The new year is merely weeks away 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.
In particular, the recently released winter edition of the Portrait of American Travelers from MMGY reveals that 8 in 10 U.S. adults intend to take a vacation next year, which is a 7 percent increase over the previous winter study data.
Americans also intend to travel more frequently in 2025, taking slightly more than four trips per person.
The increased demand for travel is merely one piece of the puzzle however, when it comes to the 2025 industry outlook.
What will travel look like in the coming year? And, more specifically, what sort of travel trends are likely to define 2025?
Will slow travel continue to emerge as a popular approach to exploring new places? Has the trend of planning vacations based on the filming locations of our favorite movies and TV shows finally subsided? And what new approaches to travel planning might we expect?
To answer these questions, TravelPulse reached out experts at all levels of the travel industry. Here’s what they 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, says Barnes.
Globally, women make up 80% of solo travelers—82% for Intrepid—reflecting a growing desire for meaningful travel that fosters empowerment and connection.
Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions, meanwhile, have seen an impressive 86% YOY growth. These getaways are designed to provide unparalleled access to women-only spaces and experiences often off-limits on mixed-gender trips.
This trend speaks to a larger global movement: women embracing freedom, forging connections, and paving the way for a more inclusive and empowering travel industry, adds Barnes.
“It’s about empowerment through adventure, security without sacrifice, and experiences that leave women inspired, not just impressed,” notes Barnes.
Escaping the Crowds
Escaping overtourism and embracing Intrepid’s Not Hot List marks a growing appetite among Gen Z and Millennials for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path adventures.
A recent study conducted by Intrepid found that 70% of young adults aged 18-35 and 61% of U.S. adults are seeking lesser-known destinations, rejecting crowded tourist traps and “bucket list” clichés in favor of unique, authentic experiences.
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, a Scandinavian underdog outshining its busier counterparts.
Shifting tourism away from overburdened hotspots helps to alleviate strain on crowded destinations while fostering economic growth and cultural preservation in areas that welcome visitors most, Barnes explained.
“Travelers to these emerging locations experience trips free from overtourism’s downsides—no tourist taxes, no frustrated locals—while forging deeper connections with communities and their stories,” adds Barnes.
With 80% of travelers still visiting only 10% of the world, the Not Hot List 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,” says Barnes.
Friendtrips
Zillennials are increasingly turning to group travel to forge genuine, face-to-face connections in a world where digital interactions dominate, and third spaces are vanishing, says Barnes.
Solo travelers, particularly those aged 18 to 35, are embracing group adventures where strangers quickly become lifelong friends, and experiences take priority over parties. This trend reflects broader shifts at play, says Barnes.
“We found in a recent study that 73% of young adults prefer active adventures, like hiking, over nightlife, and 68% see group travel as a prime opportunity to meet new people,” Barnes explains. “With more than half of 18-35 year olds citing friendship as a top travel motivator, Friendtrips offer something powerful—a chance to combine meaningful adventure with authentic human connection, creating shared memories in a world increasingly short on real-life community.”
Purpose and Practice
In 2025, more travelers will engage in travel as a “results-driven lifestyle practice,” says Haupert. In other words, travel will become a practice ot all that 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,” explains 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.
Meanwhile, tourism organizations and destinations adopting an experience development strategy to meet this emerging demand, will thrive.
Communing and Cooperation
With over-tourism continuing to diminish travel’s potential for good, communities will solve the problem from within by coming together to connect, commune, and collaborate in revitalizing their attitude and approach to travel. This will include putting their people, place, and planet at the center of tourism strategies, says Haupert.
“This recommitment to unifying around shared values and vision for their home will spur a sense of purpose and a truer essence of place that will attract a more mindful traveler,” Haupert explains. “Destinations shifting from the old co-mpetition mindset to one of cooperation will become more future-fit, healthier, more caring, resilient, and conscious today and tomorrow. “
Human Intelligence and Pilgrimages
With all the energy swirling around the present and future of AI, from dystopian nightmares to its otherworldly potential for good, one thing is for certain: being human will never be more important or more beautiful, says Haupert.
“So we must relink with our HI – our Human Intelligence,” Hauper explains. “Sadly, far too many of us can’t slow down enough to unplug our minds and tether to our souls. This reality has led to more people being on pilgrimage last year than any in our history.”
In 2025, Haupert predicts those numbers will continue to rise.
“A pilgrim travels with an innate desire to go home, to find their way back to themselves, their human nature, which brings about more peace and prosperity in their lives and those around them,” says Haupert.
Solo Travel Goes Mainstream, With Older Women Leading the Way
As the world’s first publication for female solo travelers since 1994, JourneyWoman knows that solo travel isn’t a trend, nor is it new, begins Ray.
“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,” explains Ray.
What’s more, studies have shown that women over 50 represent more than $15 trillion in purchasing power in the US alone and are the fastest-growing demographic over the next 10 years.
“In our most recent global survey of women 50+ travelers, 96% said they were the key travel decision maker in their households,” adds Ray. “Most said they spend more than $3000 a week on travel, excluding airfare, taking multiple trips each year, sometimes for weeks and months at a time.”
More Alcohol-Free Travel Experiences for Women
We all know that too much alcohol isn’t good for our health, notes Ray. In 2023, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction released a report showing that more than three to six standard drinks per week increases the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer, she adds.
“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,” Ray explains. “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.”
Knowing that women travel to connect, build friendships and relationships, 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,” concludes Ray.
