Wondering how to plan your travels this year? This article reveals the seven biggest trends influencing where and how people are exploring in 2025.
From digital detox retreats to AI-powered journey planning, and choosing cooler climates over heading for the heat, you're sure to find something that speaks to your travel style. I’ve included some of my own experiences to help inspire you.
Choose the one that most appeals to you and create a travel experience in 2025 that aligns with your soul as well as the evolving tourism landscape.
1. The quiet luxury of calm
Finding peace and quiet while travelling is becoming increasingly precious. This year’s 'calmcation' trend reflects our growing need to escape noise and technology in a world where constant connection has become the norm.
Why it matters: According to the World Health Organisation, environmental noise is the most important cause of ill health in Western Europe after air pollution—making tranquility not just a luxury, but a health necessity.
Where to experience it: Try off-grid cabins in the calm countryside of the Netherlands, the UK, France or Belgium. Many offer digital detox packages where you can focus on reconnecting with nature and yourself.
Recently, I took a short break with friends at a cabin near Durbuy in the vast forests of the Belgian Ardennes. We went for walks in the sunshine, soaked in the hot tub among the trees and played board games. No phones, no noise. Simply delightful.
Read more about calm places to go in Belgium here.
2. The magnificent night sky
This is the year of 'astrotourism'. Exploring after dark will be more magical than ever thanks to celestial activity in the coming months.
Why it matters: Solar activity will reach a decades-high peak in 2025, creating spectacular northern lights displays unlike anything we've seen in years.
Where to experience it:
Iceland offers extraordinary aurora viewing opportunities, particularly in remote areas away from light pollution. The Italian Alps combine stargazing with mountain adventures, while Portugal's Alentejo region has been designated as a Dark Sky Reserve, perfect for observing constellations.
I had an amazing astrotourism experience near where I live in Belgium. At the Observatoire Centre Ardenne, we saw the moon in absolutely incredible detail and spoke to one of the centre’s passionate experts.
Read my full article on the best places to experience the night sky in 2025 here.
3. AI-powered journey planning
Travel planning is making extraordinary leaps with the help of artificial intelligence. Travel tech company Amadeus reports that nearly 50% of their customers will use generative AI for trip planning in 2025.
Why it matters: AI tools are transforming how we research and book travel, creating highly personalised itineraries. They can also help us identify time-efficient routes for complex multi-country journeys.
How to use it: Try Byway's AI engine for planning seamless train journeys across Europe or let Tripadvisor's AI trip builder create custom itineraries based on your interests and time constraints. Alternatively, ChatGPT travel AI chatbots can uncover hidden gems based on your past travel preferences.
That said, according to research from ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), Gen Z travellers are nearly as likely to be flicking through a physical holiday brochure as browsing the internet for travel ideas, so perhaps a balance of both approaches works best.
4. Magical alternatives to tourist hotspots
‘Destination dupes’ will continue gaining popularity in 2025, as travellers seek affordable, less-crowded alternatives to tourism hotspots.
Why it matters: Research shows an astonishing 93% of travellers would consider these alternatives, appreciating similar experiences without the crowds and high prices.
Remarkable dupes to consider: In Belgium, swap Bruges for Ghent's equally pretty canal boat tours and historical architecture. Consider trading Paris for Lyon's world-class French cuisine and UNESCO-protected old town. In Spain, choose Valencia over Barcelona for golden beaches and striking architecture. Heading to Portugal? Why not skip Lisbon for Tavira's medieval castle, divine secret restaurants and relaxed riverside vibes.
Having visited Ghent, as well as its popular neighbour Bruges, I can attest to the joy of exploring a beautiful city without fighting through crowds. Authentic local experiences are always worth a slight detour.
Read my full article on destination dupes and all the recommendations here.
5. Escaping the heat wave
As summer temperatures in Mediterranean destinations continue to break uncomfortable records, ‘coolcations’ to northern European countries are the fresh new trend.
Why it matters: One luxury tour operator reported a surprising 26% increase in bookings to cooler regions last year, a pattern expected to accelerate dramatically in 2025.
Refreshing destinations to consider: Sample Sweden's stunning Stockholm archipelago for island-hopping adventures with pleasant summer temperatures. Finland's lake district provides the perfect mild weather setting for kayaking and forest hiking, while Norway's refreshing fjords deliver breathtaking landscapes without the scorching heat.
Having been on a cruise of the Norwegian fjords many years ago, I like the idea of heading to the cool mountains and waterfalls instead of the blazing hot beaches. The scenery there is so impressive, you feel like you’re in a movie.
6. Travel with meaningful impact
Purposeful journeys are reshaping how we experience destinations, as more travellers seek to create positive changes through their adventures.
Why it matters: Nearly three-quarters of travellers now believe in the importance of creating positive effects on local communities—making travel a genuine force for good.
How to make an impact: Choose community-owned accommodation and restaurants when possible and participate in local conservation activities. Support artisans by purchasing directly from workshops rather than souvenir shops, and join cooking classes that celebrate and preserve traditional food heritage.
On Malaysia’s Tioman Island, I visited the Juara Turtle Project, where volunteers took me behind the scenes to see their valuable conservation work. When we joined them on the beach to watch 100 newly hatched baby turtles take their first steps, it was a magical moment. Read my full story here.
7. The renaissance of rail travel
As travellers seek eco-friendly alternatives to flying, train journeys are experiencing a revival. The romance of rail travel is back, as more affordable international routes and long-distance night-trains are confirmed.
Why it matters: Flight-free travel operator Byway reported bookings nearly doubling in the past year, highlighting this trend's appeal with environmentally conscious travellers.
Exciting rail experiences to watch: La Dolce Vita launches in 2025 with eight luxurious routes through Italy's most stunning regions. Meanwhile, night trains across Europe are being reimagined with innovative capsule cabin designs.
Looking ahead
As we combine our increasing awareness of environmental and wellness needs with the rapid technological advancement, these trends give us exciting possibilities for more meaningful exploration.
This invites us to be more intentional about how and where we go, leading to richer, more fulfilling adventures that benefit both ourselves and the places we visit.
Happy travelling in 2025!
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What's your favourite travel style? Which of these trends resonates most with you? I'd love to hear in the comments about your travel aspirations for the year ahead!
Next week: How learning to scuba dive in Malaysia—complete with panic, tears, and embarrassment—became the birthday gift I never knew I needed.
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Yeah... go Ghent! 🙌 Thanks for the restack, Gabi!
Destination Dupes is such a great name! 😂 My trick would be to go in the office season whenever I could. Even the bigger cities feel a little less crowded than. Great tips!