From immersive experiences to mindful escapes, this is how we will explore the world in the year ahead. The way we travel is evolving. Gone are the days when a luxury holiday simply meant indulgence—today’s travellers are seeking depth, connection, and meaning in their journeys. As we enter 2025, a new wave of travel trends is reshaping the industry, from slow sabbaticals and rural upskilling to the rise of detour destinations and night tourism.
With sustainability and authenticity at the forefront, we’re seeing a shift towards thoughtful exploration - a rejection of overcrowded hotspots in favour of lesser-known retreats. Astrocartography is influencing where people go, literary-inspired tourism is making a cultural comeback, and sports fans are no longer just spectators but participants in their own athletic adventures. At the same time, the concept of luxury is being redefined - whether through private train journeys with off-board experiences, the rise of JOMO (the joy of missing out), or the increasing appeal of informal, home-like hospitality. Here’s a look at the key travel trends shaping 2025.
Literary Travel: The Book-Lover’s Pilgrimage
Literature is once again shaping where and how we travel. Thanks to BookTok and the resurgence of classic reading culture, books have become the ultimate travel inspiration - with entire itineraries built around the worlds of beloved authors and their characters. Literary festivals are witnessing record attendance, with events like the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Helsinki Book Fair drawing larger crowds each year. Hotels with storied literary pasts are leaning into their heritage, from New York’s Hotel Chelsea, once home to literary icons, to Paris’s Maison Proust, which offers a decadent homage to the famed French author. Travel-themed book clubs are flourishing, while brands such as Miu Miu are capitalising on the trend with their Literary Club, a platform blending fashion with feminist literature. At a time when authenticity is the ultimate travel currency, books provide a tangible connection to destinations - allowing travellers to experience places through the eyes of the authors who captured them.
Astrocartography: Celestial Travel Planning
For those who believe in cosmic connections, astrocartography is influencing travel decisions like never before. This niche branch of astrology maps planetary influences onto geography, guiding travellers to destinations that align with their personal birth charts. Whether seeking romance on a Venus line or career success on a Jupiter path, astro-tourism is giving spiritual wanderers a new way to navigate the world. First developed in 1978, astrocartography has gained mainstream appeal in an age where remote work allows people to relocate based on intuition rather than obligation. Digital nomads are now choosing places that “feel right” on an energetic level, while astro-travel consultations are helping people determine where they should live, work, or find love.
The Long Honeymoon: Extended Newlywed Escapes
Forget the traditional one-week honeymoon—couples in 2025 are making up for lost time by embarking on extended, experience-driven getaways. Newlyweds are opting for month-long road trips, immersive sabbaticals, and adventure-filled itineraries that offer more than just relaxation. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards post-wedding travel. Rather than a quick beach escape, couples are prioritising meaningful experiences, from learning a new skill together (think winemaking in Tuscany or art residencies in Japan) to embarking on multi-country adventures that take them far beyond traditional honeymoon hotspots.
Slow Sabbaticals: The New Family Getaway
Sabbaticals are no longer just for career breaks—they’re becoming a family affair. With more companies embracing flexible working policies, parents are taking their children on long-term educational trips—from wildlife conservation projects in Africa to language immersion stays in Europe. As burnout culture reaches its peak, families are swapping fleeting summer holidays for months-long journeys that prioritise quality time, experiential learning, and cultural immersion. Travel companies are responding by curating extended itineraries that blend leisure with education, offering children hands-on experiences from marine biology in the Maldives to traditional craft-making in Mexico.
Grand Gatherings: Travel as a Social Connector
The pandemic may have driven a rise in solo travel, but in 2025, the pendulum is swinging back towards shared experiences. Multi-generational trips, friend reunions, and private group adventures are becoming more popular as people look to strengthen connections through travel. This shift is reflected in the rise of private yacht charters, villa rentals, and bespoke tours, designed for groups seeking intimate, tailored experiences. From family safaris in Botswana to private island retreats in the Caribbean, the focus is on travel that fosters deep connection and collective memory-making.
Detour Destinations: The Art of Taking the Scenic Route
Travellers are rethinking their itineraries—choosing offbeat, lesser-known places over overrun tourist hubs. Rather than heading straight to Paris, visitors are detouring to Reims for a Champagne immersion, or swapping Florence for Bologna’s culinary scene. The rise of high-speed rail and better connectivity is making these secondary stops more appealing than ever. Luxury travellers, in particular, are leaning into the idea of spontaneous add-ons, seeking places that feel exclusive yet undiscovered.
JOMO Travel: The Joy of Missing Out
For years, FOMO (fear of missing out) has driven travel choices, but in 2025, a counter-movement is taking hold: JOMO—the joy of missing out. Instead of rushing through itineraries, travellers are embracing slow, intentional experiences. Soft adventure, wellness retreats, and digital detox holidays are replacing hectic, multi-city itineraries. Places known for peace, stillness, and introspection—from the Scottish Highlands to Bhutan—are becoming more desirable as people prioritise rest over spectacle.
Beyond the Butler: The Rise of Relaxed Luxury
Luxury hospitality is becoming less formal and more personal. The traditional five-star service model is evolving, with hotels prioritising autonomy and a home-like feel over rigid formality. New properties such as The Emory in London and Arev in St Tropez have removed traditional check-in desks, allowing guests to arrive seamlessly with smartphone access. Meanwhile, properties like Heckfield Place and Belmond’s Villa Beatrice are redefining service, focusing on intuitive, unobtrusive hospitality that makes guests feel at home rather than waited upon.
All Aboard: Train Travel’s Off-Board Revolution
Luxury train journeys are having a golden-era resurgence, but the real innovation lies beyond the carriages. In 2025, high-end rail operators are offering immersive off-board experiences that blend scenic travel with cultural discovery. Belmond’s new Britannic Explorer is curating experiences from wild swimming in the Lake District to Cornish wine tastings, while Accor’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express is venturing into lesser-known Italian gems, including Matera and Monferrato’s truffle forests. Rather than simply enjoying the views from their suites, passengers are stepping off to engage with the landscapes and cultures they pass through.
The Future of Travel: Experience Over Excess
From celestial travel planning to night-time adventures, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where luxury, sustainability, and personalisation converge. The desire for meaningful connections, immersive experiences, and mindful travel is transforming the industry—leading to a new era of exploration where depth matters more than extravagance. The future of luxury travel is not about how much you can see, but how deeply you can experience it. Where will 2025 take you?