The 2025 Top Travel Trends

2025 is around the corner, and travelers around the world have been planning their trips for the year. What kind of trips are travelers most eager for in the year ahead? What are the emerging travel trends that have gradually gained significance?

Companies like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hilton have released reports that shed light on this ever-changing landscape with promising statistics, and this Pacific Prime Dubai article aims to draw conclusions from the reports’ data, and help you stay updated on the most popular traveling behaviors and decisions of 2025.

Trend #1: Skyrocketing Popularity in Destination Dupes

According to Expedia’s “Unpack ‘25,” a travel trend report which surveyed 25,000 respondents from 19 countries, Over half of travelers said that they are likely to opt for an alternative, less-expensive, and less-explored destination that mimics the allure of splashy trips to global hot spots.

Many destinations are becoming overcrowded, and it’s no surprise that travelers are seeking the less-traveled paths. Detour destinations are more economical, and can satisfy travelers’ increasing interest in superior, authentic experience—it’s just more value for money.

The flight searches on Expedia’s and Booking.com’s websites in the past year revealed that travelers have shown rising interest in these locations:

Trend #2: Soft Travel is the New Norm

The Hilton Trends Report 2025 reinforced the emergence of soft travel, journeys that encourage simplicity and spontaneity to enhance mental health. 20% of travelers opt for trips of self-discovery or mental health when traveling, and this explains why destination dupe is popular nowadays.

This leads travelers to seek out destinations that offer a respite from stressful daily and work lives, and soft travel is exactly the solution for that. It allows them to reduce stress and anxiety, and even better reconnect with loved ones. This concept is described as JOMO, the joy of missing out.

And nothing does this better than vacation home rentals near beaches, lakes, and mountains. Travelers can spend quality time in the house, with friends or family, far away from hustle and bustle, miss out on work notifications and tight schedules, and show appreciation to their loved ones.

Trend #3: Solo Trips are on the Rise

Although the main driver for traveling is still togetherness where travelers spend time with family, friends, and their loved ones, solo travelers (MeMooners) are looking for an adventure at their own pace—male and female, however, approach solo trips in different ways.

Male solo travelers prefer “time travel”. They are likely to visit places that they are familiar with and do things that they have done before, or revisit childhood places and tap into the sense of nostalgia

Female solo travelers prefer “slow travel”. They are more adventurous, willing to explore under-the-radar features of the destination, and engage in lesser-known activities for a more localized, authentic experience.

25% of solo travelers are also found to travel with their pets, more frequently than average leisure travelers (19%); 64% of solo travelers also prefer a good book as their favorite travel companion.

#4. Personal Wellness Remains Significant

Wellness travel has emerged as a significant trend in recent years, thanks to social media and increased awareness of health, reflecting a growing desire among travelers to prioritize their health and well-being while exploring new destinations.

This trend encompasses a wide range of activities and experiences designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit:

• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Wellness travel often includes yoga retreats, meditation sessions, and spa treatments. These experiences help travelers disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with themselves.
• Physical Health and Fitness: Many travelers seek destinations offering fitness programs, outdoor adventures, and wellness workshops. Activities like hiking, cycling, and fitness classes in scenic environments are popular choices.
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Wellness-focused travel often emphasizes healthy dining options. Many resorts and retreats provide organic, locally sourced meals and nutrition workshops to educate travelers about healthy eating habits.
• Holistic Treatments: Wellness travel may include alternative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, and holistic healing practices. These treatments aim to address both physical and emotional well-being.

Prioritize Your Health with Pacific Prime

These travel trends of 2025 are valuable references on how you can plan your next trip. That said, everyone has different styles and preferences when it comes to traveling.

Regardless of the nature of your trip, it is crucial to have travel insurance (less than a month) or short-term health insurance (more than a month) secured.

These insurance ensure that you have adequate health coverage when encountering unexpected illnesses, giving you peace of mind knowing that you’ll receive quality healthcare services in world-class medical facilities without needing to pay hefty bills out of pocket.

Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience in finding the right insurance for expats and travelers around the world. Our team of experts is capable of getting you the best deal from renowned insurers for your healthcare needs and requirements.

Contact us today, or get an instant online quote to kickstart your journeys of 2025 with Pacific Prime.

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Eric Chung

Content Creator at Pacific Prime Dubai

Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.

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