Travel publications and holiday booking sites are currently publishing their travel predictions for the year, just in time for the January holiday booking rush. This year’s trends celebrate everything from detour destinations to nighttime travel and accessible adventures, offering new ways to explore less well-trodden paths.
To keep you up-to-date, we’ve pulled together a list of the hottest travel trends for 2025. And, given the focus on detour destinations (cheaper, less-crowded alternatives to tourist hotspots), we’ve also highlighted some lesser-known spots that might pique your interest throughout the article.
If you’re looking for inspiration to escape the ordinary, we hope this guide has something to spark your imagination!
1. Luxury train travel
According to Conde Nast Traveller, we’re entering the golden age of luxury train travel – with nostalgia playing a big part in the allure. Think Murder on the Orient Express and the charm of The Railway Children…there’s nothing like watching stunning landscapes glide by through a rattling window.
The renaissance of train travel has been picking up speed for some years, with various travel authors and YouTube channels dedicated to sharing the best train routes. But 2025 is set to be the year that this trend really leaves the station.
Europe’s sleeper trains are making a comeback, blending convenience with old-world charm. The upcoming La Dolce Vita in Italy promises scenic routes through the Italian countryside, with opulent interiors inspired by the 1960s.
Across the globe, Japan’s Seven Stars Kyushu offers a slow, luxurious way to experience its southern islands, complete with gourmet cuisine and the very best of Japanese interior design. And for something grander still, Canada’s luxury trains traverse dramatic landscapes, from the Rockies to the coast, in unparalleled style.
If you’re keen to jump on the train travel trend in 2025, you can search for rail holidays on our website. Alternatively, you might like to read our articles, 12 of the most scenic train routes in the world and 10 of the best sleeper trains in the world, for inspiration.
2. Detour destinations
Overtourism has hit headlines in recent years, with tourists and locals alike unhappy with high prices, tourist traps, and busy crowds that come with so many popular spots. As a result, off-the-beaten-track trips – so-called ‘detour destinations’, where tourist hotspots are swapped for similar, lesser-known locations – are forecasted to be a top trend for 2025.
Japan, for instance, often sees its big hitters – Kyoto and Tokyo – bustling with tourists during every season. But, many of its smaller, historic cities, like Kanazawa, offer the charms of Kyoto, including traditional tea houses and serene gardens; while Hiroshima delivers a quieter slice of modern city life compared to Tokyo.
Elsewhere, budget-conscious travellers are choosing cheaper alternatives to pricey destinations. For example, if Mykonos is too crowded or costly for you, try Paros in Greece, where you’ll find an equally stunning collection of beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Similarly, Uzbekistan has many buzzing with excitement, as its historic Islamic cities and diverse nature come with affordable prices and a refreshing lack of over-tourism.
3. Mountain destinations on the up
If you live for panoramic views and can’t get enough of picture-perfect natural beauty, then Pinterest’s yearly trend analysis (Pinterest Predicts) should pique your interest. This year it’s all about peaks, as the photo-saving site says mountain destinations and skiing holidays are on the up.
Interestingly, Pinterest’s data shows that Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1980) are particularly interested in mountain travel, with big increases in people looking up the Atlas mountains in Morocco, the Dolomites in the Italian Alps, and Portillo in Chile. Not to mention, the search term “skiing outfits” has seen a 255% increase…time to get those mirrored goggles out from the back of the cupboard!
If you’re looking for a less touristy mountain destination, it’s worth considering skiing in Bulgaria. Bansko Resort, at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, has fantastic facilities at a fraction of the price of many of the popular Western European resorts. Alternatively, if hiking is your preferred way of exploring the hilltops, the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania offer some of the most stunning views in Europe.
4. Book-inspired travel
Many of us love travel because it allows us to escape daily life and enjoy a little taste of an alternate reality. And, since this is the same reason why many of us love a good page-turner, it’s no wonder that travel and reading make an obvious pair!
A recent survey by Explore Worldwide revealed that 72% of Brits have been inspired to travel somewhere new after reading a novel. The travel company has even launched an interactive map that encourages people to share novels set around the world. It’s the perfect way to get into the spirit of the place you’re visiting, or find inspiration for your next holiday.
