Today, Expedia Group released its annual report, Unpack ’25, which offers a data-driven overview of the trends shaping travelers’ decisions and destinations for the upcoming year. The report draws from an extensive analysis of first-party travel data, insights from a survey of 25,000 travelers, and the latest industry innovations to identify eight significant travel trends set to influence itineraries in 2025.

Key Trends in Travel for 2025

Among the highlighted trends are the rise of Detour Destinations, the embrace of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) Travel, and the convenience of One-Click Trips, which transition travelers from browsing potential vacations on social media to making actual bookings with ease.

Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating technology with travel, making journeys more seamless and enjoyable. “The Unpack report is our opportunity to reflect on what travelers are seeking and how our partners are innovating,” she stated. “From this year’s trends, I’m eager to book a One-Click Trip and explore some Detour Destinations for my next vacation.”

1. Detour Destinations: Exploring Beyond the Crowds

In 2025, travelers will not only flock to popular tourist hotspots but will also seek out Detour Destinations—places located near major attractions that offer unique experiences away from the crowds. The report reveals that 63% of consumers are likely to consider a Detour Destination for their next trip.

Expedia has compiled a list of the top 10 trending Detour Destinations based on flight search increases:

1. Reims, France (a charming detour from Paris)
2. Brescia, Italy (an enticing alternative to Milan)
3. Cozumel, Mexico (a beautiful escape from Cancun)
4. Santa Barbara, California, USA (a serene getaway from Los Angeles)
5. Waikato, New Zealand (a picturesque side trip from Auckland)
6. Girona, Spain (a hidden gem near Barcelona)
7. Fukuoka, Japan (a delightful detour from Tokyo)
8. Abu Dhabi, UAE (an exciting alternative to Dubai)
9. Krabi, Thailand (a scenic escape from Phuket)
10. Canmore, Alberta, Canada (a breathtaking retreat from Calgary)

For travelers interested in exploring these Detour Destinations, additional information is available on the Expedia website.

2. Goods Getaways: Curating Unique Culinary Experiences

Social media platform TikTok has inspired a new wave of travelers eager to embark on Goods Getaways. These journeys focus on finding and bringing home unique local specialties—whether it’s a viral chocolate bar from Dubai, gourmet butter from France, skincare products from Korea, or Japanese candy.

The report indicates that 39% of travelers visit grocery stores or supermarkets while on vacation, and 44% seek out local goods unavailable at home. Experiences such as coffee tours in Costa Rica, tea tastings in China, and matcha experiences in Japan are becoming increasingly popular options bookable through Expedia.

3. All-Inclusive Era: Redefining Stress-Free Travel for Gen Z

The concept of all-inclusive resorts is evolving, attracting a younger demographic, particularly Gen Z travelers, who are looking for budget-friendly, stress-free vacation options. One-third of Gen Z respondents reported a positive shift in their perception of all-inclusive hotels, with 42% indicating that they would prefer this accommodation type for their travels.

The top three reasons Gen Z favors all-inclusive resorts include minimal stress (41%), ease of booking (39%), and a sense of luxury (38%).

A curated selection of all-inclusive resorts is available on Hotels.com, showcasing the variety and appeal of these destinations.

4. Hotel Restaurant Renaissance: Dining Beyond Room Service

Today’s travelers are not just booking rooms; they are increasingly seeking out exceptional dining experiences at their hotels. Hotels worldwide are opening acclaimed restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs, drawing guests with their seasonal menus and unique culinary offerings.

The report notes a 40% increase in positive reviews regarding hotel dining experiences on Hotels.com year-over-year. Almost a third of travelers indicated that room service from a well-known hotel restaurant would increase their likelihood of booking, while 31% said they would be more likely to reserve a hotel if exclusive restaurant tables were available to guests only.

A list of top hotel restaurants can be found on Hotels.com, highlighting the intersection of travel and fine dining.

5. JOMO Travel: Embracing the Joy of Missing Out

As the travel landscape shifts, many travelers are moving away from the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) mentality towards JOMO Travel, focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation. This trend encourages travelers to take fewer, more meaningful trips, often to cozy cabins or tranquil beach houses.

