The world is changing rapidly in many ways. With these changes, from political elections around the world and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence to the increased cost of living (to name a few), it's no surprise that people are feeling the fatigue of drifting away or having to pick sides or just be disconnected from it all.

Yet, despite increasing uncertainty, isolation and polarization, we are seeing just the opposite in the field of travel. Booking.com's annual travel forecast survey* reveals that many travelers don't want to give up travel, but want to redefine the way they experience and connect with the world around them.
Travelers are creating new rules for travel in 2025. By challenging conventional thinking about vacations, they are creating new connections with themselves, with their loved ones and those they meet along the way, as well as with the destinations they visit. Whether they are changing the standards when it comes to age and gender or simply the standards in terms of what kind of travel should to be, encouraged travelers leave familiar patterns and opt for personal journeys that will allow them long-term personal growth.
To understand how people plan to change the status quo, Booking.com commissioned research from more than 27 travelers in 000 countries and territories to present nine travel predictions that reveal 33 will be the year that opens the door to new ways of experiencing the world thanks to Millennials thinking about new airport experiences and Boomers looking for excitement.

1. Night tourism
Space tourism is getting closer to reality and so travelers will be focused on connecting with space, turning to more accessible space quests in 2025. Choosing midnight magic over daytime crowds, nearly two-thirds of travelers (62%) are considering visiting destinations with darker skies , with stargazing (72%), star guides (59%), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic phenomena (59%) and constellation tracking (57%) topping the list of star adventures.
This change was also influenced by concerns about climate change, and 54% of travelers plan to increase their nighttime activities in order to prevent the rise in daytime temperatures, and 42% of them would rather choose vacations in cooler locations. Protection from UV rays is important for 61% of travelers, who plan to spend less time in the sun, while more than half of travelers (57%) plan to do activities in the evening and early morning when the sun is not strong.

The deepening of travelers' connection with nature is also visible in the emphasis on the night world, as most travelers (54%) would book accommodation without lights in order to reduce light pollution and preserve flora and fauna.
2. Passport to Immortality
Travelers are looking for the elixir of life and therefore vacation is no longer just a time to relax. Driven by a desire for better lifestyle choices, 60% of travelers are interested in a longevity vacation, where the traditional temporary vacation is replaced by the pursuit of a longer, healthier life.
Deep revitalization is a top priority, from vibration body treatments (56%) and red light therapy (52%) to cryotherapy (48%) and stem cell treatments (45%). More than two-thirds of travelers (67%) want to incorporate new wellness activities into their daily lives to reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves, which includes learning about timely coffee intake (37%) and IV therapy (31%).
And with 58% of travelers revealing that they would pay for a holiday whose sole purpose is to extend life and well-being, 2025 could be the first year of the rest of their longer life.

3. AI = alternative itineraries
New technologies are already helping travelers find customized experiences theirs needs, and in 2025, innovations are coming that will help tourists meet the needs of the destinations they want to visit.
Two-thirds of travelers (66%) will use technologies to make informed decisions and find authentic experiences, not only in terms of the locations they will visit, but also for positive contributions to their own development. AI-based tools, such as Booking.com's AI Trip Planner, will play a key role in shaping such trips as 41% of travelers are interested in using AI to organize their trips, opening the door to itineraries that encourage a deeper, more positive connection with places and communities.
Passengers will also be more responsible about how they use technology. Almost half (44%) of travelers will not mark locations on social networks during visits to lesser-known destinations in order to keep them less hyped and to avoid encouraging the arrival of a large number of Instagrammers. However, for 47% of Gen Zers and 44% of Millennials who would consider visiting a destination if they couldn't pinpoint its location, technology will also play an important role in finding alternatives that can be shared without the guilt of overloading the usual hotspots. while 67% of travelers hope to use technologies to find less crowded areas, and 23% already use apps for such needs in real time.

