The travel trends that will dominate 2025

From quiet retreats to wild adventures, foodie pilgrimages to film-inspired escapes, 2025 is the year travel becomes a transformative act

As 2025 beckons, the way we travel is evolving into something deeper, richer and infinitely more personal. Latest insights from the 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report​, the 2025 Luxury Travel Trend Watch by Virtuoso and Globetrender and Expedia Group’s Unpack ’25 report ​highlight how personalisation, sustainability and transformative experiences are reshaping the way we explore the world. Whether it’s a solo expedition to Antarctica, a culinary journey through Tokyo, or a serene farmhouse retreat, these trends highlight how travel is evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and discerning global audience – one that desires deeper connections to nature, to culture and to themselves. Here’s what’s shaping the way we explore the world, and what they mean for the modern Australian traveller.

Solo travel: the ultimate freedom

Solo travel has been on the up and up in recent years – especially among women – and is now well and truly a mainstream trend. Travelling solo in 2025 is something of a statement of independence and self-discovery, and Virtuoso has reported that solo adventurers are flocking to small-ship cruises for the perfect balance of exploration and connection. Destinations like Antarctica – where adventurers can witness pristine icy landscapes while feeling safely part of a group – are particularly popular, along with the more leisurely river cruises of Europe. Many cruise lines are now tailoring packages for solo travellers, complete with single cabins, social events and intimate group excursions​.

Intrepid Travel’s women-only trips to Saudi Arabia include cultural immersion and exclusive female-only activities. At the same time, Amilla Maldives has launched mid-life wellbeing retreats designed for perimenopausal and menopausal women, redefining luxury for solo female travellers​.

“Coolcations”: escaping to the chill

For those looking to beat the heat and retreat to serene escapes, “coolcations” are proving irresistible. Antarctica continues to be a bucket list destination, thanks to its unique wildlife and otherworldly beauty, and Norway’s famed northern lights and dramatic fjords offer breath-taking views and eco-conscious cruises that are appealing to those seeking solitude, natural wonder, and a break from over-touristed hotspots.

‘Detour destinations’: The road less travelled

Why stick to the tourist trail when the detours are just as dazzling? Expedia’s data reveals a shift toward ‘detour destinations’: places near popular cities that offer the charm of a main attraction without the chaos of the crowds. There’s Reims instead of Paris, where Champagne flows freely and the Gothic Notre-Dame de Reims rivals its Parisian cousin; and Girona, Spain’s best-kept secret, where medieval streets and Game of Thrones filming locations make it a worthy escape from bustling Barcelona​. Even long-haul travellers are opting for quieter spots like Fukuoka, Japan, for a taste of the country’s history and vibrant food scene without the Tokyo throngs. In an era of overtourism, these under-the-radar destinations are set to enjoy their moment in the sun.

Sustainable travel

Sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity. Virtuoso reports that luxury travellers are increasingly seeking ways to explore the world responsibly. More people are avoiding over-touristed destinations in favour of eco-conscious alternatives such as Portugal’s Azores islands, where visitors can enjoy untouched nature and support local communities​. Similarly, Expedia’s ‘Season Swapping’ encourages off-peak travel to avoid crowds and minimise environmental impact. In Australia, swapping winter for summer in destinations like Byron Bay, Cairns or Launceston can not only save travellers money but offer a more peaceful experience​.

The ‘Joy of Missing Out’ (JOMO)

2025 is about slowing down and leaning into the joy of doing less. Instead of action-packed itineraries, travellers are choosing tranquil retreats that promote mindfulness and connection as they celebrate JOMO, or the “Joy of Missing Out”. Think sipping coffee on the deck of a secluded farmhouse in Tasmania, reading a book in a cabin in Norway or lounging by the pool of a coastal villa on Phillip Island, away from the stressors of daily life. These getaways offer amenities like private pools, spa gardens and outdoor decks, and are often located in pristine natural settings that create the perfect space to unwind.

‘Mood boarding’: Designing emotionally-driven itineraries

Taking this a step further, the traditional checklist of destinations and activities is being replaced by itineraries designed around how travellers want to feel, according to Globetrender. Mood Boarding is about tailoring experiences to emotional needs such as joy, awe, connection or reflection – and luxury travel companies are taking this to heart. Black Tomato’s ‘See You in the Moment’ series offers extraordinary experiences like candlelit banquets inside Icelandic volcanoes, curated to foster awe and mindfulness. Travel advisors are asking clients probing questions to better understand their deeper motivations, crafting trips that nourish both body and soul​.

Globetrender also highlights a growing demand for personalised storytelling and visually stunning keepsakes. Luxury travellers are hiring professional filmmakers to document their journeys in cinematic style, and companies like Cookson Adventures offer bespoke film services using drones and professional crews, from daily wildlife highlights to Netflix-style adventure documentaries, while Satopia Travel creates “cinematic travel experiences for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a deeper connection with the world and themselves”.

