As we look ahead to 2025, the travel landscape is evolving in exciting ways. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first big trip, here's what you can expect in the world of travel.
Sustainable Tourism Takes Center Stage
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's becoming a core aspect of travel planning:
- 69% of travellers are actively seeking sustainable travel options
- Eco-friendly accommodations and destinations are gaining popularity
- Slow and purposeful travel is on the rise, focusing on quality experiences over quantity
Recommended destinations:
- Costa Rica: A pioneer in eco-tourism with over 50% of the country covered in rainforest
- Slovenia: One of Europe's greenest countries, easily accessible by train and offering numerous natural attractions
- Dominica: Known as the "Nature Island" of the Caribbean, it offers eco-friendly resorts and pristine natural beauty
Personalised Experiences and Luxury Travel
Travelers are increasingly prioritising unique, tailored experiences:
- Luxury hotels saw a 24% increase in 2022-2023, with continued growth expected
- 79% of Millennials and Gen Z care more about the right travel experience than the cost
- Custom itineraries, cultural immersion, and local-guided tours are in high demand
Recommended destinations:
- Singapore: Offers cutting-edge sustainable luxury accommodations like the Pan Pacific Orchard
- Saba, Dutch Caribbean: A small island with personalised experiences and a focus on sustainability
- Panama: Emerging as a community-based tourism pioneer, offering unique Indigenous-guided adventures
The Rise of Multigenerational Travel
Family-focused trips are becoming more popular:
- "Reconnecting with friends and family" is a primary motivation for leisure travel
- Larger accommodations like villas are in demand to cater to extended family groups
- Activities that appeal to all ages are crucial for these types of trips
Recommended destinations:
- Valencia, Spain: Offers diverse activities suitable for all ages
- Tanzania: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural experiences that appeal to different generations
- Maui, United States: A family-friendly destination with a range of activities and accommodations
Bleisure: The Work-Life Balance Trend
The line between business and leisure travel is blurring:
- 45% of UK travellers plan to add leisure elements to their business trips
- Flexible stays are essential, with 17% of bleisure trips lasting four nights or more
- This trend enhances productivity while contributing to a healthy work-life balance
Recommended destinations:
- Brussels, Belgium: A business hub shortlisted for the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism
- Porto, Portugal: Another Smart Tourism finalist, offering a mix of business facilities and leisure attractions
- Genoa, Italy: A historic city with modern amenities, ideal for combining work and play
Emerging Destinations and Experiences
Travelers are seeking out new and unique locations:
- "Detour destinations" near popular hotspots are gaining traction
- Off-season travel to avoid crowds is becoming more common
- The Arctic has seen a 235% rise in demand from 2022-2023
Recommended destinations:
- Greenland: Preparing to welcome a new international airport in Nuuk in 2024
- Southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Offers unique experiences like the Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience
Natural Phenomena and JOMO Travel
There's a growing interest in experiencing natural wonders and embracing relaxation:
- The Northern Lights top the list of natural phenomena British travellers want to see
- "JOMO" (Joy of Missing Out) travel is replacing "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out)
- Tranquil settings like beach houses and lakeside lodges are in high demand
Recommended destinations:
- High Atlas Mountains, Morocco: Offers tranquil settings and stunning natural beauty
- Lahti, Finland: A Smart Tourism finalist known for its pristine lakes and forests
- Belfast, UK: Provides easy access to Northern Ireland's scenic landscapes
Technology in Travel
AI and digital tools are reshaping how we plan and experience travel:
- 46% of travellers are open to using AI for trip planning
- Digital channels and AI-driven platforms are increasingly used for booking and inspiration
- Smart home devices and AI-driven recommendations are enhancing the guest experience
- Konya, Turkey: A Smart Tourism finalist embracing technology in tourism
- Torino, Italy: Another Smart Tourism contender known for its innovative approach to visitor experiences
- Estonia: A digital pioneer offering seamless tech-enhanced travel experiences
As you plan your future adventures, keep these trends in mind. Whether you're looking for a sustainable getaway, a luxury experience, or a family reunion trip, the travel landscape of 2025 offers something for everyone. Remember to book early, be flexible, and embrace new experiences as you explore the world in exciting new ways.
When embarking on any of these exciting adventures or visiting these diverse destinations, travel insurance becomes an essential part of your trip planning. Travel insurance provides crucial protection against a wide range of potential issues, from medical emergencies and trip cancellations to lost luggage and travel delays.
What does travel insurance cover?
Travel Insurance can help give you peace of mind that your holiday plans are protected if the unexpected happens. Gigasure Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance can offer you cover for:
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Personal Accident and Personal Liability
- Cancellation
- Personal Belongings and Baggage
- Travel Disruption, including GigaShield benefits
- Automatic cover for participation in over 120 Sports and Activities.
- Add-ons and Boosts such as Winter Sports, Cruise, Golf, Extended Travel Disruption and Business Travel
Gigasure have Single Trip, Annual Multi-trip and Backpackers policies and a variety of cover levels and excess options to suit your budget.
Through the Gigasure app, Additional Boosts are available, like Winter Sports, Cruise, Golf, and Extended Travel Disruption coverage. Choose from Single Trip, Annual Multi-trip, and Backpackers policies with various coverage levels and budget-friendly options.
Customise your coverage to fit your needs, noting that removing benefits can lower premiums but may reduce coverage. Full details are available in the policy terms.
