In Episode 122, I shared the top 10 travel trends for 2024. If you listened to that episode and remember those travel trends, you’ll see that many of those travel trends are still popular for 2025. It’s interesting to track these travel trends because, as I’ll discuss more in a moment, travel trends tend to reflect other trends that may influence us individually and that definitely can be seen throughout society, in interior design, fashion, and the economy, to name just a few related areas.
Here are the top travel trends the travel industry is seeing for 2025.
Solo Travel for Women
An increasing number of women are embarking on solo journeys, seeking independence, safety, and deeper cultural connections through structured yet adventurous experiences. TravelPulse.com’s article “The Top Travel Trends That Will Define 2025” featured interviews with experts in the travel industry. Leigh Barnes, president of Intrepid Travel, shared that women make up 80% of travelers globally. Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions have seen an impressive 86% year over year growth. These getaways are designed to provide unparalleled access to women-only spaces and experiences often off-limits on mixed-gender trips.
Why does this travel trend excite me? For one, I do a lot of solo travel, and of course Me and the Magic is all about solo travel. In fact, in 2024, I decided that starting this year, Me and the Magic will be offering much more content about solo travel for women. There is clearly a strong need and desire for this content, and I am so excited to dig deeper into this topic with various experts, women sharing their solo travel stories, and more. I’m actually planning an episode very soon with much more detail about why more women are traveling solo, where many women are choosing to travel, how they are traveling, and the benefits of solo travel for women. So I won’t go into a great amount of detail now, but stay tuned.
Slow Travel
What is slow travel? Hilton’s 2025 Vacation Trends report defines slow travel as “immersing oneself into a destination for an extended time as a local to fully experience the culture.” In response to the fast-paced digital world, travelers are opting for slower, more mindful travel experiences that allow for deeper connections with destinations, often involving extended stays and minimal technology use (what some refer to as a “digital detox”).
So what does slow travel look like, exactly? Instead of packing several destinations into one trip, the traveler spends more time in one or two destinations and seeks out immersive experiences into the local culture. The travelers wants to connect with locals, maybe dining at a family-owned restaurant or attending a cultural event. Also, the traveler allows flexibility in their itinerary to wander around, again immersing themselves in the destination. Slow travel also fosters mindfulness, helping travelers appreciate the small details—like a breathtaking sunset, the sound of local music, or the taste of fresh produce at a market.
Why is slow travel gaining in popularity now? Many travelers nowadays want more meaningful experiences, more than just visiting the top tourist sites in a city. They want to enrich their understanding of the destination, which I am all for because I think connecting with others as we travel is absolutely key to us all appreciating our differences while seeing how alike we are in many ways. That is powerful.
I bet you can guess another reason slow travel is more popular. How would you describe the pace of your lifestyle? How often do you truly disconnect from being on call for work through your phone or other devices? Slow travel prioritizes rest and rejuvenation, and it allows more opportunity to reconnect with nature. Each of those has many health benefits.
For me, slow travel sounds very appealing. It’s also a little challenging for me if I go somewhere new, because I’m tempted to maximize my time there and fit in all the things that I want to see. But in the past when I’ve done this, I’ve ended up feeling exhausted, to the point that I didn’t enjoy the last part of a trip or even had to cancel some planned experiences. So I am going to challenge myself to practice slow travel on at least one of my trips this year.
Some slow travel examples are rural retreats to countryside villages or agricultural hubs; open-ended trips (ideal if you have a long break from work, you’re retired, or you can work remotely); wellness getaways (more on that in a moment); and slow journeys like train travel, biking tours, or walking vacations. And speaking of train travel, it is also trending for 2025 because it’s a more sustainable way to travel, and it’s a way to see towns and nature without driving.
