The way we travel is always on the move. From economic shifts and social trends to remote work destinations and emerging consumer preferences, what’s happening around us is starting to redefine how we explore the world. That’s why travel in 2025 is going to look a little different. If you want to know exactly how travel is changing and how these trends can help you boost engagement, drive conversions, and improve ROI - keep reading.
We’re going to break down the biggest travel shifts, why consumers are reshaping their priorities, and how you can deliver the experiences they crave by tapping into in-depth travel insights. Whether you’re a travel brand looking to connect with consumers, an agency pitching to an airline, a media company publishing timely content, or a hotel brand aiming to win over holidaymakers, these 10 key insights will help you understand what’s shaping the way people plan and experience travel in 2025.
10 key travel trends to know for 2025
- Travelers are mixing local escapes with big adventures
- Sports fans are hitting the road more than ever
- Remote work is turning more travelers into digital nomads
- People are craving fresh destinations and new experiences
- Post-pandemic travel is gaining momentum
- Rising costs are changing how people plan their trips
- Social media is the new travel agent
- Going solo isn’t as popular as before
- Sustainability is slipping down the priority list
- Travelers are willing to spend more on comfort
1. Travelers are mixing local escapes with big adventures
More people are planning vacations, but the length and type of trip all depend on whether they’re staying local or heading abroad. While 56% of international travelers prefer a full week away, domestic travelers are just as likely to opt for a mini-break (52%) as they are a full week (51%).
But domestic travelers aren’t just sticking to familiar destinations. Turns out, 75% say they’d rather explore somewhere new - just like their international counterparts. Looking ahead, 39% of consumers plan to take 1-2 vacations abroad, while 38% are skipping the passport stamp for closer spots.
2. Sports fans are hitting the road more than ever
The appetite for sports-driven travel is growing. The number of travelers heading abroad specifically to watch live sports events has increased by 20% year-on-year, while domestic sports travel has also seen a 17% rise in the same period. Fans want in on the action, making sports tourism a major player in the travel industry.
Global sporting events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the Formula 1 races are turning cities into travel hotspots. International travelers are flooding in, driving up the demand for hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. But it’s not always just about the game. Many travelers are turning their trips into full-blown vacations and staying longer for sightseeing and extra adventures beyond game day.
It’s not only big-ticket international events driving sports travel though. Domestic games are pulling in fans, too. The rise in domestic sports-related tourism shows that fans are willing to go the distance - whether it’s a quick road trip or a flight overseas - to support their favorite teams.
3. Remote work is turning more travelers into digital nomads
Work and travel continue to intertwine, with 30% of Gen Z and millennials planning to work remotely from a different country in the future. The biggest factors influencing their choice of destination? A reliable internet connection (40%), favorable weather (33%), and the ability to balance work with leisure activities (32%).
Interest in remote work has taken off, especially among European Gen Z travelers, where there was a 19% spike between Q1 2024 and Q3 2024. Fitness and wellness also play a role for younger remote workers, as Gen Z and millennials are more likely than the average ‘bleisure’ traveler to look for destinations with easy access to sports and fitness facilities.
4. People are craving fresh destinations and new experiences
International travelers are shaking things up. The number of Americans (+7%) and APAC travelers (+9%) considering trips to Europe has increased since early 2023. Meanwhile, European travelers are broadening their horizons, with more people planning trips to APAC (+17%) and the Americas (+11%).
The days of defaulting to the same old spots are fading. Our data shows that more travelers are itching for fresh experiences, with a steady rise in people saying they want to explore somewhere new since Q3 2022. The same old just isn’t cutting it anymore. In 2025, it’s all about new places, new vibes, and new adventures.
5. Post-pandemic travel is gaining momentum
The pandemic may be in the rearview, but it’s still shaping how we travel. More travelers are opting for flexible bookings, insurance coverage, and destinations with solid healthcare infrastructure. Multi-generational travel is also booming, with families making up for lost time by planning larger trips that cater to all ages.
Now that travel is back on the priority list, people aren’t just dreaming about it - they’re making it happen. International vacation planning is up 11% compared to 2022, and domestic vacation planning isn’t far behind with a 9% boost. More people are setting their sights on travel in the year ahead, with 38% including it in their New Year’s resolutions for 2025.
6. Rising costs are changing how people plan their trips
With inflation and economic pressures influencing consumer spending, travelers are becoming more budget-conscious. Almost half (44%) of those skipping vacations say it’s because of the price - a 23% jump since 2022. But travel isn’t entirely off the table. The trend toward budget-friendly travel has grown, with an 11% increase in travelers on the hunt for affordable getaways.
7. Social media is the new travel agent
From viral hotspots to hidden gems, social media is driving travel decisions like never before. Today, 35% of travelers use social platforms to research and organize their trips, marking a 13% increase year-on-year. More than ever travelers are looking to digital communities and real experiences from real people for travel inspiration.
Take Gen Z, for example. Travel inspo is all over their feeds and they’re 34% more likely than the average traveler to be influenced by posts from celebrities and influencers. This highlights the power of social media where the right post can put a destination on the map.
8. Going solo isn’t as popular as before
Solo travel isn’t booming like it once was. Since late 2022, it’s dropped by 13%. While interest among millennials (29%), Gen X (23%), and baby boomers (21%) has tapered off, Gen Z remains the most likely generation to travel alone, with 34% planning solo trips.
The decline may be linked to a growing interest in shared experiences, whether through group travel, family vacations, or reconnecting with friends. While solo travel still appeals to many, especially younger generations that love the thrill of independence and self-discovery, more travelers are choosing communal travel experiences.
9. Sustainability is slipping down the priority list
Eco-conscious travel behaviors are dropping which may be an indication that travelers are putting sustainability on the back burner. The number of travelers who aren’t worried about their carbon footprint has jumped by 14% since Q3 2022, reflecting a shift away from green tourism.
Consumers still care about the environment, but rising costs mean budget and convenience come first. That’s why the gap between intention and action appears to be widening as travelers may prioritize affordability. The key for brands? Make green travel accessible and appealing. If you can make sustainability easy and worth it, eco-friendly travel will become the obvious choice.
10. Travelers are willing to spend more on comfort
Luxury travel is making a comeback, with more travelers prioritizing five-star stays and premium perks. Since Q3 2023, the number of travelers looking for upscale accommodations has grown by 15%, while those willing to splurge for premium experiences have risen by 9%.
But what does it all mean? Travelers are redefining luxury. It’s less about excess and more about exceptional - even in an uncertain economic climate. Whether it’s high-end resorts, personalized services, or immersive luxury experiences, travelers are willing to splurge on the good stuff like comfort and exclusivity. Luxury travel isn’t just about spending big, it’s about spending smart.
The big shift and how to adapt
The way people travel in 2025 is changing and brands that can get ahead of these shifts will have the edge. Travelers are balancing budget-conscious choices with premium experiences, turning to social media for inspiration, and prioritizing trips that fit their work and lifestyle. To stay relevant, brands need the right insights to tap into these trends, get the full picture on how and why travelers are making decisions, and meet them with the right message at the right time.
.webp?width=495&height=317&name=pink_thumb_graphs%20(1).webp)
.webp?width=495&height=317&name=pink_thumb_letter%20(2).webp)