Book festivals also play a part in this trend. The popularity of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, for example, has skyrocketed in recent years. Thousands of visitors flock to the city eager to celebrate literature and soak up its historic charm, which has served as the backdrop for so many fantastic novels.
For more book-inspired travel ideas, check out our articles: 10 European cities for book lovers to visit and 14 literary locations to visit in the UK.
5. Coolcationing
Travelling to warmer lands has long been top of the agenda for many people. But, with temperatures rising, BBC Travel predicts that ’coolcationing’ will be the…well…not hot new thing.
With summer temperatures in Spain and Italy now regularly hitting 40℃ or more, it’s not surprising that many of us are choosing the otherworldly natural beauty of destinations like the Norwegian fjords and Iceland.
Coolcationing also opens up new opportunities for year-round travel to Europe, as off-season trips can be just as enjoyable – not to mention more affordable. For example, Seville in January offers mild weather, stunning architecture, and cultural festivals – including the Three Kings Parade – all without the summer crowds.
For something more off the beaten track, the Baltic states are a brilliant option. Lithuania and Latvia’s beaches are laid-back and sophisticated in the summer with plenty of sun – as well as a refreshing shower or two!
6. Noctourism
Another way to beat the heat is to explore places at night, and Booking.com* has found that people are increasingly searching for night-time travelling activities. Besides staying cooler, night tourism also offers the chance to experience a completely different side of your destination. It can mean smaller crowds, a unique atmosphere, and often, activities you’d miss during the day.
Even museums are jumping on this trend., Take many of Europe’s top cultural institutions, like the Louvre in Paris and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, which host after-hours tours – creating a quieter, more intimate space to see iconic art.
In hotter countries, it’s common for cities to come alive after dark, with street food, neon-lit night markets, and evening tours offering a slice of local life. Night markets are particularly popular in Asia; such as in Taiwan, where they’re an integral part of local life. Office workers often flock to their favourite night markets with colleagues after work.
And that’s all without mentioning the ultimate nighttime spectacle…the Northern Lights. Whether viewed in Iceland, Norway, or Finland, these ethereal displays are a bucket-list experience best enjoyed under clear winter skies.
Check out our guide to the 10 best places to witness the Aurora Borealis for more inspiration.
7. Accessible travel
Adventure travel is becoming more inclusive, and Condé Nast Traveller has highlighted accessible adventure as one of 2025’s key travel trends. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of creating travel opportunities for everyone – regardless of age, mobility, or health conditions.
Specialist operators are leading the way with this trend. In the UK, Limitless Travel offers tailored trips for disabled and mature travellers, with tours ranging everywhere from the Scottish Highlands to the Mediterranean. Across Europe, spa and wellness experts like Healing Holidays provide bespoke packages that ensure accessibility without compromising luxury.
For adrenaline seekers, Disabled Holidays curates accessible adventure trips offering everything from zip-lining to skiing. These services cater to a wide range of needs, proving that adventure is for everyone.
8. Digital detox holidays
We live in a world of emails, messages, and endless notifications – even our tumble dryers can ping us now. So, it’s no wonder that many of us crave digital detox holidays where we can log off completely. In line with this, National Geographic has named unplugged travel as one of its top trends for 2025.
UK-based travel company, Unplugged, offers secluded cabin stays where phones are swapped for maps, books, and analogue clocks. Their nature-based stays are designed to help guests reconnect with themselves, loved ones, and the beautiful surroundings.
Another aspect of the digital detox travel trend is the pursuit of quiet. For inspiration on where to go, you might be interested in our article: 10 of the most relaxing holiday destinations.
Final thoughts…
Research shows that the way we think about travel is changing, with many of us swapping popular destinations for quieter, more meaningful experiences.
Whether it’s embracing the nostalgia of a luxury train journey, reconnecting with nature on a digital detox, or discovering the latest detour destination, there’s a 2025 trend to inspire every kind of getaway. And, these ideas remind us that travel doesn’t have to be about rushing through the big-ticket spots – it can also be about slowing down, thinking differently, and savouring the journey itself.
For more holiday inspiration, head over to the travel section of our website. Or, browse the latest travel deals using the button below.
Which of these travel trends appeals to you the most? What are your travel plans for 2025? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.