Travel Trends 2025: TOP 12

2025’s travel trends seem to confirm a transformation in our way of traveling. In recent years, more and more travelers are turning towards a gentler, more personal and more sustainable approach to tourism. The frantic race to 'see it all' would appear to be gradually fading in favor of a slower, more authentic and more ethical attitude to travel.

From heightened awareness of the ecological impact of a trip, through to the search for meaning and a focus on wellbeing... Here are the TOP 12 trends that we believe will define travel in 2025

1. Solo travel: the rise of the “MeMooners”

Solo travel has existed for a long time, but the trend continues to grow and has exploded in recent years, especially among young professionals and women. More and more women are daring to embark on the adventure by following a few simple steps to ensure their safety.

The trend of solo travel has almost certainly been facilitated by the increasing number of offers for individual travelers. For example, secure accommodation, specialized apps, tours and activities designed to meet other explorers with similar interests all make solo travel easier and more desirable.

More recently, we have also seen the emergence of "MeMooners" (a playful take on "HoneyMooners") who even view solo travel as therapeutic: a way to reconnect with yourself, take care of your own needs, rebuild or simply enjoy uncompromising freedom!

2. The comeback of train travel

At HomeExchange, we are passionate advocates of train travel. And for good reason, as traveling by train offers many advantages: it is a low-carbon mode of transport, comfortable, convenient and above all, contemplative. By using the train, travelers take the time to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

While traveling by train was often seen as a sacrifice compared to flying, it seems that the perception of train travel is changing. In recent years, trains have become a preferred means of transport for vacations and city trips. In Europe, train routes are multiplying, especially night trains, and solutions like the Interrail Pass are helping to make this mode of transport more accessible. Rail is experiencing a renaissance, and that's great.

Despite all its advantages, the main barrier to train travel is often its higher cost. If this is the case for you, check out our tips on saving money on train tickets.

3. The growing wellness trend of "silent tourism"

Noise is everywhere: in the streets, in transportation, at work, and even at home. While the search for silence is not new, "silent tourism" has become a remedy for daily chaos. Silence helps to rest the entire nervous system and ease stress.

With silent tourism, traveling is motivated by tranquility. Silence becomes a luxury to be savored, so the focus is on calm destinations, accommodation far from the hustle and bustle, and contemplative activities. And going one step further, some travelers are even turning to silent retreats to meditate and explore silence in a spiritual setting.

4. Traveling to run: marathon tourism

Races are breaking participation records every year: trail running and marathons are booming in popularity! So it’s no surprise that sports tourism is also picking up speed. Whether passionate about running, enhancing your performance, or trying new experiences, more and more runners are turning their sports calendars into travel itineraries.

Participating in a marathon (or half-marathon, trail run, triathlon…) has become an opportunity to discover an area in a different way, and this no longer only applies to just the major marathons like New York, London or Berlin. Many destinations are capitalizing on this trend with iconic races, such as the Marathon du Médoc in France, which offers a unique route through the Bordeaux vineyards, or the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, which has become a must for mountain lovers.

Our sustainable travel tip: If your ultimate dream is to participate in the New York marathon, take the opportunity to organize a long trip, explore the United States, and immerse yourself in different destinations. Don’t forget that flying is (by far) the most polluting mode of transport. Flying for just a few days in a far-away location is a practice that we need to leave in the past!

5. Coolcations: "freshness" destinations

With the increase in summer heatwaves which have been intensified by climate change, one trend is soaring: "coolcations," or vacations in the cool. For a long time, and for the vast majority of people, the ideal summer vacation has meant sun, beach and warmth. However, "coolcations" are gaining popularity, and enthusiasts of this type of travel are abandoning the beaches for the mountains, among other places.

This summer, why not head to Iceland, Scotland, the Dolomites, Lapland or French regions with more moderate temperatures? Away from the crowds and the scorching heat, the focus is on being comfortable at a moderate temperature, and enjoying the simple pleasures of nature. As temperatures sadly rise worldwide, this new way of choosing destinations could grow in importance.

