What travel trends are predicted to dominate in 2025 and how can you capitalise on them?
Beyond‘s latest international consumer research has revealed the key travel trends that will shape how and where tourists travel next year. This information will help you adapt to the changing travel landscape.
Holiday frequency
Over 70% of respondents plan to take between one and four vacations a year, with nearly 20% planning no vacation at all. The majority lean towards short getaways, reflecting a cautious and budget-oriented approach to travel planning, possibly due to ongoing economic uncertainties.
💡 Tip for Hosts: To appeal to the majority who travel once or twice a year, create attractive offers or packages aimed at annual or semi-annual travelers looking for value-packed experiences. Consider offering early booking discounts or exclusive deals for travelers who plan their trips well in advance.
Rest and relaxation reign supreme
The type of vacation respondents said they prefer is relaxing, with 48.1% of travelers choosing all-inclusive beach or pool getaways. Cultural holidays come in second with 23.1%, highlighting the significant interest in immersive experiences. Adventurous, active and thoughtful travel appeals to a smaller, niche audience, but travel trends for 2025 show that their popularity is actually steadily increasing.
💡 Tip for hosts: Focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere in your rental. Consider adding simple touches like comfortable sunbeds and good quality linens to align with travelers’ desire for relaxation. Highlight local cultural attractions in your listings to attract those looking for immersive experiences.
Europe tops the 2025 Bucket List
Europe is the dream destination for 30.7% of respondents, with North America and Asia following. Exotic locations like Antarctica and Africa still capture the adventurous spirit of a few, but the majority look to classic hotspots with a mix of history, culture and stunning scenery.
💡 Tip for hosts: If your property is located in these areas, emphasize the appeal of local culture, accessibility and unique experiences. For rentals outside of these hotspots, emphasize what makes your location special and connect it to broader travel trends, such as adventure or ecotourism, which are expected to be popular in 2025.
Searching for accommodation starts with Google
When it comes to finding accommodation, 33.8% of travelers start with Google, while 13.6% turn to vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com. Reliance on direct hotel websites and travel agents is decreasing as more travelers prefer the fast, user-friendly experience offered by online searches and social media recommendations.
💡 Tip for hosts: Optimize your online presence by boosting your SEO and leveraging Google Business profiles. Make sure your listings are well represented on major vacation rental platforms and maintain an engaging social media presence to attract attention during the research phase.
The most important factors when planning a trip
For 62% of travelers, total cost is one of the most important factors when planning a trip. A desire for beautiful scenery and cultural richness drives destination choices, with 56% also keeping a close eye on overall cost.
💡 Tip for hosts: Make sure your pricing is always aligned with seasonality, demand and more factors to attract travelers. When it comes to promotion, emphasise prime location, whether it’s proximity to major attractions, natural beauty or convenient transportation. Highlight seasonal appeal and suggest ideal times for specific experiences, such as festivals or outdoor activities.
Accommodation travel trends
Hotels continue to be a popular accommodation option, with 64.3% of travelers preferring them for their familiarity, comfort and perceived value. Vacation rentals, while popular with 22.7% of respondents, are considered best for group stays or unique experiences. Cost-effectiveness is a recurring theme across all types of accommodation, with trends for 2025 showing a shift towards budget travel.
💡 Tip for hosts: Use the unique advantages of rental accommodations to attract guests, such as offering more space, privacy, or home-like amenities that hotels lack. Highlight these features in your listings to attract those considering switching from traditional hotel stays.
The rise in Eco-Friendly and Boutique accommodation
Travel experiences such as boutique hotels and inns appeal to 37.7% of travelers, while eco-friendly travel is on the radar for 30.6%. As travelers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable and personalized accommodation options is set to increase.
💡 Tip for hosts: Consider implementing sustainable practices in your rental, such as energy-efficient appliances, recycling options, or eco-friendly toiletries. Promote the intimate, personalized character of your property to attract guests who are looking for a more unique, smaller-scale lodging experience.
Pre-booking planning: A basic strategy
Most travelers (28.1%) book their accommodation 2-3 months in advance, while a fraction (10.6%) leave it until the last minute. Planning ahead not only ensures the best deals, but also ensures a wider range of options, allowing for a more tailored travel experience.
💡 Tip for hosts: Encourage early bookings by offering incentives like early bird discounts or flexible cancellation policies. Highlight the benefits of booking in advance, such as guaranteed availability and better pricing, in your marketing efforts. For those booking at the last minute, consider implementing a dynamic pricing strategy to fill gaps and maximize occupancy.
Emerging technology: AI as a travel agent
While 46% of travelers are open to using AI to plan their trips, concerns about trust and spontaneity remain barriers. For those who embrace it, AI offers a streamlined, cost-effective approach to travel planning, unlocking potential hidden gems that traditional methods may overlook.
💡 Tip for hosts: Stay tech-savvy and consider incorporating AI-powered tools that enhance the guest experience, such as smart home devices or AI recommendations for local attractions. Emphasize your human touch and local expertise to reassure visitors who prefer a more personalized approach.
Climate considerations shape travel plans
Noticeable emerging travel trends are the search for cooler climates and off season travel. Almost half of respondents are adjusting their travel dates to cooler seasons to avoid extreme heat, and 19.8% say climate change is significantly influencing their destination choices. These trends for 2025 highlight the growing awareness of the environmental impact of travel and the need for sustainable tourism practices.
💡 Tip for hosts: Prepare your property to become a year-round destination by emphasizing features that make it comfortable in every season, such as efficient air conditioning for summer stays or comfortable heating for winter. Promote off-season stays with special rates or group experiences to attract guests looking to escape the peak season heat.
Safety and convenience
When booking accommodation, safety, cleanliness and proximity to desirable locations are top priorities. With 80.1% willing to pay more for better amenities or prime locations, it’s clear that travelers value comfort and peace of mind, especially when traveling to unfamiliar areas.
💡 Tip for hosts: Prioritize showcasing your property’s safety, cleanliness and convenient location features in your listings. Invest in high quality amenities and make sure your property is spotless to justify higher prices. Providing clear and reassuring communication about the measures you take for the safety and comfort of guests can be a deciding factor for many travelers, especially those unfamiliar with the area.