8 Travel Trends That Dominated 2025 And Changed How The World Travels

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Rooted Travel Superseded Slow Travel

Travellers shifted from rapid sightseeing to immersive rooted travel, lingering in one place weeks or months, engaging with local culture, markets and daily life largely enabled by remote work flexibilities.

Countryside Trzebiatów, Polska (representational image) | Unsplash

AI-First Planning Became Standard

Artificial intelligence powered personalised itineraries, real-time recommendations and adaptive trip alterations, making digital planning tools essential for travellers seeking tailored, stress-free journeys.

AI on phone (representational image) | Unsplash

Eco-Positive and Sustainable Travel Grew

Responsible tourism became central, with tourists choosing verified eco-friendly accommodation, carbon-light transport and conservation experiences to reduce environmental impact.

Signage for responsible tourism | Unsplash

Wellness Travel Turned Into Ritual

Trips focussing on physical and mental wellbeing — such as Ayurveda retreats, nature immersions, breathwork camps and digital detox stays — became hallmark wellness travel experiences.

People do yoga at a wellness centre | Unsplash

Hyper-Local Culinary Tourism Emerged

Culinary travel moved beyond fine dining, with travellers seeking local food traditions, cooking classes, indigenous techniques and market tours for authentic regional tastes.

Food market at Jalan Alor, Kuala Lampur | Unsplash

Frequent Mini Breaks Surged Worldwide

Flexible work patterns encouraged multiple short 2–4 day escapes rather than long holidays, boosting demand for city breaks, nature weekends and cultural micro-adventures.

A shot of a cycle taken on a nature weekend (representational image) | Unsplash

Set-Jetting and Narrative Travel Expanded

Film and television influence turned screen-inspired travel into immersive narrative journeys, with curated experiences reflecting favourite stories and characters in real destinations.

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand | Unsplash

Heritage and Modernity Fusion Trips Took Off

Travel interest favoured destinations mixing historic architecture, traditional culture and modern art or urban creativity, enhancing cultural depth in travel itineraries.

The Acrpolis of Greece | Shutterstock

Viral Travel Trends Of 2025: From Noctourism To AI-Powered Adventures

Set-jetting is a 2025 travel trend where fans visit the real-world locations of their favourite movies and TV shows | Stéphanie Branchu/Netflix
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