7 big travel trends in 2025, from package trips to ‘set-jetting’ and women travelling solo

Also trending this year: ‘not hot’ destinations, more solo female travel, natural phenomena tourism and holidays with purpose, experts say

The new year has arrived and travellers are busy planning their adventures for 2025. Data from a variety of sources shows that the coming 12 months promise to be especially busy ones for globetrotters.

What will travel look like this year? And, more specifically, what sort of travel trends are likely to define 2025?

Will slow travel continue to emerge as a popular approach to exploring new places? Has the trend of planning holidays based on film and TV locations finally subsided? And what new approaches to travel planning might we expect?

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Here is what experts at all levels of the travel industry say is on tap for 2025.

1. Solo female travel

The massive solo female travel trend is being driven by a surge in women seeking independence, safety and deeper cultural connections through structured yet adventurous experiences, says Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Australia-based Intrepid Travel.

Globally, women make up 80 per cent of solo travellers, reflecting a growing desire for meaningful travel that fosters empowerment and connection. Barnes adds that women today are embracing freedom, forging connections, and paving the way for a more inclusive and empowering travel industry.

“It’s about empowerment through adventure, security without sacrifice and experiences that leave women inspired, not just impressed,” Barnes says.

2. Escaping the crowds

Escaping overtourism and embracing the “not hot” have led Gen Z and millennials to look for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

A recent study conducted by Intrepid found that 70 per cent of young adults aged 18-35 and 61 per cent of US adults are seeking lesser-known destinations, rejecting crowded tourist traps and “bucket list” cliches in favour of unique, authentic experiences.

Shifting tourism away from overburdened hotspots helps to alleviate strain on crowded destinations while fostering economic growth and cultural preservation in areas that welcome visitors most, Barnes says.

“Travellers to these emerging locations experience trips free from overtourism’s downsides – no tourist taxes, no frustrated locals – while forging deeper connections with communities and their stories,” he adds.

3. Purpose and practice

In 2025, more travellers will engage in travel as a “results-driven lifestyle practice”, says Jake Haupert, chairman of the US-based Transformational Travel Council.

In other words, travel will become a practice not unlike yoga, meditation or fitness programmes that help us improve our physical, emotional and spiritual health.

“This year, travellers will gain a deeper appreciation for travel and its potential for growth and healing in our lives, while emphasising the ‘why and how’ over the ‘what and where’, which uncovers their sense of purpose and brings more intention and a growth mindset to their travel practice,” Haupert says.

This shift from the experience to the transformation economy cultivates benefits and outcomes that are deep and enduring – not just skill development or shifting perspectives, but finding more connection, calm, clarity and confidence in our lives, Haupert says.

Meanwhile, tourism organisations and destinations adopting an experience development strategy to meet this emerging demand will thrive, he adds.

4. Pre-packaged holidays

Packaged holidays are making a comeback in 2025 with a digital twist, predicts Brady Binstadt, chief executive of US-based Geographic Expeditions – specifically, the rise of “one-click trips” driven by travellers’ desire for convenience and seamless planning.

Social media now plays a significant role in influencing destination and activity choices, shaping curated itineraries that offer immersive and Instagram-worthy experiences.

Geographic Expeditions is meeting this demand with new itineraries such as its meticulously crafted itinerary to Greece, which delivers a pre-packed yet deeply personalised experience. The 12-day journey, offered in May and September 2025, takes travellers through hidden gems in Athens, Delos, and Crete.

“Our travellers have told us that they love off-the-beaten-path, immersive experiences – and our new ‘Unexplored Greece’ group trip has been crafted with just these experiences in mind,” Binstadt says.

“Rather than do what other tourists are doing, we take our travellers truffle hunting and honey harvesting in the Peloponnesus, olive oil tasting at a family-run estate in Crete, and island exploring on a private yacht.”

5. The ‘phenomena’ list

With the success of the 2024 total solar eclipse drawing mass travel along the path of totality, natural phenomena are set to dominate travel trends in 2025, Geographic Expeditions predicts.

For instance, Expedia and Vrbo predict increasing interest in rare, awe-inspiring natural events that offer travellers a sense of wonder and connection to the planet.

From the synchronous firefly season in America’s Great Smoky Mountains to bioluminescent plankton in Tasmania, travellers are prioritising destinations that showcase Earth’s most captivating natural spectacles.

Geographic Expeditions is tapping into this trend with its exclusive Egypt 2027 eclipse trip.

The small-group journey includes a prime viewing location for the eclipse, paired with tours of Egypt’s ancient wonders for an unforgettable celestial experience.

Similarly, its “Iceland: Land of Awe” custom itinerary immerses travellers in Iceland’s stunning landscapes, featuring volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and the Northern Lights during peak viewing seasons, delivering both adventure and natural marvels.

6. Luxury adventure travel to remote destinations

In 2025, luxury adventure travel is expected to soar as travellers increasingly seek once-in-a-lifetime experiences in remote, exotic locations.

Data from Faye Travel Insurance in the US highlights Africa as a top region for these high-cost trips, with destinations like Rwanda (US$18,417), Botswana (US$15,619) and Seychelles (US$15,775) topping the list.

“This trend is driven by a growing desire among travellers to disconnect, explore untouched landscapes, and immerse themselves in unique cultural and wildlife experiences,” says Lauren Gumport, vice-president of communications and brand at Faye Travel Insurance.

“Luxury safaris, private island stays, and trips to destinations like Antarctica and the Falkland Islands reflect this demand, but these adventures come with significant costs due to the remote nature of these locations and the exclusivity of the travel experiences.”

7. ‘Set-jetting’ and pop culture tourism

Yes, it seems “set-jetting” – travelling to the filming locations of your favourite movies and TV shows – will continue into 2025. In fact, this pop-culture-inspired travel is expected to grow, particularly among millennials and Gen Z travellers.

According to Faye, 12 per cent of travellers are choosing destinations based on their favourite TV shows and movies, with locations tied to Jurassic Park (Hawaii), Avatar (Hawaii) and Game of Thrones (Northern Ireland and Iceland) topping wish lists.

“Younger travellers are increasingly turning their screens into travel inspiration, spending an average of US$2,357 to visit these iconic filming locations,” Gumport says.

“This trend combines fandom with adventure, offering travellers the chance to step into their favourite on-screen worlds while boosting tourism in these regions.”

8. Slow travel

Slow travel, which encompasses and addresses both mental and emotional well-being as well as the well-being of the planet, is emerging as one of 2025’s defining trends, says Jessica Blotter, chief executive and co-founder of responsible travel platform Kind Traveler.

“Travellers are increasingly shifting away from rushed itineraries and fast-paced tourism, opting for deeper, more intentional experiences prioritising personal restoration and environmental care,” Blotter says.

“This approach encourages extended stays, mindful engagement with local cultures, and lower-impact travel methods, such as train journeys and eco-friendly accommodation.”

The trend reflects a growing desire – especially among Gen Z and millennial travellers – to connect with destinations that foster balance, mental wellness and sustainability.

Post-pandemic priorities, coupled with rising climate awareness, have positioned slow travel as a path to nurture both personal fulfilment and the planet’s health, Blotter says.

“Platforms promoting sustainable practices, support of local community and environmental projects, local immersion, and wellness-driven itineraries further enable this trend, offering travellers opportunities to leave a positive legacy while enhancing their own well-being.”

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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