Booking.com has released its 2025 travel predictions, revealing that American travelers are set to break free from traditional travel patterns and embrace new, unconventional experiences. According to the study, 2025 will be a year of personal growth, deeper connections, and a bold reimagining of travel for individuals of all ages. As travelers seek to rewrite the travel playbook, their journeys will reflect a shift in priorities, from spending family inheritances on memorable experiences to stargazing at night and opting for mindful, wellness-driven guys’ trips.
Breaking the Generational Travel Mold: SKI Trips for Baby Boomers
In 2025, baby boomers are set to challenge the conventional expectations of retirement travel. One of the key trends identified in Booking.com’s research is the rise of “SKI” trips – Spending Kids’ Inheritance – where boomers prioritize living life to the fullest by using their savings for unforgettable experiences rather than preserving it for future generations. According to the report, 41% of American parents, and even more boomers (45%), plan to spend their inheritance on travel.
This emerging trend comes with an altruistic twist, as many older generations will use their wealth to pay for family vacations, bridging generational gaps through shared experiences. In fact, 77% of boomers are willing to pay for their children’s travel, and 81% are happy to cover the costs for their grandchildren. These all-inclusive, multi-generational trips are expected to rise significantly in 2025, providing a meaningful way for families to connect and create lasting memories.
Moreover, boomers are also embracing adventure travel, with 37% expressing interest in thrill-seeking experiences, up from 17% in 2024. Many are eager to step outside their comfort zones, seeking activities that rekindle their youthful spirit.
NocTourism: The Rise of Nighttime Travel Experiences
Another notable trend for 2025 is NocTourism, as travelers look to connect with the cosmos by embracing nighttime travel experiences. With space tourism slowly gaining traction, many American travelers are turning to stargazing as an attainable way to explore the universe from Earth. Booking.com’s research shows that 59% of Americans are considering darker-sky destinations, and activities like starbathing (63%), constellation tracking (52%), and observing rare cosmic events (52%) will be in high demand.
This trend is also shaped by climate concerns, as travelers seek cooler climates and nighttime experiences to escape rising daytime temperatures. Half of the respondents (50%) said they plan to engage in more evening activities to avoid the sun, while 57% are reducing their time spent in direct sunlight to protect themselves from UV exposure. This newfound appreciation for the nocturnal world allows travelers to build deeper connections with nature while minimizing their impact on the environment.
Boyz II Zen: Wellness-Focused Guys’ Trips Redefine Male Bonding
Men’s travel in 2025 will take on a more introspective tone, moving away from traditional “bro-culture” trips and toward wellness-focused retreats that prioritize mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth. Booking.com’s predictions highlight that nearly half (46%) of Americans support men-only trips, with Gen Z (69%) and millennials (65%) being the most likely to encourage this trend.
These male-only retreats will focus on self-care, with 27% of men seeking relaxation, 27% pursuing personal development, and 19% aiming to disconnect from daily stress. Building meaningful connections with friends and family will also be a priority, with a quarter of male travelers hoping to strengthen existing relationships or form new friendships during their trips.
The Gate Escape: Airports Become a Destination in Themselves
Gone are the days of merely passing through airports on the way to a vacation. In 2025, Booking.com predicts that airports will transform into destinations in their own right, offering travelers unique and indulgent experiences before they even board their flights. More than a quarter of respondents (27%) expressed interest in choosing destinations based on their airport facilities.
Gen Z and millennials are expected to drive this trend, with 53% expressing curiosity about airports that offer diverse services, such as sleep pods (28% of Gen Z, 33% of millennials), spas (34% each), and even Michelin-star dining (22% millennials). As travelers increasingly view airports as extensions of their vacations, we can expect more leisurely and enjoyable pre-flight experiences.
Passport to Longevity: Travel That Promotes Health and Wellbeing
The concept of travel as a path to a longer, healthier life will gain momentum in 2025. Booking.com’s research shows that over half (52%) of American travelers would be willing to pay for vacations explicitly designed to improve their longevity and wellbeing. This shift toward longevity retreats marks a departure from traditional wellness getaways, offering visitors access to cutting-edge health practices like body vibration therapies (48%), red light therapy (47%), and even stem cell treatments (35%).
With more travelers seeking holistic rejuvenation and lifestyle changes, this trend reflects the growing desire to integrate wellness into everyday life, helping people live longer, healthier lives.
Vintage Voyaging: Sustainable Shopping While Traveling
Fashion-conscious travelers will adopt a more eco-friendly approach in 2025 by seeking out vintage and secondhand finds during their vacations. More than a third (38%) of American travelers are interested in purchasing their vacation wardrobe while on holiday, with Gen Z leading the charge (59%). Thrift stores and vintage shops will become hotspots for sustainable, wallet-friendly fashion, with 55% of respondents indicating they would shop secondhand while abroad.
This trend represents a shift towards sustainability and mindful consumption, as travelers aim to reduce their environmental impact by curating unique wardrobes filled with one-of-a-kind finds from around the world.
AI and Alternative Itineraries: Technology Drives Responsible Travel
In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly prominent role in shaping personalized and responsible travel experiences. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of American travelers are expected to use technology to make informed decisions that benefit the destinations they visit. Tools like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner will help travelers discover off-the-beaten-path experiences and reduce overcrowding at popular tourist sites.
For neurodivergent travelers, AI tools will provide tailored travel experiences that cater to specific needs. Features such as sensory rooms in airports, quieter travel spaces, and real-time updates will help make travel more inclusive and accessible for all.
Tags: Booking.com, 2025 travel predictions, American travelers, U.S., New Travel Trends, traditional travel patterns
