Travel Trends for 2025: From Extreme Day Trips to Nostalgic Escapes
2025 is shaping up to be a year of bold new adventures and unforgettable travel experiences. With trends like immersive experiences, socially driven festival tourism, and off-the-beaten-path destinations taking center stage, there’s never been a better time to pack your bags and explore. Let’s dive into the hottest travel trends to inspire your next getaway.
1. The Rise of the Extreme Day Trips
Who says you need time off work to enjoy a mini adventure? Enter the “extreme day out” a whirlwind 24-hour escape with no hotel required. All you need is a cheap, early morning flight to a city up to three hours away and a sense of adventure.
Ideal destinations for these lightning-fast tripettes include:
Copenhagen: Enjoy canal tours, trendy Nordic cuisine, and the colourful Nyhavn district.
Milan: Discover Italian fashion, marvel at the Duomo di Milano, and dollop of authentic gelato.
Rome: Soak in ancient history at the Colosseum and Vatican City mixed with day time Aperol Spritz in the sunshine.
Prague: Wander the charming cobblestone streets and cross the iconic Charles Bridge.
Barcelona: Stroll along La Ramblas and take in Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces and the locals are happy as you're not taking up all the hotel space and demand!
Check out my guides here to some amazing destinations perfect for an Extreme Day Trip
Bruges ( Not my fave destination, here are the reasons why!)
Forget Bruges go to Ghent instead
Ten Tips Before Travelling to Barcelona: Barcelona Travel Guide
The Ultimate Guide to 24 hours in Rome: Everything You Need to Know
Ready to Unlock the Secrets of Paris? Here Are Some Must-Know Paris Travel Tips to Explore the City of Lights Like a Local!
How to Make the Most of 24 Hours in Amsterdam
2. Micro Trips: The 24-Hour Destination Adventure
If you crave just a bit more time in your chosen destination, micro trips are perfect. Book one night in a boutique hotel and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Picture this: a night in a chic Copenhagen hotel followed by lots of danish beer and no stressing over your flight back! Or, a 24-hour jaunt to Prague where you sip cocktails in a rooftop bar overlooking the medieval city. Micro trips offer the ideal balance of excitement and comfort.
I think the South of France is perfect for a quick Micro Trip, check out this blog on Menton on the Cote d'azur.
Morocco is also such a great micro trip destination check out this blog
Don't forget to get an eSim before you go! I used Airalo in Morocco it was such good value! I even got 5g network in the Sahara, no joke!!
3. Say Goodbye to Tiny Bags: The Cabin Max Anode
Gone are the days of squeezing your life into a tiny personal bag. Travellers in 2025 are over it! Opt to pay a little extra for carry-on luggage and bring along a little more luxury. Usually for around £20 to £30 you can take a case onboard, so no need to stress at the bagagge carousel. 2025 is all about efficiency and we are done with lugging round one or two outfits on our backs! Having a bit more room to pack things makes a stress-free travel experience.
This is perfect if you have purchased Ryanair Priority Boarding, EasyJet Speedy boarding or have paid for a bag to carry onboard, option.
Paid Cabin Baggage Option for 2025
It is so light weight, it has 360 spinning wheels so I can push or pull it around the airport and place my small underseat bag on top of it. It has a well made lock to keep all my items secure. For the price as well it is excellent quality!
4. Immersive Experiences: Dive into the Destination
Travellers are seeking deeper connections with their destinations through immersive activities.
Copenhagen: Participate in a hygge workshop and learn the art of Danish coziness.
Milan: Join a fashion design class or tour a historic opera house.
Rome: Take a gladiator training session at a Roman school.
Barcelona: Experience a cooking class to master authentic paella and tapas.
Nice: Wander the lavender fields of Provence or learn perfumery in Grasse.
Here are some things I recently booked with Get Your Guide
Oh and to top it off if you book with Get Your Guide you get 10 Avios points per £1 spent!
5. Socially Driven Festival Tourism
Festivals are becoming the heart and soul of travel experiences, drawing socially minded tourists from around the globe.
Here are some can’t-miss events for 2025:
Ghent Festival (Belgium): Enjoy 10 days of music, theater, and street performances.
King’s Day (Amsterdam): Celebrate the Dutch king’s birthday with city-wide parties and orange-themed festivities.
La Tomatina (Spain): Join the iconic tomato-throwing spectacle in Buñol. ( this is on my list for 2025! So you should follow my instagram to see if I get there!)
Sziget Festival (Budapest): One of Europe’s largest music festivals, featuring global artists.
6. Noctourism: Nighttime Adventures
For those who thrive after dark, noctourism offers unparalleled experiences.
Northern Lights (Iceland & Tromsø, Norway): Witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis on guided night tours.
Sahara Desert (Morocco): Embark on nighttime camel treks and sleep under a blanket of stars.
City Night Tours: Explore cities like Paris and Tokyo, where the nighttime atmosphere adds a magical dimension.
