Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions: Breaking Norms, Build

Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions: Breaking Norms, Building Connections

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 21, 2024

Travel in 2025 is set to break the mold, with Booking.com’s latest research highlighting how global travelers are rewriting the rules. In a time of rapid change and growing uncertainty, the report predicts nine emerging trends that redefine traditional travel, focusing on personal growth, deeper connections, and unconventional experiences.

Key Trends for 2025

Noctourism

Astro-adventures take center stage as travelers turn to the night to explore the universe. About 78% of Indian travelers are interested in stargazing and visiting dark-sky destinations, while 76% want to witness once-in-a-lifetime celestial events. Climate change is also influencing choices, with 69% of respondents preferring cooler locations and 79% planning activities during cooler hours to avoid excessive sun exposure. Additionally, 72% are seeking accommodations that reduce light pollution to preserve nature.

Passport to Immortality

Wellness travel is being reimagined as 83% of Indian travelers show interest in longevity retreats, focused on extending lifespan and improving well-being. Popular treatments include body vibration therapy (78%), cryotherapy (70%), red light therapy (66%), and stem cell treatments (64%). Furthermore, 85% of respondents want to incorporate wellness activities like timed coffee ingestion (56%) and IV therapy (50%) into their daily routines after these trips.

AI-Driven Itineraries

Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize travel planning, with 90% of Indian respondents planning to use technology for informed decisions and authentic experiences. Tools like AI Trip Planners will help 83% of travelers find less crowded areas, and 40% are already using apps for real-time assistance. Interestingly, 19% will avoid tagging locations on social media to protect lesser-known destinations, while 57% of Gen Z and 56% of millennials reconsider visiting over-touristed spots altogether.

Multigen Megatrips

The “Spend Kids’ Inheritance” trend continues to grow, with 46% of Indian respondents preferring to use their savings on bucket-list trips. Among baby boomers, 37% share this sentiment. Additionally, 84% of Indians value intergenerational travel, with 79% of parents willing to fund trips for their children and 59% for their grandchildren, prioritizing shared memories over material possessions.

Boyz II Zen

Men-only wellness retreats are gaining traction, with 79% of Indian respondents encouraging male family members or friends to take these trips. Key reasons include personal growth (41%), reducing stress (35%), and improving mental health (39%). Women are also supportive, with 69% encouraging their partners, 37% their friends, and 22% their fathers to prioritize self-care through men-only trips.

Ageless Adventures

Baby boomers are redefining adventure travel, with 30% showing interest in activities like sand surfing (42%), skydiving (34%), and cave diving (36%). Notably, 22% are open to camping in Antarctica, and 23% want to step outside their comfort zones to reconnect with their adventurous spirit.

Neuroinclusive Navigation

Travel inclusivity is taking center stage, with 76% of Indians emphasizing the need for better options for neurodivergent individuals. Approximately 70% of neurodivergent respondents reported past negative experiences while traveling, and 79% seek AI tools for personalized recommendations. Additionally, 77% want sensory rooms in airports and hotels, while 75% prefer noise-canceling options during their journeys.

Vintage Voyaging

Thrifting is becoming a key part of vacation experiences, with 68% of Indian travelers tightening their budgets to prioritize travel. About 62% plan to shop for second-hand treasures during trips, while 46% believe vintage products abroad offer better value. More than 31% think thrift stores provide better quality items, making eco-conscious shopping a popular trend.

The Gate Escape

Airports are evolving into destinations in their own right, with 84% of Indian respondents valuing unique airport experiences. Millennials and Gen Z are particularly drawn to features like sleep pods (38% of millennials), spas (39%), and Michelin-starred restaurants (27%). A wider range of airport amenities could reduce travel stress for 83%, with vacations beginning the moment travelers step into the terminal.

Shaping the Future of Travel

As Booking.com’s Santosh Kumar explains, “Travel in 2025 marks the beginning of a more thoughtful approach to exploring the world. Instead of cookie-cutter experiences, travelers are seeking journeys that align with their personal values—whether that’s sustainability, wellness, or cultural immersion.”

These trends signal a transformative year for the industry, where connection, creativity, and customization take center stage.

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have taken their partnership forward with the launch of a new codeshare agreement. This move builds on Etihad’s recently introduced Abu Dhabi–Hanoi service, creating smoother travel options between the UAE and Vietnam.

With this partnership, Etihad guests can now book onward journeys to major domestic destinations in Vietnam as well as popular cities across Asia, all on a single ticket. Travellers also benefit from one check-in and automatic baggage transfer, making Abu Dhabi an easy connection point to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia's most dynamic and popular destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam's most exciting cities. Combined with our frequent flyer partnership, which enables loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our combined global networks, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior travel experiences."

From Vietnam Airlines’ perspective, this collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development, Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is pleased to advance our partnership with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travellers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality. Together with our expanded frequent-flyer partnership, this agreement enhances convenience, broadens destination choices, and strengthens tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”

The rollout of the codeshare will take place in phases. As it expands, passengers of Vietnam Airlines will gain access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi, Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul, opening up a wider network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Etihad’s strong connectivity.

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines already have a frequent flyer partnership in place. Launched in July 2025, it allows Etihad Guest and Lotus Miles members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks. This loyalty integration adds more value to the newly announced codeshare, giving travellers broader options and smoother travel experiences.

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

Flight No.: 6E 0033
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Departure: 04:05 (local time)
Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

Flight No.: 6E 0034
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Departure: 11:15 (local time)
Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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