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.

Hayleys Travels, a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in Sri Lanka, has celebrated its 40th anniversary. Established in 1984, the company is a part of the Hayleys Group, a conglomerate with over a century of history. Over the years, Hayleys Travels has become renowned for offering unique travel experiences that showcase Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant communities.

The company has built a reputation among international travelers for its focus on sustainable tourism and immersive cultural experiences. Hayleys Travels has been instrumental in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination, offering a variety of itineraries that include eco-adventures, wildlife safaris, and tours highlighting the island's historical sites and local traditions.

In addition to its inbound tourism services, Hayleys Travels caters to Sri Lankans seeking to explore international destinations. The company provides personalized travel solutions for leisure trips, business events, and luxury experiences, ensuring a comprehensive range of services for all types of travelers.

As an IATA-accredited organization, Hayleys Travels offers a wide array of specialized services, including destination weddings, corporate meetings and events (MICE), and luxury group tours. The company also provides tailored experiences, such as dolphin and whale-watching excursions, visits to local markets, hands-on cooking classes, and traditional village tours. Accommodation options range from eco-lodges to luxury resorts, curated to suit diverse preferences.

Reflecting on this milestone, Suchitra Aluwihare, Chief Operating Officer of Hayleys Travels, expressed gratitude for the company's success. “Reaching our 40th year speaks volumes about our commitment to curate journeys for guests from the world over that leave a lasting impact to be cherished in the long run. At Hayleys Travels, we uphold the values of sustainable tourism and deepen our connection to the island and its people. This journey has been possible with the sustained trust of our travellers, partners, and team with nimble expertise. In the coming times, we are excited to showcase Sri Lanka’s vibrance to the world, creating treasured memories.”

The company’s commitment to sustainable practices and its collaboration with local communities have been key to its success. As Hayleys Travels looks to the future, it aims to continue innovating and expanding its offerings while maintaining its focus on delivering memorable travel experiences.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) launched its first-ever "Festival of Australia" in Mumbai, a unique platform bringing together Australian excellence in education and premium food and beverage (F&B) products. The festival will travel to Hyderabad (16th November), Bengaluru (18th November), and Kochi (20th November).

The Mumbai event allowed Indian students and parents to connect directly with representatives from leading Australian universities to explore programs aligned with their career aspirations. A highlight was a masterclass titled "Not-so-natural disasters and how to prevent them", delivered by Professor David Sanderson of the University of New South Wales.

A panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Indian schools, Australian universities, and industry experts provided insights into what Indian students seek when choosing a foreign university, offering valuable perspectives on studying abroad.

The festival also celebrated Australia’s culinary offerings with an Australian Food Pavilion showcasing a variety of premium products, including honey, sauces, cheese, seafood, lamb meat, and more. Guests enjoyed live cooking demonstrations featuring these ingredients, along with tasting sessions highlighting their versatility.

Austrade partnered with Jio Mart and Food Square to enhance accessibility to Australian products, creating an 'Australia Pavilion' on Jio Mart’s platform and featuring exclusive offerings at the festival venue.

Speaking about the event, Mr. John Southwell, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, said,
"We are thrilled to host the Festival of Australia to spotlight our top-notch education and exquisite culinary offerings. This festival reflects the growing Australia-India connection, blending academic opportunities with the rich flavors of Australian produce. We’re proud to see Australian ingredients increasingly integrated into Indian cuisine, from dals to lamb biriyani."

The Festival of Australia underscores the growing educational, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. It celebrates a shared vision of cross-cultural understanding and strengthens Australia's presence in India as a hub for world-class education and gastronomy.

About The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Austrade is the Australian Government's trade promotion and investment attraction agency, fostering global partnerships and showcasing Australia’s capabilities. Learn more at www.austrade.gov.au.