January 01, 2025 05:15 PM IST
Travel in 2025 is about slowing down, embracing the night and diving into immersive journeys.
Travel is evolving in ways that feel more personal and meaningful. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the journey, and seeking out experiences that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s exploring under the stars or immersing yourself in a culture, here’s a glimpse of what experts predict will inspire your next getaway:
night routine
Nighttime experiences are expected to be the next big thing in 2025. “Travelers are increasingly drawn to unique encounters under the stars such as constellation tracking and rare astronomical events,” says travel consultant Riya Seth. According to Booking.com, 78% of Indian travelers are ditching the daylight hours for the midnight magic, with northern lights sightings in Norway and Iceland skyrocketing.
set jetting
From Game of Thrones locations in Croatia to the streets of Bath (UK) made famous by Bridgerton, people are discovering the iconic locations that serve as backdrops for their favorite stories. “Set-jetting invites fans to visit the iconic filming locations of their favorite shows and movies,” explains Kumar. He said this trend promotes audiences’ emotional connection with pop culture.
slow travel
Instead of covering more ground, slower travel allows visitors to fully explore local cultures. “Travellers are looking for meaningful and collective experiences,” says Mohit Joshi, travel and destination expert at AliExpress. He added, “With the budget set to spend 86% on flights and 80% on accommodation in 2025, the desire to explore is stronger than ever.”
AI-powered travel itinerary
Artificial intelligence is making travel itineraries smarter and deeply personalized. Users are using AI tools to ensure that the journey is as enriching for them as it is for the environment. “Technology will push travelers and the industry to rethink how we engage with the world,” says Santosh Kumar, country manager, Booking.com.
themed trip
Experiential travel is expected to dominate in 2025, with sports and the arts among the most popular. According to Skyscanner, flight bookings for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix increased by 188%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for global tournaments. Additionally, 79% of Indian travelers are looking for interactive art experiences, with London and Tokyo emerging as the top destinations.