The report indicates that 62% of travelers believe these types of trips help reduce stress and anxiety, while nearly half state that they enhance quality time with loved ones. The most sought-after vacation rental amenities for JOMO travelers include pools, serene gardens, hot tubs, and porches with scenic views.

Vrbo offers a selection of vacation homes tailored for JOMO travel experiences.

6. The Phenomena-List: Experiencing Nature’s Wonders

In 2024, a surge of travelers booked private vacation homes to witness the total solar eclipse, demonstrating a growing interest in experiencing natural phenomena. The survey revealed that the Northern Lights (61%) topped the list of phenomena travelers want to see, followed by geological wonders (30%) such as volcanoes and hot springs.

To cater to this trend, Vrbo identified several natural phenomena that travelers will be eager to witness in 2025, including:

• International Dark Sky Park – Arches National Park, Utah
• Synchronous Firefly Season – Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN
• Penguin Parade – Phillip Island, Australia
• Bioluminescent Plankton – Vero Beach, Florida
• “Black Sun” Starlings’ Migration – Wadden Sea National Park, Denmark
• Ballet of Japanese Cranes – Hokkaido, Japan
• Highest Tides in the World – Bay of Fundy, Canada
• Starling Murmurations – Somerset, U.K.
• Volcanoes and Black Sand Beaches – Reykjavík, Iceland
• Northern Lights – Lapland Region, Finland

Vacation homes near these breathtaking natural phenomena can be explored on Vrbo’s website.

7. 2025 Set-Jetting Forecast: Movies Influence Travel Plans

The trend of Set-Jetting—traveling to locations featured in movies and TV shows—continues to gain momentum. Since its identification as a travel behavior in 2022, this trend has grown, with two-thirds of travelers acknowledging that movies and streaming services have influenced their travel decisions, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year.

The 2025 Set-Jetting Forecast reveals popular destinations inspired by recent entertainment releases, including:

• Dubai (inspired by “The Real Housewives of Dubai”)
• Montana and Wyoming (inspired by “Yellowstone”)
• New York City (inspired by “And Just Like That…”)
• Cape Town (inspired by “One Piece”)
• Scotland (inspired by “The Traitors”)

Travelers can learn more about these entertainment-inspired destinations in the Set-Jetting Forecast available on Expedia’s platform.

8. One-Click Trips: Simplifying Travel Booking

Half of consumers make purchases based on trusted influencer content, and while shopping for travel through social media is still developing, Expedia is addressing this by launching One-Click Trips. This feature allows travelers to shop for curated travel experiences directly through the Expedia app, facilitated by social media influencers and creators.

This innovative approach aims to simplify the booking process, breaking down barriers that often deter consumers from finalizing their travel plans.

Best Times to Experience the Phenomena-List Destinations:

• April–May or Sept.–Oct.: International Dark Sky Park – Arches National Park, Utah
• May–June: Synchronous Firefly Season – Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN
• Year-round: Penguin Parade – Phillip Island, Australia
• July–Sept.: Bioluminescent Plankton – Vero Beach, Florida
• Feb.–mid-April and Aug.–Dec.: “Black Sun” Starlings’ Migration – Wadden Sea National Park, Denmark
• Feb.–March: Ballet of Japanese Cranes – Hokkaido, Japan
• Year-round; for peak tides, visit during a full moon cycle: Highest Tides in the World – Bay of Fundy, Canada
• Dec.–Jan.: Starling Murmurations – Somerset, U.K.
• June–Aug.: Volcanoes, Lava Fields, and Black Sand Beaches – Reykjavík, Iceland
• End of Aug.–April: Northern Lights – Lapland Region, Finland

2025 Set-Jetting Highlights:

• Interest in Dubai surged over 30% year-over-year after the airing of “The Real Housewives of Dubai.”
• The U.K. remains a top Set-Jetting destination with numerous themed tours for popular shows.
• Notable hotels featured in “The Real Housewives of Dubai” include Atlantis, The Palm and Palazzo Versace.
• Featured hotels in New York City from “And Just Like That” include Baccarat Hotel and The Mark.
• Vrbo offers private ranches featured in “Yellowstone.”

Methodology:
The data in this report is based on third-party research commissioned by Expedia Group and conducted by market research firm OnePoll. The study included responses from 25,000 adults across 19 countries who have traveled for leisure or plan to do so within the next three years.