Research shows that American travelers will reject tradition
and rewrite the rules, taking travel to new directions in the year
ahead
NEW
YORK, Oct. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Booking.com's annual Travel Predictions research* reveals that
travelers will be rewriting their playbook in 2025, defying the
rules of conventional getaways, and forging new connections with
themselves, their loved ones, those they meet along the way, as
well as the destinations they visit. Whether rewriting the norms of
expected travel based on age, gender, or simply what society thinks
travel should look like for anyone, emboldened travelers are
breaking out of familiar patterns and using their individual
journeys to fuel and find personal growth.
"Travel plays a central role in bringing people closer together
with our research showing that Americans are looking to develop
deeper connections and a sense of unity through their travels in
the year ahead," comments Ben
Harrell, Managing Director, US at Booking.com. "The
trends we see emerging for 2025 toss conventional travel aside and
make room for more non-traditional experiences that accept and
embrace uncertainty. Luckily, the travel industry is an economic
engine for the country that can break down barriers, renew
relationships, and proffer personal growth. Booking.com remains
committed to contributing to the positive impact of travel in 2025
and beyond, investing in technology that makes it easier to
experience the world in an even more personalized way, aligned with
trends and preferences that are important to Americans."
Booking.com's predictions for travel in 2025 are as
follows:
SKI Trips: Boomers will throw caution to the wind and push
the limits on generational travel
Forget a restful retirement; baby boomers are rewriting the
rules on travel, showing the rest of the generations what 'living
their best life' is all about. 'SKI' trips will be on the rise -
but not on the slopes - as parents and grandparents flip priorities
by Spending Kids' Inheritance (SKI) instead of squirreling
their savings. Two-fifths (41%) of American parents would rather
spend money on a trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leaving
inheritance to their children – with baby boomers coming in at 45%
and the silent generation (those over 80) at 40%.
But next year, this trend will take on an altruistic approach,
as older relatives look to splash the cash among their families,
helping the younger generations through the cost of living crisis
by paying for their next vacation. While the majority (51%) of
Americans admitted that their parents had already paid for their
vacations or part of their vacations since being an adult, boomers
are likely to influence an uptick thanks to the 77% who are happy
to pay for their children and 81% who are happy to pay for their
grandchildren when booking their next trip. Prepare for more
multi-generational trips courtesy of the Bank of Mom & Dad or
Bank of Grandma & Grandpa.
But not only will boomers be opening their wallets in 2025, an
emerging cohort are also expected to defy their years and
conventional expectations in favor of thrill seeking in 2025. Over
one-third (37%) of this generation are interested in vacations that
involve adventure (up from 17% in 2024**) and 20% are eager to push
beyond their established comfort zones, reconnecting with the
reckless abandon of youth.
NocTourism: Travelers will have their head in the clouds as
they look towards celestial happenings, cooler climates, and
midnight magic
With space tourism edging ever closer to reality, American
travelers will be focused on building connections with the universe
as they turn to more attainable astro-pursuits in 2025. Ditching
the daylight crowds for midnight magic, over half (59%) of
Americans are considering visiting darker sky destinations with
starbathing experiences (63%), star guides (55%), once in a
lifetime cosmic events (52%) and constellation tracking (52%) top
of the stellar adventure list.
Concerns around climate change have also influenced this shift,
with half (50%) planning to elevate their nighttime pursuits to
avoid rising daytime temperatures and one-third (33%) of Americans
preferring to vacation in cooler locations. Protection from UV rays
is important for 57% of Americans who say they plan to reduce the
amount of time they spend in the sun, while more than half (52%)
expect to plan activities in the evenings and early mornings when
the sun is at its lowest.
An appreciation for the nocturnal world is also expected to
deepen American travelers' connections with nature, as the majority
(52%) would book a place to stay without lights to encourage less
light pollution and preserve flora and fauna. .
Boyz II Zen: Men are set to abandon bravado and embrace the
introspective guys' trip
Booze and bravado are set to take a back seat, as men lean in
favor of guys' trips rooted in wellbeing, self-development and
empowered vulnerability. With cultural change bringing progress to
conversations around men's mental health and societal pressures,
moments that combat loneliness and prioritize more mindful bonding
will prevail in travel. Nearly half (46%) of Americans confirmed
that they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a
men-only trip, jumping to 69% for Gen Z and 65% for
millennials.
American male travelers are casting aside societal expectations
and 'bro culture' cliches to rest and rejuvenate (27%), embrace
personal growth (27%), switch off from the stresses of everyday
life (19%), and pursue mental health benefits (18%). Building
connections, both old and new, will be crucial with a quarter (25%)
looking to make new friendships, 19% looking to improve their
relationship building skills with friends and family and 12%
considering a men-only trip to tackle feelings of loneliness.
And further defying expectations, it's women persuading the men
in their lives to go on a men-only trip, with 54% encouraging their
partner, 29% their friends, 24% their brother and 14% their father
to put themselves first.
The Gate Escape: Airports will become the destination, not
just a stop along the way
Gone are the days of arriving 'just in time' to avoid lingering
in crowded lounges post-security, as American travelers reframe
their 2025 vacation kick-off to embrace a new era of airport
entertainment. More than a quarter (27%) express an interest in
visiting somewhere because of its airport, with 57% curious about
airports that offer more unique experiences or facilities.