Pre-Packaged Vacations
Packaged vacations are making a comeback in 2025 with a digital twist, predicts Binstadt.
“The Unpack ’25 report highlights the rise of ‘one-click trips,’ driven by travelers’ desire for convenience and seamless planning,” explains Binstadt.
Social media now plays a significant role in influencing destination and activity choices, shaping curated itineraries that offer immersive and Instagram-worthy experiences.
Geographic Expeditions is meeting this demand with new itineraries such as its meticulously crafted itinerary to Greece, which delivers a pre-packed yet deeply personalized experience. The 12-day journey, offered in May and September 2025, takes travelers through hidden gems in Athens, Delos, and Crete.
“Our travelers have told us that they love off-the-beaten-path, immersive experiences,” explains 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.”
MeMooners
Expect individual travelers to embrace more self-care and transformative adventures in 2025.
Dubbed “MeMooners,” this trend highlights travelers taking intentional solo trips focused on personal growth and wellness. The Global Wellness Institute identifies this as a major trend, driven by a desire for empowerment and meaningful connection. This trend also happens to coincide with the rise of adventure travel among female travelers, adds Binstadt.
In anticipation of this demand, Geographic Expeditions has expanded its ‘Women of the World’ Collection of trips, introducing women-only itineraries to Türkiye and Cuba for 2025.
“We are constantly engaged in conversations with our team, gathering feedback from our travelers, and closely following trends in the travel industry,” says Binstadt. “We have recognized that the modern female traveler seeks more than just a destination: She craves experiences that resonate, moments that empower, and connections that go beyond the ordinary.”
The ‘Phenomena’ List
With 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, predicts Geographic Expeditions.
For instance, Expedia and Vrbo predict increasing interest in rare, awe-inspiring 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.
Geographic Expeditions is tapping into this trend with its exclusive Egypt 2027 Eclipse trip, launching in January 2025.
The small-group journey includes a prime viewing location for the eclipse, paired with Egypt’s ancient wonders for an unforgettable celestial experience. Similarly, GeoEx’s ‘Iceland – Land of Awe’ custom itinerary immerses travelers in Iceland’s stunning landscapes, featuring volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and the Northern Lights during peak viewing seasons, delivering both adventure and natural marvels.
Luxury Adventure Travel to Remote Destinations
In 2025, luxury adventure travel is expected to soar as travelers increasingly seek once-in-a-lifetime experiences in remote, exotic locations.
Faye Travel Insurance’s latest data highlights Africa as a top region for these high-cost trips, with destinations like Rwanda ($18,417), Botswana ($15,619), and Seychelles ($15,775) topping the list.
“This trend is driven by a growing desire among travelers to disconnect, explore untouched landscapes, and immerse themselves in unique cultural and wildlife experiences,” says 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 travel experiences.”
European Immersion Travel
While luxury destinations dominate the big-budget trips, Europe remains the preferred choice for the majority of travelers heading into 2025.
Faye’s data shows that 75% of American travelers are planning trips to Europe, spending an average of $5,832 per person.
“Destinations like Italy, France, and Greece continue to lead the way, fueled by an appetite for cultural immersion, food tourism, and iconic landmarks,” says 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, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z travelers.
According to Faye’s survey, 12% of travelers are choosing destinations based on their favorite TV shows and movies, 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 $2,357 to visit these iconic filming locations,” says Gumport. “This trend combines fandom with adventure, offering travelers the chance to step into their favorite on-screen worlds while boosting tourism in these regions.”
Slow Travel That Nurtures Both Individual and Planetary Wellbeing
Slow
travel, which encompasses and addresses both mental and emotional well-being as well as the
well-being of the planet is emerging as one of 2025’s defining trends, says 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,” Blotter explains. “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, continues Blotter.
“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 well-being,” says Blotter.
Experiential, Purpose-Driven Luxury
Luxury
travel in 2025 will revolve around curated, purpose-driven experiences
that create a deeper emotional connection between travelers and the
destinations they visit.
“The modern luxury traveler wants authentic
immersion, whether culinary adventures showcasing locally sourced
ingredients, artisan-led workshops, or voluntourism initiatives that
allow them to ‘travel with purpose,'” says Blotter.
Initiatives like Kind Traveler’s
Every Stay Gives Back (ESGB) program demonstrate this shift by ensuring
each guest stay supports local charities, fostering a sense of
fulfillment and connection while delivering measurable community and
environmental impact.
Since launching in September 2023, as of December
2024, the ESGB program has donated $397,000+ to local charities, with 100% donated to the beneficiaries solving community and environmental challenges.
Destination Stewardship as a Top Priority for DMOs
Destination stewardship will take center stage in the coming year, predicts Blotter, as destinations
and DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) prioritize balancing
tourism growth with environmental and community well-being.
Sojern’s State of Destination Marketing 2024 Report reveals
62% of European DMOs focus on climate change and 56% on biodiversity,
reflecting a shift toward sustainability-driven planning. Visit
California, meanwhile, highlights this evolution with its Responsible Travel Code programs like “Caring for California”and
through a partnership with Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back
Destination Program, uniting travelers, lodging partners, and nonprofits
for measurable impact.
In a recent interview with Travel and Tour World,
Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta states, “California is a leader in
sustainability, and it remains a core pillar of our marketing program,
woven into all aspects of our efforts.” Destinations ensure long-term
resilience, economic vitality, and traveler appeal by embracing
stewardship.
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