What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025?

The world of travel is evolving, influenced by a quest for diversity, sustainability, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries. As 2025 approaches, travellers are turning to less classic destinations and more authentic and immersive experiences.

Travel sites such as Skyscanner, Expedia, Hilton, and Booking have made their predictions. Here is an overview of the trends and popular destinations that will mark the coming year.

What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025? - João Pessoa-unsplash

Key Trends in 2025

According to a report from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, travellers in 2025 are increasingly leaning towards more diverse and personalized choices. The coming year will mark the rise of creative and tailor-made tourism, with experiences that go beyond traditional expectations. Here are the key trends to watch:

Detour Destinations

This new trend, known as Detour Destinations, highlights lesser-known but fascinating places such as Reims (France), Brescia (Italy), or Cozumel (Mexico), which are coming to light.

What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025? - reims-pixabay

Goods Getaways

Culinary experiences, such as discovering chocolate in Dubai or Japanese matcha, are increasingly attracting travellers seeking unique flavours.

All-inclusive revisited

Generation Z is betting on all-inclusive resorts that combine simplicity and luxury, for an experience that is both accessible and refined.

What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025? - Secrets Tulum

MOJO Travels

The Mojo Travel trend reflects a growing need for disconnection, with a preference for secluded retreats, such as villas or cabins, to recharge one’s batteries away from the world.

Natural Phenomena

Natural wonders such as the aurora borealis and bioluminescent plankton continue attracting travellers searching for grandiose spectacles.

Set-Jetting

Inspired by famous filming locations such as Dubai and Scotland, travellers plan their itineraries around these iconic film and TV destinations.

Skyscanner also highlights two emerging trends:

Gami-Vacation Trend

A new form of travel, where video game enthusiasts combine their getaways with conventions or iconic gaming universe destinations.

Cowboy Core

A return to our roots, with immersive ranch stays and equestrian adventures, rediscovering the charm of the Wild West.

Foodies: Travelling to Taste

For culinary enthusiasts, local gastronomy becomes the central element of the trip. Hilton reports that in 2025, after accommodation, culinary experiences will be the second priority for travellers. 50% book their restaurants even before booking their flights, and nearly 20% travel specifically to discover new restaurants or have unique gastronomic experiences.

Moreover, 60% of luxury travellers prefer hotels with upscale restaurants.

What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025? - Pexel

The Rise of Noctourism

According to Booking, noctourism, or night tourism, involves travelling to discover the night in all its splendor. Travellers seek areas away from light pollution to admire the stars and the cosmos.

More than 60% of respondents are interested in this type of experience. Weather also plays a key role: faced with rising temperatures and the discomfort of daytime heat, 61% prefer evening or early morning activities.

In response, traditional attractions will extend their hours, and new experiences such as night markets and cosmic events will emerge.

What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025? - Pixabay

SKI Trend (Spending Kids’ Inheritance)

According to Booking, more and more parents are choosing to spend their children’s inheritance on living memorable trips. This trend has a name: SKI (Spending Kids’ Inheritance). Nearly 46% of travellers, including 49% of baby boomers, prioritize unique experiences before they die rather than leaving an inheritance.

In 2025, this generation is rediscovering thrills with a growing interest in activities like skydiving or mountain treks: 23% are interested, compared to 10% in 2024. The idea that adventure is reserved for the young is outdated: aging is no longer a barrier to boldness!

At the same time, multigenerational trips are increasing, with 58% of parents partially funding vacations for their children and grandchildren, emphasizing shared experiences over material goods.

What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025? - Excursion-Pixabay

Journeys for the Mind and Soul

Health and wellness-focused trips continue to seduce. In 2025, longevity retreats will gain momentum, with 60% of travellers interested in experiences aimed at improving their longevity, such as red light therapy, cryotherapy, and stem cell treatments. These trips will emphasize lasting benefits beyond mere relaxation.

Wellness retreats for men, in response to the growing awareness of men’s mental health, will also become popular.

What Travel Trends Should We Watch for in 2025? - Pexels

Nearly 47% of travellers would encourage men to participate, especially Generation Z. These getaways aim to provide rest, improve mental health, and combat loneliness, redefining male travel away from traditional ‘lads holidays’ or trips with friends (associated with festive, noisy, and sometimes alcohol-focused group activities).

