Top Travel Trends for 2025: Hidden Gems, Sustainable Escapes & More

Discover 2025's top travel trends! From off-the-beaten-path destinations to wellness escapes, sustainable tourism, and set-jetting hotspots, explore how travelers are redefining their journeys. Find unique guides, hidden gems, and must-visit destinations on Thatch.
Liv Coning
Marketing Lead
Top Travel Trends for 2025: Hidden Gems, Sustainable Escapes & More
Jan 02 2025
2025 is bringing some super cool new trends in how people like to travel these days.
We've been checking out what the experts at Forbes, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic, and Skyscanner are saying about what's hot in travel right now. Let's dive into the biggest trends we're seeing this year!
Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

1. Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Travelers are increasingly seeking unique experiences away from traditional tourist hotspots. Destinations like Raja Ampat in Indonesia, known for its rich marine biodiversity, and Boise, Idaho, celebrated for its Basque-American culture, are gaining popularity.

Other emerging off-the-beaten-path destinations:

  • The Faroe Islands - offering dramatic landscapes and authentic Nordic culture without Iceland's tourist crowds
  • Comporta, Portugal - known as the "Hamptons of Portugal" with pristine beaches and laid-back luxury
  • Ladakh, India - featuring stunning Himalayan landscapes and ancient Buddhist monasteries
Sedona, Arizona

2. Wellness and Longevity Travel

Health-focused vacations are on the rise, with affluent travelers prioritizing wellness. Trends such as "sleep tourism" and trips aimed at promoting longevity are becoming mainstream, reflecting a growing desire for restorative and health-enhancing travel experiences.

Examples of wellness and longevity travel destinations:

  • Blue Zone retreats in Sardinia, Italy - offering programs based on the lifestyle of the world's longest-living populations
  • Wellness resorts in Sedona, Arizona - combining spiritual healing with luxury spa treatments and red rock meditation
  • Sleep-focused hotels in Switzerland - featuring specialized rooms with circadian lighting and sleep-tracking technology
  • Traditional healing centers in Kerala, India - providing Ayurvedic treatments and yoga programs

3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism

With increasing environmental awareness, travelers are opting for eco-friendly destinations and accommodations. This shift is encouraging the tourism industry to adopt sustainable practices, aiming to minimize ecological footprints and support conservation efforts.

Eco-friendly destinations making significant strides in sustainable tourism:

  • Costa Rica - Pioneering carbon-neutral tourism with extensive protected areas and eco-lodges powered by renewable energy
  • Slovenia - The world's first Green Destination country, with Ljubljana being one of Europe's most sustainable capitals
  • Bhutan - Maintaining carbon-negative status while requiring sustainable tourism practices through their controlled tourism policy
  • Norway - Leading in electric vehicle infrastructure and sustainable fjord tourism practices
  • New Zealand - Promoting responsible tourism through their Tiaki Promise and extensive conservation efforts
These destinations have implemented comprehensive sustainability programs, including:
  • Renewable energy initiatives in tourism facilities
  • Strict waste management and recycling programs
  • Protection of local biodiversity and wildlife
  • Support for local communities and indigenous cultures
  • Sustainable transportation options for tourists

4. Cultural and Educational Experiences

There's a growing interest in immersive cultural experiences. Destinations like Dominica offer "edu-vacations," where travelers can engage with local culture and history, providing enriching and educational journeys.

Popular destinations for cultural and educational experiences:

  • Kyoto, Japan - Traditional tea ceremonies, geisha culture, and ancient temples provide deep insights into Japanese heritage
  • Cairo, Egypt - Archaeological sites and museums offer hands-on learning about ancient civilizations
  • Cusco, Peru - Immersive experiences in Incan history and traditional Andean culture
  • Athens, Greece - Ancient ruins and modern museums combine for comprehensive historical education
  • Marrakech, Morocco - Traditional craft workshops and cooking classes showcase local artisan culture
  • Dublin, Ireland - Literary tours and historical walking routes highlight the city's rich cultural heritage
Jackson Hole, Wyoming

5. Cowboy Core Travel

The Western aesthetic is making a comeback in travel preferences. From dude ranch stays to small-town rodeos, travelers are embracing authentic Western experiences. Modern cowboys and cowgirls are seeking destinations that combine rustic charm with luxury amenities, creating a new "cowboy core" travel trend that appeals to both adventure seekers and comfort lovers.