Conscious Travel
You’ve probably seen in the news how some popular destinations are experiencing overtourism, meaning that some places have been experiencing so many tourists that it’s caused undesirable consequences to those places. Sustainable travel has been a growing trend as well… traveling in a way that doesn’t leave behind a large carbon footprint, or offsetting that carbon footprint somehow. Conscious travel is traveling intentionally to areas that aren’t experiencing overtourism and also traveling in a way that is eco-friendly. Expect to see more sustainability certifications on lodging. Booking.com is already practicing these sustainability certifications. Also, conscious travel is choosing experiences that you’ll find meaningful and that immerse you in the local culture and environment.
How do you start traveling more consciously? First, look for both destinations and experiences that benefit the local economy, community, and environment.
Forbes recently published an article written by Michelle Gross titled “25 Transformational Travel Experiences in 2025”. Here are a few of those experiences, and I’ll link in the show notes to the full article.
- Hike Japan’s ‘Fairytale Forest’ on Yakushima Island. Michelle Gross writes, “Just off the coast of Kyushu, Yakushima Island is considered one of the greenest and most under touristed areas of Southern Japan. Accessible via a 30-minute plane ride or ferry from mainland Kyushu in the Kagoshima prefecture, this under-the-radar destination is home to Japan’s only undersea hot spring, a thriving loggerhead turtle nesting ground, and a thousand-year-old fairytale forest. On the east side of the island, Yakusugi Museum features exhibits about the region’s cedar forests. With 90% of the island covered in dense forest, in addition to being one of the greenest and most beautiful getaways for nature lovers, this beguiling destination is an excellent alternative to consider on your next visit.”
- On your next visit to eastern Tennessee, here are two eco-lodging options. And bonus: these are both in Pigeon Forge where you can also go visit Dollywood!
- From the Forbes article: “Set amongst 182 acres of wooded terrain near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Under Canvas offers safari-style tents ideal for nature lovers. The company partners with The Nature Conservancy—a global environmental nonprofit to help fund and raise awareness for conservation efforts in 82 countries and counting around the world.”
- And also from the Forbes article: “In Tennessee’s Sequatchie Valley, Bolt Farm Treehouse is the adults-only brainchild of husband-wife team Seth and Tori Bolt and offers an array of sustainably built treehouses, geometric domes, and mirror cabins. In partnership with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization focused on reforestation in the Appalachian region, for every reservation made at Bolt Farm, a tree is planted in order to contribute to reforestation efforts and sustainability.”
Sleep Tourism
You’ve heard of wellness tourism, but how about sleep tourism? Sleep tourism is a travel trend where individuals embark on vacations specifically designed to improve sleep quality and overall restfulness. This rise in sleep-focused travel is part of a broader shift towards wellness tourism, where rest and rejuvenation are central to the travel experience.
Hilton’s 2025 Vacation Trends report cited sleep tourism as a hot trend this year, even stating that half of the world – and two-thirds of Americans – sleep better in hotels. Obviously, this trend benefits Hilton, so I checked other sources and found that indeed, sleep tourism is trending this year. You’ve probably already seen at some hotels and some cruise lines a pillow menu, where you can select your preferred type of pillow for better sleep.
A Real Simple article on sleep tourism gave a few examples of resorts offering sleep-centered experiences. From the article: “The Conrad Hotel in Bali has a “SWAY Sleep Therapy” option, where guests can rest in a hammock shaped like a cocoon for an hour. Also, Castle Hot Springs in Arizona offers a “Soak & Slumber” package, where guests can take part in a series of curated activities that promote restorative sleep. Each guest also gets a sleep kit with body butter, a pillow sachet, a cooling eye mask, a copper bracelet, sleep tea, and chocolate.”
Back to slow travel and train travel for a moment… if you’ve ever been to Europe and traveled by train, it’s a very easy way to travel there. More European train companies are now offering sleeper rail services. Some examples are the European Sleeper from Brussels and Amsterdam to Berlin, and the Thello Night Train that connects Paris with northern Italy.
Travel Off the Beaten Path
Partly driven by overtourism, and also tied into supporting local culture is the trend to travel to less popular destinations.
