8 Travel Trends Driving Luxury Travel In 2025

The number of luxury experiences continues to grow, from the nearby spa to the culinary experience, which requires some planning. For the discerning consumer, Travel and live events are at the top of the “Maslow’s Pyramid.” They replace food and water. To dig deeper, I asked experts from The Moorings Abercrombie & Kent Mindtrip and Abercrombie & Kent to share their perspectives.

Michelle Denogean is the author and CMO of Mindtrip, an AI travel brand. She stated, “Luxury travellers have different preferences and expectations in planning their trips.” It is important to be able to create personalized itineraries that meet these needs. AI travel tools are essential for those who want to explore independently in 2025. They will help them navigate through the sea of information and find the experiences that they seek.

Trend #1: Accessibility and Emerging Destinations

Destinations that are both novel and accessible to travellers are increasingly popular. This trend is most evident in Northern Morocco and Southern India. Luxury accommodations such as eco-friendly resorts and boutique riads are available for travellers who want to experience something different. These destinations are now easier to reach than ever, thanks to improved connectivity. Direct flights from Newark and Entebbe fly directly to London. As travellers seek to explore beyond the crowded hotspots, areas like the Amazon Rainforest or Northern Europe are also gaining popularity. These lesser-known areas offer a sense of discovery while also displaying pristine natural beauty.

Trend 2 – Cultural and Culinary Immersion

Demand for cultural and gastronomic immersion is driven by the desire to make meaningful connections with a destination. The traveller is no longer satisfied with superficial experiences. They want to explore the history and cuisine of the place they are visiting. This trend is evident in the increase in Michelin-starred restaurants that highlight local flavours. Travellers are attracted to the wine-making tradition and truffle festivals in Tuscany that celebrate this region’s bounty. Abercrombie & Kent meets this demand with itineraries featuring intimate and unique experiences. For instance, guests can learn about the history and culture of the Cochin Royal Family in Southern India. Or, they can wander through the blue-washed street of Chefchaouen, Morocco, which is a photographer’s dream, rich in Berber traditions.

Stefanie Schmude, SVP of Global Product Strategy at Abercrombie & Kent, says, “Today’s travellers are looking for authentic, immersive experiences that connect them with the rich cultural stories and culinary tales of a particular destination. We craft journeys that go beyond sightseeing, allowing guests to meet local artisans, explore hidden gems, and truly engage with the essence of a place.

Trend 3: Adventure meets conservation

Eco-conscious travellers are increasingly choosing itineraries that combine conservation and adventure. The opportunity to see endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda is unparalleled. You can also support the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s conservation efforts. Polar bear sightings in the Arctic also draw attention to the need to protect fragile ecosystems that are affected by climate change. Abercrombie & Kent, at the forefront of the trend, integrates conservation initiatives into their trips to ensure tourism supports local communities while protecting biodiversity for future generations.

Schmidt explained, “Abercrombie & Kent’s commitment to conservation is deep-rooted, rooted in our founder Geoffrey Kent’s vision, who helped create Uganda’s first luxurious property to protect endangered Mountain Gorillas. This legacy continues to this day, with guests able to see these majestic creatures in their native habitat and directly support their preservation via sustainable tourism.

Trend #4: “Coolcations” and Seasonal Shifts

As travellers look for alternatives to traditional summer beach vacations, cooler-climate destinations have become increasingly popular. Northern Europe and Arctic regions are known for their dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Fjord cruises, hiking in the Nordic landscape, and Arctic expeditions are all great ways to experience nature at its most raw. This trend also reflects an increasing interest in seasonal Travel, which coincides with natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun. These add a unique element to vacations.

Trend 5: Private Jet Travel is Growing in Popularity

Ann Epting is Senior Vice President of Private Jet and Special Interest Travel at Abercrombie & Kent. She says, “Travelers want seamless, personalized, and time-efficient experiences. Private jet travel has become increasingly attractive.” It provides an unmatched level of comfort and accessibility, allowing guests the freedom to travel according to their schedules and preferences.

Trend 6 – Slow Travel

According to Conde Nast Traveler’s definition, slow Travel is “an intentional movement toward more mindful and environmentally responsible modes of transportation that are less convenient.” Slow Travel is about letting go of our built-in obsession with time so we can enjoy the moment. It is a way to stop and disconnect.

Bjorn Bender is the President & CEO at Rail Europe. He spoke about slow Travel during the Phocuswright Conference. Rail Europe is a one-stop shop for train travel. We provide access to more than 200 train providers in Europe. It allows travellers to plan and book their trips from A to B and beyond. We understand that Today’s travellers are looking for more than just convenience. They also want meaningful experiences. “We empower people to focus on the things that really matter–making memories and having fun while also connecting with Europe’s unique culture.”

Blue Mind

The term “Blue Mind” was coined in the 1970s by Wallace J. Nichols. It describes how being near or on water can have a positive effect on mental health and well-being. Nichols, in his book Blue Mind – The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, describes how just being near water has a positive physiological impact on people, allowing them to achieve a near-meditative condition.

Ian Pedersen is Senior Marketing Manager at The Moorings. The company is a global leader in yacht charter and offers small groups the chance to experience life on the water.

Pedersen added, “This isn’t even a cruise. It is a private yacht for you, your family, and friends. This creates a flexible and immersive environment that allows our guests experience more of the destination they choose than a traditional vacation.”

Trend 8 – Grand Gatherings

Grand Gatherings are a relatively new trend. People travel together in smaller, private groups, which could be extended family or multigenerational groups. It’s all about connecting and spending meaningful time with people you love in a way that goes beyond your immediate family.

“When you examine how travel brands advertise, the most popular images depict people alone or in isolation, usually outdoors and on a beach. This is not the “dream vacation” anymore. Sammy Malave Jr. is the Creative Insights manager at Getty Images. He said that after the pandemic of isolation, people are more interested in togetherness than ever. This extends to Travel. While ‘getting out of it all’ was always a goal of Travel, Today, we see a new escapism that is focused on experiences that bring a feeling of community and social nourishment. Brands that tap into this desire will build more authentic relationships with travellers.

The experience economy means that you don’t need to own a yacht or be a multi-millionaire to enjoy life on the sea. The Moorings and other yacht charter companies offer small groups the chance to experience life at sea.

We often talk about “luxury” and what it means. Luxury is, in this case, the absence of noise and hustle. We aspire for a complete disconnection. It’s the ability to have fun without having anything. It is the feeling that you have more “space and time”, which can be a valuable commodity for discerning consumers.

The Rise of Luxury Travel

Grand View Research’s online data suggests that the luxury market is expected to grow by 7.9% CAGR annually. Given its value of over $1.4 trillion, this CAGR is likely to attract new interest.

Mike Landry is a Tumi executive who says that “Thanksgiving, 2024, saw a daily TSA screening record broken. Upmarket cruises report unprecedented bookings in advance. Marriott announced recently that it has 260 luxury properties under development, a roughly 50% increase over its current portfolio. “Every metric, including the high-interest Tumi’s premium collection, has received tells us that luxury travel is back”.