Today’s modern travelers are looking to slow down, seek out meaningful experiences, and find new ways to explore the world around them! So, to help inspire your next getaway, whether that’s escaping the crowds or chasing the stars, we’ve put together an adventure guide of all the fun travel trends shaping holidays and sparking wanderlust this year and next.
We’ve included lots of destination inspiration throughout the article too, with options inspired by travel trends, making it even easier to turn your travel dreams into your next passport stamp!
Glowcations
Wellness-focused getaways are designed to leave you feeling more radiant when you return! Think luxurious spas, rejuvenating treatments, yoga, meditation, and plenty of glowcation downtime to recharge you inside and out. Say goodbye to the post-holiday blues, and hello to a glow that no filter could match!
Nantipa in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Simplicity, sustainability, and serenity all wrapped up and based in one of the five Blue Zones in the world.
Asa Wright Nature Center in San Juan, Trinidad & Tobago
Nutritious meals, yoga sessions, guided pranayama, relaxation exercises, and trail walks to nourish your mind and body.
Montana Lodge & Spa in Aosta Valley, Italy
Relax and switch off with spa treatments among the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Italian mountains.
Weekend Road Trips
It’s time to fill the tank with gas and hit the open road! Road trips continue to grow in popularity, especially as travelers opt for quick weekend getaways to replace the hassle of long-haul flights. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66, inspiring a whole new generation to enjoy one of the world’s most iconic road trips – we’re talking neon-lit motels, roadside diners, quirky attractions, and a whole lot of nostalgia!
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River in the United States
Dubbed an All-American Road, this nearly 3,000-mile network of scenic byways starts at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, and flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Venice, Louisiana.
Mighty 5 Loop through Utah, United States
Best enjoyed in the spring or fall to beat the heat, this 1,100-mile loop shows off towering hoodoos, deep canyons, and truly awesome hikes.
The Sea to Sky Highway in British Columbia, Canada
A stunning 99-mile cliffside drive connecting the Pacific Ocean to the high alpine Coast Mountains, leading you through glacier-fed fjords and dense coastal rainforests.
Silent Escapes
The best luxury can sometimes just be the simple ability to switch off! And what better way to do that than by putting your feet up and surrounding yourself with tranquility in a gorgeous getaway? People are craving moments of calm to give them a break from the busyness of their daily routines, and, as a result, bookings for nature-immersive, screen-free cabins, and hushpitality are booming! It’s particularly popular with solo adventurers, as peace, quiet, and complete disconnection are becoming highly sought after.
Urban Cowboy Lodge in New York, United States
Sign up for a digital detox and swap your smartphones for a (provided) analog Polaroid camera to capture the beauty of the private hiking trails, creekside swimming holes, and plenty of spa treatments.
The Art of Living Retreat Center in North Carolina, United States
A place to relax, revive, and dive deep within, quietly tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Westgate River Ranch in Florida, United States
Step away from the digital world and welcome in the serenity of nature.
Sports Tourism
Supporters are making sure sporting events are in the highlights for this year! Between the World Cup, Formula 1 weekends, and the Masters Golf tournament, sports fans are spoilt for choice. On top of that, the more general events like marathons and triathlons, or fun amateur activities like surfing camps, are bringing in plenty of fun. It’s giving us the perfect excuse to combine competition with exploration!
London in the United Kingdom
Football, rugby, cricket, tennis, golf, and basketball: this location really has it all!
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates
Offering world-class facilities and hosting major international events, this is the place to watch, play, and delight in a wide range of sports to your heart’s content!
Melbourne in Australia
Renowned as Australia’s sporting capital, this location has everything from the edge-of-your-seat watching in stadiums to the after-match celebration spots!
Rail Travel
Sometimes the journey is even better than the destination, and we’re adopting that mindset with the return of rail travel! Scenic train rides are surging, driven by a growing appetite for a slower pace of life. From iconic cross-country routes to luxury sleep trains, the railroads are offering a more leisurely journey – one that allows you to enjoy every mile along the way!
Coast Starlight Route
An adventure spanning Washington to Southern California, from the summits of the Cascade Range to the expansive stretches of the Pacific Ocean coastline.
Empire Builder Route
Enjoy the rugged journey from Chicago to Seattle, through majestic wilderness and following the footsteps of early pioneers for an insight into the American West.
California Zephyr Route
Experience the ultimate trip between Chicago and San Francisco, through the heart of the Rockies to the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas.