Top Destinations in 2025

The report from Skyscanner highlights the destinations that have seen the highest increases in flight searches in recent months. Leading the way, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands (+713%), attracts with its sublime beaches and turquoise waters.

According to Skyscanner

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands (+713%): accessible and enticing;
Cusco, Peru (+163%): preserved architecture and proximity to Machu Picchu;
Krabi, Thailand (+158%): Krabi shines on social networks with its beaches and karst formations;
Madeira, Portugal (+153%): renowned for its UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest;
Okinawa, Japan (+145%): a paradise for diving and snorkeling;
Tromsø, Norway (+127%): for its Northern Lights and Arctic adventures;
Marrakech, Morocco (+123%): for its colourful souks and vibrant art;
Florence, Italy (+115%): cradle of the Renaissance and timeless charm;
San Antonio, Texas, United States (+99%): for its gastronomy, museums, and sunny climate;
Colorado Springs, United States (+94%): with its natural wonders like Pikes Peak.

According to Booking

The report from Booking reveals different but equally attractive destinations for travellers in 2025. Here are some of its top destinations:

Sanya, China: nicknamed ‘the Hawaii of China,’ known for its beaches and tropical climate;
Trieste, Italy: a charming port city;
João Pessoa, Brazil: lush landscapes and tranquil beaches;
Tromsø, Norway: beyond the Arctic Circle;
Willemstad, Curaçao: this colourful capital with a rich colonial history and gorgeous beaches;
Tignes, France: year-round ski and adventure resort;
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile: a fascinating desert with geysers, volcanoes, and starry skies;
Naha, Japan: perfect blend of traditional culture and modern life;
Villajoyosa, Spain: a picturesque town on the Mediterranean coast;
Houston, Texas, United States: cosmopolitan city with a renowned culinary scene.

Save With Points

With a travel points credit card, you can use these points to reimburse part or all of your vacation expenses.

Among the most popular loyalty programs in Canada are :

The best strategy to quickly accumulate points is to:

Take advantage of the credit card welcome bonus as a new customer.
Maximize rewards on your daily purchases

Let’s look at the example of American Express Membership Rewards points. It’s possible to use them on any purchase by exchanging 1,000 points for $10 account credit.

The American Express Cobalt^® Card stands out as one of the most advantageous options in Canada to quickly collect points. Without a doubt, the main advantage of this card is the ability to earn 5 points for every dollar spent on food and drinks, including restaurants and bars trhoughout the country.

What’s more, if the value is attractive, you can also transfer your Membership Rewards points to another loyalty program, such as Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton.

Finally, remember that by using a no foreign transaction fee credit card, you will save 2.5% on your transactions.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $2,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 12 months Up to 50,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $7,500 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare
Scotiabank^®* Platinum American Express^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$399	Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 6 months Up to 100,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $10,000 in 6 months	Apply NowCompare

Bottom Line

In 2025, travellers will favour authentic and nature-oriented experiences, exploring new destinations. The focus will be on creative and personalized tourism, offering unique and tailor-made adventures that push the boundaries of classic expectations.

Compare

American Express Cobalt^® Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $191.88
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $255
Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months: Up to 15,000 points

The American Express Cobalt^® Card is the best credit card from American Express, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt^® Card welcome offer

The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer we value at $255.

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

15,000 Aeroplan points
15,000 Avios points
15,000 Flying Blue Miles
18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

If hotel points are what you are after, our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy and our complete map of Marriott Bonvoy hotels by category show what those points can actually buy.

American Express Cobalt^® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, home food delivery and convenience stores. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line^® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

To see how it compares with the rest of the line-up, read our round-up of the best credit cards from American Express in Canada.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers four kinds of merchants:

Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores: Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

With the American Express Cobalt^® Card, you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category	Points per dollar
Grocery (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.)	5
Home food delivery	5
Restaurants and bars	5
Convenience stores	5
Streaming services	3
Service station	2
Transport	2
Travel	1
Other	1

That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt^® Card insurance coverage

The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.

Travel insurance

Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.

Mobile device insurance

Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.

Purchase protection and extended warranty

Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.

American Express Cobalt^® Card fees

Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

Legal

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$191.88

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xConvenience
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
3xStreaming
2xTransit
2xGas & EV
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,828

2nd Year Value$799

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $250,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Travel sites such as Skyscanner, Expedia, Hilton, and Booking have made their predictions. Here is an overview of the trends and popular destinations that will mark the coming year.