The concept of travel is an important one, allowing us to see, grow, experience, and learn through an array of cultures and locations across the globe. But within the travel sector, there are various trends that change year to year, reflecting the ever-shifting landscape of independent travelers and the needs of humanity, as such.
Looking at those trends, I’ve mapped out a few top concepts that are taking over the travel world, touching on everything from types of tourism to reasons for traveling. Take a look at this list and see if you’re on trend or if these ideas give you a reason to book that next flight.
The resurgence of airport lounges
Let’s face it — sitting in the terminal is kind of a bummer, especially if you have a long layover. You can try and hold down a spot at one of the restaurants, but most establishments have a time limit. This is where the airport lounge shines.
Once an elite aspect of the travel experience, airport lounges have gone through various changes over the years, offering far more services in the last decade. Driven by increased travel demand and evolving passenger expectations, airlines and independent brands are investing heavily in upgrading and expanding their lounge networks, offering travelers more options than ever for luxury and convenience.
While traditionally reserved for business and first-class passengers, many lounges now allow access via day passes, premium credit cards (Amex, Capital One, Chase), or loyalty programs. You’ll find upgrades such as wellness zones, nap pods, spa services, and plant-based menus to cater to health-conscious travelers.
Many have used AMEX lounges as the standard, offering spacious seating, top-tier food, and premium drinks, but more brands are opening lounges across the world, some offering luxury experiences with spas while others feature a simple place to grab some food and a quiet place to work on the road.
Capital One is the new kid on the block, gaining traction with high-end amenities, including chef-driven menus and wellness areas. They also have conference rooms/work spaces, sleep areas, and premade, to-go food and drinks options on your way out.
For your next trip, it doesn’t hurt to research your airports to see which lounges are available and which options might work for you based on your credit card(s), airline, and budget. You’ll be surprised at what you find. In 2025, it seems there is a lounge for every traveler and price point.
Astrocartography
You’re either looking at this word and already know where you’re headed, or you’re wondering if I’ve misspelled either ‘astrology’ or ‘cartography’. For the latter, you read that word right, and it’s a reason many are hitting the road in 2025.
Astrocartography is a branch of astrology that maps the influence of celestial bodies onto different locations on Earth. It involves creating a map, known as an astrocartography map, that displays the positions of planets at the time of your birth and how those planetary lines intersect with various geographical regions.
Essentially, this your natal chart laid out over the globe. Each line on the map corresponds to where a specific planet was either rising, setting, at its zenith (midheaven), or nadir (IC) at the time of your birth. Different planetary influences represent different energies. For example, your sun line can indicate areas where you feel more confident, recognized, or empowered, whereas your Saturn line may signify challenges or responsibilities but can also bring growth and discipline.
People often consult their astrocartography maps when planning travel or relocations to determine which areas might support their goals or life experiences. Traveling to a location with a strong planetary influence may bring specific energies into your life. Someone seeking love may visit a destination on their Venus line, whereas someone seeking a new job or purpose may choose to travel based on their Mars line.
Astrocartography doesn’t guarantee outcomes, but it can be a fun and reflective tool for choosing destinations based on astrological insights. It doesn’t hurt to look yours up. The map you read may just surprise you!
Books made me travel
Whether you enjoy the fantasy genre or the classics, murder mysteries or self-help, reading expands our perspectives and often our horizons — sometimes literally. Have you ever read a book and said to yourself, man, I’d love to see that place and experience what that character saw? If so, you’re right on trend for 2025.
This year, travel trends are increasingly influenced by books, as readers seek immersive experiences that bring their favorite stories to life. From literary-inspired itineraries like a Pride and Prejudice tour, to destinations shaped by bestsellers like Harry Potter, travelers are finding myriad reasons to use their books as inspiration to book that flight.
Some want to escape to a fantasy world, where faeries are real and dragons roam the land. Readers are booking trips to places like Scotland (Isle of Skye, Edinburgh), Iceland, and New Zealand (think The Lord of the Rings) for dramatic scenery reminiscent of magical academies and epic battles. However, they are also flocking to fairytale locations, like the picturesque castles in Germany, England, and the palaces in France. Think about high tea in the gardens or a photoshoot at Neuschwanstein Castle. The possibilities are endless.
But fiction reads aren’t the only outlet, as self-help and feel-good stories with chance encounters are pushing many to break out of routine, focus on self-care, and see what the world has to offer. Places like Bali, India, and Italy (yes, people are still eating, praying, and loving) are a popular choice, but others are looking for a slower pace and closer travel time, via the US’s midwest, Mexico’s beaches, and Central America’s ancient history.
From sci-fi escapes in hyper-modern cities like Singapore, Dubai, and Tokyo to alien landscapes that seem otherwordly in Egypt’s deserts and Bolivia’s salt flats, we promise — your next trip can be anything but ordinary. Get reading and see what inspires you!
Curated group travel for solo adventurers
There are many people out there who enjoy traveling but may not have people in their lives who can pick up and head out on the road with them. Enter: Group experiences for solo travelers. This travel trend has been on the rise, with various companies (including TourHero!) helping solo travelers find other like-minded individuals to embark on an array of adventures.
