Top Travel Trends for 2025 – According to Expedia’s Unpack Report
Travel in 2025: A New Way of Exploring the World
Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report reveals how travelers are reshaping their bucket lists in 2025. From alternative city breaks to trips inspired by TV shows, the year ahead will be defined by creativity, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences.
Detour Destinations: Beyond the Tourist Hubs
Instead of heading straight for Paris, Milan or Cancun, many travelers are choosing the hidden gems just beyond. Reims, Brescia and Cozumel are emerging as top alternatives, while Fukuoka in Japan, Krabi in Thailand, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE are offering fresh experiences away from the crowds. These detour destinations are perfect for those who want authentic travel without the long lines and selfie sticks.
Also see our guide to Bologna.
Goods Getaways: Souvenirs With a Story
In 2025, shopping is no longer an afterthought. Travelers are planning entire trips around what they can learn or bring home. Think coffee tours in Costa Rica, matcha experiences in Uji, espadrille-making workshops in Barcelona, Moroccan cooking classes in Marrakech, or exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar with a local guide. The memories are built into the items you carry back.
The All-Inclusive Renaissance
All-inclusive travel is making a stylish comeback. Especially popular among Gen Z, these resorts are redefining what “all-inclusive” means. With luxury stays in Cancun, Mauritius, Antigua and even Austria, the old image of mass buffets and cookie-cutter hotels is being replaced by curated experiences and upscale comfort.
Hotel Restaurant Renaissance
Hotels are increasingly doubling as culinary landmarks. Travelers are now booking stays where the restaurant is as big a draw as the room itself. Properties like Hotel del Coronado in California, ROMEO Napoli in Italy, and The St. Regis Chicago prove that good food can be the heart of the journey.
JOMO Travel: The Joy of Missing Ou
After years of chasing every sight, the new luxury is slowing down. JOMO Travel focuses on peace, privacy, and unplugged escapes. Private villas, rustic cabins, and countryside estates are gaining popularity as travelers swap FOMO for serenity. From Scottish estates to Italian countryside retreats, 2025 is the year of slowing the pace.
The Phenomena-List: Nature’s Greatest Shows
Travelers are building their itineraries around natural and celestial wonders. Whether it’s chasing the northern lights in Sweden, watching volcanic activity in Iceland, seeing starling murmurations in Denmark, or witnessing bioluminescent waters and firefly displays, the planet’s spectacles are becoming central to travel plans.
Set-Jetting: Inspired by Screens
Pop culture is still one of the biggest travel drivers. From Dubai, featured in reality TV, to New York, showcased in And Just Like That…, travelers are mapping trips based on what they’ve seen on screen. South Africa, highlighted in One Piece, and Scotland, home to The Traitors, are also attracting set-jetting fans.
One-Click Trips: From Inspiration to Booking
The line between dreaming and booking is disappearing. Social media is becoming a direct gateway to travel, with creator-curated shops making it possible to scroll, click and book within minutes. Inspiration and action are closer than ever.
What This Means for Your Bucket List
For 2025, your bucket list can go in many directions. You might swap a crowded capital for a detour destination, immerse yourself in local crafts on a goods getaway, or chase a natural wonder from the phenomena-list. You could rethink all-inclusive travel, choose hotels based on their restaurants, or finally let your favorite series dictate your destination. At the same time, JOMO escapes remind us that the best memories can come from slowing down.
Travel in 2025 isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how you experience it. Your next adventure is already waiting to be checked off the list.
