The new year has arrived, and travelers are busy planning their adventures for 2025. Data from a variety of sources shows that the coming 12 months promise to be especially busy ones for globetrotters.
Here's what experts at all levels of the travel industry say is on tap for 2025.
Solo female travel
The massive solo female travel trend is driven by a surge in women seeking independence, safety, and deeper cultural connections through structured yet adventurous experiences, said Barnes.Globally, women make up 80 percent of solo traveler - reflecting a growing desire for meaningful travel that fosters empowerment and connection.
This trend speaks to a larger global movement: women embracing freedom, forging connections, and paving the way for a more inclusive travel industry, added Barnes. "It's about empowerment through adventure, security without sacrifice, and experiences that leave women inspired, not just impressed."Escaping the crowds
Escaping overtourism and embracing the "not-hot" have led Gen Z and millennials to look for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path adventures.Intrepid's Not Hot List was created to answer this demand by spotlighting under-visited gems - places like Guyana, the least-visited country in South America, or Oslo, Norway, a Scandinavian underdog outshining its busier counterparts.
Shifting tourism away from overburdened hot spots helps to alleviate strain on crowded destinations while fostering economic growth and cultural preservation in areas that welcome visitors most."Travelers to these emerging locations experience trips free from overtourism's downsides - no tourist taxes, no frustrated locals - while forging deeper connections with communities," said Barnes.
With 80 percent of travelers still visiting only 10 percent of the world, the is more than an alternative; it's a call to rethink how and where we travel."By encouraging curiosity, sustainability, and cultural exchange, this trend not only transforms the travel experience but also ensures tourism becomes a force for positive global change - one lesser-known destination at a time," said Barnes.
Jake Haupert, chairman, Transformational Travel CouncilPurpose and practice
In 2025, more travelers will engage in travel as a "results-driven lifestyle practice," said Haupert. In other words, travel will become a practice not unlike yoga, meditation, or fitness programs that help us improve our physical, emotional, and spiritual health."This year, travelers will gain a deeper appreciation for travel and its potential for growth and healing in our lives while emphasizing the 'why and how' over the 'what and where,' which uncovers their sense of purpose and brings more intention and a growth mindset to their travel practice," explained Haupert.
This shift from the experience to the transformation economy cultivates benefits and outcomes that are deep and enduring, not just skill development or shifting perspectives, but finding more connection, calm, clarity, and confidence in our lives, Haupert suggested.Carolyn Ray, CEO, JourneyWoman
Solo travel, with older women leading the wayAs the world's first publication for female solo travelers since 1994, JourneyWoman knows that solo travel isn't a trend, nor is it new.
"The shift that's happening now is that solo travel is becoming a mainstream movement. A movement that is gathering momentum, particularly among older women, who are empowered, purposeful and have the time and money to travel, perhaps more than any other demographic," explained Ray."In our most recent global survey of women 50+ travelers, 96 percent said they were the key travel decision maker in their households. Most said they spend more than US$3,000 (HK$23,400) a week on travel, excluding airfare, taking multiple trips each year."
More alcohol-free travel experiences for women"While the idea of 'sober travel' isn't new, I think in 2025 we will see more women's travel companies offering alcohol-free tours for women," said Ray. "One of our partners, Sisterhood Travels, has even created an alcohol-free stamp for their wellness retreats, which feels like a great place to start."
Offering alcohol-free experiences opens up the possibility for adventure for everyone, while supporting personal self-discovery and wellness. "A 'no-alcohol' trip also affects personal safety, reducing the potential for negative interactions with medications and injuries, not to mention the obvious consequences for our longevity and health," added Ray.Brady Binstadt, CEO, Geographic Expeditions
Prepackaged vacationsPackaged vacations are making a comeback in 2025 with a digital twist, predicted Binstadt. Specifically, the rise of 'one-click trips,' driven by travelers' desire for convenience and seamless planning."
Social media now plays a significant role in influencing destination and activity choices, shaping itineraries that offer Instagram-worthy experiences."Our travelers have told us that they love off-the-beaten-path, immersive experiences," said Binstadt. "And our new Unexplored Greece group trip has been crafted with just these experiences in mind. Rather than do what other tourists are doing, we take our travelers truffle-hunting and honey-harvesting in the Peloponnesus, olive oil tasting at a family-run estate in Crete, and island-exploring on a private yacht."
The 'phenomena' listWith the success of the 2024 total solar eclipse drawing mass travel along the path of totality, natural phenomena are set to dominate travel trends in 2025. For instance, Expedia and Vrbo predict increasing interest in rare natural events that offer travelers a sense of wonder and connection to the planet.
From the synchronous firefly season in the Great Smoky Mountains to the bioluminescent plankton in Vero Beach and starling murmurations in Somerset, travelers are prioritizing destinations that showcase Earth's most captivating natural spectacles.Lauren Gumport, band and communications vice-president, Faye Travel Insurance
Luxury adventure travel to remote destinationsIn 2025, luxury adventure travel is expected to soar as travelers increasingly seek once-in-a-lifetime experiences in remote, exotic locations.
"This trend is driven by a growing desire among travelers to disconnect, explore untouched landscapes, and immerse themselves in unique cultural and wildlife experiences," said Gumport."Luxury safaris, private island stays, and trips to destinations like Antarctica and the Falkland Islands reflect this demand, but these adventures come with significant costs due to the remote nature of these locations and the exclusivity of the experiences."
European immersion travelWhile luxury destinations dominate the big-budget trips, Europe remains the preferred choice for the majority of travelers heading into 2025.
"Destinations like Italy, France, and Greece continue to lead the way, fueled by an appetite for cultural immersion, food tourism, and iconic landmarks," said Gumport. "With Europe offering a wide range of accessible travel experiences - from affordable local stays to high-end luxury - this trend underscores travelers' desire for meaningful, multi-sensory vacations that balance cost and value."'Set-jetting' and pop culture tourism
Yes, it seems "set-jetting" will continue into 2025. In fact, this pop culture-inspired travel is expected to grow. According to Faye's survey, 12 percent of travelers are choosing destinations based on their favorite shows, with locations tied to Jurassic Park (Hawaii), Avatar (Hawaii), and Game of Thrones (Northern Ireland and Iceland) topping wish lists."Younger travelers are increasingly turning their screens into travel inspiration, spending an average of US$2,357 to visit these iconic filming locations," said Gumport. "This trend combines fandom with adventure, offering travelers the chance to step into their favorite onscreen worlds while boosting tourism in these regions."
Jessica Blotter, CEO, Kind TravelerSlow travel
Slow travel, which encompasses and addresses both mental and emotional wellbeing as well as the well-being of the planet, is emerging as one of 2025's defining trends, said Blotter."Travelers are increasingly shifting away from rushed itineraries and fast-paced tourism, opting for deeper, more intentional experiences prioritizing personal restoration and environmental care," she explained. "This approach encourages extended stays, mindful engagement with local cultures, and lower-impact travel methods, such as train journeys and eco-friendly accommodations."
The trend reflects a growing desire - especially among Gen Z and millennial travelers - to connect with destinations that foster balance, mental wellness, and sustainability.Post-pandemic priorities, coupled with rising climate awareness, have positioned slow travel as a path to nurture both personal fulfillment and the planet's health.
"Platforms promoting sustainable practices, support of local community and environmental projects, local immersion, and wellness-driven itineraries further enable this trend, offering travelers opportunities to leave a positive legacy while enhancing their own wellbeing," said Blotter.travelpulse (tns)
