Travel trends for 2025

Luxury is all about experiences that feel tailor-made — and that isn’t about to change. This year, discerning travellers are rejecting cookie-cutter trips in favour of bespoke adventures that reflect their unique passions. Whether it’s a private wine tour through Tuscany’s rolling vineyards or a Southeast Asian island-hopping itinerary crafted around you, personalisation is key. Travellers are also seeking curated experiences like behind-the-scenes access to cultural landmarks, custom wellness retreats, or carefully planned events. These trips elevate the concept of luxury by prioritising individuality and ensuring every detail is designed for unforgettable memories​.

See how our personal travel management service is tailored to you

Today’s in-the-know explorers want to tread lightly while still travelling in style, and environmentally conscious resorts that blend luxury with conservation are flourishing worldwide. These destinations embrace renewable energy, waste reduction, and community support to create experiences that are as enriching as they are eco-friendly. Think glamping under the stars in Costa Rica, where solar-powered lodges merge seamlessly with nature, or exclusive eco-retreats amid the African wilds, where sustainable tourism helps protect endangered species. Increasingly, travellers are seeking destinations that allow them to indulge responsibly while contributing to the preservation of the planet for future generations​.

Read our in-depth interview with Kevin James, Chief Operating Officer at Volcanoes Safari, for more on the importance of conservation

This coming year will see more of us venture further afield to escape the crowds, experience something new, and satisfy our craving for real adventure. Traverse Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes, where rugged terrains meet unparalleled tranquillity, perfect for those seeking a raw connection with nature. Or live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies on a secret island retreat in the Maldives, complete with an on-site astronomer and a slide from your overwater villa into crystal-clear waters. These remote destinations offer exclusivity and untouched beauty, allowing travellers to disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves. 

Discover insights from Ryan Sheldon, activities director and grandson of the founder of Sheldon Chalet, the world’s most remote luxury hotel

While we’re no strangers to the ‘new year, new me’ concept, 2025 brings with it a renewed focus on mental and physical wellbeing. Wellness escapes are evolving beyond mere indulgence to become transformative experiences. From yoga overlooking the Himalayas to indulgent spa treatments in the Balinese jungle, these journeys provide a perfect balance of adventure and self-care. Think personalised wellness programmes that incorporate nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness, all set against breathtaking backdrops. It’s not just about relaxation but about leaving re-energised, with tools to enhance long-term wellbeing—a true reset for body and mind. 

Read more on how transformative travel is shaping the luxury sector – and the luxe options for your new year’s reset

The late, great Anthony Bourdain urged us to “Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them — wherever you go.” We'd certainly agree that the way to the heart of a culture is through its cuisine. Whether it’s a private food tour through Japan, where you can savour the art of kaiseki dining and visit hidden sushi bars, or meandering through Provence, indulging in cheeses, charcuteries, and wines that tell a story, culinary adventures nourish both the palate and the soul. For 2025, immersive experiences like cooking with local chefs or exploring vibrant markets are set to redefine luxury travel, allowing travellers to forge a deeper connection to the places they visit​.

Discover the top 16 food capitals of the world

Love takes flight in 2025, with destination proposals and elopements becoming increasingly popular as couples seek unforgettable, intimate experiences. Pop the all-important question beneath the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights in Iceland, where the breathtaking, natural spectacle sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable moment. For those seeking a quieter, more private affair, eloping to the Amalfi Coast offers timeless elegance. Say "I do" against dramatic cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, with exclusive villas or historic chapels as your setting. These destinations offer far more than stunning views—they create an experience that marks the beginning of a lifetime of memories.

See more suggested destinations and tips to ensure you get hitched, without a hitch

This year’s mantra? Take the scenic route. Luxury travellers are increasingly opting for slow travel, making the journey just as important as the destination. Europe's iconic train journeys, like the newly introduced La Dolce Vita on the Orient Express, setting off in spring 2025, offer an unparalleled way to explore. Alternatively, consider a road trip along California’s coastal highways, where you can take your time soaking in the dramatic Pacific views. Slow travel lets you reflect, reconnect, and savour every moment of the journey itself, rather than rushing to the next stop.

Embrace slow travel with these once-in-a-lifetime train journeys

We talked about 'Bleisure' in last year's rundown of travel trends, but we thought it was worth another mention as its popularity (and relevance in today's work environment) continues to increase. This year, it's more about skrimping on annual leave, and choosing destinations from where you can work effectively: so, minimal time difference, fast WiFi, and plenty of quiet spots to focus when you have to. Locations like the Canary Islands or remote retreats in the Swiss Alps provide the perfect environment. These places offer reliable connectivity, serene surroundings, and outdoor activities to explore during off-hours. Whether you're a digital nomad or just fancy extending your stay without compromising on productivity, leisure travel and work are no longer mutually exclusive.

See our pick of the best 'bleisure' hotels in the world

With intimacy continuing to rank high on peoples' holiday priorities list, 'exclusive-use' properties are becoming increasingly popular for special occasions and multigenerational holidays. These luxury estates offer privacy, tailored service, and ample space for families or groups. Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk, UK, provides a vast countryside retreat with luxury homes, personal chefs, and outdoor activities for up to 20 guests. Or, for something more exotic, ÀNI Thailand located on Koh Yao Noi, offers ultimate seclusion with a private beach, infinity pool, and bespoke services, perfect for larger groups or families. Both properties (and an exclusive clutch like them) ensure a personalised, unforgettable experience, making them ideal choices for those seeking a private, luxurious getaway with their nearest and dearest — or a big special occasion blow-out.

In 2025, travellers are seeking more than just sightseeing—they’re craving personal growth through skillcations, holidays centred around learning new skills and immersing in local cultures. This rising trend is reshaping luxury travel as experiences combine leisure with education. From knitting your way through the stunning landscapes of Finland, stopping by a traditional Lappish 'kota' for a masterclass in Arctic survival, to learning ancient cooking techniques in Vietnam, skill-based travel is all about personal enrichment.

These journeys allow you to develop a craft, delve into a passion, and leave with tangible skills and cherished memories. It's not just about ticking off destinations, but truly engaging with them. This trend is particularly relevant for those travelling with children or teenagers as it promotes a healthy perspective on the world around them and encourages young explorers to learn new things.

Read more of our top destinations for travelling with teenagers