Travel trends that promise to "explode" in 2025

(To Quoc) - Discarding old notions, tourists are setting new standards for age, gender, and personal identity. 2025 is predicted to be the year of explosive growth in new forms of tourism , focusing on experiences ranging from nighttime adventures to connect with nature, exploring wellness resorts with a focus on longevity, to using AI to create more meaningful and authentic trips.

On November 28th, in Ho Chi Minh City, Booking.com announced its research predicting travel trends for 2025 after surveying 27,000 travelers from 33 countries, including Vietnam. The report from Booking.com presented nine predicted new travel trends that are expected to "boom" in 2025.

These predictions suggest that the tourism landscape in 2025 will open up new avenues for experiencing the world .

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 self-improvement 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, exploring wellness resorts focused on longevity, to using AI to create more meaningful and authentic trips. All of this aims to break down traditional travel norms to build deeper connections.

In Vietnam, Varun Grover argues that instead of simply relaxing, many travelers are redefining how they experience and connect with the world around them. In other words, Vietnamese travelers are "rewriting the travel guide" in 2025: breaking free from conventional patterns to find ways to connect with themselves, with loved ones, with new friends they meet on their trip, or even with their next destination.

Survey results show that the demand for authentic and lesser-known experiences is increasing, with 79% of Vietnamese tourists stating they use technology to search for unique and lesser-known destinations. Furthermore, 77% of Vietnamese travelers are interested in vacations that contribute to longevity, thus the combination of relaxation and adventure will influence travel choices.

Furthermore, with 74% of Vietnamese tourists wanting to visit destinations suitable for nighttime activities, this partly shapes the trend of Vietnamese travelers focusing more on nighttime experiences and closeness to nature when planning their trips. Family values ​​are becoming more important, with 88% of Baby Boomer travelers sharing that they are happy to help their children financially on their next trip.

Surveys from tourists have revealed nine promising trends that are expected to shape the tourism industry in 2025:

Nightlife

According to a survey by Booking.com, 2025 will be the year when experiences exploring space and stars will reign supreme. The trend of 'Noctourism' refers to trips aimed at discovering the magical beauty of the night sky. As space tourism becomes increasingly feasible, Vietnamese travelers 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 nighttime activities. Among them, 85% of respondents said they wanted to experience "stargazing," 74% wanted guidance on the stars, 70% wanted to witness once-in-a-thousand-year astronomical events firsthand, and 70% were excited about discovering and tracking the paths of constellations.

Concerns related to climate change also influenced this trend. Specifically, 81% of Vietnamese tourists prioritize destinations with cool climates; 75% said they prefer to schedule activities in the evening and early morning when sunlight is weakest. Additionally, 76% shared that they want to limit direct sun exposure to protect themselves from UV rays. Enjoying nightlife also increases the connection between tourists and nature, with 72% of Vietnamese tourists prioritizing accommodations with minimal light pollution to contribute to environmental protection.

Multigenerational travel

Nowadays, instead of saving money, families are increasingly using "inherited money" to enjoy life with family members. 44% of Vietnamese travelers say they are willing to spend money on a memorable trip in 2025 instead of keeping it as part of an inheritance – a trend particularly strong among Baby Boomers (37%).

However, by 2025, this trend will undergo some changes, becoming more open and positive. Older generations are willing to pay for memorable family experiences and help younger generations overcome the financial crisis by supporting them with vacation expenses. This allows family members to travel together, creating new and memorable experiences, instead of simply saving money in a bank for their children's future. Data shows that 74% of Vietnamese travelers admit to having received full or partial financial support from their parents for their vacations, even as adults, and 88% of Baby Boomer travelers share that they are happy to help their children financially with their next trip.

Traveling to "hunt" for secondhand goods.

Holiday clothing choices will undergo a major shift in 2025, as trendy travelers become thrift hunters – readily scouring vintage shops during their trips, aiming for sustainability. 73% of Vietnamese travelers expressed a preference for buying holiday clothes more than before, with 76% of those being Gen Z travelers. 53% said they would visit thrift stores during their holidays. Surprisingly, 82% of travelers have previously purchased vintage or second-hand items while traveling abroad.

Beyond reflecting a shift in fashion style, this trend shows that travelers are increasingly making more sophisticated and discerning choices, prioritizing both cost savings and environmental awareness. Specifically, 65% of travelers plan to spend more 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 journey. Contrary to the fast fashion trend and excessive consumerism, 45% of travelers say they often find better quality products at vintage stores abroad. Meanwhile, 44% say they buy vintage items when traveling because they are more affordable.

As more and more Vietnamese tourists become interested in bringing home items with their own stories, the experience of "hunting" for vintage items is no longer simply about shopping; it's also a way for tourists to bring back cultural artifacts from their destinations in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Instead of refrigerator magnets, vintage items are now the preferred souvenir choice for tourists.

