Top Travel Trends Emerging in 2025: YOLO, Solo, and more
- alice walker
- Feb 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Travel in 2025 is all about making experiences fit you—your pace, your passions, your perfect getaway. Whether you’re craving quiet moments in nature, blending work with a bit of wanderlust, or chasing new adventures, there’s a trend that speaks to you.
My clients fall into all these categories. Many have multiple interests depending on what their goals are for each trip. I’ve added some destination ideas and experiences for each trend but there are lots of options to choose from. Which trends ring true for you?
1. Eco-Conscious Travel Trends
Sustainable travel continues to grow in 2025, with more travelers wanting to have experiences that minimize their environmental footprint. Accommodations that implement sustainable practices, engagement in activities that support conservation efforts, and being immersed in local traditions, are all factors driving this trend.
Top Eco-Conscious Travel Destinations:
Costa Rica: Renowned for its commitment to eco-tourism, Costa Rica features verdant rainforests, wildlife refuges, and environmentally conscious accommodations such as Lapa Rios Lodge.
Iceland: Powered almost entirely by renewable energy, Iceland invites visitors to explore geothermal hot springs, glaciers, and sustainable city tours in Reykjavík.
Bhutan: This Himalayan kingdom is a pioneer in high-value, low-impact tourism, with policies emphasizing sustainability and cultural preservation.
2. “Now or Never” Family Travel
Many parents increasingly realize that the window for family vacations is closing faster than they expected. Their kids are growing up, school schedules are getting busier, and friendships and extracurriculars are starting to take priority. They don’t want to look back with regret—they want to create unforgettable moments before life pulls everyone in different directions. These families crave experiences that bring them closer, filled with fun and unique shared experiences they can talk about for years to come.
Top Destinations for “Now or Never” Family Travel
Costa Rica – Zip-line through rainforests, spot wildlife on a jungle safari, and surf together on pristine beaches. The food is excellent and the people are very welcoming.
Italy – From tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain to making pasta in Tuscany, Italy blends history, food, and family bonding in a way that will leave an imprint on your hearts forever.
Alaska – A cruise through glacier-carved fjords, whale-watching excursions, and hiking in Denali create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make this trip impossible to forget.
3. YOLO Travel
After years of pandemic and economic restrictions, many travelers are indulging in luxurious and extravagant trips to make up for lost time with a “You Only Live Once” approach. They also are concerned that these restrictive situations might repeat themselves without much warning. YOLO travel often includes bucket-list destinations, five-star accommodations, and unforgettable unique experiences, reflecting the desire to collect memories while still able to.
Top YOLO Travel Destinations:
Maldives: Overwater villas, crystal-clear waters, and unparalleled luxury make the Maldives a top pick for indulgent escapes.
Santorini, Greece: With its iconic blue-domed buildings and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini offers romance and extravagance in equal measure.
South Africa: Combining luxury safaris, stunning vineyards in Stellenbosch, and the vibrant energy of Cape Town, South Africa delivers unforgettable experiences.
4. Solo Travel
Solo travel has become a powerful movement, with people seeking independence, self-discovery, and the opportunity to explore at their own pace. More hotels and cruises are acknowledging the large numbers of potential guests and eliminating the extra cost that is sometimes associated with booking a room meant for 2 people. Solo travel is perfect for those wanting to focus on personal growth, meet new people, or simply enjoy some solitude. Safety, ease of navigation, and vibrant cultural experiences are key considerations for solo travelers.
Top Solo Travel Destinations:
Japan: With its impeccable safety record, efficient transportation, and welcoming locals, Japan is a haven for solo travelers. Kyoto’s temples and Tokyo’s vibrant streets are must-visits.
Scotland: Known for its dramatic landscapes and warm hospitality, Scotland is ideal for solo hikes through the Highlands or exploring Edinburgh’s rich history.
Thailand: Affordable, friendly, and full of adventure, Thailand offers a mix of bustling cities, serene islands, and wellness retreats.
5. Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel
Experienced travelers are increasingly avoiding crowded tourist hubs in favor of undiscovered gems and authentic experiences. This trend appeals to those looking for meaningful connections with local cultures, undeveloped nature areas, and unique adventures far from normal tourist destinations. If you are going back to Italy for the 5th time, there are a lot of smaller cities that are wonderful spots with the same charm but different experience than Rome.
Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations:
Madagascar: With its diverse wildlife, including lemurs and baobab trees, Madagascar offers a unique and less-trodden travel experience.
Albania: Often overlooked in favor of its neighbors, Albania offers stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages like Berat and Gjirokastër.
Georgia (the country): From the vibrant streets of Tbilisi to the dramatic Caucasus Mountains, Georgia boasts rich history and natural beauty with fewer crowds.
