Travel trend report finds travellers are seeking nostalgia and real-life connections in 2025

Jenny Southan, Founder of Globetrender presents the five travel trends for 2025. Credit: IAR.

Yesterday in London, International Airport Review was invited to a travel trends press briefing hosted by Amadeus. 

The report, produced by travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender in collaboration with Amadeus and presented by Jenny Southan, Founder of Globetrender, highlights the evolving ways people are exploring the world and the factors influencing their travel decisions.

“After a year where change has become the backdrop to daily life, travellers are seeking a deeper connection to people and places more than ever,” said Daniel Batchelor, Vice President, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications at Amadeus. He continued: “We’ll see a blend of old favourites and new immersive experiences, with one-of-a-kind stays putting destinations on the map. Asia is set for a tourism revival, while we are also seeing a rise in spontaneous solo travel, as people seek more off-screen, authentic experiences.” 

Jenny Southan, founder and CEO of Globetrender, added: “It is important to predict the changing ways people are exploring the world, and the forces of influence that are determining their decisions. Partnering with Amadeus in producing this 2025 Travel Trends report means that together we can help businesses successfully anticipate the needs and demands of tomorrow’s travellers. For consumers themselves, who are under pressure to keep finding joy in a volatile world, it is no surprise to see people looking to the ‘good old days’ when life was simpler, and turning to traditional means of making human connections, in spite of the ascent of artificial intelligence and other sci-fi technology.”

Five key travel trends for 2025

One of the most notable trends is the rise of “new heydays”, fuelled by a collective yearning for simpler times. This nostalgia is manifesting in various forms, including travellers recreating childhood holidays, participating in adult summer camps, and opting for traditional resort vacations. The trend is further evidenced by brands like Airbnb, who recently built a giant replica of a Polly Pocket toy home, complete with doll clothes and a plastic sofa.

Another key trend is “connections IRL”, highlighting a shift away from digital fatigue towards genuine face-to-face interactions. This trend is driving the popularity of solo travel, group tours, and even holiday romances. Travel companies are responding to this demand by offering experiences that facilitate real-life connections, such as small group tours and social-centric festivals. The report cites the rise of solo leisure travel, which increased by almost 16% in 2023 and is predicted to rise a further 9.2% in 2024.

Technological advancements are also shaping the future of travel, with “personalised flying” predicted to become increasingly prevalent. Advances in AI, high-speed Wi-Fi, and virtual reality will converge to create highly tailored, immersive in-flight experiences. Passengers can expect algorithmically curated entertainment based on their preferences, seat-back screens that remember their viewing history, and even VR headsets for immersive entertainment.

The report also predicts an “Asia uplift” in 2025, with travel to and from the region expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. This resurgence is attributed to several factors, including visa-free travel initiatives, digital nomad visas, and the influence of popular television shows set in Asian countries such as ‘White Lotus’ and ‘Squid Game’. For example, China has extended visa-free travel to select foreigners until the end of 2025, while Thailand has introduced a digital nomad visa and expanded visa-free entry for 93 countries.

Finally, “trailblazer hotels”, with their unique identities and statement-making designs, are becoming destinations in themselves. These hotels often put lesser-known destinations on the map and offer travellers a distinctive experience. Examples include the Reverb Hamburg, housed in a Second World War bunker, and the upcoming Maris International’s Edition Lake Como in Italy. The report predicts a significant growth in the boutique hotel market, from just under $100 billion in 2023 to $180 billion by 2032.

For a deeper look into these trends, check out the full report on globetrender.com and Amadeus.com/traveltrends.