"Boyz II Zen"

Gender norms and expectations are gradually loosening over time, which is having some impact on the tourism industry.

Amidst rising societal awareness of men's mental health, "men-only vacations" focused on fitness and self-development are predicted to become more popular in 2025. A majority (75%) of those surveyed indicated they would support at least one male acquaintance participating in such men-only trips.

Regarding purpose, the majority of male travelers want to travel to escape the pressures of daily life (49%), rest and rejuvenation (58%), engage in mental health activities (48%), and personal development (46%). Building new and old friendships is also highly valued, with 34% seeking to improve their relationship-building skills with friends and family; 27% wanting to make new friends; and 14% considering a men-only trip to alleviate loneliness.

Notably, it was women who persuaded their acquaintances to participate in these trips, with 56% supporting their partners, 46% supporting friends, and 28% supporting their fathers and brothers prioritizing self-care.

Designing travel itineraries using AI (AI = Alternative Itineraries)

Humans have applied many new technologies to help tourists find experiences that suit their needs. However, by 2025, we will see many technological initiatives applied to support more responsible tourism, contributing to the long-term development of destinations. 83% of Vietnamese tourists plan to use technology to make informed decisions and have more authentic experiences. This not only shows respect for the place they visit but also contributes to the development of that destination.

AI tools like Booking.com's AI Trip Planner will play a crucial role in itinerary planning, with 59% of Vietnamese travelers interested in using AI to plan their trips, helping them connect more closely with locals and communities.

Vietnamese tourists will also use technology with a higher sense of responsibility. 27% of tourists said they would not tag their locations on social media to protect lesser-known destinations and avoid a wave of "check-ins." However, 50% of Gen Z tourists and 52% of Millennials shared that they would reconsider visiting a place if it wasn't tagged. For these tourists, technology will play a crucial role in helping them find alternative destinations and reduce overcrowding at popular locations. 79% said they use technology to search for novel, lesser-known destinations, and 33% have started using AI applications with real-time updates.

Airport travel

The days when travelers would arrive at the airport just before departure to avoid the fatigue of crowded waiting areas after security checks are over. Now, travel enthusiasts will be planning their 2025 trips differently and welcoming 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 location where they can explore and visit the airport, while 79% were curious about airports with unique amenities. Millennials and Gen Z will consider their destination choices based on their airport experiences. They are also particularly interested in amenities such as sleeping pods (29% Millennials, 31% Gen Z), spas (40% of both Millennials and Gen Z), and lists of Michelin-starred restaurants (30% Millennials, 27% Gen Z).

Holidays can now begin even before travelers board their flights, with 83% of travelers believing that their travel experience would be more enjoyable and relaxing with more services and amenities at the airport.

The key to longevity

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

In 2025, holistic healthcare will no longer be confined to yoga mats and refreshing smoothies. Driven by a desire for a healthier lifestyle, 77% of Vietnamese travelers are interested in longevity-focused vacations – a superior form of wellness tourism compared to traditional health tourism itineraries. In these vacations, temporary solutions are replaced with health-enhancing and longevity-promoting treatments. Intensive restorative methods are a top priority, ranging from whole-body vibration therapy (72%), stem cell therapy (72%), red light therapy (67%), to cryotherapy (69%).

In addition, 84% of surveyed travelers revealed they are seeking new wellness activities to incorporate into their daily lives, helping them reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves, including learning to drink coffee on time (65%) or using intravenous therapy (52%). With 69% of Vietnamese travelers stating they are willing to pay for a vacation solely to extend their lifespan and improve their health, 2025 is predicted to mark the beginning of their longevity journey.

Experience the diversity of the nervous system.

Travelers who think and process information differently tend to focus more on their specific needs. 56% of Vietnamese travelers in this group shared that they had negative experiences while traveling, while 54% believe they have fewer travel options simply because they belong to this particular travel group.

This group of travelers expects technology to become a valuable aid during 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, updates on flight delays and cancellations, and suggestions for quieter, less crowded areas at airports and hotels. 66% are looking for sensory rooms at airports, hotels, and other locations, while 78% desire more "noise reduction" solutions throughout their travel experience.

In fact, the needs of neurodiverse travelers are relatively clear in 2025, with 78% wanting industry-wide tourism solutions that cater to their specific needs.

Timeless Adventure

In 2025, the Baby Boomer generation is rewriting the concept of travel for their age. They are ready to step out of their comfort zones and once again live life to the fullest with an adventurous spirit. 50% of respondents are interested in thrill-seeking activities like horseback riding, and 67% want to unleash themselves to participate in lively parties.

They are not afraid to challenge themselves to push their limits in pursuit of daring experiences such as sandboarding (31%), skydiving (24%), diving and cave exploration (12%), camping in Antarctica (17%), or even skateboarding on volcanic slopes (12%). This shows that age is no longer a barrier to a passion for adventure and exploration; these pioneers are redefining the meaning of travel in their later years.

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