Travel—ah, there’s nothing quite like it, is there? A quick weekend getaway, a soul-soothing solo trip, or even a long family vacation—it’s the one thing we all seem to look forward to. For many, it’s not just a means of escaping life’s everyday grind, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the world, and learn something new. But let’s be real, travel wasn’t always this accessible. There was a time when it was primarily reserved for the wealthy. Fast forward to today, travel has evolved into an experience for everyone. With cheaper flights, more affordable stays, and a wider array of destinations, the world feels much more open. And Indians, well, we’re truly loving it. From sun-kissed beaches in Thailand to the opulent malls of Dubai, and the rich history of Europe, India’s outbound travel market is thriving.
As I reflect on travel in India and globally, one thing is clear, it’s not just a seasonal affair anymore. While summer and New Year may still be the go-to periods for many, the trends of the last few years indicate that travel is becoming a year-round experience. The numbers reflect it with reports predicting that in 2025, Indian travellers will be spending big —53% of us will seek out live sports experiences, and a whopping 79% will be all about immersive art journeys. India’s outbound tourism market is projected to hit a staggering $18.81 billion by 2024, with a huge growth trajectory over the next decade. With an expected annual growth rate of 11.4%, travel continues to break boundaries.
The world of travel is changing, and I, for one, couldn't be more excited. As someone who’s always believed that travel expands your horizons, broadens your mindset and frames your personality, it's exciting to see the world change from the mere materialistic aspect – of course, that still too does exist! We spoke to industry experts to get their thoughts on the key travel trends that will define 2025.
The Changing Face Of Travel
If you think about it, between 2000 and 2010, travel was all about cultural immersion and following mainstream trends. But since then, something big has changed. Gen-Z travellers, in particular, have been leading this shift. They’re rejecting the surface-level experiences in favour of deeper, more authentic connections —it’s about creating lasting memories that mean something. “Travelers will increasingly seek experiences that allow them to connect deeply with local cultures and environments,” shares Thakur Prithvi Singh Kanota, Director of Kanota Resorts Pvt Ltd (Narain Niwas Palace Hotel). “With a focus on mindful, slower travel, the new traveller in 2025 will look to not just visit a destination but to truly engage with it, leaving with a deeper understanding and respect for the places they’ve explored.”
Zoya Mukhyan, Brand Experience office, Woods At Sasan Gir, Gujarat points out some of the unique trends we’re seeing today. She says, “Nostalgia travel is really taking off. People are travelling to places that remind them of simpler times, places where they can reconnect with memories from their childhood. Urban dwellers, tired of city life, are escaping to quieter, more peaceful spots to find solace.” On a similar note, Zoya shares the growing trend of “slow travel.” People are seeking quieter, less crowded places to unwind. “It’s not about rushing through a checklist of places anymore; it’s about embracing serenity, regulating our emotions, and recharging ourselves in peaceful environments,” she explains. And then there’s the rise of offbeat travel. With over-tourism wreaking havoc on popular destinations, travellers are turning to lesser-known places, also known as “dupe destinations,” to escape the crowds and experience something more unique. “It’s all about discovering hidden gems that offer a more authentic connection to the place and its people,” Zoya adds. The way we experience travel is also changing. Design-driven travel is becoming a big thing. “People are drawn to beautiful, well-designed spaces—whether it’s a boutique hotel with stunning architecture or an art retreat that sparks creativity.”
Woods At Sasan Gir, Gujarat
Arihant Jain, COO, of Sangam Farms adds to the conversation with his exploration of what he calls Experiential Travel. “Experiential travel goes beyond simply visiting a destination; it’s about creating memories that stay with you forever.” He adds, “Impactful travel is about giving back—making a difference in someone else’s life or community. Whether it’s learning a new skill or contributing to a local cause, travel is evolving into something more meaningful than just self-indulgence.”
