This is a free excerpt from one of Shortform’s Articles. We give you all the important information you need to know about current events and more.
Don't miss out on the whole story. Sign up for a free trial here .
How are travel trends shifting in 2025? How are concerns about mental well-being and environmental impact shaping travel choices? How are travel companies adjusting to the changes?
2025 travel trends suggest that more travelers are choosing quiet retreats and family visits over traditional tourist attractions. In response to the changes, the travel industry is evolving with new types of travel experiences, subscription-based business models, and AI planning.
Here’s what to expect as a new era of travel unfolds.
2025 Travel Industry Changes
2025 Travel trends are playing out amid significant global uncertainty. This shift can be seen as travelers move away from traditional sightseeing toward more purposeful journeys. Recent industry surveys show 96% of travelers plan international trips in 2025, with most prioritizing meaningful experiences like visiting family abroad and exploring cities in depth over tourist attractions and guided tours.
Mental well-being is also influencing travel decisions, with one global study finding that rising stress and burnout have spurred one in five travelers to choose destinations and experiences that support their mental health and self-discovery.
Environmental consciousness is also shaping how people travel, with 43% of consumers selecting airlines and hotels that demonstrate sustainable practices. This awareness has boosted interest in alternatives to flying, like train travel.
3 New Travel Focuses
1. Mindful Travel
Travel companies report a growing demand for experiences that help people disconnect and decompress. “Calmcations”—trips focused entirely on creating tranquility—have grown more appealing as people look to escape the noise and bustle of everyday life.
2. Connection-Focused Travel
Social connection is also a travel priority. Recent surveys show that while 48% of respondents plan to take at least one solo trip this year, these independent travelers aren’t seeking solitude—57% plan to visit family or explore cities with others.
3. Alternative Destinations
As popular destinations struggle with overtourism, travelers are embracing “destination dupes”—less crowded locations that offer similar experiences to tourist hotspots.
Climate change is also influencing destination choices, with more summer travelers choosing northern European destinations like Finland and Norway, where temperatures stay in the mid-20s Celsius (70s °F), rather than facing record-breaking heat in traditional Mediterranean hotspots.
| 3 Benefits of Travel 1. Traveling Boosts Happiness and Lowers Depression If you’re feeling depressed, there may be a natural way to reduce your symptoms. Yes, travel has been scientifically proven to decrease rates of depression and increase happiness. The main factor is that the more day-to-day changes you see in scenery, the happier you are. This result could be achieved by both domestic and international travel. 2. Traveling Releases Stress In addition to boosting happiness, traveling also reduces stress. One study found that taking short vacations (such as a long weekend getaway) can dramatically reduce your stress levels, and the effects can last for months after the vacation ends. So even if you don’t have the vacation time or the money to take an extended trip, make sure you take advantage of long weekends to get away from your daily routine. 3. Traveling Reduces Job Burnout According to a study done by Indeed, over half of workers surveyed said they were feeling the effects of burnout. Some signs of burnout include excess tiredness, lack of motivation, and the inability to stay focused. In the long run, these symptoms could also negatively affect your job. The effects of burnout have been especially bad since the start of the pandemic and the increase in the number of employees working from home. LeeHealth.org says that working from home blurs the line between work and home and makes it more difficult to leave your work at the office. And on top of everything else, the lack of change in scenery can make it feel like the days just blend together. The healthiest solution to all of these problems is to travel. Traveling is a way to recharge your batteries, get a dramatic change of scenery, and find more meaning in your life. And when you return to work, you’re likely to feel more energized, motivated, and creative. |
Travel Industry Shifts
Meanwhile, the travel industry is testing new business models this year. Hotels are experimenting with subscription-based models—where annual fees provide members with room discounts, upgraded amenities, and exclusive perks across multiple properties.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform how travelers plan and experience trips. The technology now operates as a virtual travel advisor, crafting itineraries and making real-time recommendations. However, experts note that as AI’s influence grows, so does interest in its opposite: Searches for “digital detox” travel experiences more than tripled between 2023 and 2024.
Looking Ahead
As travelers seek more meaningful ways to explore the world, experts recommend several practical tips to support personal well-being and global sustainability:
- Embrace slower travel. Choose experiences that let you linger in one place, focusing on quality of experience over quantity of activities.
- Choose destinations that face less tourist pressure. For instance, Lithuania instead of more crowded European spots.
- Support local economies. Stay at locally owned accommodations and dine at family-run restaurants.
- Minimize environmental impact. Opt for trains over planes and public transportation over rental cars.
Want to fast-track your learning? With Shortform, you’ll gain insights you won't find anywhere else .
Here's what you’ll get when you sign up for Shortform :
- Complicated ideas explained in simple and concise ways
- Smart analysis that connects what you’re reading to other key concepts
- Writing with zero fluff because we know how important your time is
