As 2025 unfolds, travel is taking a turn for the nostalgic. With digital overload at an all-time high, more travelers are looking to unplug, slow down, and reconnect—with the past, with others, and with themselves. Whether it’s escaping to a literary-inspired retreat, indulging in an old-school adventure, or embracing the rugged charm of the Wild West, the biggest travel trends of 2025 are less about scrolling and more about savoring every moment.
Travel Gets Lit
It’s official—reading is cool again. There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book while on vacation, and with the rise of BookTok and growing digital fatigue, literary-themed getaways are having a moment.
For some, it’s about stepping into the pages of a beloved story—like channeling Eloise and her whimsical adventures on the ‘tippy-top floor’ of the legendary Plaza Hotel in New York City. Guests can indulge in an Eloise-themed afternoon tea at the Palm Court or stay in the Eloise Suite, designed by Betsey Johnson, with its bold pink-and-black aesthetic and plush toys of Eloise and her pup, Weenie.
For others, the appeal lies in destinations that celebrate literature at their core, like Nolinski Venezia’s magnificent Library Bar—an intimate space lined with over 4,000 thoughtfully curated books, complemented by a grand piano and a breathtaking ceiling fresco by artist Simon Buret.
The Mega-Moon
The perfect honeymoon can take many forms, but one thing most newlyweds can agree on: the longer, the better. With remote work on the rise and couples prioritizing experiences over extravagant weddings, the mega-moon trend is taking off. These extended getaways allow couples to fully unplug from daily life, immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy a variety of activities without feeling rushed.
Costa Rica, with its pristine beaches, misty cloud forests and towering volcanoes, is a prime destination for this trend. At Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas, the Workation Package makes balancing work and play a breeze. Guests enjoy a personal assistant, poolside daybeds transformed into open-air offices and complimentary adventure activities and spa treatments.
Another hotspot for remote-working honeymooners? Ubud, Bali. Viceroy Bali makes leveling up a mega-moon effortless—each private pool villa comes equipped with a dedicated workstation and a conference room is available for in-person meetings. After a hard day’s work, Pinstripe Bar is the perfect place to unwind with an expertly crafted cocktail.
Vino Ventures
Wine travel has long been synonymous with iconic regions like Bordeaux, Tuscany and Portugal’s Douro Valley—places known for scenic vineyards, historic wineries and indulgent tastings. But now, a new wave of wine enthusiasts are venturing beyond these classics, seeking out lesser-known and re-emerging regions for a more intimate, authentic experience.
One such destination is Piedmont in northern Italy. While Tuscany remains a favorite, many travelers are now flocking to this hidden gem for its world-class vintages, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage—minus the crowds. Tucked between cheesemakers and truffle hunters, Villa La Madonna makes the most of its enviable location with market-fresh ingredients in the kitchen, a vine-fringed swimming pool and an exquisite line-up of Piedmont-grown blends in the cellar.
For those who love Napa Valley but crave a quieter alternative, Healdsburg in California’s Sonoma County is a rising star. With over 60 wineries nearby and a growing list of acclaimed restaurants, it’s quickly becoming a wine lover’s haven. Hotel Healdsburg, with its celebrated Dry Creek Kitchen by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, offers ingredient-driven cuisines that showcase the best of the region’s produce.
Cowboy Core
Whether inspired by the smash-hit TV series Yellowstone, Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders or Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, the cowboy aesthetic continues to captivate audiences. Now, cowboy core is making its mark in the travel world. As more travelers seek off-the-beaten-path, rural destinations, there’s a rising demand for hotels offering authentic Western experiences.
Places like Utah’s 3,500-acre Lodge at Blue Sky offer a luxe, Western-inspired escape that is anything but basic. Set against spring-fed creeks and the majestic Wasatch mountains, this lodge blends contemporary comfort with a deep respect for nature, featuring exquisite cuisine, a world-class spa and endless outdoor activities.
Further north, Montana’s Ranch at Rock Creek strikes the perfect balance between refined luxury and true Western spirit. With top-tier amenities, outstanding service and stunning scenery, guests can enjoy horseback riding on spectacular trails, fly fishing on Blue Ribbon Rock Creek, hiking, archery and exploring historic ghost towns.
Accessible Adventures
Traveling the world can be incredibly enriching—but for many, it remains out of reach. With growing demand for inclusivity, the tourism industry is finally taking meaningful steps toward accessibility, aiming to create a more inclusive experience for all travelers. While there’s still progress to be made, many hotel brands are leading the charge.
Hyatt, for example, has teamed up with nonprofit KultureCity to better understand the needs of neurodivergent travelers and provide thoughtful accommodations ahead of their stay. At Grand Hyatt Vail, guests with conditions like ADHD, autism and dyslexia can benefit from 3D room tours and detailed pre-arrival emails to help them feel more prepared and comfortable.