7. Nostalgia Travel: New Heydays
The rise of nostalgia travel is real. As millennials reach middle age, they’re drawn to destinations and experiences that harken back to the travels of their youth. Will ’90s music icons like Oasis and Eminem follow Taylor Swift’s lead and launch revival tours, disrupting the travel industry? Only time will tell, but the demand is undeniable.
Destinations tied to childhood memories and cultural icons are getting a fresh look. Expect theme parks, classic road trips, and nostalgic concerts to dominate travel itineraries.
8. Off-the-Beaten-Track Goes Mainstream
Over tourism in 2024 has driven travellers to seek more welcoming, less crowded destinations.
Destination Dupes: Swap Cornwall for Norfolk, Tuscany for Umbria, or Santorini for Naxos.
Hidden Gems: Uzbekistan, with its stunning Silk Road architecture, and East Africa’s islands, including Zanzibar and Madagascar, are gaining traction.
Luxury experiences are emerging even in remote areas. New hotel openings in the Aldabra Islands and luxury yacht tours are making off-the-grid travel both comfortable and stylish.
I recently visited Zanzibar and I've put together a 17 page eBook on Zanzibar full of the information I wish I had known before visiting!
Sign up for my Zanzibar eBook HERE
9. Airport Lounges: No More Overpriced Soggy Sandwiches
Savvy travelers are ditching overpriced airport snacks in favor of luxurious lounge experiences. With amenities like gourmet meals, private workspaces, and spa services, lounges have become essential for making the most of pre-flight time.
If you’re a frequent traveller with a premium credit cards (such as American Express Platinum), you might get complimentary access to airport lounges if you meet the huge spend requirements and credit terms, but their is another way to gain cheaper access to over 1400 Aiport lounges worldwide!
What is Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is your golden ticket to airport lounges worldwide. Membership plans start from as little as £69 per year, but with my exclusive 30% discount, you can get started for just £48! Use my link below to sign up (yes, I do get a small kickback, and I appreciate your support).
10. Multi-Destination Trips: Maximise Your Adventure
Why settle for just one destination when you can visit multiple countries in a single trip?
Tallinn and Helsinki: A scenic ferry ride connects these vibrant cities.
Bucharest and Dubai: Enjoy a layover adventure in the Middle East before exploring Eastern Europe.
Doha Stopovers: Qatar’s capital is a perfect stopover spot with its blend of modernity and tradition.
Flight search engines make it easy to find stopover options, allowing you to pack more destinations into your journey.
11. Value-Driven Travel: Stronger Currency, Smarter Choices
With fluctuating currency rates, travelers are prioritizing destinations where their money goes further.
Cape Town, South Africa: New low-cost flights make this a top pick for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and affordable luxury experiences. From the iconic Table Mountain to world-renowned vineyards, Cape Town offers a wealth of attractions at budget-friendly prices.
Cape Verde: EasyJet flights provide affordable access to these sun-soaked islands, making them ideal for winter escapes. Visitors can explore volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and colorful towns with a unique blend of African and Portuguese culture.
Madeira, Portugal: Known for its dramatic cliffs, lush landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Madeira offers great value for travellers. The island's mild climate and scenic hiking trails make it a year-round favorite.
12. New Routes from the UK in 2025
Travel in 2025 is made even more exciting by new flight routes that open up fresh destinations:
Georgia (Tbilisi): EasyJet’s new flights to the Georgian capital offer a gateway to this captivating region.
Salerno and Rimini (Italy): These new routes make it simpler to explore Sorrento and the stunning Adriatic coast.
Ottawa (Canada): Air Canada’s new service from Heathrow connects travellers to the heart of Canada.
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia): Wizz Air’s new flights open up this historic and culturally rich destination at a low cost price point.
2025 is a year for breaking the mold, embracing spontaneity, and rediscovering travel joy. Whether you’re jetting off on an extreme day out, soaking in nostalgia with a music icon revival, or savoring immersive experiences in a hidden gem, the journey is yours to craft.
Happy travels!
Related Links
My Unforgettable Encounter with Bruges, 5 reasons why I hated Bruges
The New Eurostar Snap Feature the Secret to Finding Last-Minute Tickets at Up to 50% Off!
Ten Tips Before Travelling to Barcelona: Barcelona Travel Guide
The Ultimate Guide to 24 hours in Rome: Everything You Need to Know
Ready to Unlock the Secrets of Paris? Here Are Some Must-Know Paris Travel Tips to Explore the City of Lights Like a Local!
Stay at this Brussels City centre hotel Review of JAM Hotel Brussels
Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed Travel Trends for 2025: From Extreme Day Trips to Nostalgic Escapes, do let me know in the comments if you have any questions about it.
Sign up to my emails Here to Subscribe
I promise not to bombard you! Just the occasional news full of amazing travel deals!
Comments