Under-the-Radar Jetting
Why wait in line for famous hotspots when there are hidden alternatives available? “Dupe” holidays are on the rise, swapping overcrowded destinations for lesser-known gems that have similar draws – like scenery, culture, and charm, but often with fewer crowds and better value! You’re basically signing up as a trend-setter extraordinaire by discovering the next best spot-to-be before everyone else.
Madeira in Portugal (instead of Hawaii)
Delivering the same volcanic terrain, lush greenery, and ocean cliffs, this destination is literally nicknamed the “Hawaii of Europe.”
Zacatecas in Mexico (instead of Florence)
This UNESCO World Heritage city shines with artistic grandeur, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture that rivals Italy’s cultural capital.
Prachuap Khiri Khan in Thailand (instead of Phuket)
Replace the hustle and bustle for dramatic limestone peaks, pristine bays, and a relaxed, local vibe untouched by mass tourism.
Choice-Free Holidays
Get ready for the ultimate antidote to decision fatigue with hands-off travel planning! Rather than spending weeks comparing accommodations and flights, people are embracing mystery flights, surprise city breaks, and even cruises (with itineraries only revealed on the day of departure) in the name of spontaneity and wonder. The growing popularity of these stress-free options is a little reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan!
Journee
Get paired with your personal travel guide without the stress, completely customized to your travel taste and jam-packed with activities tailored to your wants!
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Each day you’ll get the excitement of finding out if you’re visiting somewhere you’ve always wanted to see or a place you’d never heard about, resulting in a trip that will be one to remember for years to come!
Pack Up + Go
They’ll take care of booking your flights, travel, and accommodations, while keeping your destination a surprise!
Set-Jetting
Don’t limit yourself to just watching your favorite shows and movies; visit them in person instead! Touring filming locations, or even planning a journey based on blockbusters and binge-worthy television, is becoming an increasingly popular pick. Set-jetting gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of the main characters, and discover the real-life destinations behind the magic.
New Zealand
Ranging from lush forests to rugged mountains and sweeping plains, visit the backdrops of Middle-earth featured in the fantastical Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Ubud in Bali
From bike rides in the rice paddies to meditating at the famous on-screen villa, step out of your comfort zone with Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love.
Ireland
Visit the lush landscapes and rolling hills of Northern Ireland that brought the Game of Thrones franchise to life.
Reading Retreats
Book lovers are turning their escapes into absolute page-turners with reading retreats! Fueled by the popularity of BookTok and other literary communities, vacations are now centered around cozy rentals in serene destinations, specifically chosen for uninterrupted reading and deep connections with friends. Best for settling into a comfortable couch with your besties, looking out over a breathtaking view, and finally tackling that ever-growing reading list.
Wizard Tiny House in Tennessee, United States
Located in the misty peaks of Sevierville, this magical retreat is perfect for cozying up with your bookish buddies.
The Literary House in Sorrento, Italy
Join the collection of artists, poets, and writers who came to visit this stunning locale over the centuries, and let it inspire your reading.
Forest House in Washington, United States
Peaceful, charming, and comfortable, this treehouse hideaway in Orcas Island will be your reading paradise for the time of your stay.
Last-Chance Adventures & Family Vacation Reboots
Let’s face it, kids grow up so quickly – so before they rush off to university, or start thinking they’re too cool for family vacations, parents are opting to take one last hurrah. It’s all about celebrating those huge milestones with a family vacation! There’s also a renewed interest for family reunions with older kids, to get the clan back together after everyone has grown up, allowing for shared activities and opportunities for quality time that span multiple generations.
Orlando in Florida, United States
Where every day is packed with excitement, adventure, and nonstop fun for all ages!
Banff in Canada
Filled with high-action outdoor activities like white water rafting, canoeing along the rocky shores, caving, cliff climbing, and much more, this location is sure to get the adrenaline pumping for the best teen travel getaway.
Marrakesh in Morocco
Hot air balloon rides over the desert, vintage sidecar trails through Marrakesh, and some of the best street food ever, are just some of the great activities for your older family break.
Nostalgic Travel
We’re welcoming back the golden oldies by living out those nostalgic travel fantasies! Grab your bell-bottoms, roller skates, and cassette tapes because we’re embracing the groovy vibes by checking into retro-themed hotels, cruising in vintage camper vans, and visiting destinations that are bringing us back to the future. This also ties into younger generations wanting to reconnect with their parents and grandparents’ local haunts!
