In 2025, travelers will throw the rulebook out the window, rejecting traditional expectations around age, gender, and what a typical vacation should look like. With popular norms left firmly in 2024, there will be a growing focus on personal growth and meaningful experiences. From baby boomers taking on thrill-seeking adventures to men prioritizing mental well-being on men-only retreats, travel is becoming more about self-discovery and deep connections. Also, you can find out Booking.com’s Trending Destinations for Travel in 2025.

Booking.com’s research highlights how people want meaning from their travel and a greater sense of purpose at the heart of each trip they take. As the saying goes, “It’s not the destination—it’s the journey.” Here’s a closer look at the top trends shaping the future of travel.

The “Noctourism” (nocturnal tourism) trend refers to traveling to experience the night in all its glory.

“Noctourism” will see travelers seeking out dark-sky zones with unprecedented enthusiasm to marvel at the solar system and engage in things like stargazing. And it’s not just a handful of us – over 60% of those we asked said they were considering visiting destinations with limited light pollution as a way to inch closer to the cosmos.

This trend has another motivation – the weather. As global temperatures continue to rise and the heat of the day becomes uncomfortable for many (61% of respondents said they wanted to spend less time in the sun), especially when it comes to visiting crowded tourist traps, people will increasingly plan trips around destinations that offer activities during cooler evenings and early mornings.

Across both city and rural destinations, “Noctourism” will see existing attractions extending their opening hours to cater to changing visitor preferences (e.g. museum late nights). A host of new experiences will also spring up to meet demand (e.g. organized stargazing tours, night markets, and opportunities to witness once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events).

AI stands for artificial intelligence, but will also stand for “alternative itineraries” as we move into 2025.

With this trend, we’ll see a fusion of the two – people using powerful AI tools (such as Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner) to craft alternative itineraries based on personal preferences and the needs of the destinations they hope to visit. These itineraries will encourage deeper connections with local communities, and the planet more broadly.

This doesn’t mean traditional travel agents are a thing of the past or that independent research into local experiences and opportunities will become obsolete – it just means people will begin using a wider range of tools to plan travel.

The changing use of technology doesn’t stop at the planning phase, though. It also comes into play when we look at the data around how people choose to use things like social media while traveling.

Booking.com data reveals that nearly half (44%) of travelers will refrain from tagging locations in their social media photos to prevent masses of so-called “Instatourists” from descending and ruining the ambiance.

Gender norms and expectations are becoming increasingly fluid, and this shift is set to extend into the travel industry as well.

With growing societal awareness around male mental health, men-only retreats focusing on wellbeing and personal growth will become more prevalent in 2025.

Nearly half (47%) of travelers would encourage the men in their lives to go on a men-only trip, with this number rising to 65% for Gen Z and 58% for millennials. These trips are a response to the pressures of modern life, with 29% of men seeking rest, 23% prioritizing mental health benefits, and 14% looking to tackle feelings of loneliness through these getaways.

Booking.com research suggests we’re growing less fond of “boys’ trips.” Instead, we’re refocusing on our health and seeing travel as the perfect opportunity to ground ourselves with time to reflect.

5. Adventures for all ages

If you think the thrills and spills of travel are reserved only for the younger generations, it’s time to think again – the adventure has no age limit!

Linking to the previous trend of multigenerational trips, we can see a parallel growth in desire among older travelers to reignite the passions of their youth.

In 2025, baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are redefining what it means to travel later in life. 23% of the people we asked (up from just 10% in 2024) said they’re interested in high-octane adventures like skydiving, canoeing down the world’s largest rivers, and trekking across mountain ranges.

It’s clear that the spirit of adventure and pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones are on the up, along with shifting perceptions of what growing old actually means. Age is just a number, and there are no time limits on embracing adrenaline-filled experiences like horseback riding, downhill skiing, and hunting for remote glaciers.

6. Neuroinclusivity

Travelers with neurodivergent needs are calling for a more inclusive approach to travel, and 2025 is set to see significant progress in this area.

Almost half (49%) of neurodivergent travelers who took part in our research said they’ve had a negative experience due to their needs, and 50% believe their travel options are limited due to a lack of inclusivity.

Next year, technologies like AI-powered tools for real-time updates and sensory-friendly environments will help address these issues. 66% of neurodivergent travelers are interested in AI assistance, 68% request sensory rooms, and 74% call for more noise-canceling options in airports and hotels.

7. Vintage voyaging

Sustainability and careful budgeting are key focuses for 2025, and one trend reflecting this is “vintage voyaging.”

Embracing a thrifty or vintage mindset when traveling isn’t just about finding a bargain, though. It’s about immersing yourself in a place’s history and heritage. These trips treat the experience of traveling as a souvenir in itself, with vacationers seeking to enjoy deeper cultural connections with the destinations they visit by rejecting globalized consumerism and choosing to shop locally instead.

