2025 Travel Trends: From Noctourism to Nostalgia Tourism

As the world looks ahead to 2025, the travel industry is buzzing with predictions about how and where people will explore. From nocturnal adventures to nostalgic retreats, travel trends for the coming year reflect a desire for transformation, connection, and escape from the fast-paced modern world.

According to Jenny Southern, CEO of the world’s leading travel trend forecasting agency, trends provide clarity and a roadmap for engaging with the world. Cultural futurist Jasmine Bina adds that travel trends reveal what people truly desire when everyday rules are suspended. “Right now, what they really want is to feel transformed,” she says.

One of the standout trends for 2025 is noctourism, which combines nighttime experiences with travel. With solar activity expected to peak in 2025, destinations like Finnish Lapland, Norway‘s Lofoten Islands, Svalbard, and Iceland are tipped as prime spots for viewing the northern lights. This trend aligns with the travel industry’s goal of fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

Calmcations, or holidays focused on tranquillity, are also gaining traction. Noise pollution, identified by the World Health Organisation as a major health concern, has led to the rise of silent retreats and tech-free cabins. Havila Voyages, for instance, offers “silent voyages” along the Norwegian coast, while new retreats like those in the Helsinki archipelago provide off-grid escapes.

Technology is set to play a larger role in trip planning, with nearly 50% of travelers expected to prioritize generative AI in 2025. Companies like Byway are using AI to simplify multi-country travel, while others are employing it for personalized itineraries and baggage sorting. However, the trend isn’t universal; Gen Z travelers are increasingly turning to traditional holiday brochures for inspiration, signaling a potential backlash against digital overload.

Another emerging trend is the rise of solo and group travel opportunities, driven by a desire for real-life connections. Firms like Flash Pack and Intrepid Travel are expanding options for solo travelers seeking social adventures. Meanwhile, off-the-beaten-track destinations are gaining popularity, with travelers opting for “destination dupes”—lesser-known alternatives to overcrowded hotspots.

Climate change is also reshaping travel patterns. As temperatures in traditional Mediterranean destinations soar, northern Europe is becoming a preferred summer getaway. Scott Dunn reports a 26% increase in bookings to Finland and Norway in 2024, with similar growth expected in 2025. Wildlife tourism is also adapting, with peak safari travel months shifting due to changing climate patterns.

Nostalgia tourism is another key trend, as millennials seek comfort in the familiar. From adult summer camps to retro pop-ups, the industry is tapping into a longing for simpler times. The revival tours of ’90s icons like Oasis and Eminem further underscore this trend, offering a nostalgic escape from modern uncertainties.

As 2025 approaches, these trends highlight a collective desire for meaningful, transformative experiences. Whether it’s chasing the northern lights, reconnecting with nature, or revisiting the past, travelers are seeking new ways to engage with the world around them.