Here are some popular cowboy core destinations:

  • Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Offering luxury ranches with high-end amenities alongside authentic Western experiences
  • Marfa, Texas - An artistic desert town blending Western heritage with contemporary culture
  • Scottsdale, Arizona - Features upscale resorts with Western themes and desert adventures
  • Park City, Utah - Combining mountain scenery with sophisticated Western-style accommodations
  • Big Sky, Montana - Luxury mountain resorts offering horseback riding and ranch experiences
  • Santa Fe, New Mexico - Rich in Western heritage with high-end art galleries and resort properties
Kurokawa Onsen

6. Slow and Silent Travel

In response to fast-paced lifestyles, there's a trend towards "slow" or "silent" travel. Travelers are seeking longer, quieter vacations that allow for deeper relaxation and a break from digital connectivity, often in serene, nature-centric destinations.

Slow and silent travel destinations:

  • The remote fjords of Norway, where travelers can disconnect in isolated cabins surrounded by pristine nature
  • Japanese ryokans in rural areas like Hakone, offering traditional meditation spaces and onsen experiences
  • The Scottish Highlands' remote cottages, providing peaceful stays amid dramatic landscapes
  • New Zealand's Stewart Island, offering tranquil hiking trails and stargazing opportunities
  • Remote monasteries in Tibet, where visitors can experience traditional contemplative practices
NEOM, Saudi Arabia

7. Ancestry and Heritage Tourism

With the rise of DNA testing, more travelers are embarking on journeys to explore their ancestral roots. This form of tourism offers a personal connection to destinations, enriching the travel experience through personal history.
Hobbiton, New Zealand

8. Set-Jetting Tourism

Popular TV shows and movies are increasingly influencing travel decisions. Destinations featured in hit series and films are seeing surges in tourism, with travelers seeking to experience the real-life locations of their favorite on-screen moments. From visiting Korean filming locations inspired by K-dramas to exploring Italian villas featured in romantic comedies, set-jetting is becoming a major driver of destination choice.

Popular set-jetting destinations:

  • The White Lotus filming locations in Sicily and Hawaii, driving tourism to luxury resorts featured in the series
  • New Zealand's landscapes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies continue attracting fantasy enthusiasts
  • Croatia's Dubrovnik, which saw a surge in visitors after featuring as King's Landing in Game of Thrones
  • The picturesque English countryside locations from Bridgerton, including Bath and various historic estates
Dearest Gentle Reader, It is with the greatest pleasure that I invite you on an enchanting journey through the most sparkling locales that our beloved England has to offer. Prepare yourself for a tour de force that shall transport you into the very heart of the Regency (and Victorian) era, an experience meticulously curated to delight and dazzle even the most discerning of travelers. Our grand adventure commences with a two-day guide galavanting through the illustrious city of London. There you shall meander through the hallowed halls, lush gardens, royal palaces, and more, much akin to the grand ballrooms and picturesque parks that set the stage for many a dramatic encounter. From there, we shall whisk you away to the quaint yet opulent city of Bath. Here, you will bask in the elegance of the Roman Baths and promenade through the grandiose Assembly Rooms, where one might imagine the whispers of courtship and intrigue still linger in the air. Next, the venerable seat of academia, Oxford, awaits your presence. You shall wander its cobblestone streets and explore its ancient colleges, each corner offering a glimpse into the storied past and romantic escapades worthy of our beloved series. As part of your visit, we will provide exclusive entry into an Oxford Ball, a soiree where you shall need your finest attire to mingle with the crème de la crème of society. Our journey shall culminate in the idyllic Cotswolds, a tapestry of rolling hills and charming villages that promise an immersion in bucolic splendor. You shall visit the acclaimed Blenheim Palace and take in the serene beauty of the English countryside, feeling every bit the lord or lady of the manor. With every step, you will trace the footsteps of our most beloved characters, visiting the very places where their stories unfolded. This is no ordinary excursion, but rather an invitation to live out your own Bridgerton fantasy, complete with all the opulence and elegance that befits a member of the ton. Yours most sincerely, Lady Whistledown ~ Itinerary at a glance: Day 1 - West London: Palaces, Shopping, & High Tea Day 2 - East London: Greenwich, Shopping & Craft Cocktails Day 3 - Bath Day Trip Day 4 - Oxford Tour & an Oxford Ball Day 5 - Blenheim Palace & The Cotswolds Also included: *Bridgerton filming locations and real-life inspirations from Bridgerton Seasons 1-3 (no spoilers for Season 3) and the Queen Charlotte prequel *Insider knowledge on how to attend exclusive Oxford Balls (from an Oxford alumnus) *Bridgerton themed recommendations for hotels, restaurants, tea cafes shops, stores, bars, and more! *UK travel tips from former UK residents ------------ This guide contains lesson's learned from our time living in Oxford and frequent travels around England. The Oxford Colleges can be confusing to navigate and we hope our insights as students & residents of Oxford are helpful! Also there was a learning curve for us in navigating the UK so, we filled this with tips that will hopefully be useful for first-time tourists. We trust you shall savour your sojourn in the countryside! We have it on good-authority that it will be the talk of society.
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  • Emily in Paris filming spots across Paris, from Café de Flore to the Palace of Versailles
Iceland

