Travel trends appear in the new year. Usually, the travel industry likes to speculate and suggest which trends may emerge and grow in popularity. So, we’ve done our research!
We’ve listened to and read a range of industry figures’ predictions, to share some relevant trends with you. Some are from experts. Others are from travel providers. While no trend is guaranteed, the following do carry some weight.
From multigenerational trips to where to learn something new, discover what travellers like you may wish to experience in 2025…
Wellness Tourism
The importance of looking after our mind, body, and soul has never been far from our minds. Some even accredit Baby Boomers for driving the wellness movement forward! In recent years we’ve discovered forest bathing, to enhance our mood and reduce fatigue. Also, we know that holidays are great for our mental health.
2025 is predicted to be the golden age of wellness tourism and longevity! We’ll seek experiences that’ll help us cleanse ourselves. Plus, staying in attractive environments will give us space to prioritise our health. Wellness hotels have cottoned onto this and offer not only massages but Longevity Clinics with new age-defying treatments.
Book into one from three days to three weeks for facial lift massages and acupuncture, while adopting a detox nutritional plan. These treatments and lessons are not for the short term. Post-trip, you’ll feel empowered to look after yourself more. After learning how to incorporate fitness, better nutrition, and creative pursuits into your life! All driven by the aim to live longer.
Furthermore, holiday activities that encourage us to challenge our physical and mental capabilities will be popular too. After aqua aerobics in the pool join a creative workshop or go horseback riding. Wellness hotels may also appeal to solo travellers who wish to detox from everyday life. If that’s not your kind of escape, there are other experiences to share with family and friends. Some have the power to enhance your health to…
Awesome Astro Adventures
Do you wish to escape somewhere new to see something awesome and rare? Today, we’re planning more astro adventures across Scotland, Scandinavia, and the Americas.
Astro Adventures include stargazing, observing the northern lights, or an eclipse. 31% of travellers wish to see a solar or lunar eclipse soon. In 2025, they’ll be in luck! Two solar and lunar eclipses are taking place which we’ll be able to see in different destinations. If you’re one of the 76% of travellers who are willing to travel to a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event start planning your Astro Adventure!
Whether you admire an eclipse, the northern lights or go stargazing experts have revealed that observing natural phenomena like these can lower our levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The kind of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can trigger diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and depression. So, pick your favourite natural phenomena to get your dose of oxytocin. Then witness it under a dark sky amongst nature.
Alongside our appreciation for the nocturnal world, we’re also seeking more ways to connect with nature. Over 70% of travellers are looking for accommodation with low levels of light pollution to avoid disturbing nature. Do you have a love for it? Consider a nature-based escape!
Nature-Based Escapes
There are many examples of nature-based escapes. Some of us may even live near a national park where we can observe the changing seasons but why stop there? If you enjoy nature watching or want to preserve it, find a rewilding holiday. Also, learn about the Rewilding Network, which has seen a surge of interest since 2021.
Either in the UK or abroad, rewilding holidays encourage us to bring animals’ habitats back to life. The holiday activities may include caring for animals, working on farms, practicing traditional farming methods, and restoring wetlands. While away, you’ll get your hands dirty. However, escaping life’s challenges for simple pleasures, like listening to birdsong has appealed to more of us since the pandemic.
Plus, when we escape urban lifestyles to connect with nature, we have the potential to enhance our well-being and health as well. Around the UK you can find several rewilding retreats to focus on your health and wellbeing while embracing the seasons.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a nature-based activity on holiday go on a nature walk or wander around a garden…
Botanical Tourism
Although enjoying a garden visit is not a new activity for many, the rest of us are starting to awaken to botanical tourism. Research reveals that 62% of us enjoy visiting gardens on holiday. This shouldn’t be a surprise. While at home 46% of UK travellers enjoy tending their oasis to escape an overstimulated world.
Gardens also bring people together. In some cultures, observing floral phenomena has been celebrated for thousands of years. For instance, Japan’s traditional floral festivals include ‘maple leaf hunting’ (Momijigari) and Cherry blossom season (Hanami). The Japanese may have been the first culture in the world to pause and celebrate fall and cherry blossom season. More and more of us are joining them by adding garden visits or garden tours to our holiday itinerary – whatever the season.
