If life is a book, then travel is the plot twist that keeps us turning pages. It’s the unexpected detour, the exhilarating chase, and the poetic monologue all wrapped into one unforgettable experience. But every year has a script well written out, giving us a glimpse into what to expect.
Last year, the travel industry saw a rise to unique terms like destination dupe. The term refers to places that look and feel similar to a more expensive location. In 2024, we also adopted AI (Artificial Intelligence) to help plan our journeys.
The technology helped us search for wellness, find unique travel experiences, and swiftly hop on planes to attend festivals and concerts without strenuous internet searches. So, what does travel look like in 2025? Here are the top 5 travel trends for the year ahead;
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Book Tourism Resurgence
With Gen Z being at the forefront in 2024, the travel industry saw TikTok make a remarkable cameo. In 2025, book tourism will experience a vibrant resurgence, fueled by a cultural pivot toward literary nostalgia. With celebrities like Dua Lipa and Jacob Elordi already flaunting paperbacks as must-have accessories, BookTok (a unique category of TikTokers) will only amplify the trend this year.
This will revive the age-old concept of literature-inspired travel. A survey by Explore Worldwide reveals that 72% of Brits have been inspired by novels to visit new destinations, reinforcing this shift. From record-breaking attendance at events like the Edinburgh International Book Festival to the soaring popularity of Helsinki’s Book Fair, readers are eagerly blending literary passion with travel.
Explore Worldwide’s Four Corners Book Club exemplifies this trend, pairing novels with their settings to spark wanderlust. Even fashion brands like Miu Miu are merging style and storytelling with initiatives like their Literary Club. Historic and modern hotels are also tapping into this movement, celebrating literary connections, such as Paris’s Maison Proust and New York’s Hotel Chelsea.
Traveling for Souvenirs (Good Getaways)
In 2025, traveling for souvenirs has taken on a new dimension, with “Goods Getaways” leading the charge. Good Getaways is a popular travel trend coined by Expedia. Inspired by viral TikTok videos and influencer culture, travelers are no longer just picking up trinkets—they’re curating entire vacations around must-have items.
These are typically anything from luxurious chocolate bars in Dubai to coveted skincare from South Korea. Social media’s influence extends beyond specialty shops, driving explorers into local grocery stores for unique finds, such as Erewhon’s celeb-endorsed smoothies in Los Angeles.
According to a Global Expedia Group survey, nearly 39% of travelers will make grocery stores part of their itinerary. The report also reveals that 44% actively seek out exclusive local products they can’t find at home, redefining the souvenir hunt for the modern era.
Longer Honeymoons
In 2025, the concept of the honeymoon is evolving into a “long honeymoon,” reflecting changing priorities and newfound flexibility among newlyweds. Traditionally a brief, sweet escape immediately following the wedding, honeymoons are now stretching into weeks or even months.
The trend is driven by the rise of remote work and a surge in luxury residential options at dreamy destinations. After years of pandemic-related delays and with many couples saving longer to afford unforgettable experiences, newlyweds are seeking deeper, more immersive adventures.
Whether it’s wine tasting in Tuscany, painting in Provence, or exploring off-the-beaten-path locales, these extended journeys allow couples to celebrate their union in grand style. This shift marks a departure from the affordability-focused mini-moons of recent years, as couples embrace the honeymoon as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create lasting memories.
All-inclusive Hotels will be hot-sellers
All-inclusive hotels are poised for a significant rise in popularity in 2025, fueled by major hospitality brands like Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton expanding their presence in the category. Hyatt’s new Vivid all-inclusive concept and W Hotels’ debut all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic mark bold moves by industry leaders to capitalize on the trend.
This growing demand is largely driven by younger, financially savvy travelers seeking luxurious, hassle-free experiences that bundle convenience and indulgence. Expedia Group reports a 60% increase in the use of the “all-inclusive” filter compared to last year, signaling a strong shift toward this stress-free vacation style.
Supper Clubs on the Rise
For foodies, 2025 will be a year of explosive cuisines in the most beautiful parts of the world. The trend of intrepid supper clubs continues to redefine the dining experience. Inspired by pioneers like Tokyo’s Sukiyabashi Jiro, which demonstrated the allure of innovative restaurant locations, these immersive experiences are reaching new extremes.
British chef Valentine Warner’s Kitchen In The Wild debuts in Laikipia, Kenya, this autumn. The tour invites guests to savor dishes crafted by celebrated London chefs Santiago Lastra and Jackson Boxer against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kenya. Another hotly anticipated tour is Sounds of Silence under Uluru in Australia. It blends stargazing with gourmet meals at the base of the iconic rock.
For sea lovers, Conrad Maldives’ Ithaa restaurant provides a surreal undersea dining experience surrounded by vibrant marine life. For those seeking a closer connection to the land, Outstanding in the Field transforms beaches, vineyards, and pontoons into stunning open-air dining venues.
Conclusion
As we step into 2025, the world of dining, travel, and experiences is evolving rapidly, with a focus on pushing boundaries and embracing the untapped. The year 2025 promises to be a celebration of bold culinary adventures and immersive journeys. With a growing emphasis on connection—whether it’s to the land, the culture, or the environment—these unique experiences reflect a desire for authenticity and exploration.
With Gen Z eager to cover every inch of the planet, their obsession with sophistication and nostalgia will see the travel industry turn a fresh page in 2025. Travelers will no longer just visit destinations—they’ll dive deep into the essence of the places they explore. With these few trends, you can join in on the fun and make the most of your journey.
