Travel trends that promise to "explode" in 2025

(Fatherland) - Discarding old notions, travelers are setting new standards for age, gender, and personal identity. 2025 is predicted to be the year of the explosion of new forms of tourism , focusing on experiences from nighttime adventures to connect with nature, exploring wellness resorts with the key to 'longevity', to using AI to create more meaningful and authentic trips.

On November 28, in Ho Chi Minh City, Booking.com announced a study predicting travel trends in 2025 after surveying 27,000 travelers from 33 countries, including Vietnam. The report from Booking.com made 09 predictions of new travel trends that promise to "explode" in 2025.

These predictions show that the travel landscape of 2025 will open up new ways to experience the world .

Mr. Varun Grover - Country Director of Booking.com in Vietnam, believes that by 2025, travelers will increasingly seek deeper and more meaningful connections with themselves, their communities and their destinations. Travel is now not only an opportunity for travelers to change themselves but also helps them shape their lives and connect with the world around them.

According to Varun Grover, this trend is driven by a desire to embrace new experiences, from nighttime adventures to connect with nature, to exploring wellness resorts with the key to 'longevity', to using AI to create more meaningful and authentic trips. All are aimed at breaking down traditional travel norms to build deeper connections.

In Vietnam, Mr. Varun Grover believes that instead of simply relaxing, many tourists are redefining the way they experience and connect with the world around them. In other words, Vietnamese tourists are "rewriting the travel handbook" in 2025: Going beyond the usual stereotypes to find ways to connect with themselves, with loved ones, with new friends on the trip or even connect with the destination of the upcoming journey.

Survey results show that the need to explore authentic and little-known experiences is increasing, 79% of Vietnamese tourists said they use technology to search for new and little-known destinations. Along with that, 77% of Vietnamese tourists are interested in vacations to support longevity, so the combination of relaxation and adventure will affect travel choices.

In addition, with 74% of Vietnamese tourists wanting to visit destinations suitable for night activities, this partly shapes the trend of Vietnamese tourists focusing more on night experiences and being close to nature when planning their travel. Family values ​​become more important when 88% of tourists belonging to the Baby Boomer generation shared that they are happy to help their children financially for their next trip.

A survey of tourists has revealed 9 trends that promise to shape the tourism industry in 2025:

Night travel

According to a survey by Booking.com, 2025 will be the year of experiences exploring the universe and the stars. The trend of 'Noctourism' refers to trips with the purpose of exploring the magical beauty of the night sky. As space tourism becomes more and more feasible, Vietnamese tourists will focus on connecting with the sky through more accessible astronomical activities in the coming year.

Temporarily forgetting the hustle and bustle of daytime life to immerse themselves in the magical night sky, 74% of Vietnamese tourists want to visit destinations suitable for night activities, of which, 85% of respondents said they want to experience "star bathing", 74% want to be guided about the stars, 70% want to witness once-in-a-millennium astronomical events and 70% are excited about discovering and tracking the routes of constellations.

Concerns related to climate change also influence the formation of this trend. Specifically, 81% of Vietnamese tourists prioritize choosing destinations with cool climates; 75% said they prioritize arranging activities in the evening and early morning when the sunlight is weakest. In addition, 76% also shared that they want to limit direct exposure to sunlight to protect themselves from UV rays. Enjoying the nightlife also increases the connection between tourists and nature, as 72% of Vietnamese tourists prioritize choosing accommodation that limits light pollution to contribute to environmental protection.

Multigenerational travel

Nowadays, instead of saving money, families tend to use “inherited money” to enjoy life with family members. 44% of Vietnamese travelers said they are willing to spend money on a memorable trip in 2025 instead of keeping the money as part of their inheritance later – this trend is especially strong among Baby Boomers (37%).

However, by 2025, this trend will have some more open and positive changes. Older generations are willing to pay for memorable family experiences and help the younger generation overcome the cost of living crisis by supporting the cost of vacation. Thereby, family members can travel together, create new and memorable memories together, instead of simply depositing savings in the bank for their children later. Data shows that 74% of Vietnamese tourists admit that their parents have supported them to pay for all or part of the cost of their vacations even when they are adults and 88% of Baby Boomer tourists share that they are happy to help their children financially for their next trip.

Travel to "hunt" for used clothes

Holiday clothing choices will change dramatically in 2025, as trendy travelers become secondhand “hunters” – always ready to “hunt” for vintage shops during their trips, aiming for sustainability. 73% of Vietnamese travelers expressed their preference for buying clothes for vacations more than before, with 76% of them being Gen Z travelers. 53% of travelers said they would visit secondhand stores during their vacations. Surprisingly, 82% of travelers have bought vintage or secondhand items while traveling abroad.

Not only does this reflect a change in fashion style, it also shows that travelers are increasingly making more sophisticated and wiser choices when it comes to saving money and being environmentally conscious. Specifically, 65% of travelers plan to spend less on their trips and 83% will tighten their spending to optimize their travel experience. Therefore, finding bargains in secondhand stores has become an important part of the travel itinerary. In contrast to the trend of fast fashion and excessive consumerism, 45% of travelers said they often find better quality products in vintage stores abroad. Meanwhile, 44% said they buy vintage items when traveling because they are more affordable.