Unique Destinations
Some destinations that may have previously flown under the radar are now trending, like the Phillipines and Albania. Intrepid Travel has published a Not Hot List since 2018, encouraging people to explore lesser-known destinations. Some locations on this list for 2025 include Cape York, Australia; The Adirondacks in New York State; Accra, Ghana; and Oslo, Norway.
Smaller Towns over Big Cities
Cozy, laid-back getaways in smaller towns are trending even more than in 2024.
Here are some smaller towns to visit instead of their bigger city counterparts:
- Instead of Paris, France – Visit Annecy, France. Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is a charming lakeside town surrounded by mountains. Enjoy its canals, pastel-colored buildings, and the stunning Lake Annecy. Perfect for outdoor activities like biking and kayaking.
- Instead of Kyoto, Japan – Visit Kanazawa, Japan. Kanazawa offers beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, the Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan’s top three gardens), and fewer tourists than Kyoto while still showcasing rich Japanese culture.
- Instead of Cape Town, South Africa – Visit Knysna, South Africa. Located on the Garden Route, Knysna is a coastal town known for its lagoon, lush forests, and oysters. It’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a peaceful alternative to bustling Cape Town.
- In the US, instead of Los Angeles, visit Carmel, California. Serene coastlines, good for those who enjoy nature and wineries.
- Instead of New York City, USA – Visit Asheville, North Carolina, USA. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and the historic Biltmore Estate. It’s a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Plus, you can support local businesses as they rebuild from the devastation from Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Lesser-Known Small Beach Towns
Along the same lines as smaller towns and less crowds, travelers are seeking out the lesser-known small beach towns. As a beach lover who doesn’t love crowded beaches, I love this trend to visit underrated coastal towns.
Here are some examples of small beach towns that are off the beaten path in the U.S.:
- Chincoteague, Virginia has beautiful sand dunes, no high-rise resorts, and no boardwalks. Chincoteague is probably best known for its wild ponies. If you want to see the herd swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island, plan your trip for the end of July. Late summer and early fall are also great times to enjoy this destination. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague Island National Seashore are protected areas that offer pristine beaches, marshlands, and forests perfect for exploring. Chincoteague itself is a quaint town with locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants.
- In South Carolina, the Isle of Palms is less crowded than nearby Charleston. This barrier island offers wide sandy beaches and upscale but laid-back vibes.
- Rockport, Maine – Known for its rocky coastline and small sandy coves, Rockport offers a quintessential New England beach experience with fewer visitors.
- Cayucos, California – A hidden gem on California’s central coast, Cayucos boasts stunning ocean views, a historic pier, and a peaceful vibe.
And here are some lesser known beach towns around the world:
- Mazunte, Mexico – A bohemian beach town on Mexico’s Oaxaca coast, Mazunte is perfect for relaxation, yoga retreats, and eco-friendly lodging.
- Coles Bay, Tasmania, Australia – Gateway to Freycinet National Park, this quiet town offers stunning beaches, clear waters, and a chance to explore Wineglass Bay.
- Tropea, Italy – A stunning cliffside town in Calabria with crystal-clear waters and fewer tourists than better-known Amalfi or Cinque Terre.
Love for Scandinavia
I’ve noticed that the Scandinavian interior design look has been trending for the past couple years and is still trending for 2025. What is Scandinavian design? IKEA describes it as a minimalist and functional design approach that emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and natural materials. And the love for Scandinavia also is trending toward travel. Scandinavia is a popular destination for its cooler summer temperatures and less crowds. Oslo, Norway is in particular trending for 2025. TheEveryGirl.com shared The Best Destinations to Visit in 2025, According to Experts, and here’s what Lauren Blue wrote about Oslo:
“While it may not be as frequented as Stockholm or Copenhagen, Oslo offers stunning scenery, outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing, and world-class museums covering everything from Viking history to modern art. Combine that with distinctive architecture, and you’ve got a fabulous, crowd-free European escape. Another bonus? Scandinavian currencies have been weaker than the dollar in recent years, making travel there more affordable in 2025. Plan your trip during July or August to enjoy the region’s mild, pleasant summers and long daylight hours.”