Similarly, IHG Hotels & Resorts is improving accessibility for guests with mobility challenges. A standout is Kimpton Fitzroy London, where the addition of an innovative stair lift ensures seamless wheelchair access while preserving the hotel’s historic charm.
Detour Destinations
We’ve all been there—arriving at a bucket-list destination like the Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, or Yellowstone, only to find it crowded with other travelers who had the same idea. As overtourism becomes a growing concern, more travelers are seeking destinations that offer not just novelty, but true authenticity. This shift initially led to the rise of destination dupes—lesser-known alternatives to popular attractions. Now, a new trend is emerging: detour destinations—hidden gems that are just a short distance from well-known cities and landmarks.
Detour destinations offer the best of both worlds: travelers can still experience the highlights of a major destination but with a fresh perspective and a more unique, crowd-free experience. For instance, a classic tour of Italy’s iconic cities—Rome, Florence, Venice—wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Montecatini Terme, a thermal spa town tucked into the Tuscan countryside, just an hour from Florence. Here, Palazzo BelVedere offers a serene retreat, designed to nourish both body and soul.
Similarly, if you love Lisbon’s cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals, a short detour to Sintra reveals a quieter, equally captivating side of Portugal. Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais, set among rolling hills, exudes timeless elegance with its opulent paintings, intricate frescoes and romantic atmosphere—without the usual tourist crowds.
Rosy Retrospection
In an era dominated by digital distractions and fast-paced living, travelers are seeking a return to simpler times. This desire has sparked a rise in nostalgia-driven journeys—a phenomenon known as rosy retrospection, where people are drawn to hotels and destinations that evoke the past, even if they’ve never experienced it firsthand.
Borgo San Felice Resort in Italy’s Chianti region captures this sentiment perfectly. Once a medieval hamlet, it has been lovingly restored into a 60-room resort, with its original wood store, olive press, school, bakery and wine cellars now transformed into elegant spaces. Here, time slows to the rhythm of sun-drenched vineyards, flower-lined pathways and serene courtyards—a true taste of old-world Italy. Feeling inspired? Enter now for a chance to win a stay at this charming Tuscan retreat.
For an adventure infused with vintage grandeur, Zannier Sonop in Namibia offers a 1920s British colonial-style luxury camp set atop a dramatic spill of boulders in the heart of the Namib Desert. By day, guests can explore the untamed wilderness on horseback, soar over the dunes in a hot air balloon or embark on private safaris at sunrise or sunset. As night falls, the enchantment continues with an open-air cinema and stargazing beneath an endless African sky.
Rural Upskilling
As wellness tourism grows, more travelers are seeking experiences that foster personal growth, mindfulness and self-discovery. Enter rural upskilling—an emerging trend where visitors reconnect with ancestral traditions and embrace a slower, more grounded way of life through hands-on learning.
Babylonstoren in South Africa is leading the way, offering guests a chance to step back into the late 19th century at its Soetmelksvlei interactive farm complex. Here, visitors can learn pre-industrial skills through expert-led workshops in cow milking, flour grinding, blacksmithing and carpentry, all honoring traditional craftsmanship.
Similarly, Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve embraces a back-to-basics approach. Guests can enjoy fly-fishing, greenhouse tours and even spring shed hunting—the practice of searching for antlers shed by deer, elk and other animals in late winter and early spring. It’s a fun and educational way to gain insight into nature’s rhythms and wildlife movement.
Culinary Collabs
Luxury hotels are upping their game, offering more than just beautiful stays—they’re crafting one-of-a-kind experiences through collaborations with iconic heritage brands, especially in the culinary world.
Take Hotel de la Ville in Rome, where a partnership with renowned Italian porcelain brand Ginori 1735 has brought Café Ginori to life. The space is a feast for the senses, blending Italian craftsmanship with culinary artistry. Guests can dine surrounded by Ginori 1735’s signature porcelain, with the brand’s timeless patterns elegantly woven into every detail.
Meanwhile, at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, indulgence reaches new heights at The Krug Room, created in collaboration with the legendary house of Krug—founded in 1843. Here, guests can savor Executive Chef Robin Zavou’s inspired cuisine alongside the prestigious Champagnes of Krug, elevating the classic pairing into a full-fledged sensory adventure.
Travel Celebrating Women
From solo adventures to leadership roles in adventure tourism, women are reshaping the travel landscape—and hotels are taking note. More properties are celebrating women through social impact initiatives, art, wellness and storytelling, creating spaces that empower and inspire.
Six Senses, known for its pioneering approach to wellness, has introduced female-focused programs across five of its stunning properties. At Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam, women can immerse themselves in curated experiences designed to enhance nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and overall well-being—set against a backdrop of untouched natural beauty.
At Palazzo Avino—affectionately called The Pink Palace—women’s leadership is woven into the hotel’s very fabric. Owned and run by sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino, the property reflects their vision and passion at every turn, from its impeccable hospitality to The Pink Closet, a boutique showcasing fashion and accessories by female designers.
