The Top Travel Trends To Watch In 2025

Dreaming of an overseas escape? It’s time to brush up on the top travel trends and best places to travel in 2025.

There’s nothing like the thrill of arriving at the departures lounge of the international airport. Passport in hand, bags packed, and your boarding pass ready to go. But what top travel destinations should you have on your radar in 2025?

According to new research from Skyscanner, some of the big factors influencing where Aussies jet off to in 2025 include the weather (66%), attractions (65%), food (63%) and culture (59%). Despite the cost of living pressures, 43% of Australians plan to travel more in 2025.

Travellers: we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the top travel trends and must-see destinations you need to visit in 2025. 

What trends are influencing the travel choices of Australians in 2025? 

Venturing abroad is nothing new for Aussies. But in 2025, there are a handful of key tourism trends influencing where, when and how Australians choose to travel. 

Below, we dive into five of the biggest tourism and travel trends for 2025, drawing on the latest data from Expedia, Wotif, Stayz and Skyscanner. 

Trend 1. Sports tourism

• 32% of 25 to 34-year-olds (and 28% of all Australians) plan to travel domestically or internationally to see a sporting event in 2025.
  
• When asked what motivates them to travel for a sports match, 59% cited entertainment, 50% said for the sense of excitement, and 41% wanted to see sporting stars in action. 

Are you desperate to see a Premier League football match IRL? What about being trackside for the next Formula 1 Grand Prix race? 

Away fans: it’s time to jet off to see your favourite team and players in-person. Skyscanner predicts that sports travel will continue to rise in popularity, with travellers inspired by ‘behind the scenes’ sports documentaries like Drive to Survive, Break Point, and Sprint.

In positive news, research reveals that women’s sport is growing in popularity, too. 54% of women’s sports fans have only begun watching within the last three years, and 28% of fans are watching more women’s sports year-on-year, too. 

Trend 2. Astro-tourism

• The top dark sky experiences for Australian travellers are catching the Northern Lights (58%), going to an observatory (39%) or watching a solar/lunar eclipse (38%).
  
• 42% of 25 to 34-year-olds are interested in using astrology to determine their next trip. 

From stargazing to chasing the Northern Lights, Skyscanner reveals that astro-tourism is skyrocketing in popularity in 2025. 

The latest Google search data backs this up, with two of travellers’ biggest questions for the year being ‘Where to see a solar eclipse?’ and ‘Best places to see the solar eclipse’. 

If you’re keen to see an eclipse in 2025, plan your travel plans with these four dates in 2025:

• Total Lunar Eclipse: March 13th to 14th 2025
• Partial Solar Eclipse: March 29th 2025
• Total Lunar Eclipse: September 7th to 8th 2025
• Partial Lunar Eclipse: September 21st 2025

Trend 3. Longevity tourism

• 63% of Australian travellers say they feel more mindful about their overall health and wellbeing than ever before.
  
• 75% of Australian travellers believe holidays can build resilience and strength so they’re better able to handle the stresses of everyday life.
  
• Yoga and wellness retreats are some of the latest trending travel experiences, up 10% and 25% YoY, respectively. 

Need to rest and recharge? Health tourism is on the rise in 2025. According to Skyscanner, this wellness travel trend is all about increasing resilience, purpose and even unlocking longevity. 

Longevity tourism includes everything from reset retreats that help attendees build better sleep habits to scenic surf retreats that cultivate mindfulness and overall wellness. 

Don’t miss the top health and wellness destinations in 2025, including Manilla in the Philippines or Malé in the Maldives. 

Trend 4. Season swapping

Think you need to head overseas to enjoy a getaway? Think again.

According to Wotif and Expedia, ‘season swapping’ is one of the most popular travel trends coming in 2025. 

It’s as simple as this: Aussies are travelling at off-peak times to take advantage of cheaper prices, fewer crowds and incredible local experiences. 

Trend 5. JOMO travel

Remember the term FOMO (a.k.a. Fear of missing out)? Well, this final top travel trend of 2025 is the exact opposite. 

JOMO (a.k.a Joy of missing out) travel is on the rise, according to Stayz and Expedia. It’s all about travel experiences that ditch the hustle and bustle of city life for relaxing private escapes and holidays that allow you to disconnect and unwind in nature. 

The top 10 trending travel destinations of 2025

Still searching for travel inspiration? Below, we’ve rounded up the 10 most popular destinations to travel to in 2025, according to data from Skyscanner.

Destination 1. Siem Reap, Cambodia 

• +529% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

By far the most in-demand travel destination in 2025 is Siem Reap in Cambodia. Explore the renowned Angkor Wat template, a popular site featured in the iconic Lara Croft: Tomb Raider film.

Destination 2. Krabi, Thailand

• +141% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

A close second is Krabi in Thailand, a tranquil coastal oasis located near the famous Phi Phi Islands. It’s a quieter, less crowded Thailand destination for anyone looking for an alternative to Phuket. 

Destination 3. Busuanga, Philippines

• +125% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

Head to the Philippines and make a bee-line for Busuanga. This picturesque island offers clear waters and white sand beaches, proving a great alternative to the popular Boracay islands. 

Destination 4. Baegu, South Korea

• +123% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

Daegu, South Korea, is located just 1.5 hours away from Seoul by train. Expect a vibrant city offering rich cultural experiences, art attractions and ancient architecture. 

Destination 5. Rovaniemi, Finland 

• +118% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

Known as the hometown of Sana Claus, Rovaniemi in Finland is a must-see destination. It’s also a hot spot for travellers chasing the Northern Lights. 

Destination 6. Cusco, Peru

• +113% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

Cusco is the capital of the Incan empire in Peru and is a must-see spot for anyone visiting South America. Expect incredible architecture and rich history at this must-see travel destination. 

Destination 7. Tromsø, Norway

• +107% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

Astro-tourism fans: don’t miss a trip to Tromsø in Norway. It’s regarded as one of the best places ot see the Northern Lights. 

Destination 8. Almaty, Kazakhstan 

• +77% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

An underrated travel destination is Kazakhstan in Central Asia, with Almaty offering the perfect combination of spectacular landscapes, incredible culture and delicious food. 

Destination 9. Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

• +66% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

Situated on the island of Flores in Indonesia is Labuan Bajo. It’s an area known for its pink sand beach and the Komodo Island, home to the iconic Komodo Dragon. 

Destination 10. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

• +55% increase in searches over the past 12 months 

Experience Javanese music, art, and culture at Yogyakarta in Indonesia. It’s the second most visited destination in Indonesia after Bali.

Prepare for your next adventure with Stella Travel Insurance

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