return of all-inclusive, natural phenomena… This is what our stays will look like next year

Each year, major travel trends emerge for the next one. If in 2024, detox stays or alternative destinations were particularly popular, 2025 marks the return of all-inclusive vacations, according to Expedia Group. In addition, travelers are considering organizing trips to admire natural phenomena, or to go to famous filming locations. We take stock of these more or less new trends.

Day trips near major tourist destinations

According to data from Expedia, travelers plan to take detours in 2025, visiting major tourist destinations. Indeed, they want to visit less popular destinations near major tourist sites, whether for a day or for a slightly longer period. 63% of them are considering taking a detour to discover another destination.

For example, searches have increased for Reims, which is less than two hours from Paris by car and less than an hour by train. This then allows travelers to get away from the crowds, and to make other discoveries, such as the region’s famous champagne. Same observation for Brescia (Italy), not far from Milan, as well as for Santa Barbara (United States), close to Los Angeles or for Girona (Spain), about a hundred kilometers from Barcelona.

All-inclusive is making a comeback

According to Hotels.com, the all-inclusive trend is making a comeback, while showing that it is not just reserved for families. Generally, this means that all services – or at least the majority of them – are included in the price of the stay. This simplicity particularly appeals to young people from generation Z – born between the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2010s – who prefer this type of hotel at 42%. In their eyes, choosing an all-inclusive stay helps reduce stress (41%), is also easier (39%) and gives an impression of luxury (38%).

photo credit: Shutterstock In 2025, all-inclusive stays are making a comeback.

In certain cases, choosing an all-inclusive stay allows you to save money, particularly in the choice of restaurants, if they are included in the package. However, other services must be paid in addition to the price of the hotel room, such as spa treatments and other activities offered by the establishments. For example, destinations like the Dominican Republic, Spain and Egypt have a very wide range of stays of this type.

Hotel restaurants, an important criterion for gourmets

Another trend that may appeal to travelers who have an interest in luxury: hotel restaurants. According to Hotels.com, more and more people are looking for hotels that have restaurants run by star chefs. In addition to offering an incredible gastronomic experience to customers, they also allow them to not have to travel to eat their meals.

Proof that travelers are fond of this possibility, “Positive reviews of hotel restaurants, chefs and bars increased by 40% year over year on Hotels.com”. In addition, they are more inclined to book their stay in a hotel whose restaurant is reserved exclusively for its customers. Among the restaurants cited in the 2025 travel trends release is Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse at the ROMEO Hotel in Naples, led by chef Alessandro Lucassino.

Set-jetting, a trend that never goes out of fashion

Year after year, the set-jetting trend remains very strong, and is unlikely to go out of fashion in 2025. As a reminder, this consists of visiting destinations based on the filming locations of films and television series. Proof that filming locations are still of great interest to tourists, this trend is up 16% compared to last year.

photo credit: Shutterstock The famous Royal Crescent in Bath (United Kingdom), setting for the hit series The Bridgerton Chronicles.

According to Expedia Group, the United Kingdom is one of the favorite destinations for travelers who indulge in set-jetting. It is still very popular with visitors who want to discover the filming locations of their favorite films and series, such as Harry Potter, The Bridgerton Chronicles or even Game of Thrones. You can then book many guided tours on these themes on the Expedia website. Otherwise, Dubai inspires fans of Real Housewiveswhile Montana and Wyoming rather attract those in the series Yellowstone.

Travelers looking for local specialties

For some travelers, shopping is essential when discovering a destination. According to Expedia, this is also one of the big trends for 2025, especially since all these local specialties are often spotted on social networks – and make us want to buy them. Travelers are therefore ready to provide a special place in their luggage for their purchases. It must be said that some products are impossible to find in other countries, or even too expensive. For example, someone who likes to cook can stock up on spices at local markets, at a lower cost, but without sacrificing quality.

photo credit: Shutterstock Moroccan souks, perfect places to find spices.

Thus, during their vacation, 39% of travelers go to a grocery store or supermarket, while 44% “look for local products not available at home”. According to Expedia data, they are particularly fond of tours around coffee culture in Costa Rica, or tea tastings in China. In recent years, we have also noticed that wine tourism is becoming more and more popular, both in France and abroad. For example, Moldova relies heavily on wine tourism.

Travel to admire natural phenomena

Finally, another notable travel trend for 2025: the quest for natural phenomena. According to Abritel, they are a search criterion for many travelers. Most tourists primarily want to admire the Northern Lights (61%), while others would like to admire geological phenomena (30%), such as volcanoes, geysers or even hot springs. Thus, 80% are ready to book accommodation near these phenomena so as not to miss a beat.

photo credit: Shutterstock Admiring the Northern Lights, the dream of many travelers.

In its press release, Abritel shared a list of targeted places to admire these natural phenomena. If you want to capture the Northern Lights instead, Lapland is one of the ideal spots for this. To contemplate volcanoes, lava fields and black sand beaches, there is surely no better place than Iceland. Would you rather attend the penguin parade? Then go to Phillip Island, near Melbourne (Australia). There is absolutely no doubt that these experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories!