tours designed for solo travelers seeking connection. | Morocco, Egypt, Iceland, Norway, Kenya, Mongolia, India, European Christmas Markets, Tanzania, Peru, Finland, Canada, Maldives, New Zealand, Zambia, South Africa, Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, Chiang Mai, Siargao, Reykjavik, Zanzibar, Torres del Paine, Lisbon, Berlin, Québec, Bahamas, Iguazu Falls, El Chaltén, Riviera Maya, Tokyo, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, Montana, New Orleans, Maui, California, Munich, Guatemala, Ireland, Nantucket, Cape Town, Bangkok, Osaka, Kyoto, Vienna, Prague, Munich, Oaxaca, Mexico City, Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Budapest, Luxor, Charleston, Inverness, Algarve, Detroit, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Marrakesh, Portland, Rome, Sacramento, Caucasus, Greenland, Kumaon, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Philippines, Universal Orlando, Colorado's Western Slope, Crete, Priorat, San Antonio, San Diego, Slovenia, Valle de Guadalupe, Apostle Islands, Barbados, French Riviera, Nova Scotia, Tasmania, Trieste, Anchorage, Bhutan, Deer Valley, Fiji, Huaraz, Lençóis Maranhenses, Yukon, Costalegre, Grenada, Sanibel Island, Santa Monica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos | Varies widely depending on destination, trip style, and duration. Group tours and all-inclusive options can provide cost certainty for solo travelers. Budget-friendly options available in Southeast Asia, South America, and parts of Africa. Luxury solo travel experiences are also on the rise. | Skyscanner, Signature Travel Network, Exodus Travels, American Express |
| Emerging & Alternative Destinations | Exploring lesser-known destinations to avoid overtourism, discover unique experiences, and find better value. | Antwerp, Warsaw, Greenland, Western Australia, Little River (SC), Da Nang, Cusco, Albania, Reims, Brescia, Cozumel, Santa Barbara, Waikato, Girona, Fukuoka, Abu Dhabi, Krabi, Canmore, Assam, Lumbini, Angola, Koh Samui, Montserrat, Santa Monica, Faroe Islands, Djerba, El Impenetrable National Park, Karakol, La Paz, Muscat, Ngorongoro Crater, Palau, Prayalraj, Queensland, Southwestern Nigeria, Space Coast (FL), Subantarctic Islands, Sussex, Top End (Australia), Uganda, Brisbane, Asheville, Athens Riviera, Amsterdam, Longboat Key, Monaco, SumbaAirbnb top trending destinations: Puerto Escondido, Green Bay, Tokyo, Palermo, Cartagena, Charleston, La Serena, Kyoto, Vancouver, Mumbai, Mar del Plata, Manly, Seville, Bad Staffelstein, Baton Rouge, Savoie, Chiang Mai, Cardiff, Les Deux Alpes, Florianópolis | Travel to Warsaw ~$500 cheaper than Rome (2024) Asia airfare down 7% (KAYAK) Caribbean airfare down 17% (KAYAK) | Multiple sources, including Forbes, Skift, Contiki, KAYAK, Airbnb |
| Experiential & Transformative Travel | Prioritizing unique and immersive experiences, such as culinary tours, wellness retreats, and cultural immersion, seeking personal growth and connection. | Bhutan, Maldives, New Orleans, Monaco, Santa Monica, Osaka, Dubai, Scotland | Wide range of price points based on experience type, duration, and destination. Wellness retreats and luxury experiences can be higher-priced, while culinary tours and cultural immersion activities can vary. Budget-friendly options are available for mindful and transformative travel. | Expedia, Virtuoso, Forbes, Booking.com |
| Luxury Travel & All-Inclusives | Continued demand for high-end accommodations and all-inclusive resorts, with a focus on personalized service, unique amenities, and convenience. | New Orleans, Monaco, Athens Riviera, Longboat Key, Maldives, Cancun, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, St. John’s (Antigua) | Business class flight searches up 19% (KAYAK) | Expedia, Forbes Travel Guide, KAYAK |
| Technology and AI Integration | Using technology, including AI, for personalized recommendations, booking, itinerary planning, and enhancing travel experiences. | Global | Costs vary depending on the specific technology and AI tools used. Some AI-powered travel planning apps are free, while others offer premium subscriptions. Travel agencies and businesses may invest in AI-driven solutions to enhance customer service and streamline operations. | Amadeus, Byway, Trip Advisor, Hyatt, WSU Carson College of Business |
