The Top Travel Trends of 2025

In the era of constant connectivity and fast-paced lifestyles, the concept of "slow travel" is becoming increasingly popular. This trend is all about quality over quantity, with people opting for longer stays in fewer destinations. The Skift Research's 2025 Travel Outlook report indicates a staggering 24% rise in the number of trips people are planning for the year, with long leisure vacations emerging as the most popular travel style.

Why the shift? It's simple: travellers are realising it requires time to truly experience your destination. Julia Carter, founder of luxury travel agency Craft Travel, notes, "Travellers are moving past the obsession with snapping photos at overcrowded tourist attractions or famous hotels just to prove they've been there. Instead, they are increasingly aware that a destination truly comes alive when they take the time to savour it.”

The preference towards longer trips has also jumped in popularity with the rise of hybrid work, as digital nomads are finding creative ways to blend work and leisure, turning two days of annual leave into five day holidays and sneaking in meetings while on the road. Who doesn’t love an admin catch-up while on the beach?

Emerging as a major travel trend in 2025, ‘destination dupes’ offer budget-conscious travellers alternative destinations with similar vibes and attractions to the more popular ones, but at a fraction of the cost. As everyone wants to be the first to discover the latest ‘hidden gem’, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are inspiring a new generation of tourists to seek out that perfect photo opportunity at the lesser-known locations.

Some popular destination dupes include:

Budapest instead of Paris

If you’re dreaming of Paris but want to skip the sky-high prices and overwhelming crowds, Budapest is the perfect alternative. With its grand architecture, charming cafés, and a romantic atmosphere, you can stroll across the Chain Bridge at sunset, soak in historic thermal baths, or sip wine in a Belle Époque café just like you would in Paris, but for less!

Faroe Islands instead of Iceland

Craving something a little less crowded and more off-the-radar? The Faroe Islands might just be the perfect alternative. With dramatic cliffs, misty fjords, and waterfalls that tumble straight into the ocean, this North Atlantic gem delivers all the raw, untamed beauty of its more famous neighbour without the tourist throngs. With a rich Nordic culture, incredible seafood, and a peaceful vibe, you'll feel like you've stumbled upon a secret.

Curaçao instead of St Martin

Curaçao is the perfect dupe to experience the stunning beaches and vibrant culture of St. Martin without the crowds (and hurricane season worries). This Dutch Caribbean gem has the same crystal-clear waters, colourful architecture, and European-meets-island vibe, without the hefty price tag or packed resorts. Curaçao sits outside the hurricane belt, meaning year-round sunshine and stress-free travel.

Taking quick day trips to European cities is gaining popularity among UK travellers, offering a taste of international travel without the need for extended time off or significant expense. As well as offering convenience, you can enjoy all the benefits of exploring new places while looking forward to returning to your own bed at the end of the day. This means big savings on hotel stays and more budget for sightseeing!

Popular destinations for day trips from the UK include:

- Brussels, Belgium

- Colmar, France

- Amsterdam, Netherlands

These day trips often involve early starts (if you want to make the most out of your day), allowing you to explore key sights, enjoy local cuisine, and even maybe catch a sunset before returning home.

In 2025, solo travel is not just a trend, it’s a full-blown movement. More people than ever are embracing the freedom and self-discovery that comes with exploring the world on their own terms. A whopping 69% of travellers are planning to embark on solo adventures this year. But this surge isn't just a fleeting fancy, it's part of a decade-long trend that's seen Google searches for "solo travel" explode by 223%, influenced by the likes of ‘Eat, Love, Pray’ and more.

But who are these solo explorers, typically? While solo travel appeals to all ages, it's the younger generations leading the charge. A typical solo traveller is under 31, with the 18-24 and 25-30 age groups making up the majority. And ladies, take note: women are dominating the solo travel scene, accounting for an impressive 84% of all solo travellers. For many, it’s all about seizing the moment and not waiting for others to join in on the adventure. In fact, 74% of solo travellers hit the road because they want to see the world on their own schedule. Searching for freedom, independence, and doing what you want, when you want.

It comes as no surprise that Australia takes the crown as the top international destination for solo travellers. But don't worry if you're not ready for a long-haul flight, domestic trips are equally popular, with nature-rich destinations like Alaska and Yellowstone topping many lists (no prizes for guessing where the inspiration for this one comes from).

Travelling for wellness is evolving beyond just escaping to a sunny location to read and relax. Offering experiences that nourish both body and soul, wellness retreats are pushing the boundaries of self-care, combining cutting-edge therapies with ancient wisdom to create truly holistic experiences.

What's more, wellness retreats in destinations such as Portugal (Six Senses Douro Valley) and Chile (Awasi Patagonia) are embracing zero-waste principles, with plastic-free products and reusable items becoming the norm. These eco-friendly havens are not only good for your wellbeing but also for the planet, allowing you to indulge in guilt-free pampering.

Similarly, a digital detox is high on many people’s self-care list. A wellness retreat will most likely encourage guests to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with themselves. Imagine a week without notifications, where your only focus is on mindfulness, nature, and personal growth. It's the ultimate reset button for your mental health.

If you’re looking to amp up your wellness rituals while travelling, why not read our blog about How To Make 2025 Your Year of (Travel) Wellness?

As global temperatures continue to rise, travellers are ditching traditional sun-soaked destinations for a refreshing alternative: “coolcationing”. This travel trend is all about seeking out destinations with moderate, cooler climates that offer a welcome escape from scorching summer heat.

So what exactly does coolcationing mean? Well, it’s more than just a travel fad, it's a conscious choice to explore destinations with temperate climates, typically in regions like Scandinavia, Canada, and high-altitude mountain retreats. The trend emerged in late 2023 and has quickly gained momentum, with a Virtuoso survey revealing that 82% of luxury travel clients are interested in coolcations.

With 2024 starting as another record-warm year (did we feel it in the UK?), travellers are seeking relief from extreme temperatures. If you’re a lover of cosying up by the fire or would choose snowcapped mountains over white sandy beaches, destinations like Iceland, Norway, and Scotland offer a breath of fresh air - literally! But it’s not just about avoiding the heat. Some coolcation destinations promise extraordinary adventures that traditional summer trips can't match. Think midnight sun in Scandinavia, glacier hiking in Patagonia, or exploring the serene landscapes of Banff. Similarly, Reykjavik in Iceland is a popular gateway to natural wonders with geothermal spas and the stunning Golden Circle.

As we embrace these trends, we're not just changing how we travel, we're transforming how we understand and interact with the world around us. So, as you plan your next adventure, remember: the journey is just as important as the destination, and sometimes, the most memorable experiences are found in the most unexpected places.