In 2025, travelers are reimagining their adventures with a mix of spontaneity, smart budgeting, and a renewed focus on connection. Drawing insights from leaders like Expedia, Wotif, and Stayz, here’s a look at the travel trends that promise unforgettable journeys, whether you’re planning a simple escape or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Detour Destinations: Going Beyond the Obvious
Forget the one-stop itinerary; travelers are embracing detours as opportunities for exploration. Classic destinations like Paris, Milan, and Cancun are still popular, but travelers are venturing just beyond the tourist hubs for fresh experiences.
Expedia’s 2025 Top 10 Detour Destinations include:
- Reims, France (a wine-lover’s stop near Paris)
- Brescia, Italy (a cultural haven near Milan)
- Cozumel, Mexico (beaches without the Cancun crowds)
- Santa Barbara, California (a relaxing detour from bustling Los Angeles)
- Waikato, New Zealand (just a drive from Auckland’s city lights)
These spots offer unique experiences just a short trip from iconic destinations. From the vineyards of Reims to the art-filled streets of Girona, these side trips add dimension and depth to any travel itinerary.
Goods Getaways: Bringing Home a Taste of the World
Forget touristy souvenirs—today’s travelers are on the hunt for local flavors they can savor back home. TikTok trends have made everything from Japanese matcha to Costa Rican coffee the new must-haves for souvenir seekers.
Whether it’s a private coffee tour in Costa Rica or a matcha-making experience in Japan, these culinary-inspired adventures are the perfect way to bring a taste of your travels back home.
Embracing JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out
Gone are the days of jam-packed itineraries. In 2025, travelers are opting for “JOMO” (Joy of Missing Out) vacations—low-effort escapes focused on relaxation over sightseeing. A survey by Stayz found that nearly half of Australians are choosing these tranquil trips to reconnect with loved ones.
Top JOMO Spots by Stayz:
- Hamilton Island, Australia – Coastal views without the need to plan excursions.
- Redhill, Victoria – A rural retreat perfect for unplugging.
- Hunter Valley, NSW – A peaceful wine country getaway.
With over 50,000 properties on Stayz, it’s easy to find secluded spots ideal for recharging with friends or family, minus the usual travel logistics.
The Phenomena-List: Travel with a Natural Twist
For those looking to witness nature’s wonders, 2025 brings a trend of “phenomena-list” travel, where tourists flock to breathtaking natural events. From Utah’s International Dark Sky Park to bioluminescent shores in Florida, these destinations highlight the spectacular shows only nature can provide.
Travelers are embracing these experiences, planning trips around lunar eclipses or wildlife events to witness nature at its finest. It’s an opportunity to connect with the planet while capturing truly once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Dine-Inn: A Culinary Destination Right in the Hotel
Dining experiences are becoming a key part of choosing where to stay, with travelers seeking hotels that offer meals beyond the basics. Hotels are stepping up, offering gourmet menus and destination-inspired dishes that rival standalone restaurants.
In Sydney, The Sydney Common at Sheraton Grand offers modern Australian cuisine in a cozy setting, while Townsville’s Terasu at Ardo serves a Japanese-inspired menu by the waterfront. These hotels are redefining what it means to dine-in, blending local flavors with international influence, making the dining experience a reason to book a stay.
Season Swapping: Seeing Destinations in a New Light
With prices on the rise, travelers are finding creative ways to save. Season swapping—visiting off-season—is becoming popular as Aussies head to winter destinations in the summer, and vice versa, for a fresh perspective and lower prices.
Rather than heading to the Snowy Mountains in winter, some are exploring in summer for hiking and other outdoor activities, avoiding the winter crowds. According to Wotif, travelers can save up to 30% by embracing off-season travel. Launceston, Cairns, and Darwin are just a few places where season swapping can open up new and affordable ways to explore familiar destinations.
Set-Jetting: Traveling to Where the Stars Roam
With shows like Emily in Paris and Yellowstone driving tourism, “set-jetting” has travelers visiting the settings of their favorite series. Sicily saw a surge in tourism after White Lotus aired, and Yellowstone has made Montana a bucket-list destination. For 2025, expect a wave of travelers visiting iconic locations from streaming hits as viewers bring their favorite scenes to life.
With new seasons of popular shows coming up, destinations are already seeing an influx of fans eager to immerse themselves in their favorite storylines. Whether it’s exploring Montana’s mountains or strolling through Parisian streets, set-jetting combines the magic of film with the thrill of travel.
One Click Trips: Booking with Social Inspiration
Social media influencers are making trip planning easier than ever with curated travel collections. Expedia is launching a Travel Shop in 2025, allowing users to browse and book influencer-recommended trips, making planning effortless.
For those inspired by seeing influencers explore Paris or Tokyo, One Click Trips allows travelers to book nearly identical experiences, right down to the must-visit restaurants and activities. By connecting travelers to influencer-inspired itineraries, Expedia aims to streamline the booking process, making dream vacations just a click away.