‘Fk-it lists’: thrilling and spontaneous escapes

Goodbye, bucket lists, hello, ‘fk-It lists’. Travellers are also set on living in the moment and embracing bold, spur-of-the-moment adventures that push boundaries in 2025. From tagging hammerhead sharks in Costa Rica to surviving on uninhabited islands, these experiences are designed for thrill-seekers who want to step outside their comfort zones.

For those craving indulgence, Pelorus offers luxury supercar road trips through Texas, while Based on a True Story, similarly to Satopia Travel, creates fully immersive fantasy travel complete with actors and bespoke scripts. Whether skydiving, hot air ballooning, or exploring psychedelic plant ceremonies, ‘fk-it lists’ are redefining what it means to seize the day.

Adventure meets wellness

Gone are the days of choosing between thrill-seeking and relaxation. In 2025, adventure and wellness unite to become transformative journeys for the body and soul, as travellers blend active adventures with restorative experiences in destinations that offer both physical challenges and opportunities for self-care.  Bhutan, with its focus on Gross National Happiness, invites treks through Himalayan landscapes by day and unwinding with traditional hot stone baths by night.

Meanwhile, in Vietnam, visitors can paddle through Ha Long Bay and follow it up with a rejuvenating herbal spa experience​. For a blend of spirituality and activity, Sri Lanka offers surf lessons alongside Ayurveda retreats, leaving travellers both exhilarated and at peace​ – just though not at the same time…

Silver bullet wellness: Optimising body, mind and soul

Still in the wonderful – and ultra-lucrative – world of wellness, Globetrender reports that luxury travellers are also seeking hyper-specific health retreats that promise tangible results for longevity and mental clarity. The rise of ‘Silver Bullet Wellness’ has seen destinations like Switzerland, Thailand and the Maldives offering cutting-edge treatments ranging from genetic testing to cognitive therapies.

At Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland, the ‘Brain Boosting Programme’ combines advanced diagnostics with customised brain training to enhance cognitive performance. Meanwhile, Sha Wellness Clinic in Spain provides therapies for everything from insomnia to disease prevention, catering to high-net-worth individuals looking to return home feeling regenerated​.

Sports-driven travel

The surge in popularity of racket sports such as tennis, pickleball and padel has inspired luxury resorts to integrate high-end facilities into their offerings. Named ‘racketeering’ by Globetrender, this trend combines the thrill of the game with the pleasures of travel.

Resorts like Necker Island now host world-class tennis tournaments and have added state-of-the-art pickleball and padel courts. In the Maldives, meanwhile, Soneva Fushi offers professional coaching for both tennis and padel, blending sport with idyllic surroundings​.

Multi-gen travel

2025 marks the emergence of what Globetrender coins ‘XZ Beta Travel’, a trend where Gen Z parents embark on trips with their ‘Beta Baby’ offspring and Gen X grandparents. This multi-generational travel movement caters to families seeking bespoke experiences that cater to all age groups and introduces a new dynamic in family travel, with seven generations potentially travelling together for the first time in history. This multi-generational trend is growing in popularity, with families seeking to reconnect and celebrate milestones together.

In response, resorts such as the Shangri-La Hong Kong Island have created family-friendly havens, complete with playful sleep installations for kids and communal spaces for bonding. Meanwhile, Sonnwies in the Dolomites combines wellness, skiing, and farm experiences, providing activities for every member of the family​.

Culinary journeys

Food is no longer just part of the journey – it’s increasingly becoming the reason for it. Expedia has reported ‘Goods Getaways’ as a dominant trend, highlighting how high-end travellers are seeking experiences that connect them with local culture through cuisine and products. This might look like bringing home artisanal honey from New Zealand, pistachio chocolate from Dubai, or handcrafted tea sets from Japan. It could be learning to make truffle pasta in Italy’s Tuscany region, joining a street food tour in Bangkok, or visiting the hidden markets of Tokyo with a local chef as your guide​. These trips are as much about discovery as they are about indulging your senses​.

Set-jetting and influencer-inspired travel

Movies and TV shows have always inspired wanderlust, but in 2025, it’s a full-blown phenomenon. According to Expedia, Hawaii is trending thanks to Moana 2 and Jurassic World 4, while Paris is set to be the most-visited place on Earth in 2025 thanks to the popularity of Emily in Paris. Yellowstone has turned the rugged landscapes of Montana and Wyoming into must-visit destinations, and Four Seasons hotels are having a moment as The White Lotus gears up for season three. Closer to home, Bluey has shone a spotlight on Queensland.

The power of social media, meanwhile, knows no bounds, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram driving travel trends. Viral videos showcasing lesser-known gems are enticing travellers, especially younger generations, to seek out unique and Instagram-worthy locales​.

Phenomenal experiences: Nature is calling

Nature remains a powerful motivator for travel. Whether it’s witnessing the synchronous firefly season in the Great Smoky Mountains or watching the ballet of Japanese cranes in Hokkaido, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences are inspiring epic journeys. Stayz reports that private rentals with front-row views of natural wonders – like Iceland’s volcanic landscapes or Canada’s Bay of Fundy – are particularly sought after​. These phenomenal moments connect us with the world in the most magical and memorable ways​.