Trends that will shape travel

Even as Indians, and the world, travel more, there is a growing desire to visit a destination or two at a time, to linger, to experience, rather than pack in the days with “too much of a good thing”, or a flurry of sightseeing where the details are lost in a blur.

Skift and Expedia Group (a global travel technology company) report the top holiday trends in 2025 include ‘Detour Destinations’, ‘JOMO – Joy of Missing Out - Travel’ and ‘Hotel Restaurant Renaissance’.  In India, MakeMyTrip Report on Trends for 2025 identifies various emerging traveller profiles and how they will influence travel:

The Mindful Traveller: Increased focus on sustainable and responsible travel, with demand for eco-friendly stays and low-carbon footprint itineraries.

Digital Nomads 2.0: Rise in flexible co-working and co-living accommodations as remote work culture matures.

Gen Z Voyagers: Value-conscious, tech-savvy adventurers opting for short, high-impact experiences over long vacations. Here is what Indians are most likely to travel for, as per reports and predictive trends.

Sports Tourism

Indians will travel for major sporting events and tournaments in 2025, states Skift. There is cricket, of course.  But they are likely to travel internationally for F1 racing, behemoth football events, and even for Wimbledon. High on their list: Bahrain’s Desert Race under the Stars, Japan’s Suzuka International Racing Course, and Alpine’s trekking season.

Adventure holidays will involve active participation in sports such as pickleball and kite surfing, as they move beyond mere spectatorship. Advancements in adaptive sports are making outdoor activities inclusive, allowing a broader range of travellers to engage in adventure and sports tourism.

Hospitality major Accor predicts athletic adventures will be one of the biggest travel trends in 2025. According to its trend forecasting report, there’s been a 50% uptick in searches for ‘workout holidays’ over the past year. The desire to achieve personal health goals is driving people to incorporate recreational sports into their travel plans. Globally, many resorts have begun focusing on athletic activities, particularly less conventional sports. Hotels in Sardinia, Italy, for instance, offer fencing during summer led by an Olympic champ. In Morocco, Caravan by Habitas Dakhla has opened a kite surfing school in partnership with wind sports pioneer Robby Naish. The hotel group Eleven has introduced an integrated ski wellness program at its alpine properties this season. In Thailand, Chiva Som Hua Hin offers a golf enhancement retreat to elevate players’ game with time on the green and in the gym working on golf biomechanics and strength training.

Closer home, the riverside retreat of Atali Ganga in Rishikesh offers white-water rafting, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, and trekking in the Himalayas. At Snow Valley Resorts in Manali, travellers can opt for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter, and trekking, mountain biking, and paragliding in the summer. The Bison Resort, Kabini, on the fringes of Nagarhole National Park, organises nature walks and coracle rides as part of their natural adventure activity.

Sports museums like Blades of Glory in Pune, the world’s largest cricket museum according to the Miami-based World Record Academy, are likely to attract far more tourist footfalls. The 5,000sq.ft. facility has more than 75,000 collectables—bats, balls, pads, gloves, helmets, signed jerseys, books—and has seen over 25 lakh visitors to date.

In pursuit of nature

According to a report in the New York Post, travel in pursuit of fantastical natural phenomena and languid nature-fringed destinations will top travellers' must-do lists. Searches for ‘quiet and calm places’ have increased by 50% and 42% respectively, according to search data from Pinterest, as a respite from the overstimulation of technology and noise pollution of urban living.

Among the ‘Phenomena-List’ recommended by Vrbo, a global online marketplace for vacation rentals, are Ballet of the Japanese Cranes (February to April), and the incredible bioluminescent plankton across the world (July to September). Closer home, the forests and beaches along the western coastline, from Goa to Karnataka, put up a spectacular display of the phenomena.

Among the other destinations and adventures recommended by Skift and Vrbo are stargazing, hiking in secluded areas, or camping in pristine, untouched landscapes, as well as popular destinations such as the Arctic Circle, the Himalayas, and hidden beaches.

Wellness with a twist

The Skyscanner Travel Trends 2025 report highlights the rise of wellness tourism, noting that 70% of Indian travellers seek holistic experiences, with 57% prioritising health during vacations—aligning perfectly with the goals of sleep tourism. The new paradigm of wellness looks at the concept beyond indulgent spa treatments. The focus has shifted to community engagement, purposeful activities, and natural wellness practices, moving away from technical biohacks.

