Top travel trends for 2025, according to Expedia

As we look ahead to 2025, the world of travel continues to evolve, driven by shifting preferences and a renewed appetite for authentic experiences. According to the latest data-driven Unpack ’25 report from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, travelers are shaking things up. Especially Gen Z is choosing new destinations. Here are the eight trends that are set to shape the way we explore next year.

Overtourism is getting to be a problem, so savvy travelers are not only flocking to leading destinations anymore. Instead people are more interested in adding a lesser-known destination to the itinerary or swapping popular destinations out completely. These detour destinations offer all the allure of popular hotspots but without the overwhelming crowds, as seen here with Santorini, Greece.

With Barcelona struggling from overtourism, Girona offers a more relaxed and authentic experience. Wander through its medieval streets, explore ancient walls, and indulge in local Catalan cuisine, all while escaping the touristification of the Catalonian capital. Other examples include swapping Milan for Brescia or choosing Reims over Paris.

Travelers in 2025 are embarking on "goods getaways," where the focus is on procuring unique products that can't be found at home. Whether it’s rare spices, artisanal crafts, or exclusive luxury items, these trips combine exploration with shopping.

Known as the birthplace of matcha, Uji invites visitors to immerse themselves in traditional tea culture. Travelers can tour lush tea plantations, sample ceremonial-grade matcha, and even take part in tea-picking experiences.. And bring some home for their friends and family. Other popular goods getaways include exploring local markets in Marrakech or picking up some organic coffee from Costa Rica.

All-inclusive resorts are shedding their outdated reputation as Gen Z travelers seek luxurious, hassle-free vacations with everything at their fingertips. These properties are becoming synonymous with high-end experiences that combine relaxation with curated activities.

Photo: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

This new all-oceanfront resort is redefining luxury in Cancun. With private plunge pools, gourmet dining options, and immersive wellness programs, it offers a sophisticated take on the all-inclusive model. Other examples include Alpinresort ValSaa in Austria and Royalton CHIC in Antigua.

For 2025, hotels are no longer just about where you sleep—they are about where you dine. Top hotels are partnering with renowned chefs to create destination-worthy dining experiences that attract travelers purely for their culinary offerings.

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The newest hotel on the Las Vegas Strip contains over 30 restaurants with exclusive menus created by high-profile chefs around the globe. At the sushi restaurant (shown) leading chefs prepare a dining experience at an intimate 12-seat counter. Similar epicurean hotspots include the ROMEO Napoli in Italy and Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House in Argentina.

After years of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), travelers are now embracing the Joy of Missing Out. JOMO travel is all about escaping the pressures of modern life to recharge in private vacation rentals that offer peace and privacy.

Photo: eberhard grossgasteiger/Pexels

This historic estate offers a serene escape just outside of Edinburgh, complete with sprawling grounds, cozy interiors, and total seclusion. Perfect for those seeking a digital detox. Other JOMO escapes include waterfront homes in Bend, Oregon, and luxury domes in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Photo: VRBO

Travelers are chasing bucket-list experiences tied to natural phenomena, from witnessing the Northern Lights to spotting rare wildlife migrations. 2025 is the year of phenomenon-based travel that offers unforgettable memories.

Each summer, the Great Smoky Mountains are illuminated by thousands of synchronous fireflies—a mesmerizing natural light show that attracts nature lovers and photographers alike. Other must-see phenomena include the bioluminescent plankton in Vero Beach, Florida, and the “Black Sun” starling murmurations in Denmark.

Movies and TV shows continue to inspire travel, with travelers flocking to locations featured on their screens. 2025 is set to be another year where Hollywood meets wanderlust, turning filming locations into must-visit destinations.

With the debut of ‘The Real Housewives of Dubai,’ searches for the UAE city increased by 30% year-over-year. Meanwhile, Montana and Wyoming bring travelers a taste of ‘Yellowstone, while fans of ‘One Piece’ are discovering the scenic coastlines of South Africa.

Social media is reshaping the way we book travel with influencers and content creators curating trips that can be booked instantly via platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These one-click trips are designed to make travel planning as effortless as possible.

From boutique stays in Tulum to adventure-packed itineraries in Iceland, travelers can now instantly book their dream vacation with a swipe. This trend streamlines the booking process, making spontaneous travel more accessible than ever.

Image: Expedia.com

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