6. Multi-Generational Travel
Multi-generational travel groups are becoming increasingly popular as families seek to create lasting memories through shared experiences. These groups typically consist of family members from different generations, including grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even great-grandparents. The appeal of traveling together gives families the opportunity to connect across ages, allowing for a richer, more diverse travel experience. Destinations that allow for different activities provide both the freedom to do what you want and coming together for shared experiences.
Top Multi-Generational Destinations
Italy Tuscan Countryside Get accommodations suitable for the whole family, complete with a private pool and chef. Engage in cooking classes, vineyard tours for the adults, and day trips to historic sites like Florence and Pisa.
South Africa Safari Adventure Discover the thrill of a lifetime with an African Safari. Stay in family-friendly lodges with game drives tailored to both adults and children.
Portugal River Cruise: Sail through the scenic beauty of Portugal’s Douro Valley. This river cruise offers a unique view of lush landscapes and ancient vineyards. Wine-tasting for adults, pottery and craft workshops for children, and guided excursions to historic towns like Porto.
7.Slow Travel
Tired of jam-packed itineraries? Slow travel encourages deeper connections by staying longer in fewer places, savoring the culture, cuisine, and community of each destination. Travelers are trading hurried sightseeing for cooking classes with locals, leisurely train rides, and long evenings spent exploring neighborhoods at their own pace.
Top Slow Travel Destinations:
Tuscany, Italy: With its rolling vineyards, picturesque villages, and farm-to-table dining experiences, Tuscany is perfect for lingering stays.
Kyoto, Japan: Travelers can immerse themselves in Japanese traditions, from tea ceremonies to temple visits, and spend time exploring the serene Arashiyama bamboo forest.
Provence, France: Known for lavender fields and charming villages, Provence offers tranquil retreats for visitors to embrace a slower pace of life.
8. Adventure Travel
For some, adventure travel is the ultimate escape. Some clients love pursuing heart-pumping activities like mountain climbing, scuba diving, and paragliding while hiking rugged landscapes and instagrammable destinations. Adventure travel isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s also about the challenge of experiencing nature in its rawest form.
Top Adventure Travel Destinations:
Patagonia, Argentina & Chile: Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, Patagonia offers hiking, glacier trekking, and kayaking adventures.
New Zealand: Known as the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand has it all—bungy jumping, skydiving, and the breathtaking Milford Track.
Norway: Fjord kayaking, Arctic wildlife safaris, and hiking the iconic Trolltunga make Norway an adventurer’s paradise.
9. Wellness Travel
Wellness travel is all about rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul. From luxury spa resorts to transformative yoga retreats, guests are seeking destinations that focus on self-care and holistic health. For example, travelers might be interested in detoxifying in a hot spring or practicing mindfulness in a serene setting. This trend is a reflection of a much-needed break from the stresses of modern life. We all know about that!
Top Wellness Travel Destinations:
Sedona, Arizona: Known for its vortex energy sites, Sedona offers meditation retreats, yoga, and spiritual healing amidst red rock scenery.
Tulum, Mexico: Beachfront yoga retreats and eco-resorts make Tulum a hotspot for wellness-seekers.
Bali, Indonesia: Ubud is famous for its yoga studios, holistic healing centers, and spa treatments set in lush tropical surroundings.
10. "Bleisure" Travel
The lines between work and play are increasingly blurred as more professionals are combining business and pleasure travel. Known as “bleisure” travel, this trend allows travelers to explore destinations after work hours or extend their stay for personal enjoyment. Bleisure travelers look for destinations with excellent business infrastructure, convenient transportation, and plenty of recreational options.
Top Bleisure Destinations:
Singapore: A global business hub with world-class amenities, Singapore offers attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and a vibrant food scene for downtime.
San Diego, California: With a thriving convention center and gorgeous beaches, San Diego is perfect for blending meetings with relaxation.
Dubai, UAE: Known for its luxury hotels and cutting-edge business facilities, Dubai also offers cultural gems like the Al Fahidi Historical District and desert safaris.
11. Enrichment Travel
Educational travel is becoming increasingly popular, with people seeking opportunities to learn through cultural immersion, language programs, or volunteer work. These experiences allow travelers to connect with destinations on a deeper level, often leaving them with new skills or knowledge.
Top Learning-Focused Destinations:
Peru: Perfect for those interested in history and archaeology, Peru offers immersive tours of Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley.
Spain: Language learners can participate in Spanish immersion programs while exploring cities like Granada, Barcelona, and Seville.
India: From yoga teacher training in Rishikesh to cooking classes in Jaipur, India offers a wealth of opportunities for cultural and personal growth.
Which trends fit with your own and your friends preferences? Are there any other trends you see? Let me know in the comments.
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