So, it could range from spending time volunteering with a community project deep into the mountains or along the coastline. It could span shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) or immersing oneself in the soothing sounds and ambience of a forest, which originated in Japan during the 1980s as a form of nature therapy and has since gained global recognition for its physical, mental, and emotional health benefits.

The desire for longevity is fuelling a boom in the wellness tourism industry, with the world's wealthiest individuals seeking out exclusive and often expensive programs designed to extend both lifespan and health span. While high-tech approaches like NAD+ IV drips and stem cell therapy are gaining traction in luxury settings like the Four Seasons Maui, a quieter revolution is taking place in India, where ancient practices have been revitalised to meet the demands of modern longevity seekers.

At Fazlani Nature’s Nest in Maharashtra, wellness seekers can enjoy treatments and therapies that promote healthy ageing. Toyama, a wellness retreat also in Maharashtra, offers a Vitality Enhancement package based on Ayurveda. Across Kerala Kookaburra Yoga, retreats blend meditation, pranayama, and yoga with longevity lessons and practices for a truly transformative experience. At Ahilya Fort Hotel in Maheshwar, the focus is on spiritual journeys across the town’s many temples, while Jehan Numa Retreat on the fringes of Bhopal cossets you in the sounds of the forest around.

Women, particularly women well into menopause—an estimated number of 1.1 billion worldwide—will come into their own with not just wellness breaks but also travel to resorts that will help them handle often painful conditions. Leading the charge are innovative resorts such as Preidlhof (Italy), Combe Grove (England), and Amilla (Maldives), which are pioneering dedicated retreats to support women through perimenopause and menopause.  Chiva-Som in Thailand already offers specialised yoga and exercises for pre- and post-pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, including pelvic floor strengthening. Six Senses has partnered with Dr Mindy Pelz to create a program based on the latest science in female health to optimise nutrition, movement, sleep, and the ageing process.

Culinary travel

The Skift India report states that Indian travellers will increasingly prioritise destinations based on culinary experiences (63%), cultural attractions (58%), and favourable weather 
conditions (57%).

2025 will help deepen the trend of travelling for culturally-led culinary experiences, legacy restaurants, and modern-day eateries famous for either their gastronomy or the chef who leads them, or both. From independent restaurants, food walks and curated food trips to hotel dining, the love for food will influence how people travel.  Expedia has reported Goods Getaways, or high-end travellers seeking experiences that connect them with local culture and cuisine. That might include bringing home artisanal honey from New Zealand, pickles from India, pistachio chocolate from Dubai, or handcrafted tea sets from Japan. It could span learning how to make Rajasthani food in Udaipur, truffle pasta in Italy’s Tuscany, or going on a food tour in Bangkok or Varanasi.

Sleep tourism

One of the fastest-growing wellness segments is sleep tourism, or a vacay just to catch up on sleep, often disrupted by stress, families, jobs and the vagaries of urban living. Hotels and resorts are creating rooms and suites designed for optimal sleep, with features such as premium mattresses and bedding; soundproofing and blackout curtains; sleep-inducing technology (like white noise machines or aromatherapy diffusers); oils and candles; and temperature control and air purification. Sleep tourism packages will become de riguer, with resorts backing up the soothing suites and rooms with yoga and spa treatments, consultations with experts, and access to nature.

According to a report by HTF Market Intelligence, sleep tourism is now a staggering $640 billion global market, projected to exceed $1 billion by 2028. Hyatt recently announced a new Science Behind Sleep video series in collaboration with Headpace’s mindfulness teacher, Dora Kamau, and sleep expert Dr. Aric Prather. The educational series is available in nearly 400 hotels worldwide. COMO in Singapore has launched a Sleep Dreams Initiative featuring in-room SleepHub technology that uses neuroscience and psychoacoustic sound technology to help guests attain optimal sleep cycles. Guests also have access to two AirPodTM hydroxy mild hyperbaric wellness devices, which enhance sleep quality.

At Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan, guests receive sleep kits containing lavender pillow pouches, subtle energies bliss blend oils, and The Little Book of Reconnection. For a tech-driven edge, biohacking tools such as sleep tracker rings allow experts to tailor advice for optimal rest. The food served is meant to soothe the system, with dishes such as Pearl Millet Khichdi and Grilled Wild Salmon with Walnut Quinoa, paired with calming herbal teas.

