Wondering what travel will look like in 2025? The answer is… a little bit of everything! The good news is that we’ve combed through the latest and greatest reports on the state of 2025 travel trends and broken them down for you. Some of the big ideas we expect to make waves in the travel world include custom travel itineraries made by AI, night travel, solo journeys and more!
Ready to set sail through the world of 2025 travel trends?
1. Wellness Travel: Adventures That Nourish Body and Soul
Everyone always wants to know the secret of stress-free travel; well, we think we may have cracked it. It’s all about leaning into the JOMO— that is, the joy of missing out. Forget all about the FOMO of years past. Now we’re missing out, and we’re happy about it!
In 2025, travel will shift toward a slower, more intentional pace where little moments of serenity add up to something much greater. Wellness travel has been on the rise for several years— people want to be healthier and live longer, which means making their wellbeing a top priority. According to Skyscanner, 75% of American travelers believe vacations can build resilience and strength that will help them handle the stresses of everyday life.
Wellness travel is also becoming increasingly more inclusive and thoughtful toward those with disabilities. Neurodivergent (a non-medical term used to describe people whose brains function and process information differently) folks, for instance, often face significant barriers when traveling. Almost 49% of the neurodivergent travelers surveyed by Booking.com said they have had a negative traveling experience due to their needs, and 50% believe their travel options are limited.
This kind of travel is on the rise, and there are no signs of that stopping anytime soon. From silent yoga retreats to menus full of fresh local food, the options for embracing health while traveling are endless!
Set Sail for Wellness Travel:
This may surprise you, but a cruise is actually a great way to infuse a little wellness into your life. On a Carnival cruise, you can pamper yourself at the Cloud 9 Spa, stay active with onboard sports, and savor fresh flavors from around the world. We are also the first cruise line to be certified “sensory inclusive” by KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities! Click here to learn how to turn any cruise into a total wellness getaway.
2. Authentic Experiences: Beyond the Beaten Path
In 2025, more and more travelers will be taking the road less traveled. Quite literally, in this case! Authentic experiences while traveling are becoming more popular as people search for more unique, less crowded experiences that deliver truly meaningful connections. Travelers these days are choosing to explore local markets, hole-in-the-wall thrift shops, and neighborhood grocery stores. A global Expedia survey found that 39% of travelers usually visit a local grocery store when they’re away from home, while 44% try to find goods they can’t get at home.
Another fun statistic for you: 44% of travelers won’t tag locations in their social media posts, just in case “Instatourists” descend and ruin the vibes (Booking.com). Keep an eye on this phenomenon through 2025; we suspect more and more people will clock out of social media on vacation as they find uniquely authentic destinations, sights, and activities.
Set Sail for Authentic Travel:
Carnival cruise destinations are always rich with culture and authentic experiences, just waiting for you to find them. Click here to dive into our guide on planning authentic local experiences, and start exploring beyond the beaten path.
3. Custom Travel Itineraries by AI: Trips Designed Especially for You
We all know that customization is king these days. Thanks to the meteoric rise of AI and generative technology, travelers are now able to instantly build itineraries tailored to their exact preferences, complete with any details they may be curious about.
This shift toward custom travel itineraries isn’t just about personalization; it’s about a deep collective desire to make more conscious decisions about travel. Tech is reducing impact on local communities, streamlining the trip planning phase, and allowing travelers to immerse themselves more intentionally in the destinations they visit. The rise in AI itineraries is interesting to see alongside the wellness travel trend; more people are leaning on technology to handle the logistics of travel, so they can focus on fully disconnecting and enjoying the experience!
4. Night Travel: Finding Magic in the Moonlight
One trend we’re seeing a lot of is night travel— exploring the magic and mystery of certain destinations, all under the cover of darkness. More and more people are seeking one-of-a-kind celestial wonders, including the Northern Lights, meteor showers, and solar eclipses. These natural phenomena aren’t just fantastic photo opportunities— they’re also opportunities to connect with the universe itself!
Set Sail for Night Travel:
On a Carnival cruise, the night is yours to explore! Cruise to destinations like Alaska or Greenland to witness the Northern Lights in their full glory, or set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to experience the solar eclipse in August 2026. Our 11-Day Solar Eclipse Cruise takes you to destinations across Spain, Portugal, and France, with a front-row seat to the solar eclipse.
5. Solo Travel: Unlimited “Me Time”
Whether you’re taking a gap year, embarking upon a cross-country backpacking trip, or sneaking off for a quick weekend getaway, solo travel is all about embracing the freedom and empowerment of exploring on your own terms! The rise of remote work has made it easier than ever to mix work and play, giving people the flexibility to travel without breaking into their treasured bank of PTO.
According to an AMEX survey, 57% of respondents are more likely to go for a quick solo weekend getaway over a longer trip. More travelers are choosing quick bursts of “me time” that let them recharge without the stress of long-haul adventures. And don’t get us wrong— just because you’re traveling alone, doesn’t mean solo travel is lonely! Many solo travelers look to connect with others, including friendly locals and like-minded adventurers.
The freedom to do what you want, when you want? Yes please!
Set Sail for Solo Travel:
Get ready for a Carnival cruise vacation, where you can see the world at your own pace. Click here for our top 10 tips for cruising solo with Carnival cruise!
Hopefully, this glimpse into 2025 travel trends offered some inspiration and insight for your next trip. Looking to experience one of these fun-filled trends for yourself? Click here to explore Carnival cruise destinations, and set sail on an unforgettable journey!