As more and more Vietnamese tourists are interested in bringing home items with their own stories, the experience of “hunting” for second-hand goods is no longer simply about shopping, it is also a way for tourists to bring back cultural imprints of their destination in a way that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Instead of refrigerator magnets, now vintage items are the souvenir of choice for tourists.

“Boyz II Zen”

Gender norms and expectations are loosening over time, and this has had some impact on the tourism industry.

As social awareness of men’s mental health grows, “men-only getaways” focused on fitness and self-development are predicted to become more popular by 2025. The majority (75%) of those surveyed said they would support at least one male acquaintance going on a men-only trip.

In terms of purpose, most male travelers want to travel to escape the pressures of everyday life (49%), rest and recuperate (58%), engage in mental health activities (48%) and develop themselves (46%). Building new and old friendships is also considered important, with 34% looking to improve their relationship skills with friends and family; 27% want to make new friends and 14% are considering a men-only trip to feel less lonely.

Notably, it is women who convince their acquaintances to join these trips, including 56% supporting their spouses, 46% supporting friends, and 28% supporting their fathers and brothers to prioritize self-care.

Design travel itineraries with AI (AI = Alternative Itineraries)

New technologies have been used to help travelers find the right experiences for their needs. However, by 2025, we will see more technological innovations being used to support more responsible travelers, contributing to the long-term development of destinations. 83% of Vietnamese travelers plan to use technology to make informed decisions and have more authentic experiences. This not only shows respect for the destination but also contributes to the development of that destination.

AI tools like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner will play an important role in itinerary planning, as 59% of Vietnamese travelers are interested in using AI to plan their travel itineraries, helping them connect more closely with local people and communities.

Vietnamese travelers will also use technology with a higher sense of responsibility. 27% of travelers said they would not tag locations on social media to protect lesser-known destinations and avoid the wave of “check-ins”. However, 50% of Gen Z travelers and 52% of Millennials said they would consider visiting a place if they were not tagged. For these travelers, technology will play an important role in helping them find alternative destinations and reduce the pressure on popular locations. 79% said they use technology to search for new, lesser-known destinations and 33% have started using AI applications with real-time updates.

Airport travel

Gone are the days when travelers would arrive at the airport just in time to avoid the stress of crowded waiting rooms after security. Now, travel enthusiasts will plan their 2025 travel differently and welcome a new era of entertainment at airports.

In the coming year, travelers will actively seek out destinations with the best airports. 51% of Vietnamese travelers surveyed expressed a desire to travel to a destination to explore and visit the airport, while 79% are curious about airports with unique amenities. Millennials and Gen Z will consider choosing a destination based on the airport experience. They are also particularly interested in amenities such as sleep pods (29% Millennial, 31% Gen Z), spas (40% of both Millennial and Gen Z) and a list of Michelin-starred restaurants (30% Millennial, 27% Gen Z).

Holidays now start before travellers even set foot on a plane, with 83% of travellers saying their trip experience would be more enjoyable and relaxing if there were more services and amenities at the airport.

The key to longevity

Traveling is no longer just for relaxation, especially in a context where health is gradually becoming a top concern.

In 2025, holistic wellness will no longer be confined to yoga mats and refreshing smoothies. Driven by a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle, 77% of Vietnamese travelers are interested in longevity vacations – a form of relaxation that goes beyond traditional wellness itineraries. These vacations replace temporary solutions with solutions that enhance health and prolong life. Intensive restorative methods are top priorities, from whole body vibration (72%), stem cell therapy (72%), red light therapy (67%) to cryotherapy (69%).

Additionally, 84% of travelers surveyed revealed that they are looking for new wellness activities to incorporate into their daily lives that will help them reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves, including learning how to drink coffee on time (65%) or using IV therapy (52%). With 69% of Vietnamese travelers saying they would be willing to spend money on a vacation just to prolong their life and improve their health, 2025 is predicted to be the year that marks the beginning of their longevity journey.

Experience neurodiversity

Travelers who think and process information differently are more likely to pay attention to their specific needs. 56% of Vietnamese travelers in this group shared that they had less positive experiences while traveling, while 54% believed that they had fewer choices when traveling simply because they belong to this special group of travelers.

This group of travelers expects technology to become a powerful assistant on their trips, helping to reduce anxiety for themselves or their companions. 77% of Vietnamese travelers are very interested in AI tools that can provide the latest travel information, update flight delays, flight delays and suggest quieter, less crowded areas at airports and hotels. 66% look for sensory rooms at airports, hotels and other locations, while 78% want more “noise-proof” solutions throughout the travel experience.

In fact, the needs of neurodiverse travelers are quite clear in 2025, with 78% wanting industry-wide solutions that meet their unique needs.

Ageless Adventure

In 2025, Baby Boomers are rewriting the definition of travel for their age. They are ready to step out of their comfort zone and live life to the fullest with a sense of adventure once again. 50% of respondents are interested in extreme activities like horseback riding and 67% want to unleash themselves to join in the vibrant party.

They are not afraid to push themselves to the limit in pursuit of daring experiences such as sandboarding (31%), skydiving (24%), scuba diving and caving (12%), camping in Antarctica (17%) or even skateboarding down the slopes of volcanoes (12%). Showing that age is no longer a barrier to adventure, these pioneers are redefining what it means to travel in their later years.

Source: https://toquoc.vn/nhung-xu-huong-du-lich-hua-hen-bung-no-trong-nam-2025-20241128170010316.htm