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Just when you thought you had your finger on the pulse of 2025’s hottest travel trends—thanks to reports from Globetrender & Virtuoso, and Hilton—here comes another set of predictions to shake things up! Booking.com’s 9 Travel Predictions reveal that travelers are pushing boundaries in surprising ways next year. Whether it’s gazing at the stars, tapping into new wellness extremes, or embarking on “SKI” trips (Spending the Kids’ Inheritance), 2025 promises a bold new era of travel.
Based on a global survey of over 27,135 travelers across 33 countries, these nine predictions paint a vivid picture of how adventure, self-discovery, and family bonding are set to redefine our vacations. Let’s dive in:
1. Noctourism: Starbathing, Anyone?
Ditch the sun and soak up the stars instead. In 2025, 62% of travelers are planning trips to dark-sky destinations for cosmic events, constellation tracking, and, yes, starbathing. As concerns about climate change grow, 54% of travelers are opting for cooler nighttime experiences to avoid the heat of the day. Who needs sunshine when the moon is this magical?
2. Passport to Immortality: Wellness Gets Serious
In 2025, wellness isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about living longer. Sixty percent of travelers are interested in longevity retreats, swapping traditional spa days for cutting-edge treatments like cryotherapy, red light therapy, and even stem cell treatments. With 58% willing to pay for vacations that promise health benefits, wellness has become a serious, long-term investment.
3. AI = Alternative Itineraries: Tailor-Made Tech
AI is set to revolutionize how we travel next year, with two-thirds (66%) of travelers using it to craft personalized, eco-conscious itineraries. From authentic cultural experiences to crowd-free destinations, tech-driven travel is here to stay. And 44% of us are getting a little sneakier—choosing not to tag our favorite hidden gems on social media to keep them from going viral.
4. Multigen Megatrips: SKI-ing Into Family Fun
Instead of leaving their kids an inheritance, baby boomers and the silent generation are opting for SKI trips—Spending the Kids' Inheritance. Nearly half of travelers (46%) are ready to splash out on unforgettable family vacations rather than padding future bank accounts. The result? Multigenerational megatrips funded by the Bank of Mom & Dad, creating lifelong memories together.
5. Boyz II Zen: Wellness Retreats for Men
Men are stepping away from macho “bro-cations” and embracing wellness. In 2025, we’ll see a rise in men-only trips focused on mental health and mindfulness. Nearly half (47%) of travelers say they’re encouraging the men in their lives to prioritize wellness, with women leading the charge—56% of them urging their partners to take time out for self-care.
6. Ageless Adventures: Boomers Go Big
Boomers are shaking off the stereotype of slowing down in retirement. Twenty-three percent of them are embracing adventure, with plans to push their limits on adrenaline-pumping getaways. From skydiving and volcano boarding to wine raving, 2025’s boomers are proving that thrill-seeking is for all ages.
7. Neuroinclusive Navigation: Accessible Travel for All
Travelers with neurodivergent needs are finally getting the spotlight. In 2025, 66% of travelers are calling for more inclusive options—like sensory-friendly airport spaces and AI tools that reduce anxiety by providing real-time updates. The call for more accessible travel is loud and clear, and the industry is starting to catch up.
8. Vintage Voyaging: Thrifting Takes Off
Fast fashion? No thanks. Travelers in 2025 are turning to thrift shops to curate their vacation wardrobes. Over half (51%) of travelers are planning to buy second-hand clothes while abroad, with 73% of them having already done so on past trips. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about making eco-conscious choices and bringing home unique treasures.
9. The Gate Escape: Airports as Destinations
Airports are no longer just a pit stop—they’re part of the adventure. In 2025, more than a third of travelers (34%) say they’ll consider a destination based on its airport experiences. With sleep pods, spas, and even Michelin-star restaurants, airports are turning into mini-vacation spots themselves. Missed your flight? That’s just more time for a massage.
So, what does this mean for hoteliers? Whether it's catering to stargazing enthusiasts, crafting wellness packages that tap into the longevity trend, or creating experiences for multi-generational family trips, seems 2025 is the year to think outside the box. With travelers eager to break free from tradition, the opportunity lies in offering more personalized, tech-driven, and inclusive options.
Survey conducted by Booking.com among 27,135 travelers across 33 countries.