The Skift India report states that Indian travellers will increasingly prioritise destinations based on culinary experiences (63%), cultural attractions (58%), and favourable weather conditions (57%).

2025 will help deepen the trend of travelling for culturally-led culinary experiences, legacy restaurants, and modern-day eateries famous for either their gastronomy or the chef who leads them, or both. From independent restaurants, food walks and curated food trips to hotel dining, the love for food will influence how people travel.  Expedia has reported Goods Getaways, or high-end travellers seeking experiences that connect them with local culture and cuisine. That might include bringing home artisanal honey from New Zealand, pickles from India, pistachio chocolate from Dubai, or handcrafted tea sets from Japan. It could span learning how to make Rajasthani food in Udaipur, truffle pasta in Italy’s Tuscany, or going on a food tour in Bangkok or Varanasi.

Modern-day hotels are now required to offer a range of dining options to cater to different guest tastes. When correctly done, they can become a culinary destination with the restaurant at the heart of the experience and not just an extension of the hotel. Seven restaurants, three bars, a bistro, a café and a sushi takeaway, (plus an array of Michelin stars) make Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland a mecca for travelling gourmets. At Atlantis The Palm, restaurants such as Nobu Dubai, Ossiano, and Hakkasan draw in travellers, while Atlantis the Royal in Dubai features world-class restaurants such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Nobu by the Beach, and Le Mar by Gaston Acurio.

Solo travel / ‘Me-mooning'

In 2025, there will be an increasing interest in solo travel, with individuals seeking personal growth and self-discovery through solitary journeys. Setting your own pace, choosing your adventures, and changing plans on a whim are some reasons behind this trend. This flexibility is especially appealing in a vast and varied country such as India. While solo travel in its essence implies being alone, it often leads to meaningful connections with locals and fellow travellers. Booking.com's travel predictions reveal that 72% of Indian travellers are open to solo travel in the future. Reports suggest that over 35% of women in India have taken a solo holiday in the past two years, with the majority from northern India.

Travel for events

From traditional festivals such as Dev Diwali in Ayodhya to music and sporting events, more Indians are likely to travel for a high-profile or traditional events in 2025, states MakeMyTrip and Skift India reports.

The trend is being fuelled by young and experiential travellers drawn to events that offer excitement, social interaction, and cultural immersion.  India's music scene is booming, with numerous large-scale festivals like Sunburn (Goa), NH7 Weekender (multiple cities), the Ziro Music Festival (Arunachal Pradesh), and Magnetic Fields (Rajasthan). India's rich cultural heritage offers a plethora of events, from religious festivals like Maha Kumbh Mela (to be held from January 2025) and Diwali to vibrant celebrations like Holi and Pushkar Camel Fair.

While cricket remains a major draw, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) attracting huge crowds, other sporting events like marathons and international tournaments are also gaining popularity.  India has witnessed a rise in niche events such as literature festivals (Jaipur Literature Festival), yoga retreats, and food festivals (Food Nerd Festival) catering to specific interests and passions.   

Event-led travel creates a surge in demand for accommodation, transportation, and other tourism services around event dates. Popular event destinations are investing in infrastructure to accommodate large crowds and enhance the overall visitor experience. Skyscanner’s 2025 data reveals a nuanced reality: although event-driven travel remains strong, hotel pricing dynamics are evolving. Events that commanded premium rates in 2024, will exhibit price stabilisation. This suggests a maturing market where travellers and hotels are finding a more sustainable equilibrium, rather than a decrease in demand.

JOMO / Joy of Missing Out

Skift and Expedia talk about JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) in complete contrast to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). “This leads to travellers doing less on holiday to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, instead staying at cosy cabins or peaceful beach houses, according to the Unpack '25 report. It talks about travellers, particularly solo travellers, looking for “quiet moments, self-reflection and care”. In the context of luxury hospitality and travel, JOMO is shaping trends such as wellness retreats or resorts offering digital detox programs, meditation sessions, mindfulness workshops, cabin and small hotels in the woods, mountain lodges, or desert escapes designed for complete tranquility, and no-WiFi stays or ‘silent zones’. Slow travel will encourage travellers to explore destinations deeply and at their own pace, and activities that cater to individual preferences, emphasising rejuvenation and introspection.