For instance, lesser-known destinations have grand gardens for us to explore, such as The Luxembourg Gardens or the Park of Versailles in France. These gardens may look their best in summer. If these are beyond your reach, you could find yourself in flourishing fields of sunflowers in the UK. Come Christmas, there’s always a botanical garden to see magical fairy lights too!
Multigenerational trips to share new experiences
Do you value experiences over objects? Or are you happy splashing out on a family holiday to create unique memories? You may be one of the 77% of baby boomers who are taking their children and Grandchildren on holiday in 2025. Whether this high percentage is due to a thirst to make memories or the cost of living crisis, many multigenerational trips are taking place thanks to Mums and Dads.
Is a family holiday something you’d love? Let us inspire you! For example, you could learn about a European country’s culture by exploring it by train. Or for a long-haul trip visit Singapore! In Singapore, you won’t need to worry about the language barrier. Plus, if you pre-book a GoCity Explorer Pass you can navigate at ease to see the sights. Some are included with each pass like the Gardens by the Bay: Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. In this tropical paradise, children can chill in a water playground, while others can admire flourishing flowers and flora. Luxurious or adventurous, know your audience to find activities that everyone will love.
SKI-ing
In contrast, you may wish to prioritise ticking destinations off your bucket list. Giving a nod to a new travel trend called SKI (Spending the Kid’s Inheritance) trips. These trips might not be on the slopes but will include high-adrenaline activities and immersive experiences. 41% of Baby Boomers state that investing time in travel during retirement is worthwhile! So, why not join them?
Immersive Experiences
Immersive travel experiences are when we connect with a country’s culture to learn about its true character, customs and people. Immersive cultural experiences include festivals or listening to a local guide during a niche cultural tour. Also, you may wish to sample the local cuisine or cook a traditional dish alongside a chef.
Looking for something to do on a rainy day? For an indoor immersive travel experience seek out an immersive art exhibit. Perfect if you often forget the sights you see. However, at an immersive art exhibit, some images may be hard to forget. Throughout, you’ll admire colourful artwork streamed across large, blank canvases from floor to ceiling. Using digital projection technology, the artwork is animated to illustrate a cinematic story. From frame to light entertainment if you like impressionist art, Immersive Van Gogh is an excellent example of an immersive art exhibit.
These immersive and hands-on experiences are in demand because travellers wish to engage in a unique experience while making their holidays more meaningful. Attend one to learn something new!
AI Travel Assistance
Have you heard of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? This technology has grown in recent years. Also, there’s been a rise in “Techno Boomers” using it to plan their everyday trips and travel itineraries.
For example, the Atlas Travel Assistant is free. This virtual travel assistant creates travel itineraries in a few quick clicks. Perfect if you’ve left your itinerary to the last moment! Also, if you feel overwhelmed with the choice of destinations to visit Atlas can assist. Travelling solo? Once your itinerary is in place Atlas allows you to share it with your friends and family via email so they can see every step of your adventure.
Other AI technology, mathematical and predictive models can assist travellers too. For instance, ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool that can be used to plan travel. Today, you can visit the Expedia or Kayak websites and add the ChatGPT plugin. With the plugin working alongside rental sites like these, you can plan every step of your journey from flights and accommodation to activities.
AI Assistants can help you in an emergency as well. ChatGPT’s unique language model provides an AI-powered assistant with a solution. For instance, type in ‘What can I put on a snake bite to soothe the pain?’ and an in-depth answer will appear. ChatGPT works by being integrated with many external data solutions (from the internet) via plugins. As a result, the information you need is provided in real time.
Travel insurance for travellers who follow travel trends
Which of these travel trends has caught your attention? As us Brits show no signs of travelling less, ensure you and your travelling companions have the freedom to travel, with confidence. Take our innovative travel insurance policy on holiday with you – whatever your age or medical condition/disability.