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In case you missed the predictions from Globetrender & Virtuoso, Hilton and Booking.com, now Expedia Group revealed Unpack '25, their annual forecast that dives into the hottest trends set to shape travel next year. By analyzing insights from 25,000 travelers, combined with a treasure trove of first-party data, Expedia unveiled eight key trends guaranteed to spark wanderlust for 2025.
As Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, noted, “Expedia Group continuously works to blend technology with travel, making journeys simpler and more enjoyable. From this year’s trends, I’m eager to book a One-Click Trip and visit some Detour Destinations for my next vacation.”
Here’s a look at the top 8 trends that will define travel in 2025, as well as how hotels can capitalize on this year’s transformative ideas.
Detour Destinations: Off the Beaten Path is In
Forget crowded hotspots. In 2025, travelers will be taking a turn towards nearby but lesser-known gems—Detour Destinations. More than 60% of travelers expressed interest in visiting these charming alternatives to the big-name cities. For example, Reims, France (a detour from Paris) and Cozumel, Mexico (a detour from Cancun) are emerging as favorites. These side trips offer a more authentic experience with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace. Hotels near major tourist destinations might consider emphasizing their proximity to these hidden treasures when marketing to potential guests.
Expedia compiled the 10 trending Detour Destinations for 2025 based on increase in flight searches:
Reims, France (detour from Paris)
Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan)
Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancun)
Santa Barbara, California, USA (detour from Los Angeles)
Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland)
Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona)
Fukuoka, Japan (detour from Tokyo)
Abu Dhabi, UAE (detour from Dubai)
Krabi, Thailand (detour from Phuket)
Canmore, Alberta, Canada (detour from Calgary)
Goods Getaways: Travel Inspired by TikTok Treasures
TikTok is doing more than showing us viral dances—it's inspiring an entire travel movement around unique goods. Welcome to the “Goods Getaways” era, where travelers are embarking on trips to seek out famous products they’ve discovered online. Whether it's French butter, Japanese candy, or Korean skincare, almost half of travelers are on the lookout for local treasures they can’t find at home. Hotels with gift shops or connections to local artisans may want to curate special offerings or exclusive goods tours to tap into this trend.
The All-Inclusive Era: Gen Z Redefines Stress-Free Travel
All-inclusive resorts are no longer just for families or honeymooners—Gen Z is embracing them as a way to enjoy hassle-free travel. With minimal stress and ease of booking as their top reasons, Gen Zers are increasingly choosing all-inclusive stays for the ultimate in convenience and luxury. For hoteliers, this is the perfect time to update all-inclusive packages with more personalized, luxurious touches to appeal to the Gen Z market’s growing appetite for high-end, yet stress-free, vacations.
The Hotel Restaurant Renaissance: Dining Drives Bookings
Forget simply booking a room—travelers are booking their next meal. Hotels.com is seeing a surge in the importance of hotel dining experiences. Positive reviews about hotel restaurants have spiked 40%, with Michelin-starred chefs and exclusive menus enticing guests. A third of travelers say that exclusive room service menus from famous hotel restaurants would make them more likely to book a stay. Hotels should seize this opportunity by spotlighting their culinary experiences and creating exclusive, in-room dining options.
JOMO Travel: Embrace the Joy of Missing Out
While FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) has dominated travel trends, 2025 will see the rise of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Travelers are opting for vacations that allow them to disconnect and recharge, choosing remote beach houses or secluded cabins to escape the chaos of daily life. Hoteliers in serene, nature-rich locations can tap into this by promoting the relaxing, stress-reducing benefits of their properties, with a focus on amenities like hot tubs, pools, and tranquil gardens.
The Phenomena-List: Nature’s Wonders Beckon
Travelers are increasingly motivated by the chance to witness natural phenomena firsthand. From the Northern Lights to synchronized fireflies in Tennessee, people are making plans to catch these rare, awe-inspiring events. Eighty percent of travelers are looking for accommodations that offer front-row seats to nature’s spectacles. Hotels near these prime locations can spotlight proximity to these phenomena and cater to eco-tourists looking for a unique experience.
Set-Jetting: TV and Film Continue to Inspire Travel
For another year, set-jetting—travel inspired by TV and movies—remains on the rise. With nearly two-thirds of travelers using films and series as inspiration, locations from shows like White Lotus and Emily in Paris continue to drive bookings.
For the second year, Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo compiled the Set-Jetting Forecast to reveal what entertainment-inspired destinations travelers will head to in 2025.
Dubai inspired by “The Real Housewives of Dubai”
Montana and Wyoming inspired by “Yellowstone”
New York City inspired by “And Just Like That…”
Cape Town inspired by “One Piece”
Scotland inspired by “The Traitors”
One-Click Trips: Social Media Meets Seamless Booking
Half of consumers report they’ve been inspired to book a trip after seeing it on social media, but the complexity of booking often holds them back. Enter One-Click Trips—Expedia’s latest innovation. These shoppable travel storefronts allow users to book an entire trip with just a click, eliminating the time-consuming task of piecing together every part of the journey. Hotels should consider integrating their properties into these travel shops, making it easier for the social media generation to book their dream getaway instantly.
As the 2025 travel landscape takes shape, it will be interesting to see which of these predictions come true! And, ICYMI, find links to predictions from Globetrender & Virtuoso, Hilton and Booking.com.