In 2025, travel trends are increasingly focused on sustainability, with a growing preference for eco-friendly accommodations and carbon offset initiatives. Euronews, the pan-European television news network based in Lyon, France, highlighted this shift in its Travel Trend Report 2025 Edition, titled “Exploring Differently, Travelling Better.”
According to the report, even with rising living costs and ongoing inflation, travel continues to be a high priority for many consumers. As the world rebounds strongly from the pandemic, there’s a growing effort to transform travel into a more sustainable and people-focused experience. Changing consumer preferences are paving the way for a global travel industry that emphasizes environmental responsibility, community engagement, and technological innovation—aligning more closely with the values of today’s travelers.
Travel in 2025 is set to be defined by more intentional and meaningful experiences. Tourists are shifting from being passive observers to becoming active contributors, engaging in activities such as conservation efforts, community initiatives, and cultural exchange programs that positively impact the destinations they explore.
“Travel products with a strong, sustainable component such as nature, rural, gastronomy and wellness have emerged as popular travel choices.”, emphasised Zurab Pololikashvili,
UN Tourism Secretary-General.
To better address climate change and growing protests against mass tourism, destinations should explore ways to meet the rising consumer demand for purposeful, sustainable, and more mindful travel experiences.
As the industry continues to evolve, destinations must adapt and develop innovative approaches to promote more sustainable and regenerative tourism models.
Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission, stated that younger travelers are unlikely to choose a destination if it harms the climate or lacks a regenerative and responsible approach.
7 travel trends for 2025
According to the report, seven key travel trends are expected to shape the year 2025, including:
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Offbeat alternatives:Uncovering hidden gems. Many travelers prefer to skip crowded tourist spots and instead seek out lesser-known, more affordable destinations that provide comparable experiences. According to Thrillist’s State of Travel 2024 survey, 68% of Gen Z participants value exploring places where they can “discover something new” over visiting well-known landmarks that are widely showcased online.
Set adventures: Exploring famous movie scenes has become a major trend, with blockbuster filming locations fueling tourism growth. Set jetting encourages travelers to visit these iconic film destinations. In fact, a 2024 Expedia survey found that 53% of travelers have researched or booked a trip after discovering a place on screen.
Digital itineraries: Discovering the cutting-edge future of travel. With fast-evolving technology transforming the travel sector, AI is revolutionizing the way travelers plan, book, and enjoy their trips. From AI-driven assistants to customized itineraries, 2025 represents a major advancement toward a tech-savvy travel experience.
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Coolcations: Relaxing in cooler climates is becoming the new trend. While traditional hotpots warm up, travelers are opting for refreshing “coolcations.” These “coolcations” — vacations to colder destinations during typically warm seasons — gained momentum in 2024 and are projected to grow in popularity through 2025. This shift encourages travelers to seek out higher altitudes and northern or southern latitudes, trading sunny beaches for mountain retreats and lakeside resorts.
Purposeful journeys: Travelers today desire more than just beautiful sights—they want to leave a lasting positive impact. With increasing global awareness of environmental and social challenges, they seek to actively participate in restoring and regenerating the places they explore.
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Scenic escapes: Embracing the charm of slow travel by train once again. With more travelers looking for eco-conscious alternatives to air travel, train journeys are making a strong comeback. This trend shows that trains are more than just transportation—they provide picturesque routes, wide panoramic windows, comfortable sleeper cars, and delightful dining options, turning the trip itself into a memorable part of the overall adventure.
Cosmic getaways: Stargazing is becoming increasingly popular, with astro-tourism on the rise. Travelers are seeking out destinations with little to no light pollution to experience breathtaking celestial events and forge a deeper connection with the cosmos.
The future of travel appears exciting and full of potential!
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