It's a new year, which means there are some travel trends you might want to be aware of. Some of these trends have been around for a few years and continue to gain traction, while others are newer as we fully enter a post-pandemic world. So, let's explore the top travel trends for 2025.
Exploring Less-Traveled Destinations
With many people having ticked off their bucket list and popular destinations post-COVID, there’s a growing interest in lesser-known places.
Personally, I find this travel trend exciting, as I enjoy discovering locations off the beaten path.
This is a key aspect of what I do with Wander Your Way.
Many of you are now eager to explore destinations that aren't flooded with tourists.
While this may require a bit more research on your part, you can also reach out to a travel professional like me for assistance.
There are numerous spots across Europe that are less frequented, even in well-known countries like France, Italy, Spain, or Iceland ,Slovenia, Greece
I encourage you to seek out these hidden gems for your next (or first) trip to Europe.
Authentic Travel Adventures
One of the key travel trends for 2025 is to make your trips more immersive. What does this entail? It means going beyond merely visiting sites and opting for experiences that promote cultural exchange. Consider activities like cooking classes, where you learn about different cuisines and their significance to the destination you're exploring. Alternatively, you might kayak in a bay, encountering wildlife while hearing tales of pirates and smugglers. This concept is closely related to slow travel, which has been a prominent trend in recent years. Immersive travel truly enables travelers to connect with locals and their culture, surpassing the experience of just ticking a site off a list!
Cool-cations
One of my favorite travel trends for 2025 is the increasing popularity of visiting cooler climates, particularly for summer vacations.
Given the rising temperatures in parts of Europe over recent summers, countries like Norway, Iceland, Finland, Ireland, the UK, Denmark, and the Baltics are experiencing a surge in tourism.
Personally, I’m not a fan of sweltering heat, so I find these cooler destinations particularly appealing.
I must admit, I have a soft spot for Ireland and the UK, especially Scotland.
Additionally, there's a noticeable shift where travelers are opting for shoulder or off-peak seasons in warmer destinations.
This means visiting places like Rome or Seville in October, November, or even January to escape the summer heat.
It seems that cool-cations are here to stay!
Set Jetting
One of the prominent travel trends for 2025 is the phenomenon of "set jetting," where travelers visit locations featured in their favorite films and TV shows.
This trend gained momentum with franchises like Star Wars and Game of Thrones, which sparked interest even before the pandemic. Since then, it has continued to grow significantly.
In Europe, popular shows such as Emily in Paris, Outlander(set in Scotland), and White Lotus (set in Sicily) have inspired many to explore these iconic filming locations.
While this trend tends to attract younger travelers, it’s also appealing to some Gen Xers and Baby Boomers who enjoy revisiting the worlds of their favorite stories.
For instance, Paris has become a must-visit destination thanks to the Netflix series Emily in Paris, drawing fans eager to experience its charm firsthand.
Similarly, Falkland in Scotland serves as a backdrop for the 1940s and 1960s Inverness in Outlander, captivating fans of the series.
Set jetting not only allows travelers to immerse themselves in the landscapes of their beloved shows but also creates a unique connection to the stories and characters they adore.
Natural Phenomena
With the northern lights reaching their peak and the solar eclipse of 2024 approaching, more travelers are setting out to experience these breathtaking natural phenomena.
One stunning example is the bluebell bloom, which paints parts of England in vibrant hues each spring.
Another captivating phenomenon is the midnight sun, experienced in the remote regions of Norway and Sweden, where daylight stretches for hours on end.
Additionally, witnessing bioluminescence along the coasts of Wales, Ireland, or northern Spain creates a magical experience under the night sky.
For those seeking a stellar view, visiting one of Europe’s Dark Sky Parks offers an incredible opportunity to gaze at the stars—and you might even catch a shooting star!
This trend of traveling to witness natural phenomena truly excites me, and I can't wait to see where it leads in 2025!
Solo Travel
Solo travel continues to grow in popularity and has established itself as one of the top travel trends in recent years. This trend shows no signs of slowing down.
For those familiar with me, you know that I’m a solo traveler myself.
We’re witnessing an increasing number of women—especially those over 50—embracing solo adventures. I’ve crossed paths with many female solo travelers on my journeys, and their stories are inspiring.
While solo travel remains predominantly female, we are starting to see more men venturing out on their own as well.
If you’ve ever considered traveling solo but haven’t yet taken the plunge, I encourage you to do so in 2025.
You won’t regret it!
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