The Top Travel Trends For 2025

The travel landscape is changing dramatically as we approach 2025. These emerging trends, driven by innovation, sustainability, and changing traveller preferences, offer a glimpse of the future of tourism. Whether they are about escaping over-tourism, seeking cultural immersion, or even embracing solo travel, these trends show a move towards more impactful and intentional travel experiences. The Women’s Journal takes a look at all the travel trends that will shape 2025 and beyond.

Social Media Influencing Travel Trends

According to a recent report by the Advantage Travel Partnership, 38% of Gen Z travellers look for travel inspiration on TikTok or Instagram. StudentUniverse’s 2024 State of Student & Youth Travel Report revealed that 70% of 4,000 surveyed international students use TikTok to plan their trips.

Gary Clark, Academy Director and owner of a gap year travel company commented on the report: “It is great to see technology having such a positive impact on younger travellers.” These social media platforms, which are based on community, bring together travel enthusiasts around the globe and give them a place to share their ideas and insights in a more personal way.

It’s well known that Gen Z prefers authentic and unique experiences to opulence, and they also consider sustainability. These platforms are great for generating new ideas and shaping travel trends, with an emphasis on immersive and mindful experiences.

Social media has a huge influence on travel trends. Gen Z is paving the path for authentic, conscious, and meaningful travel experiences that blend technology with their desire for unique adventures. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and others that focus on building communities can motivate and inspire travellers to travel the less-travelled road.

Travel Trends 2025

The Anti-Tourism Trend

In 2024, mass tourism’s negative effects will reach a fever pitch. The Lemongrass Annual Travel Trend Report 2025 states that this is not the result of bad tourism but rather poorly managed and planned tourism, even in areas heavily dependent on tourism.

The destinations have devised many solutions. In Barcelona, the local authorities removed an entire bus route from Google Maps to prevent tourists from boarding. In the Balearic Islands of Spain, tourists are now subject to alcohol restrictions. Venetian daytrippers are required to pay a fee. A massive barrier has now blocked a perfect view of Mt. Fuji1, trying to prevent overcrowding.

There is a chance to educate and promote awareness among travellers on the relationship between sustainability and over-tourism, along with government regulation and planning. Copenhagen is doing this by offering free kayak tours to tourists who adopt climate-friendly behaviours like cycling and taking public transport. It is similar to The Palau Pledge, which asks travellers to commit themselves to eco-responsible behaviours. This response to over-tourism acknowledges the positive impacts of tourism by empowering travellers.

Holly Tuppen, Sustainable Travel Expert and Travel Expert at the University of California, Berkeley, spoke about the antitourism trend. She said, “The devastating consequences of unregulated, irresponsible, and uncontrolled tourism development on people and the environment are nothing new. But several factors have made more authorities and locals take notice.”

Airbnb and other low-cost rental options have manipulated local economies to the point that locals are forced out of their towns, villages, and cities because of inflated housing prices. Due to the congestion of roads and the burden on infrastructure, the cost of tourism is now greater than the benefits for many locals.

Unregulated tourism also puts additional pressure on the environment and resources, both of which are already being squeezed by the climate crisis. We hope that the tourism industry will move quickly towards more stringent regulation, collaboration and the adoption of holistic sustainability, both socially and environmentally, to maintain its positive reputation.

Sustainable Travel

The importance of sustainability has reshaped travel. Travellers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint as they become more aware of the impact tourism has on the environment. Copenhagen, for example, offers free kayak tours to encourage eco-friendly behaviour. Other campaigns, such as the Palau Pledge, also ask visitors to commit themselves to environmentally responsible practices.

Travellers are now more interested in nature-friendly experiences such as agritourism, rewilding, and other projects that support biodiversity and local communities. Destinations that adopt eco-conscious practices will thrive as sustainability becomes the risk manager in the tourism industry.

People are reluctant to sacrifice the comforts that they have come to expect when they travel, even as they become more environmentally conscious. In recent years, many new luxurious accommodations and boutique properties have been constructed using eco-conscious design principles. The focus has been on waste reduction, water conservation and plastic elimination. But can luxury properties be truly sustainable?

Kelly Forbes, founder of A’ARU Collective, said, “Achieving sustainable luxury hospitality begins with a shift in mindset: When we stop viewing it as a downgrade or compromise and instead start recognizing that it adds value through authenticity, innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking. Only then will hoteliers elevate luxury and ensure their properties remain sustainable. Sustainability will be a priority for the next generation of luxury travellers, so it is important to embrace this mindset now.

“We are beginning to see a shift in the market, but getting it right can be challenging. To balance high expectations, eco-friendly practices, and social impact, it takes creativity, financial commitment, and a genuine commitment to reimagine luxury in a manner that is both environmentally and sociologically responsible. Adopting a circular, inclusive approach is key to achieving this. It benefits the environment and the community.

Frontier Travel

The travel industry is increasingly attracted to undiscovered and remote destinations. Frontier tourism is a way to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, from Pakistan’s Hunza Valley to the pristine landscapes in Tajikistan. These experiences offer not only unique adventures but also help to support the economic growth of underserved local communities.

This trend does raise ethical questions about the environmental impact. Increased visitor traffic in Antarctica threatens fragile ecosystems. Responsible tourism operators emphasize sustainable practices to provide long-term benefits for travellers and host communities.

Gen Z travellers, particularly those who are looking for novelty, often prefer the untouched and unexplored. According to the Advantage report, 29% of Gen Z travellers want to visit lesser-known locations to avoid crowds and explore.

Social media allows you to discover unique experiences, but only if you are willing to research them. Interest in less-known city breaks such as Porto or Copenhagen has risen.

