Calling all travel enthusiasts, 2025 is going to be the year of travel. Expedia Group’s Unpack ’25 report reveals the trends and destinations set to shape travel in 2025. Drawing on data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, this year’s insights highlight a mix of hidden gems, stress-free getaways, and tech-driven travel solutions.
See also: Where to host your holiday soirées: Canada’s top bars, restaurants, and cocktail spots
Detours aren’t always a bad thing…
Detour Destinations are leading the way, as 63% of travellers plan to explore lesser-known spots near popular tourist hubs. These rising stars are perfect for enriching itineraries, whether as side trips or standalone destinations. Top picks include:
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- Canmore, Alberta, Canada (detour from Calgary)
- Reims, France (detour from Paris)
- Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona)
- Krabi, Thailand (detour from Phuket)
- Santa Barbara, California, USA (detour from Los Angeles)
Food tours
Food-inspired travel is also trending in the right direction. TikTok has fuelled a demand for specialty goods, with 44% of travellers shopping for local treasures. Viral favourites include Dubai’s chocolate, Korean skincare, and Japanese matcha. Popular experiences include Costa Rican coffee tours and tea tastings in China, reshaping how travellers experience local culture.
Gen Z is embracing the All-Inclusive Era with enthusiasm. Searches for all-inclusive stays on Hotels.com have surged 60%. Nearly 42% of Gen Z prefers all-inclusive resorts, with 41% citing minimal stress as the top reason.
Joy of missing out…
Meanwhile, JOMO Travel (Joy of Missing Out) is redefining vacations as relaxing escapes. Vrbo data shows 62% of travelers believe JOMO trips reduce stress, with rentals offering pools, gardens, or scenic views in high demand.
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For nature lovers, Vrbo’s Phenomena-List showcases top natural wonders for 2025, including Iceland’s lava fields, Lapland’s Northern Lights, and Gatlinburg’s synchronous fireflies. With 80% of travelers prioritizing accommodations near such marvels, private vacation homes in remote locations are thriving.
Television inspiration
Lastly, Set-Jetting continues to rise, as 67% of travelers say TV shows and movies influence their plans. Hotspots include Dubai (The Real Housewives of Dubai), Scotland (The Traitors), and Montana (Yellowstone).
With trends like One-Click Trips, which let travellers book influencer-curated itineraries instantly, 2025 promises unforgettable journeys. Whether chasing viral experiences, embracing tranquility, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, the year ahead offers something for every kind of traveler. If you’re interested in finding out about more trends, the Expedia Unpack 25′ report can be found here.
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Feature image by Riccardo