Over half (51%) of travelers are interested in buying their vacation wardrobe at their destination, with this figure rising to 63% among Gen Z. Thrift shopping and vintage stores are becoming a core part of the travel experience, with 73% of travelers having already purchased second-hand items while abroad.

8. The gate escape

2025 is set to be the year the airport takes its place in the limelight as travelers actively seek out destinations with the best airports.

We all know a poor airport experience can leave a sour impression before or after a trip, so this trend marks a shift toward people working to make the most of their vacation from the moment they leave their homes.

Airports that offer far more than security checks and duty-free shops will allow us to transform the time between checking in for flights and boarding the plane, adding real value to the overall travel experience from the start.

More than a third (34%) of travelers are interested in visiting a destination based on its airport, with Gen Z and millennials driving the trend. Among younger travelers, 43% are eager to embrace indulgent airport experiences like sleep pods (37% of Gen Z), spas (31% of Gen Z), and Michelin-starred restaurants (22% of Gen Z), turning layovers into luxurious pre-trip experiences.

9. Passports to immortality

Okay, maybe achieving immortality is a slight stretch, but the intention remains true. In 2025, we’ll stop seeing wellness just as yoga and green juice and will set our sights higher than before.

Booking.com data shows we’re set to enter a period where longevity retreats take center stage (60% of respondents reported an interest in this type of travel), with travelers planning health-focused trips around experiences designed to extend their lifespan.

These breaks will see the popularity of cutting-edge experiences like red light therapy, cryotherapy, and stem cell treatments spill over into the travel industry as people seek wellness breaks that offer long-term benefits beyond in-the-moment relaxation.

Going forward, traveling will become far less time-bound as we begin viewing our physical and mental health as the ultimate journey.

Sanya, China

Trending Destinations for Travel in 2025

Booking.com’s 2025 report highlights a collection of diverse and exciting destinations set to capture travelers’ attention next year. These locations offer a wide range of experiences, from serene beach getaways to cultural hubs and adventure-filled landscapes. Here’s a look at the top spots that will be at the top of everyone’s lists in 2025. Trending Destinations for Travel in 2025 are:

1. Sanya, China
   • Known as “China’s Hawaii,” with beaches, rainforests, and luxury resorts.
   • Trends: Noctourism (stargazing) and Passport to Immortality (wellness retreats).
   • Places to stay in Sanya / Flights to Sanya
2. Trieste, Italy
   • A cultural blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian heritage.
   • Trends: Alternative Itineraries (off-the-beaten-path) and Vintage Voyaging (local markets)
   • Places to stay in Trieste / Flights to Trieste
3. João Pessoa, Brazil
   • Green landscapes, historic churches, and serene beaches.
   • Trends: Passport to Immortality (wellness) and Adventures for All Ages (family travel).
   • Places to stay in João Pessoa / Flights to João Pessoa
4. Tromsø, Norway
   • Northern Lights, fjords, and adventure activities.
   • Trends: Noctourism, Neuroinclusivity (peaceful settings), and Adventures for All Ages.
   • Places to stay in Tromsø / Flights to Tromsø
5. Willemstad, Curaçao
   • A vibrant Caribbean city with colonial architecture and beach coves.
   • Trends: SKI (Spending Kids’ Inheritance) and Vintage Voyaging.
   • Places to stay in Willemstad / Flights to Willemstad
6. Tignes, France
   • Adventure hotspot in the French Alps with year-round activities.
   • Trend: Adventures for All Ages.
   • Places to stay in Tignes / Flights to Tignes
7. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
   • Stunning desert landscapes, salt flats, and stargazing opportunities.
   • Trends: Noctourism and Passport to Immortality.
   • Places to stay in San Pedro de Atacama / Flights to San Pedro de Atacama
8. Naha, Okinawa, Japan
   • Mix of modern life and Ryukyuan culture, with sensory-friendly experiences.
   • Trends: Neuroinclusivity and Alternative Itineraries.
   • Places to stay in Naha / Flights to Naha
9. Villajoyosa, Spain
   • Coastal charm with colorful homes and fishing heritage.
   • Trends: Vintage Voyaging and Adventures for All Ages.
   • Places to stay in Villajoyosa / Flights to Alicante
10. Houston, Texas, USA
    • Diverse neighborhoods, a vibrant food scene, and NASA attractions.
    • Trends: Adventures for All Ages and Alternative Itineraries.
    • Places to stay in Houston / Flights to Houston

Travel Trends for 2025

• Wellness and Sustainability: Travelers seek meaningful, eco-friendly experiences prioritizing self-care.
• Technology in Travel: AI-driven itineraries and neuro-inclusive innovations are enhancing personalization and accessibility.
• Multigenerational Travel: Destinations cater to diverse age groups for shared experiences.
• Regenerative Tourism: A growing focus on responsible travel to preserve cultural and natural environments.

The future of travel is shaping up to be more intentional, value-driven, and inclusive, reflecting travelers’ desire for deeper connections and lasting memories. What are your Trending Destinations for Travel in 2025?