Travel Trends In 2025  

 It might feel like the only aspects that change about travel are the trending destinations – Albania and Turkey’s recent uptick being a great example. But that obscures the fact that as society develops, we’re also changing our travel habits.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a huge rise in solo travel, flight-free travel and ‘bleisure’ travel that mixes business with pleasure. What’s next to come? From rising interest in night time tourism to more spontaneity, we’ve consulted our crystal ball to work out the direction of travel. Here’s what to expect in 2025 and beyond.

Noctourism is now a thing

While daytime activities are often the big attraction, there’s a new star of the show: growing number of holiday makers interested in what nature at night time has to offer too. In cities, we’re talking about travellers avoiding the crowds by visiting museums and galleries in extended evening hours, or checking out big tourist hotspots like Times Square in New York the Harajuku area of Tokyo under the neon lights of the evening.

In rural areas, it’s about seeing nature change outdoors. The Northern Lights have been the obvious example, and the fact the lights are at their seven-year peak right now has spurred on this trend. But there’s growing competition. Dark Sky Zones allow us to stargaze in prime conditions, or try snorkelling or scuba diving in areas to see fish and creatures that don’t come out by day. Similarly, in rainforests at night you’ll find daytime animals and birds slumber, while a whole new contingent come out to play.

Men-only trips

‘Lads holidays’ used to be all the rage. And while stag parties continue as ever, the raucous trips of yore have now changed shape entirely – aided, no doubt, by the decline of drinking in younger generations. So just as female-only trips have helped to bond women, so men-only trips have now come to the fore, focusing on self-development and experience-based bonding time.

Adventure holidays for an older generation

According to booking.com, in one year alone, there’s been a doubling in baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 ­– interested in pulse-racing activities like skydiving, mountain trekking and canoeing. That suggests the high-octane holidays we associate with younger people are more likely to be enjoyed by a wider breadth of people. Whether it’s trekking the Inca Trail in Peru, or hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, forget the stereotypes you might have about age limits on holidays.

A rise in ‘soft travel’

We don’t mean slow travel ­– the art of spending a longer time enjoying both the destination and the journey. Instead, ‘soft travel’ is all about travelling gently, with simplicity and spontaneity at the fore. Forget about meticulously filtering TripAdvisor before picking a restaurant, or keeping your nose in your phone to get directions from Google Maps. Instead, the Hilton Trends Report suggests more of us are diving deeper into our chosen destinations, and going on instinct and chance instead. Soft travel encourages following your nose and enjoying the experience, even if that means missing out on the most Instagrammable attractions.

What’s behind this trend? It’s largely thanks to our busy working lives – who needs targets, checklists and efficiency while abroad. It’s also to do with veering away from the busiest spots, and about acceptance when things don’t work out as expected – which is almost inevitable in a holiday!

Winter weather

In the UK, summer has traditionally been the peak season for travel abroad. But travel association ABTA have seen a noticeable trend where winter holidays are increasing. Yes, the Northern Lights being at their peak has had an impact. But there’s also been an extra interest in other winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding, winter spa breaks and Christmas market breaks. It’s not only caused by more holidaymakers leaning into snowy scenery and indulgent cosy holidays. It helps that many trips are often cheaper in the winter months – but just as memorable as a summer break.

Wherever you plan on heading in 2025 make sure to protect your trip with Switched On Travel Insurance. Find out more about our feature packed cover by visiting the travel insurance page of our website.