Coolcations
This travel trend was big last year and is continuing into 2025. In the hotter months, many people want to escape to cooler climates. And tying this trend back into our last trend of love for Scandinavia, Copenhagen and nearby cities are high on the list for those seeking out coolcations. Also popular in Europe is, of course, Iceland with its glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and volcanic landscapes.
In the USA, Alaska remains a popular coolcation destination with its glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. Also popular in the US is Vermont. Known for its cool mountain air and charming small towns, Vermont offers outdoor adventures and artisanal experiences. In Canada, Banff and Jasper are Canadian Rockies destinations known for their breathtaking mountain views and glacial lakes like Lake Louise. Also, Nova Scotia is a maritime province with cool breezes and rugged coastlines. It offers a mix of outdoor beauty and cultural charm.
In Asia, Bhutan, in the Himalayas offers a temperate climate with breathtaking mountain views and rich Buddhist culture.
In Oceania, Tasmania, Australia’s cooler climate, rugged wilderness, and rich wildlife make it a top coolcation destination.
With many locations seeing hotter temperatures than normal in summer months, travelers are also choosing to go to southern locations in the shoulder seasons. Of course, this affects the pricing, and what once was a great time to find deals is now more popular, and thus, the prices have increased for these shoulder seasons in several locations, such as Greece and Italy.
Astro-Tourism
Another repeat trend from 2024 that I predict is going to really explode this year is astro-tourism. Astro tourism is about traveling with the goal to see astronomical phenomena in the skies above.
There will be 2 partial solar eclipses in 2025: on March 29th (which can be seen in parts of North America) and on September 21st. There will also be one total lunar eclipse on March 14th. If you’re in the U.S., you may be able to see the lunar eclipse if the weather cooperates.
The northern lights continue to be a big draw. Typically, the best places to see the Northern Lights are generally located near the Arctic Circle, including regions in Northern Norway, Swedish Lapland, Finland, Iceland, and Northern Canada, as these areas fall within the “Aurora Oval” where the lights are most frequent and intense. However, as I record this on January 4th, a geomagnetic storm is forecasted for today and tomorrow that will bring the northern lights further south, maybe even as far as Alabama and northern California.
2025 is also going to bring several meteor showers for nighttime viewing. In fact, the Quadrantids already passed on January 2nd and 3rd. Several other showers will occur in 2025, including the Perseids, which peak from Aug. 12th to 13th, and the Geminids from Dec. 13th to 14th.
This month of January is also giving us the opportunity to see multiple planets after dark. Look for Venus and Saturn in the southwest, Jupiter high overhead, and Mars in the east. If you have a telescope on hand, Uranus and Neptune can be visible, too. Additionally, Mars will be directly opposite the sun from Earth, starting in the east as night falls and in the southwest at dawn.
Maybe you’ve seen UFOs or UAPs discussed in the news or on social media. (I find that these new terms are confusing, as a Gen X’er who grew up thinking of UFOs as flying discs powered by aliens, by the way.) So a quick lesson: A UAP, or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, is an object in the air, sea, or space that is not immediately identifiable and defies scientific explanation. UAPs can include: airborne objects, transmedium objects or devices, and submerged objects or devices. The term “UAP” is preferred by some investigators over “UFO” (Unidentified Flying Object) to avoid confusion and speculative associations. While UAPs in the forms of drones and orbs have been reported pretty much all over the world recently, there seems to be a high concentration of them in New Jersey. And this is already resulting in people going to New Jersey to go “drone hunting”, as some people call it. I predict that this trend will escalate if UAPs appear in greater numbers in certain areas, but only time will tell.
