This year’s holiday plans will be shaped by weather conditions, food and beverage experiences, and cultural and artistic events. The leading travel trends of 2025 include coolcations, solo travel, and gastronomy tours.
The old approach of “Let’s go wherever is popular” is fading away. Instead of certain destinations gaining widespread popularity, travel planning will be driven by more personal preferences. Gastronomy tourism will take center stage, with travelers choosing destinations based on their culinary tastes. Meanwhile, culture and arts enthusiasts will plan trips around major events, heading to cities where their favorite artists perform.
Weather will be another key factor in travel decisions. Concern over extreme heat caused by global warming is fueling the rise of the “coolcation” trend, prompting travelers to seek out cooler destinations for their vacations.
Travel Trends for 2025
Journey into the Unknown
Research, particularly online searches, indicates a growing interest in undiscovered and hidden destinations. While travelers once preferred familiar and comfortable places, 2025 will see a shift toward longer trips to new and even unheard-of locations.
In this period of heightened curiosity and discovery, “must-see places before you die” lists are gaining even more attention, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Interest in exploring the countries and cultures of Asia, South America, Northern Europe, and Africa is on the rise, giving the word “authentic” a deeper meaning. Another driving force behind this trend is the desire to escape overtourism. Rather than taking a classic vacation in crowded destinations like Bali, Italy, and Spain, travelers are opting for quieter, more exploratory experiences in lesser-known, less populated cities and countries.
Some Like It Cold
In the past, vacation meant heading somewhere warm—going to the sea, lounging under the sun, and soaking up the heat. Now, that picture is changing. Rising global temperatures and related health concerns are leading travelers to seek cooler destinations.
Vacation options in polar regions, Northern Lights tours, and Antarctica cruises are on the rise and expected to be among the most talked-about travel experiences of 2025. The “coolcation” trend will continue to dominate this year, with travel agencies reporting that fall tours to Norway and Finland are already fully booked, while Antarctica cruises top the list of sought-after trips.
Solo Travel
Solo expeditions are emerging as one of the key travel trends for 2025, particularly among women. According to an American Express study, 64% of travelers journeyed alone in 2024, and this number is expected to rise further in 2025. The appeal lies in flexibility, freedom of movement, and the opportunity for personal growth and courage-building experiences.
The ability to create one’s own itinerary, change plans spontaneously, and explore new routes without being tied to a group is a major factor shaping tourism trends. While tropical island destinations like the Maldives and Seychelles lead in solo travel, safe European cities also hold a prominent place on the list of preferred destinations for independent travelers.
The Pursuit of Good Food
Who wouldn’t want to indulge in delicious food and unique drinks while on vacation? Eating and drinking are essential parts of our lives, and enjoying great food is often one of the top priorities when traveling. Research shows that in 2025, nearly 35% of travelers will plan their trips around culinary experiences. Additionally, online searches for “best cities to eat in” have surged by 250%.
Food has always been a key element of cultural identity, and in 2025, travelers will increasingly use it as a gateway to more authentic experiences.
Exploring local cuisine, discovering street food, visiting markets, joining food tours, and learning about culinary traditions will take on even greater significance. Travelers in search of gastronomic satisfaction and authentic flavors are expected to turn to destinations such as Morocco, Jordan, Greece, Italy, France, Turkey, Japan, Ethiopia, and Thailand.
For the Love of Music
In 2025, major concerts, festivals, and art fairs around the world will be among the top reasons to travel. This trend has been gaining momentum for some time—Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, for instance, was so popular that fans spent much of 2024 traveling just to attend her performances. A similar pattern is expected this year.
With growing travel budgets, the idea of combining vacations with cultural events—such as concerts, exhibitions, and art fairs—is becoming increasingly appealing. Highlights for 2025 include Billie Eilish’s tour kickoff in Edinburgh, Robbie Williams’ and Guns N’ Roses’ concerts in Istanbul, and the iconic Burning Man festival. Meanwhile, art lovers can look forward to the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, Art Basel, and Frieze London—all standout events that seamlessly blend art and travel.
