Travel Trends for 2025: Escaping the Heat, Chasing the Northern Lights, and Setting Sail in Record Numbers
Travel trends for 2025 are shaping up to be all about escaping the heat, chasing the northern lights, and setting sail in record numbers. According to travel adviser Cathy Holler, CEO of Momenti Travel, there is a growing desire to slow down and take in the beauty of the world at a more relaxed pace.
At Virtuoso Travel Week, where nearly 5,000 members from Virtuoso’s global network gather, the focus is on where and how people will travel in the coming year. One trend that stands out is the increase in travelers heading to Africa for longer stays at fewer camps and lodges.
In addition to slowing down on safaris, tour operators like Intrepid Travel are adding extra days to itineraries to allow for a more leisurely pace. This shift from a frenetic, pack-it-all-in vacation to a more relaxed approach is gaining popularity among travelers.
Another trend for 2025 is the rise in interest in cooler destinations. With hot summers in traditional European vacation spots like Spain, Italy, and Greece, travelers are looking to explore Nordic countries, Baltic states, Scotland, and Ireland. Antarctica, Portugal, Norway, and Iceland are also on the rise as popular destinations.
For those looking to experience natural phenomena, 2025 is predicted to be a great year for spotting the northern lights. Destinations like Mackinaw City, Michigan, and Bayfield, Wisconsin, are trending for aurora borealis viewing. Cruise lines like Hurtigruten even offer a northern lights promise, guaranteeing a free future cruise if the lights don’t appear during select voyages.
In addition to cooling it and chasing the northern lights, travelers are also being influenced by screen time. Movies, streaming services, and television shows are increasingly shaping travel choices, with travelers seeking out destinations featured in their favorite films and shows.
Women-only trips are also on the rise, with more female travelers opting for trips tailored exclusively to women. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel, Wildland Trekking, Backroads, and Geographic Expeditions are all expanding their female-centric offerings to meet the growing demand.
And finally, the pickleball craze is taking the travel industry by storm, with millennials and older adults alike eager to plan pickleball vacations. Resorts like Aspen Meadows Resort are catering to this growing trend by offering pickleball courts, lessons, and clinics for all ages.
Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of slowing down, exploring cooler destinations, chasing natural phenomena, being influenced by screen time, embracing women-only trips, and hitting the pickleball court for a unique vacation experience.
