If you’re dreaming of a Hot Euro Summer in 2025, you might wanna take a look at this list of new travel trends that are about to pop up. There’s a few other trips that are set to become super popular now that people are using AI to help craft the perfect itinerary, or chasing dark-sky destinations. So before you lock in Europe (once again), let’s take a look at what else is set to take off.
Booking.com surveyed over 27,000 travellers around the world — including 1,000 Aussies — and found that people are desperate for unique and new experiences. Sign me up!
1. Noctourism
As someone who obsessively checked the moon phase, rise and set times before an astrophotography trip to Warrumbungle in NSW, I totally get the hype around a dark-sky trip. Nearly two-thirds of Aussies are contemplating trips where the highlight happens at night: places with star bathing experiences, star guides, constellation tracking and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events.
Aussie travellers are also seeing this type of holiday as a way of avoiding harmful UV rays, with 56 per cent saying they want to reduce their time in the sun while on holiday.
2. Passport to Immortality
Who doesn’t want to go on an Eat, Pray, Love type of holiday?? Apparently the modern version of this is booking yourself into a longevity retreat, where the focus is on the “pursuit of a longer, healthier life”. Think cryotherapy, red-light therapy and body vibration, where you can truly relax and recharge after getting burnt out at work.
3. AI = Alternative Itineraries
Aussies are apparently embracing AI to make their trip planning easier. 60 per cent of Aussie travellers are keen to use technology to find less crowded spots or hidden gems, and 29 per cent are interested in utilising AI for trip curation.
4. Multigen Megatrips
Parents will also finally put themselves first by spending their kids’ inheritance on trips of a lifetime. A whopping 53 per cent of Aussie travellers would prefer to spend money on an epic holiday than putting money aside for their kids. It’s not all bad news for the children out there, though! Boomers are happy to take their kids and grandkids on holiday, so you know what that means: butter up your grandparents, immediately. Who says you can’t have a hot girl summer with Nana?
5. Boyz II Zen
Boys trips to Las Vegas are so yesterday, because now the focus is going to be on male-bonding trips that prioritise self-development, empowered vulnerability and wellbeing. With more conversation around men’s mental health, 40 per cent of Aussies are keen to encourage men around them to go on a men-only trip.
6. Ageless Adventures
My mum recently retired, and she’s already booked in two massive trips for next year. It’s not surprising that this is a trend resonating around the world, because baby boomers are refusing to have a quiet retirement and want to travel instead! Over a quarter are seeking out adventure, with 39 per cent of Aussie boomers keen to hunt for glaciers, and 11 per cent even wanting to try skydiving. They’re more adventurous than me!
7. Neuroinclusive Navigation
With the world becoming more inclusive than ever, neurodivergent travellers are hoping to have a better experience travelling in 2025. Over half of Aussies who consider themselves neurodivergent have previously had a bad experience while travelling and recognise their travel options can be more limited.
A bunch of neurodivergent travellers are hoping AI tools can help provide them with suggestions on sensory-friendly places in airports and hotels, travel changes and reports on delays.
8. Vintage Voyaging
Almost half of travellers are keen to hit vintage shops while abroad, to pick up some unique pieces for their wardrobe that’s also sustainable. It’s a win-win! Gen Z are apparently leading the charge on this, with 69 per cent of Aussie Gen Z travellers having already picked up second-hand items while on holiday.
9. The Gate Escape
The Singapore Changi Airport is pretty famous these days for all of its offerings, including a 12-metre-high slide, a butterfly garden, a swimming pool and more. Travellers are now seeking out airports as part of their trip, to spend some time relaxing and embracing airport entertainment — instead of rushing to the airport at the last minute.
Almost a quarter of travellers would visit a certain destination simply for its airport, with a bunch of Gen Z and millennials interested in sleep pods, spas and Michelin-star restaurants in airports.
Whether you’re dreaming of staring into the night sky or sitting in an airport butterfly garden, there truly is something for everyone these days — and I’m all for it! Time to get saving!
Lead image: Getty, Changi Airport
The post 9 Travel Trends Set To Be All The Rage In 2025: From Dark-Sky Destinations To AI-Inspired Trips appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