Wildwood in New Jersey, United States
From the Sightseer tram car running along the long Wildwood Boardwalk and the Doo Wop Experience museum to the preserved original Caribbean Motel or the Astral Motel, you’ll be swimming in ’50s and ’60s memorabilia.
Savannah in Georgia, United States
Manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages, cobblestoned squares, oak tree-lined streets, and gothic cathedrals make this the destination for timeless southern charm.
Nashville in Tennessee, United States
A retro time capsule nods to the ’20s with converted trolley car diners, ’50s soda malt shops, a booming ’70s vintage shopping scene, classic car shows, and an ode to some of the country’s most beloved singers!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Escapes
Travelers are seeking out wilderness exploration! We’re talking about remote hiking trails, untouched forests, hidden mountain lakes, and wild places where the mobile service might be patchy but peace is guaranteed. Whether you’re enjoying a log cabin in the hills or pitching your tent off-grid, nature is definitely calling!
Patagonia in South America
Shared by Argentina and Chile, this massive expanse features everything from arid steppes, grasslands, and deserts to glacial fjords and temperate rainforests.
Bialowieza Forest in Poland
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, this primeval forest will surround you with wild nature and is home to European bison!
Denali National Park in Alaska
Escape into the wilderness and canoe, camp, or hike through the alpine tundra and snowy mountain ranges.
“Hidden Season” Travel
Rather than globe-trotting during peak season, holidaymakers are instead marking their calendars for off-peak times. Vacationing during the weeks/months before or after the popular summer months can often allow you to bask in the joy of lower prices and fewer crowds!
Ksamil in Albania (Late Spring)
Enjoy the Albanian Algarve through pristine beaches and untouched turquoise waters, all crowd-free before the summer rush.
Kyushu in Japan (Fall)
Known for its tranquil temples, gorgeous landscapes, and historic architecture, it’s a great place to enjoy the fall foliage.
Kraków in Poland (Winter)
Winter (outside of the holiday season in December) is a gorgeous time to embrace the snowfall and cozy up with lots of yummy food, without having to line up for hours.
Chill Thrills
Escape the heat and move towards cooler destinations! Heatwaves, wildfires, and busy summer hotspots are driving travelers to alternate destinations and proving that sometimes the hottest travel trends are about heading somewhere delightfully chilly. Whether you’re skiing through crisp snow, hiking through glacial mountains, or just enjoying the fresh air, we’re swapping out sizzling beaches and sunburn for cool weather adventures.
Senja Island in Norway
Channel your inner Viking as you kayak through glistening fjords, hike off-the-grid treks, and take in the gorgeous snowy scenery.
Nuuk in Greenland
Glacier boat tours, hiking in the historic mountains, whale watching, and deep sea fishing make this an excellent spot to relish in the cold air.
Tromsø in Norway
Famously known as the “Gateway to the Arctic” and the beginning of many an Arctic expedition, this bustling location is a cultural spotlight of the North.
Noctourism
Early birds can keep the worm, because the night owls are ensuring everyone knows the fun begins when the sun goes down! Nighttime experiences are trending, with stargazing, northern light trips, night safaris, night markets, and astronomy events showcasing worldwide throughout the year.
Reykjavik in Iceland
One of the most popular locations for seeing the otherworldly illuminations of the aurora borealis with the naked eye.
Kenya in Africa
Wildlife conservancies like the Olare Motorogi Conservancy offer the unique experience of night safaris, where you can spot leopards, aardvarks, hyenas, and lions in a whole new light.
Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary in Nevada, United States
Recognized by DarkSky International as one of the darkest and quietest places on Earth, this is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
Exploring hidden gems, adventuring off-peak, and discovering fun destinations closer to home are helping to reshape our trip planning ideas! From scenic rail journeys and nostalgic road trips to multi-generational family vacations and wellness getaways, our traveling is reflecting more than just a desire to get away, but our interests and values. The biggest travel trends are showing a growing desire for meaningful, experience-led holidays that are flexible to our busy lifestyles.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, there’s a travel trend out there that suits every type of explorer! As travel continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the final destination may change, but great travel memories (doing something you enjoy) never go out of style.
Lily is a Content Specialist at Zazzle from Galway, Ireland. Before she could even walk, she was begging her parents to read her fantastical stories filled with great adventures. To this day, just give her a cup of tea and a good book to cozy up with, and she will be happily lost for hours! If she doesn’t have her nose in a book, then she will probably whipping up something delicious in the kitchen for her friends and family, or, negotiating with her house plants to stay alive.
Read more from Lily.
