Travel Trends for 2025: Solo Trips, Active Adventures and More
Five trends highlighting how upscale globetrotters are establishing their travel-sphere for 2025.
1. Ice-olated Escapes: The “coolcation” trend shows no signs of slowing down, as more travelers request cold-weather destinations to escape and avoid crowds. Antarctica, with its expanding cruise options and pristine, icy landscapes, has surged in popularity, climbing from fifth place last year to second among the top destinations to watch. Norway and Iceland also rank in the top five, reemphasizing the trend toward northern European countries.
2. Sailing Solo: Travelers seeking freedom and flexibility have no hesitation going it alone, and cruising is proving to be a key trend amongst the solo set, with expedition, ocean and river cruises ranking among the top travel experiences for the coming year. Promoting personal growth and self-reliance, solo cruising allows individuals to navigate new adventures at their own pace, while also enjoying camaraderie with other passengers if desired.
3. Born to be Mild: Adventure and Wellness continue to be significant motivators, but in 2025, upscale travelers will pursue a harmonious balance of exhilaration and relaxation. While some venture to the extreme frontiers of Antarctica and Alaska, others are drawn to destinations like Morocco, Costa Rica and Bhutan, where physical activity meets holistic wellness practices.
4. You Tell Me Travel: Rather than sticking to well-worn bucket lists, travelers are finding new inspiration in documentaries, books, beloved films and recommendations from friends and family. Nothing rivals the expertise of travel advisors, who report their clients are now reaching out to ask, “Where to next?”.
5. Palate and Place: Culinary experiences have become a crucial element of luxury travel, and globetrotters are prioritizing gastronomic discoveries that showcase the authentic local flavors and unique traditions of the places they visit. High-end visitors want meals that go beyond traditional dining.
Read: Food Tours, hidden markets and one-of-a-kind eateries, like the best food trucks and street vendors.
Some places to consider for your 2025 adventure: Portugal has risen to top the list of destinations on the rise after finishing fourth last year. Well-known for providing great value, its appeal has broadened thanks to its mild climate, flavorful cuisine, and stunning scenery, particularly in the Azores.
Meanwhile, classic favorites – Italy, France and Greece – continue to dominate as top international destinations.
Paris holds steady as the preferred city, but Tokyo’s momentum has carried it into this year’s top five. Japan was also named a favorite among families, offering unique cultural experiences like ryokan stays and tea ceremonies, alongside family-friendly attractions such as the upcoming Universal Expo and the Studio Ghibli Museum.
Croatia remains popular, with Dubrovnik still drawing crowds, but there’s growing interest in lesser-known spots like inland Istria, especially among gourmet enthusiasts who are looking to go beyond the obvious to enjoy truffle hunting and wine-tasting.
Top Travel Trends Destinations on the Rise
1. Family travel (immediate family)
2. Celebration travel
3. Multigenerational family travel
4. Adventure cruising
5. Active travel
Top Travel Destinations to Discover
1. Portugal
2. Africa
3. Iceland
4. Norway
5. Morocco
Top Global Destinations
1. Italy
2. Greece
3. Africa
4. Japan
5. Croatia
Top Cities
1. Paris
2. Barcelona
3. Rome
4. Athens
5. Tokyo
Thinking of your favorite activities and sights to experience on your next trip? Contact Donna Salerno Travel today, to begin planning your journey of a lifetime!
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