‘Stay away longer’ trend: 2025 is the year of extended getaways and slow travel, experts say
3 min readTravel trends are constantly evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year of extended vacations. This shift, known as ‘stay away longer,’ reflects a desire for deeper connections with places, cultures, and experiences, moving away from surface-level sightseeing.
According to the BBC, “While the urge to get away doesn’t seem to be dwindling, industry experts say travellers in 2025 are plotting longer stays and finding ways to stretch their time away from home and work to be as long as possible and further immerse themselves in a single destination.”
Skift Research’s 2025 Travel Outlook report predicts a 24% increase in planned trips for the coming year compared to 2024. Globally, extended leisure vacations are emerging as the top choice for travellers. The report dubs 2025 “the year of long getaways,” with this trend particularly strong in China, India, and Germany.
From longer leisure trips to the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel, this trend is redefining how we approach vacations. But what’s driving this movement, and how is it impacting the travel industry?
Key drivers of this trend
According to D.K Ghatani, travel consultant at Sikkim Expedition, “The COVID-19 pandemic shifted travellers’ priorities, emphasising mindfulness and quality time, with a growing preference for meaningful experiences over rushed itineraries. Extended travel also offers cost-efficiency, as longer stays reduce per-day expenses for accommodations and transportation. Additionally, this trend supports sustainability by lowering the carbon footprint of frequent flights and fostering deeper engagement with local communities and businesses.”
Looking ahead to 2025, industry reports highlight longer stays as a rising trend, driven by the popularity of “bleisure” travel, remote work opportunities, and eco-conscious choices, he notes.
Remote work policies have granted professionals the freedom to travel without sacrificing their careers, allowing for extended stays in new destinations. (Source: Freepik)
How is the travel industry adapting to cater to the growing demand for slow travel and longer getaways?
The travel industry is evolving to meet the needs of slow travelers by introducing innovative services and policies. “Airlines and hotels are offering flexible rescheduling policies to accommodate longer travel durations. Homestay platforms now promote long-term stays with discounts, targeting digital nomads and families seeking extended vacations. Travel companies are curating experiences like cooking classes, language lessons, and cultural tours to enrich extended stays. Accommodations and destinations are emphasising green practices, such as promoting public transport and supporting local businesses, to attract slow travellers,” informs Ghatani.
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Role of remote work played in popularising this kind of travel
The rise of remote work has revolutionised travel habits, Ghatani informs, enabling individuals to seamlessly combine professional responsibilities with the joy of exploration. “Remote work policies have granted professionals the freedom to travel without sacrificing their careers, allowing for extended stays in new destinations. This setup supports a balanced work-life dynamic, where travellers can establish routines — working during weekdays and exploring local attractions on weekends. Many remote workers now prioritise accommodations with reliable Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and access to coworking hubs, ensuring their professional needs are met while on the go.”
However, he notes that maintaining productivity while travelling presents unique challenges. Distractions, inconsistent routines, and inadequate setups can hinder performance. “To address these, travellers are adopting structured schedules, ergonomic workspaces, and mindful breaks to stay focused without letting work overshadow the leisure aspect.”