Female Solo Travel

Women’s solo travel is becoming more popular. Female solo travellers explore destinations independently, empowered by safe travel options and a supportive community.

Cruise lines and tour operators tailor experiences for solo travellers. They offer dedicated cabins and group trips, which provide safety and flexibility. Women share their stories and tips on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to foster a community.

The Rise of Destination Dupes

Many travellers choose alternative destinations to avoid the crowds of popular hotspots. Consider Ljubljana instead of Venice. Perth or Paros can replace Sydney with Santorini. These “destination duplicates” offer budget-friendly, less-crowded alternatives that will change the way you plan your travel.

These hidden gems are gaining in popularity, thanks to platforms such as TikTok or Instagram. France, for example, is actively promoting less-known regions in order to spread tourism across the country.

Alternative destinations and ‘destination dupes,’ which are often considered hidden gems, can also offer potential savings. Consider swapping Santorini with Paros or Sydney for Perth. Or London for Liverpool. When booking on Expedia, you can see the ‘dupe badge’ to find out more about dupe destinations.

Inter-railing and train expeditions are on the Rise

The train is a great way to travel the world in an environmentally friendly and immersive manner. The Indian Pacific or Canadian routes in Australia allow travellers to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and cultural changes at a slower pace.

Thanks to improvements in rail infrastructure and technology, train travel is becoming more efficient and accessible. Train travel is also becoming more popular among environmentally conscious travellers because it emits significantly less carbon dioxide than flying.

Inter-railing was once the most popular Adventure for gap-year travellers in the 90s. It’s back, and it is a hit with young people. Train travel is a great way to get to know locals and experience the culture of different places. This is a journey that allows you to experience the daily life of many other areas. Inter-railing has become a popular way to travel. It is unique and enriching.

Travel trends are not an exception. Just like many 90s trends, Gen Zs are reviving them. Recent research by the Advantage Travel Partnership shows that 46% of Gen Zs not only travel more often but also choose more eco-friendly modes of transportation. Trains are their preferred mode of transport. In addition, 34% are benefiting from faster and more reliable train services.

The rail industry offers a wide range of eco-friendly and unique travel options for Gen Z.

Local Culture Inclusion

The Advantage survey revealed another trend among Gen Z travellers: culturally enriching activities. Forty-three per cent of consumers surveyed echo this desire, and 31% are looking for opportunities to learn more about their destination. Destination deep dives embrace cultural immersion, unlike carefully curated tourist attractions and packaged holidays, which offer a glossed-over version of a destination.

In order to gain a more authentic experience and feel a closer connection with the destination, 25% of survey respondents expressed an interest in community-based tourism. It can be as simple as staying with a local community and learning about their culture or heritage, or it could involve joining a travel experience that is centred around the community, such as a gap-year ski season in the mountains or volunteering in Africa. These experiences are not for everyone, but Gen Z travellers will benefit from them. They can enhance their cultural awareness, acceptance of the world and openness to it.

Learning about another culture has a profound impact on travellers’ eco-consciousness. According to the survey, 22% of respondents are looking for travel destinations with a positive impact on people, places, and the planet. They want to leave a lasting impression and support local well-being.

Grounding Getaways

It is not new to want to connect with nature, but the ‘grounding trend’ is growing. This is where a physical connection to the earth is encouraged to promote wellbeing. Grounding activities such as barefoot walks and river immersion are offered by wellness resorts to help travellers relax and rejuvenate.

Destinations such as Germany’s Black Forest even have barefoot paths, which allow visitors to explore nature in a tactile way. This trend is part of a broader wellness tourism movement that emphasizes holistic health and a connection with the environment.

Ethical Travel

Transformative travel now includes ethical considerations. Travellers seek experiences that will allow them to contribute to the local community and learn. Volunteering, cultural exchanges and sustainable retreats have become more popular.

Brands which support local economies and prioritize authenticity are growing in popularity. These experiences enrich travellers and have a positive effect on the host destination, encouraging mutual growth and understanding.

Travellers seek transformative experiences from brands that care about the environment and communities where they operate and authentically reflect this. 79% of Millennials, and Gen Z in particular, said that the quality of the experience was more important than price.

Rainforest Expeditions’ Sales and Marketing Manager, Rocio Güzman, said that Rainforest Expeditions had seen a rise in the number of travellers who travel with a purpose. Our travellers are interested in the wildlife and conservation efforts of the area.

“For us every detail of this experience has to be in line with the sustainable development and preservation of the Amazon rainforests and its people.” Travellers today are no longer tourists but rather experience seekers who want to leave a positive impression on the places they visit.

Micro and Macro Travel

Micro and macro travel are two trends that will define travel in 2025. Micro travel is a short, intense trip designed to maximize limited time. It’s often aimed at budget-conscious travellers.

Macro travel, on the other hand, is characterized by extended stays and is driven by remote work’s flexibility. Slow travel and long-term sabbaticals are popular with those who want to develop a deeper connection with their destination. Both trends show how modern travel can be tailored to suit individual preferences and needs.

Google Trends shows that searches for “best short vacations” have increased by 100% in the last year. Most likely due to an increase in the cost of living, people are now taking less annual leave, usually five days, to travel. They try to squeeze as much into those five days as they can.

Slow Adventure may not be a reality for microtourists, but it is for macro-tourists. According to the Lemongrass Annual Travel Trend Report 2025, macro-travellers ‘go big’ by staying in one or more destinations for long periods. These holidays could be part of an extended gap year, a sabbatical in midlife, or a second honeymoon.