Sometimes, this can look like a digital nomad trip, where many travelers are seeking others to work with on the road (which can help with costs, too). Others may be looking for niche options, like female-only trips, adventures or expeditions, and creative-based trips, where entrepreneurs, artists, and wellness folks can come together to rest, inspire, and enjoy a new location. Foodie trips, wine tours, fashion-forward itineraries, hiking and nature, or even photography and hands-on art all work within this category.
Many seek this option for the same reasons outside of the travel niche. When it comes to curated group trips, it’s cheaper and hassle-free planning. Travelers can show up and enjoy a carefully crafted experience without worrying about logistics or cost. There’s also a sense of safety in numbers, as groups provide a social environment without the loneliness of solo travel. Particularly for women and first-time solo travelers, curated trips provide security and guidance.
✈️ Why not make your next adventure effortless? If you’re looking for an epic, hassle-free group trip tailored to your interests, TourHero makes it easy to find the perfect adventure. Whether you’re craving a community, seeking new connections, or someone who just wants an exciting, well-planned getaway, TourHero might have just the experience for you. Join an open TourHero trip today! 🚀✨
Coolcations
While many travel to warmer destinations to enjoy areas with beaches, deserts, or other arid landscapes for hiking and relaxing, there’s a new movement of people flocking to cooler areas for something now known as a “coolcation.”
A coolcation is a trip taken to any place with a cool or cold climate. You might be thinking — why? — and I’m with you on that, but people who love to ski, snowboard, ice fish, and more would be happy to tout this type of travel. And if you live in a climate that is warm year-round, getting out of the heat and into a cooler destination is more than appealing.
Cool-weather destinations often have stunning natural landscapes, like fjords, glaciers, or mountain ranges. Think Alaska, Iceland, Norway, and Patagonia. These trips can be great for hiking, wildlife spotting, or soaking in hot springs.
But it’s not just about cold weather activities. Certain cold weather destinations have a larger window for their low travel season, meaning there are less crowds and lower prices. Cities like Edinburgh, Reykjavik, and Helsinki offer cooler weather, vibrant cultural scenes, and less crowded tourist spots during peak summer months.
Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes in Austria or pamper yourself at a spa in Montreal, don’t sleep on cold weather travel. Taking a coolcation might just change your perspective on travel and the world.
Athletic adventures
Another travel trend for 2025 abuts the wellness sector, with many traveling for the chance to stay active. This could look like hiking in Patagonia, Iceland, or Nepal, or it could look like a scuba diving trip in Cozumel or Egypt. While some might choose to continue their daily runs or hit the gym at a resort, many are buying that plane ticket with the foresight of athletic experiences they can’t find at home.
A popular trend is heading somewhere specific to compete, like those who travel to another country or even Disney to run a 5k, but there are some looking for the ultimate challenge. Many travel to compete in the Marathon des Sables in Morocco — a six-day, 155-mile ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert — and the Norway’s Norseman Xtreme Triathlon — a grueling full-distance triathlon through icy fjords and mountain peaks. Along these athletic lines, you’ll find those who wish to conquer Everest or summit the mighty Kilimanjaro.
However, this new travel trend isn’t just for the adrenaline junkies and body builders. Many are also flocking to the coastlines for surfing, freediving, and kiteboarding retreats in places like the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, Tarifa in Spain, and Costa Rica’s various beaches.
From skiing and snowboarding to rock climbing and cycling, there are myriad ways to stay active on vacation. You’ll even find specific wellness retreats geared toward these activities, with applicable nutrition and aftercare activities to ensure the body stays healthy and the mind stays happy.
Nighttime fun aka “noctourism”
In 2025, “noctourism,” also known as nighttime travel experiences, is a booming trend, catering to travelers who seek adventure, culture, and entertainment after dark. Whether it’s exploring cities that come alive at night, engaging in stargazing excursions, or experiencing exclusive late-night events, noctourism is redefining the way people travel.
Some are shifting to this travel trend for aesthetic appeal; neon cityscapes, stargazing, and bioluminescent waters make for visually stunning experiences and the perfect photo op. But some travelers are embracing flexible schedules, making nighttime exploration appealing. In most places, you’ll find lower crowds and unique experiences, offering a completely different vibe after dark.
While some cities shut down at night, others are just getting warmed up. Places like Tokyo and Spain feature everything from all-night ramen joints to late-night dining and flamenco shows.
Outside of the city lights, you’ll find another type of noctourism, where nature awakens under the stars. Places like the Atacama Desert in Chile and Mauna Kea in Hawaii offer some of the best stargazing on the planet, while Iceland and Norway boast Northern Lights tours in peak winter months.
But the stars aren’t the only thing to see at night, as there is a whole facet of the animal kingdom that is often overlooked when the sun goes down. Places like Kruger National Park in South Africa offer night tours to see the other side of the bush, where as you can take a night hike with a local guide in the Borneo jungles of Malaysia to see glowing fungi and rare nocturnal animals.
