If there's one thing we've learnt in recent years, it's that travel is no longer just about the destination — it's about the experience, the story, and sometimes, the selfie that goes with it. As 2025 unfolds, a fresh wave of travel trends is rewriting the rulebook on how we holiday. From chasing stars (literally) to taking the scenic route on purpose, this year's must-try travel styles are as unique as they are memorable. And one thing is for sure — your next holiday is destined to be a mix of innovation and inspiration. Here's what's about to shape your passport stamps and Instagram grid.
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Here Are The Top 7 Travel Trends Of 2025:
Guided night safaris and hikes are all the rage! Photo: iStock
1. Noctourism
Ever thought the best part of your holiday was the day? Think again. Noctourism is all about embracing the magic of destinations after sundown. Cities like Tokyo, Reykjavik, and Dubai are seeing a surge in night-focused itineraries, from guided moonlit hikes to after-hours museum tours. Picture yourself enjoying a midnight street food feast or kayaking through glowing bioluminescent bays. It's a completely different vibe, offering cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a touch of mystery. Perfect for night owls and anyone looking to experience the world from a whole new perspective.
2. Detour Destinations
Skip the big cities and flock to the underdog towns. Detour destinations are trending hard, as travellers search for spots that are quieter, cheaper, and less Instagrammed. In Europe, hidden gems like Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic and Puglia in Italy are drawing in curious globetrotters. Meanwhile, small-town America, like Marfa in Texas or Traverse City in Michigan, is finding its place on the map. It's all about swapping tourist-packed hotspots for lesser-known locales where you can slow down, chat with locals, and immerse yourself in authentic culture.
3. Literature Tourism
If you've ever read a book and thought, "I wish I could be there," 2025 is your year. Literature tourism is taking off, with bibliophiles flocking to the settings of their favourite novels. From strolling the misty moors of Bronte country in Yorkshire to sipping espresso in Elena Ferrante's Naples, this trend blends the joy of reading with the thrill of travel. Many destinations are capitalising on the trend, offering guided tours, themed stays, and even book-inspired menus. Pack your Kindle, because this trend pairs perfectly with cosy evenings and a glass of wine.
Immersive retreats with dedicated wellness programmes are offering much-needed rejuvenation to travellers. Photo: iStock
4. Holistic Wellness Vacations
Gone are the days when a holiday massage ticked the wellness box. In 2025, holistic wellness vacations are stepping into the spotlight. Think immersive retreats in lush locations, combining yoga, meditation, plant-based dining, and ancient healing practices like Ayurveda. Bali, Kerala, and Costa Rica are becoming hotspots for this kind of transformative travel. You'll return home not just relaxed, but rejuvenated, with better sleep patterns, a calmer mind, and maybe even a new habit or two. Wellness tourism is no longer a trend — it's a lifestyle choice.
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5. AI-Powered Travel
Artificial Intelligence isn't just for tech bros anymore; it's changing the way we holiday. In 2025, AI travel planners will be like your personal concierge, helping you book trips, optimise itineraries, and even suggest local dining spots based on your preferences. Want a foodie tour of Paris? Your AI has you covered. Craving a last-minute spa appointment? It'll find one. Some hotels are even offering AI-powered rooms that adjust lighting, temperature, and music to match your mood. Travelling has never been so efficient - or so personalised.
6. Astrocartography
Astrocartography is where astrology meets travel, and yes, it's as mystical as it sounds. This trend involves planning your trip based on your birth chart, targeting places where the planetary alignments are most favourable for your goals. Want to focus on career growth? Visit where your Saturn line runs. Craving romance? Your Venus line awaits. While sceptics might roll their eyes, believers swear by the transformative power of these celestial adventures. And hey, even if the stars don't align, you'll still get a great holiday out of it.
Let thrilling adventures with health benefits be your drive this year. Photo: iStock
7. Athletic Adventures
Why just lie on the beach when you could paddleboard, hike, or cycle instead? Athletic adventures are on the rise as more travellers combine their love for fitness with their passion for new experiences. Destinations like New Zealand, Patagonia, and Canada are perfect for adrenaline junkies, offering activities like glacier hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. For those less extreme, think along the lines of yoga paddleboarding or coastal cycling tours. Not only will you have incredible stories to tell, but you might even return home in better shape than when you left.
The world is your oyster - just maybe a slightly unconventional one this year. So grab your bags, charge your phone, and start planning because these trends are setting the stage for unforgettable adventures.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release)