But it's Gen Z and millennials who will likely set to fuel this
trend. Among both, 53% are keen to consider destinations based on
their airport, rejecting stressed-out stereotypes in favor of
indulgent experiences: from sleep pods (28% Gen Z, 33% millennials)
and spas (34% Gen Z, 34% millennials) to Michelin star restaurants
(15% Gen Z, 22% millennials). With this flip in mindset, American
travelers are expected to turn every missed connection into a
slay-over next year.
With more than half (52%) of American travelers suggesting they
would feel more excited and stress-free about their trip if there
were a wider array of facilities for use prior to their flight,
vacations will start long before the plane is boarded. In 2025, the
start of the journey could be just as exciting as the
destination.
Passport to Longevity: Travel experiences that play a role in
living a longer, healthier life will be in higher demand
With more than half (52%) of American travelers revealing they
would pay for a vacation that's sole purpose was to extend their
lifespan and wellbeing, 2025 could mark the first year of the rest
of their longer lives.
A vacation is no longer just time to unwind. Driven by the
desire to cultivate better lifestyle choices, almost half (49%) of
American travelers are interested in a longevity retreat - a
super-charged flex on traditional wellbeing itineraries where
temporary fixes are replaced in pursuit of a longer, healthier
life.
Deep revitalization is a top priority, from body vibration (48%)
and red light therapies (47%) to cryotherapy (32%) and stem cell
treatment (35%). More than half (57%) are looking for new wellness
activities they can mix into their daily lives as they reconnect
with a more balanced version themselves, including learning about
timed coffee ingestion (30%) and IV therapy (29%).
Vintage Voyaging: Travelers will rethink souvenirs, opting
for unique, secondhand finds to commemorate their trips
Vacation wardrobes will get a makeover in 2025, as trendy
travelers turn vintage voyagers, hitting thrift stores while on
holiday to curate a more sustainable suitcase. Over a third (38%)
of American travelers said they would be interested in buying their
vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before, jumping to
59% of Gen Z, while 55% would visit thrift stores on vacation with
nearly three quarters (74%) having already bought vintage or
second-hand products when abroad.
No doubt influenced by both cost and climate awareness, this
shift isn't just about style - it's about staying savvy. With 58%
of American travelers intending to be thriftier on their trips and
67% tightening budget planning in order to maximize their
experiences, finding bargain hidden gems in second-hand stores will
become a pivotal part of the adventure in 2025. Flying in the face
of fast fashion and mass consumerism, more than one-quarter
(27%) say they find better quality products in vintage stores
abroad than at home, while 29% say they buy vintage on vacation
because they find better bargains.
With travelers interested in bringing home pieces that tell a
story, a thrift trip is now more than just shopping; it's a way to
bring cultural connections back home, all while making
eco-conscious and wallet-friendly choices. Move over fridge magnet,
vintage clothes will be the new souvenir of choice in the year
ahead
AI = Alternative Itineraries: Travelers will tap into
technology to source more travel experiences to meet their unique
needs and expectations
New technologies are already helping travelers find experiences
tailored to their needs, but in 2025 we'll see innovations
being leveraged to help people travel more respectfully, caring for
the wellbeing of the destinations they visit and meeting the needs
of diverse travelers with more specific travel needs and
expectations.
Almost two-thirds (62%) will use technology to make informed
decisions that contribute positively to the locations they visit.
AI-powered tools, like Booking.com's AI Trip Planner, are set to
play a pivotal role in shaping these journeys, withAmerican
travelers also expected to apply a more responsible lens to how
they are using technology. Nearly half (49%) of American
travelers won't tag locations on social media when visiting a
lesser known destination in 2025 to keep it under wraps and avoid
encouraging flocks of Instatourists. Technology will equally play a
role in finding alternatives that can be shared without the guilt
of overburdening the usual hotspots, with 61% hoping to use
technology to find less crowded areas.
With different ways of thinking and processing information,
neurodivergent travelers will also be using emerging and evolving
technologies to put their needs in the spotline and revolutionize
how they experience the world in 2025. Over two thirds (67%) of
travelers who identify as neurodivergent are interested in AI tools
that would provide them with up-to-date travel information, reports
of delays and suggestions on quieter, less busy spaces in airports
and hotels. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations
are sought after by 67%, while 77% would like to see more 'block
out noise' options across the travel experience.
For more information about Booking.com's 2025 Travel
Predictions, please visit
Booking.com/2025-travel-trend-predictions-report.html. To
download the global Travel Predictions 2025 report visit
https://news.booking.com/.
CONTACT DETAILS
For any queries, please contact Kelly
Wells, kwells@hs-pr.com
METHODOLOGY
* Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Booking.com
and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for
business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. 1,006 respondents
from the US were polled. Respondents completed an online survey in
July-August 2024.
** Travel Predictions 2024 research commissioned by Booking.com
and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for
business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. 1,005 respondents
from the US were polled. Respondents completed an online survey in
July 2023.
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SOURCE Booking.com