Personalised itineraries powered by AI

AI will play a rather large role in helping travellers decide on the next destination or exploratory tour. MakeMyTrip predicts the use of AR/VR to explore destinations virtually before booking. By 2030, over 40% of bookings will involve immersive or AR/VR elements.

Internationally, website apps such as Wonderplan, HyperWrite’s Travel Itinerary Maker and Stippl, which use AI to create custom itineraries based on your travel style, interests, and budget, are gaining ground. They suggest hidden gems and local experiences you might not find on your own, and generate detailed itineraries with daily activities, meal recommendations, and more, all tailored to a traveller’s preferences.

The rise of super-apps integrating flight bookings, accommodation, local transport, and activities into one seamless platform will gain traction, and so will bio-metric check-ins. The shift towards digital-first journeys, fuelled by AI and personalised to individual preferences, signifies a paradigm shift in how people explore the world.

Support local businesses

The pandemic fostered a renewed appreciation for local communities as people reconnected with their surroundings, supporting local businesses and rediscovering nearby gems. This desire for meaningful local engagement will continue to shape 2025, as travellers seek to minimise their impact and maximise their positive contribution to the destinations they visit. Approximately 75% of Indian travellers have expressed interest in destinations where tourism can benefit local communities. This reflects a broader shift in priorities, as per Skift’s India Report. With the rise of eco-conscious tourism, digital innovations, and a growing interest in exploring hidden gems, 2025 promises a wealth of opportunities for discovery.

Rise of second-tier destinations

The biggest story emerging out of evolving travel trends in India is the rise of Tier II and Tier III destinations on the tourism map, with an increasing interest in lesser-known destinations. Travellers will prioritise authenticity in destinations that offer compelling narratives, and a respite from the crowds and inflated prices of traditional tourist hotspots. Social media will continue to act as a catalyst for this trend.

Internationally, the Skift and Expedia report talks about Detour Destinations. Travellers will go beyond the tried-and-true tourist destinations to take detours into the unknown. Think of a trip to Reims when they travel to Paris, Brescia when they go to Milan, or Karwar, on a short drive from Goa.

This trend finds resonance in India, too. The MakeMyTrip report states that government and private investments in infrastructure will help promote regional tourism. It talks about the emergence of destinations such as the northeast, Kochi, Coimbatore, Coorg, Bhubaneswar, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Konkan coast. Factors leading to the rise of alternative destinations: increased connectivity and infrastructure, including better roads and new airports, affordable travel since off-the-grid accounts for lower travel costs, and far more unique experiences of culture, heritage and natural beauty.

Sustainable and green

After years of addressing low-hanging fruit of single-use plastic, hospitality groups, in 2025, will seek innovative and impactful ways to implement, measure, and communicate their sustainability efforts. In the F&B sector, local sourcing will become a baseline standard for many hotels and restaurants, with greater emphasis on product traceability. Beyond sourcing, the focus will shift to guest engagement and education on sustainability. Guests will increasingly participate in initiatives such as cooking classes that promote using entire ingredients to minimise food waste. In parallel, hospitality groups will embrace sustainable building techniques and adopt holistic, 360-degree strategies to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their operations—from construction to daily operations. Globally, networks like Beyond Now will bring together industry experts to help transform hospitality businesses into eco-friendly, efficient, and profitable enterprises.

The industry’s impact on the environment means we’ll see increasing action from regulatory bodies as carbon reduction measures and governance are imposed on aviation, too—the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation will become mandatory for most international flights by 2027, while the EU will require that fuel producers have 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel in their fuel by 2030. The process to roll out the regime will begin in 2025.

Extended travel

The rapid shift to gig economy, work from anywhere, or the trend of the young setting up their businesses and ventures, will afford people the advantage of longer vacations with family and friends, sometimes spanning entire seasons. The trend, says reports from Skyscanner and Skift, is further fuelled by a real burnout and search for meaning in a post-pandemic world, a desire for deeper immersion in a destination, and more transformative experiences.

Clearly, overtourism, overdevelopment, and social-media-led travel have sparked a global mass movement which is devastating destinations. MakeMyTrip predicts that in the near future, sustainability will no longer be optional for brands in the travel industry. Travel in 2025 will be defined by a balance between innovation and consciousness.