9. Off-Peak and Shoulder Season Travel

Budget-conscious travelers are increasingly choosing to visit destinations during off-peak and shoulder seasons. This trend offers multiple benefits: lower costs, fewer crowds, and more authentic local experiences. Popular summer destinations are seeing growing visitor numbers in spring and fall, while winter destinations are attracting travelers during their traditional low seasons.

Destinations that offer excellent shoulder season experiences:

  • Mediterranean Coast (April-May, September-October): Visit destinations like the Greek Islands or Croatian coast when temperatures are mild and crowds are thin, but the water is still warm enough for swimming.
  • Japan (October-November, March-April): Experience cherry blossoms or fall foliage without peak season prices and crowds of summer tourists or winter ski enthusiasts.
  • Iceland (March-May, September-November): Enjoy moderate temperatures, potential Northern Lights sightings, and significantly lower prices than during the peak summer months.
  • Caribbean (April-May, November-December): Visit between hurricane season and peak winter tourism for perfect beach weather and reduced rates.
  • European Cities (March-April, October-November): Explore cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona when the weather is mild and tourist attractions are less crowded.
Milos, Greece

10. Destination Dupes

The concept of "destination dupes" - lesser-known alternatives to popular tourist spots - is gaining traction. Travelers are discovering locations that offer similar experiences to famous destinations but with fewer crowds and lower costs.

Destination dupes that offer similar experiences at a fraction of the cost:

  • Instead of Santorini, Greece: Try Milos, Greece - offering stunning white-washed buildings, beautiful beaches, and dramatic coastal views without the overwhelming crowds.
  • Instead of Venice, Italy: Visit Annecy, France - known as the "Venice of the Alps" with its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and alpine backdrop.
  • Instead of Bali, Indonesia: Explore Koh Lanta, Thailand - featuring similar tropical beaches, yoga retreats, and cultural experiences with fewer tourists.
  • Instead of Iceland: Consider the Faroe Islands - offering similar dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and Nordic culture in a less touristy setting.
  • Instead of Swiss Alps: Try the Julian Alps in Slovenia - providing spectacular mountain scenery, hiking trails, and ski resorts at more affordable prices.
Looking at all these trends, it's clear that travel in 2025 is getting way more personal and mindful. People want real experiences that mean something to them, and the travel industry is totally here for it!

How Thatch Can Help You Explore 2025's Travel Trends

Planning your next adventure can be overwhelming with so many exciting options. Thatch's travel experts are here to help you:
  • Find the perfect destinations that match your interests, whether it's wellness retreats or cultural experiences
  • Book authentic accommodations and experiences that support sustainable tourism
  • Discover off-peak travel opportunities and hidden gem alternatives to popular spots
  • Connect with local guides who can provide immersive cultural experiences
  • Navigate destination-specific requirements and cultural considerations
Use our personal concierge, ThatchGPT, to help connect you with the right local expert for your trip.
Whether you're seeking a wellness retreat in Bali, a cultural immersion in Kyoto, or an eco-friendly adventure in Costa Rica, we're here to help you create meaningful travel experiences that align with the latest trends while respecting local communities and environments.
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