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Hello Wonderous Travelers!
In the ever-evolving world of travel, 2025 promises to be a year of exciting trends and extraordinary destinations waiting to be explored. As we look ahead, we uncover a tapestry of emerging travel trends and sought-after destinations that are set to captivate travel enthusiasts alike.
Now, we don’t mean to toot our horn here, but we did the research for you (you’re welcome btw :D) to come up with this wonderful list of our favorite travel trends that are poised to shape the travel landscape in 2025.
1. Must-See Natural Phenomena
The awe-inspiring North American solar eclipse in April ignited a surge of natural curiosity among travelers, and now phenomena tourism is booming! According to SkyScanner, 37% of people are planning trips specifically to witness solar or lunar eclipses. On August 12, 2026, the path of totality will sweep over Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, Russia, and Spain. Then, on August 2, 2027, eclipse chasers can catch this rare spectacle across northern Africa and parts of the Middle East.
Get ready to be amazed by these incredible natural wonders you won’t want to miss!
- Greater sandhill crane migration – Oregon
- Northern Lights – Norway and Finland
- Volcanoes, lava fields, and black sand beaches – Reykjavík, Iceland
- International Dark Sky Park – Arches National Park, Utah or Prineville Reservoir State Park in Oregon
- Penguin Parade – Phillip Island near Melbourne, Australia
2. Health & Wellness Travel
As people grow more mindful of their physical and mental well-being, wellness-centered travel is quickly becoming a top trend—and it’s here to stay. These destinations offer immersive retreats designed to soothe the soul, rejuvenating massages that awaken the senses, committed to eco-friendly practices to minimize their carbon footprint, and fresh, locally inspired cuisine made from whole, nourishing ingredients. Wellness is a personal journey, adaptable to whatever you find relaxing and rejuvenating!
Whether you’re looking to reset, refresh, or simply escape, these wellness escapes offer everything you need to recharge and come back revitalized:
- Tulum, Mexico – A wellness travel paradise with its pristine beaches, lush jungle, and abundance of eco-friendly resorts offering yoga, meditation, and holistic treatments that rejuvenate both body and mind
- Ubud, Bali – Experience Bali like never before with our travel advisor, Barb Baumer! With firsthand knowledge of Bali’s eco-friendly escapes, Barb can guide you to ultimate relaxation. Picture yourself gazing at tranquil rice paddies far from the town’s buzz, exploring peaceful temples, or hiking lush mountain trails. Chase breathtaking waterfalls, indulge in rejuvenating yoga sessions, unwind with spa treatments, soothing massages, and revitalizing hydrotherapy. Whatever your style of relaxation, Bali has something magical waiting for you!
- Fiji – Serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious spas that blend traditional Fijian healing practices with relaxing tropical surroundings for a truly rejuvenating escape
- Sedona, Arizona – Stunning red desert landscapes, world-class spas, and holistic retreats that harness the natural beauty and healing energy of the Southwest to revitalize mind, body, and spirit.
- Japan – Where traditional tea ceremonies, Zen gardens, and tranquil hot springs offer the ultimate escape for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. Our travel advisor, Pam Davis, experienced this firsthand during her February 2023 journey. From soaking in the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and savoring authentic Japanese cuisine to wandering through enchanting bamboo forests and enjoying peaceful countryside bus rides, Pam discovered the magic of Japan—and she’s ready to help you do the same!
3. Train-Hopping
Iconic trains have always been a top travel choice for many. However, more people are getting into them on their trips —and it’s easy to see why! Not only can you journey across multiple countries or glide within national borders through breathtaking landscapes, but train travel itself allows travelers to slow down and relish the simple things in life.Frank Marini, President and CEO of Railbookers, notes that trains are now being valued not just as a way to get from place to place, but as a core part of the vacation itself. With some rail companies offering fully immersive journeys, it’s like a cruise—only on land!
Check out some of our favorite train experiences:
- Eastern & Oriental Express – A Belmond Train in Southeast Asia
- Rocky Mountaineer – Canada and USA
- The Chocolate Train – Montreux to Broc, Switzerland
- Train to the Clouds – Argentina
- The Flam Railway – Norway
4. Detour Destinations
In recent years, travelers were all about destination “dupes,” but now the spotlight is on detour destinations! These hidden gems lie just outside the popular tourist hotspots, offering the best of both worlds: visit a must-see city, then take a quick detour for a day trip into nearby, less-explored spots bursting with authentic charm. It’s the perfect way to experience something unique while still checking off those iconic destinations!
Discover these trending detour destinations for 2025—featuring Expedia’s top picks along with a few of our personal favorites:
- Reims, France (as an alternative to Paris)
- Brescia, Italy (instead of Milan)
- Isla Mujeres, Mexico (in place of Cancun)
- Solvang, California (as a detour from Los Angeles)
- Waikato, New Zealand (rather than Auckland)
5. JOMO Trend
You’ve probably heard of FOMO—the fear of missing out—but now it’s all about JOMO: the joy of missing out! Travelers are embracing this new mindset by booking vacations in serene, semi-secluded spots where they can truly relax and reconnect with friends and family. These JOMO seekers are opting to unwind away from the usual tourist hustle, ditching the social media updates in favor of quality time and pure relaxation. It’s all about enjoying the moment, stress-free!
Escape to these serene spots perfect for unplugging and recharging:
- Adirondacks in New York
- Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, USA
- 12th Century Monastery in Umbria, Italy
- English countryside like Yorkshire County
- Prince Edward Island in Canada
Looking ahead to 2025, these exciting travel trends invite us to rediscover beloved destinations and uncover hidden gems, all with a spirit of renewed curiosity and purpose. Don’t miss the final part of this series, Ultimate 2025 Travel Bucket List: Emerging Destinations Revealed, coming your way on December 13th!
Wishing you all an amazing Turkey (or Tofurky) Day! We’ll see you next month, Wonderous Travelers!
Ready to be a trendsetter? Contact our excellent travel experts at 503-224-0180 or email inquiry@wittravel.com.