4. Multigenerational mega-trips
"SKI" vacations will be on the rise, but not on the ski slopes because parents are changing their priorities, i.e. they are spending the saved money (Spending Kids' Inheritance (SKI)) instead of leaving it for the children. Almost half of travelers (46%) would rather spend money on the trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leave it as an inheritance to their children - with the percentage for baby boomers being 49%, and for the silent generation (those over 80) 40 %.
However, next year, within this trend, good intentions will prevail even more because elderly relatives want to spend a lot of money on their families to help younger generations overcome the crisis due to the high cost of living, i.e. they want to pay for their next annual vacation. This way they will create beautiful new memories, enjoying the fruits of their labor together with their families, instead of just filling the bank accounts for the next generations.
While 58% of travelers admitted that their parents have already paid for a vacation or part of a vacation since they were adults, boomers are likely to influence the growth of this trend as 80% of them are happy to pay for their children on their next trip, and 78% for his granddaughters. Thanks to the family bank concept, get ready for more multi-generational trips, for which grandparents, parents and grandchildren will pack together for an unforgettable bonding experience.
5. Zen vacations with the boys
Drinking and showing off will be on the back burner as "men only" vacations focused on well-being, self-development and empowered acceptance of vulnerability will be on the forefront. With cultural changes bringing progress when it comes to men's mental health and social pressures, efforts to reduce feelings of loneliness and prioritizing conscious male bonding will prevail in travel planning. Almost half of travelers (47%) said they would encourage one of the men in their life to take a men-only trip, with 65% of Gen Z and 58% of Millennials saying so.

Male travelers are no longer influenced by popular expectations and clichés based on the "macho" culture of male bonding, but rather seek relaxation from the stress of everyday life (29%), rest and rejuvenation (30%), mental health care (23%) and personal growth (24%). Building connections, both old and new, will be key as 14% of travelers are considering a “men only” trip to reduce feelings of loneliness, more than a quarter of travelers (28%) want to make new friends and 20% of travelers want to improve their skills building relationships with friends and family.
Contrary to expectations, it's women who encourage the men in their lives to take a "men-only" trip, with 56% encouraging their partner, 36% their friends, 28% their brother and 20% their father to put themselves first place.
6. Adventures for every age
Forget a peaceful retirement. Next year, many baby boomers will seek excitement, defying their age and conventional expectations. Almost one quarter (23%) of members of this generation are interested in vacations that include adventure (an increase of 10% in 2024**), and 23% of them want to get out of their comfort zone and relive the experience of carefree youth.
In order to experience an adrenaline-filled experience again, almost a third (31%) of them are interested in horseback riding, and 27% of them are interested in loosening restrictions on a "wine rave". Furthermore, 19% of them would canoe down the world's largest rivers, 18% of them would put on hiking boots and cross the highest mountain ranges, and 15% of them would go glacier hunting.
And there are even more daring ones: boomers who want to challenge themselves to the limit are interested in skydiving (11%), sand surfing (11%), cave diving (10%), camping in Antarctica (9%) or even visiting the volcano (8%). Proving that adventure has no age limit, these former pioneers are redefining what it means to travel in old age.

7. Neuroinclusive navigation
Neurodivergent travelers, who think and process information differently, will put their often invisible needs in the spotlight, using new and emerging technologies to revolutionize the way they experience the world in 2025. There is increasing emphasis on the need for less conventional and more inclusive approaches travel experiences that better suit neuro-atypical needs: almost half (49%) of those who are considered neurodivergent have had a negative travel experience due to their neurodivergence, while 50% of them feel that their travel opportunities are limited because of it.
Many travelers would like technology to play a bigger role in their journey and to help reduce their anxiety or that of their fellow travelers. Two-thirds of travelers (66%) are interested in AI-based tools that would provide up-to-date travel information, delay reports and suggestions for quieter, less busy spots in airports and hotels. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations are desired by 68% of travelers, while 74% of travelers want more “noise blocking” options while traveling.
Namely, the call for progress in 2025 is more than obvious given that 69% of travelers support industry-wide initiatives or programs that would enable easy sharing of their needs and preferences with airlines and accommodation providers, thus ensuring a closer connection between passengers, platforms and operators.
8. Vintage travel
The year 2025 brings changes for the vacation wardrobe, as travelers who follow trends become "vintage" travelers and visit second-hand stores while on vacation in order to live according to the principles of sustainability. More than half (51%) of travelers stated that they would like to buy their holiday wardrobe during the trip, not before, and 63% of members of Generation Z share the same opinion, while 55% of travelers would visit second-hand stores on vacation, with almost three quarters (73%) of travelers have already bought vintage or second-hand products abroad.