Full moon parties in Thailand, secret underground clubs in Germany, speakeasys in NYC — there’s no telling what you can find at night, even in some of your favorite travel spots around the globe. Who knew you could see more in the dark?
Tech-free travel: The digital detox
Tech-free travel is on the rise as people seek to unplug from their hyper-connected lives and rediscover the joys of being fully present. With digital burnout at an all-time high, many travelers are ditching their screens in favor of immersive, off-grid experiences that promote mindfulness, nature, and genuine human connection.
For this trend, many choose to go all in with a digital detox retreat. This could look like a meditation center or silent retreat in India to a forest bathing experience in Japan, Canada, or even Scandinavia. There are also an array of art retreats where phones simply aren’t allowed, giving folks the time to relax and create. Portugal, Mexico, and parts of California are known for these options.
Others seek isolation with off-the-grid vacations, such as cabin stays in the Scottish highlands or high-end villas and glamping in parts of Morocco, Utah, and Mexico. If you’re looking to see the world — phone-free — hop on a catamaran and experience the Greek islands with a week-long sailing expedition, or head out and camp in the Pacific North West to return to nature.
At the end of the day, tech-free travel doesn’t have to be that serious. Just throw you phone in the room and forget it exists. Enjoy a spa getaway, hike until your heart is full, or head to a retreat where others will keep you accountable.
Calmcations
Away from the hustle and bustle of life, away from what seems like the rest of the world, calmcations are taking hold in the travel realm. A blend of “calm” and “vacation”, this major travel trend is growing, as people seek stress-free, slow-paced escapes to counter the pressures of modern life. Instead of jam-packed itineraries and sightseeing marathons, travelers are prioritizing rest, mindfulness, and immersive, unhurried experiences.
With more remote workers and digital overload, travelers are seeking true rest. This means less rushing, more savoring moments, and embracing spontaneity. Calmcation destinations are focused on peace, quiet, and natural beauty. Within this mindset, travel becomes a tool for relaxation, self-care, and emotional well-being.
Calmcations can wear many different masks. They can look like longer timelines in one location, so you can truly soak in the culture at a slower pace. For example, staying in Tuscany for two weeks to explore the countryside, the wine, and a slower pace of life versus hopping from Florence to Tuscany to Rome to wherever else you can pack into one trip. The same can be true of a 10-day trip to one of the Greek islands, where your only job is to rest, relax, and explore without a schedule.
However, calmcations can also look like a pampering vacation or wellness retreat, where the resort is your main priority with relaxation, great food, and healing. Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala, India or hot spring stays in Iceland, Japan, or Costa Rica are a prime choice.
Some believe nature is the ultimate healer and look for forest getaways in places like Norway, Canada, and the Swiss Alps. Hiking, no noise, and no city energy is just what the doctor ordered.
Your calmcation can also be foodie based, where your only job is to find a new place to eat with locally sourced options and maybe even a cooking class or street food tour. These trips can offer activities, such as tea ceremonies, coffee farm tours, and local food experiences that allow you to take the time to get to know the location through its food — no tour buses or busy schedules allowed. Sounds like a dream to me.
Body-focused travel: Spa treatments, beauty procedures, and optimal health
You may choose to book a massage at home or even on vacation depending on where you’re traveling, but it’s getting more and more common for people to book trips that solely focus on health, wellness, and the body. From laser facials and foot rubs, to food detoxes and botox, there is an uptick of wellness-based travel. There are even a whole slew of men traveling to Turkey right now for hair implants. Seriously, look it up.
Body-focused travel is booming as more travelers prioritize self-care, wellness, and rejuvenation. No longer just about luxury spa days, these trips offer holistic treatments, cutting-edge beauty innovations, and immersive experiences designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit.
Luxury wellness resorts now combine traditional spa treatments with the latest in beauty and anti-aging science. In Switzerland, you can find resorts with advanced anti-aging treatments, cryotherapy, and IV drips for cellular rejuvenation. Dubai’s biohacking spas offer futuristic wellness treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red light therapy. And let’s not forget the skincare king — South Korea — with cutting-edge facials, K-beauty innovations, and personalized skin treatments.
Thermal and hot spring trips are also on the rise, with places like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland as a popular choice. But there are also more historic choices, like the Hakone onsens in Japan, the isolation of the iron-rich hot springs in the Azores, and the thermal baths with relaxation rituals in Germany. From Morocco to Turkey, there is a place for everyone.
Many travelers are also booking spa getaways focused on weight management, detox, and body toning. From Spain to Thailand and specific locations within the US, you’ll find resorts with scientific detox programs and a focus on gut health, along with holistic weight loss, personalized fitness, lymphatic drainage massages, healthy gourmet meals, and intensive boot camps combined with luxury wellness treatments.
Let’s not forget rest. You can even find a sleep spa with medical wellness programs to help reset sleep cycles. Popular in Austria and Switzerland, there really is something out there for every bodily need.
Whether you’re looking for a specialized beauty procedure or a relaxing getaway with daily spa treatments, body-focused travel is on the rise. With these examples? It sounds like a win-win!
About TourHero
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