6. Calmcations: when doing nothing becomes a philosophy

The motto of "calmcations" is disconnection. Inspired by the contraction of "calm" and "vacation," this trend simply invites you to not plan anything during your trip. A hammock, a good book, no WiFi, and zero guilt are the perfect way to get started.

This type of stay appeals to those who want to focus on their wellbeing and mental health during a vacation. The idea is to slow down, rest and reconnect with nature.

7. Enjoy the magic of the night with "noctourism"

Combining tourism and nighttime experiences, noctourism highlights all types of activities performed after sunset. This trend responds to travelers’ desire to experience unique, unusual, and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Noctourism can take many forms. For example:

• Astrotourism: This involves traveling to a specific place to gaze at the sky. Observing natural phenomena like the Northern Lights is one of the major tourism trends.
• Night museum tours: More and more museums are open at night. These tours attract enthusiasts because they allow for a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere with fewer people around.
• Nighttime guided tours: Many cities now offer night tours. Cities like Paris, Tokyo and London transform at night, offering a different experience. Likewise, some historic sites like castles can be explored by candlelight during themed tours. This allows you to experience heritage sites in a mysterious ambiance.
• Wildlife and plant observation: Some natural phenomena can only be observed at night. For example, bioluminescent beaches where plankton lights up the waves. Similarly, nocturnal animals can only be observed at night.

8. Hurkle-Durkling: the art of letting go

"Hurkle-Durkle" is a Scottish concept that refers to the pleasure of staying under the covers with no particular purpose. For our Scottish friends, it's not about laziness, but about knowing how to let go and be kind to yourself!

And in 2025, it seems that hurkle-durkling is about to become a true travel philosophy. Forget waking up at dawn to check off "must-sees" and meticulously planned itineraries to avoid missing anything. Instead, adopt a gentle pace, explore when you truly want to, sleep in if you need rest, prioritize comfort, naps, and life’s simple little pleasures.

9. Rural tourism: a return to the roots

Rural tourism or "agritourism" addresses a growing need to reconnect with nature. Every year, travelers increasingly favor vacations in the countryside, focusing on authentic activities and a peaceful atmosphere. These stays in nature reflect a growing commitment to a more sustainable and serene lifestyle.

Rural tourism encompasses many possible activities such as discovering local craftsmanship and traditions, trying outdoor activities, tasting local products, enjoying horseback riding, farm stays and more. This type of travel particularly appeals to families who can engage in fun activities and workshops with their children.

10. A return to childhood vacations with nostalgic tourism

The desire to relive your childhood is present across all generations. Nostalgic travel is a vacation wish that seems to take people back in time, especially for millennials.

Nostalgia thus becomes the driving force of travel. For example, you might consider going back to the places visited during your childhood, revisiting the places of summer adolescence, visiting theme parks or even participating in summer camps for adults. Nostalgic travel offers a form of comfort.

11. Slow tourism: travel less, but better

Slow down. That’s the whole idea behind slow tourism, a trend that continues to grow and gain popularity each year. Slow tourism is about prioritizing quality over quantity: traveling less often, but for longer periods. It’s also about “experiencing” the destination rather than simply passing through it.

Far from the habits of mass tourism, slow tourism invites travelers to stay longer, meet the locals, consume locally, use sustainable transport, and choose accommodation options that align with these values, such as home exchanges. This way of traveling is more respectful of the locals and the natural sites visited.

12. HomeExchange: live like a local

And when it comes to accommodation, what are the trends? Just like the travel styles mentioned above, travelers are looking for authentic accommodation and local experiences. Far from standardized hotels and mass tourism, home exchanges meet this quest for authenticity.

Through home exchanges, you can experience destinations like a local, living at the pace of the neighborhood and enjoying the favorite places that have been recommended by your hosts (shops, markets, restaurants…). Additionally, home exchanges offer warm, comfortable and well-equipped accommodation, so you can feel a bit like you’re at home (which is a must for certain trends, such as "hurkle-durkling")!

Moreover, this type of accommodation promotes more respectful tourism, with consideration for the places you’re visiting and their local populations. These values are completely in line with current travel trends!