This change, no doubt influenced by cost and climate change awareness, is not only a matter of style, but also a reflection of people's efforts to make careful judgments. With 56% of travelers intending to be more frugal on their trips and 68% of travelers intending to budget more tightly to make the most of their trip, finding hidden gems at bargain prices at thrift stores has become a key part of the adventure. Resisting fast fashion and mass consumerism, 31% of travelers said they find better quality products in vintage stores abroad than at home, while 35% said they buy vintage products on vacation because of the better price.
Travelers now want to bring home pieces that tell a story, so thrifty travel has become more than just shopping: it's a way to bring cultural connections back home, with eco-conscious choices that ensure savings. Forget the fridge magnet because vintage clothing is the new favorite souvenir.
9. Travel to airports
Gone are the days of just-in-time arrivals to avoid being stuck in crowded lounges after security as travelers want a different start to their vacations in 2025, heralding a new era of airport entertainment. More than a third (34%) of travelers expressed an interest in visiting a place because of its airport, and 60% of travelers are interested in airports with more unique experiences or amenities.
But it seems that Generation Z and Millennials will drive this trend the most. Among these travelers, 43% would consider destinations based on their airport, rejecting common stereotypes in favor of indulgent experiences: from sleeper cabins (37% Gen Z, 35% Millennials) and spa facilities (31% Gen Z, 29% millennials) to restaurants with a Michelin star (22% of members of Generation Z, 24% of millennials). With such a change in mindset, travelers will turn every missed connecting flight into a great experience next year.

Almost two-thirds of people (60%) think they would feel more excited and less stressed about their trip if there was more content to use before the flight, and will therefore start their holiday long before boarding the plane. In 2025, the start of the journey could be just as exciting as the destination.
*Research to determine travel predictions in 2025 was commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among adults who plan to travel for business or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months. A total of 27 respondents from 713 countries and territories participated (including 33 from Argentina, 1016 from Australia, 1002 from Austria, 502 from Belgium, 1003 from Brazil, 1002 from Canada, 1006 from China, 1007 from Colombia, 1005 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 501 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1009 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 1002 from Ireland, 506 from Israel, 501 from Italy, 1014 from Japan, 1008 from Mexico, 1013 from the Netherlands, 1011 from New Zealand, 1003 from Portugal, 504 from Singapore, 508 from South Korea, 1004 from Spain, 1008 from Sweden, 509 from Switzerland, 500 from Taiwan, 507 from Thailand, 1009 from the United Arab Emirates, 503 from the United Kingdom, 1012 from the USA and 1006 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in the period from July to August 1016.
**Research to determine travel predictions for 2024 was commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among adults who plan to travel for business or pleasure in the next 12 to 24 months. A total of 27 respondents from 730 countries and territories participated (including 33 from Argentina, 1008 from Australia, 1012 from Austria, 505 from Belgium, 1001 from Brazil, 1002 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1009 from Colombia, 1002 from Croatia, 508 from Denmark, 504 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1011 from Hong Kong, 1016 from India, 1004 from Ireland, 510 from Israel, 504 from Italy, 1014 from Japan, 1004 from Mexico, 1009 from the Netherlands, 1014 from New Zealand, 1015 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 502 from South Korea, 1010 from Spain, 1009 from Sweden, 502 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 504 from Thailand, 1003 from the United Arab Emirates, 502 from the United Kingdom, 1007 from the USA and 1005 from Vietnam). Respondents completed the online survey in July 1007.