Personalized and Purpose-Driven Travel
There is a growing consensus that travellers are seeking more purposeful and immersive experiences, prioritizing well-being, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. Thakur Prithvi Singh Kanota, Director of Kanota Resorts Pvt Ltd (Narain Niwas Palace Hotel), shares, “Travelers will increasingly look for experiences that allow them to deeply connect with local cultures and environments. With a focus on mindful, slower travel, the new traveller in 2025 will aim to not only visit a destination but to genuinely engage with it, leaving with a deeper understanding and respect for the places they explore.”
In the Maldives, Mr. Ashraf Mohammad, General Manager of Jumeirah Olhahali Island, predicts a rise in demand for journeys that combine luxury with sustainability. He explains, “As we step into 2025, we anticipate a surge in demand for purpose-driven journeys that blend indulgence with sustainability. Guests are seeking more than just relaxation; they crave authentic connections with local culture, cuisine, and nature. Wellness remains a key focus, with immersive offerings that nurture both mind and body gaining traction.”
The trend for meaningful travel experiences is also seen in other parts of the world. The COO of Hayleys Travels emphasizes, “The global shift towards personalized and meaningful travel experiences aligns perfectly with what our island has to offer—luxurious boutique hotels, wellness retreats, eco-friendly escapes, and authentic homestay experiences. More travellers are now looking for deeper connections with the places they visit.”
Wellness and Sustainable Escapes
Wellness travel, which began to take prominence in 2024, shows no signs of receding. In fact, this year, it’s becoming even more elaborate, with a larger number of people opting for wellness travel to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life. Vickum Nawagamuwage, CEO and Founder of Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, shares, “As we move into 2025, there’s a noticeable shift toward destinations offering holistic retreats where guests can disconnect from the fast pace of life and reconnect with themselves. Wellness travel, particularly Ayurveda and regenerative practices, is set to dominate, with travellers seeking meaningful ways to heal the root cause of their physical, emotional, and mental health challenges.”
The rise of sustainable travel goes hand-in-hand with this growing focus on wellness. In Jordan, for example, eco-friendly tours are becoming increasingly popular. Rana Abu Alhala, CEO of Plan B Tourism, explains, “At Plan B Travel & Tourism, we are committed to offering eco-friendly tours that showcase Jordan’s natural beauty, like our bird-watching and hiking programs. Additionally, technology will play a bigger role in making travel planning seamless and accessible for our clients.”
The Rise of Multigenerational Travel
Another intriguing trend emerging in 2025 is the rise of multigenerational travel. While family travel has always been popular, there’s a growing demand for experiences that bring together not just parents and children, but also siblings, grandparents, and extended family members. Sven Flory, CCO of Ultima Collection, says, “One of the biggest travel trends we observe is multigenerational travel. This trend has been growing in the past couple of years, and we can see it accelerating in 2025, with families seeking shared enriching and unique experiences in exotic destinations. The entire family travels together, including parents, children, siblings, grandkids, and assorted family members.” This growing demand for multigenerational travel speaks to a desire for deeper connections within families, as well as the appeal of experiencing new cultures and destinations with loved ones.
The Call for Unique Adventures
Travellers in 2025 are also seeking experiences that go beyond traditional luxury. Aman Shah, CEO of Wild Whispers, notes, “The future of travel lies in creating deeply personal, transformative, and unforgettable experiences. Travellers will seek more than luxury—they’ll crave connection, authenticity, and unique adventures. Our mission is to push the boundaries of luxury safaris, offering thrilling and emotionally enriching journeys that celebrate exploration and nature.”
Technology and AI
Technology continues to play an increasingly important role in reshaping the travel experience. Virtual tours, AI-powered planning tools, and seamless booking processes are transforming how people plan and book their trips. Niluh Werdiani, Managing Director of Tria Uma Wisata in Bali, notes, “At Tria Uma, we see a growing trend of travellers seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences. Technology will continue to reshape the industry, with virtual tours and AI-powered planning tools enhancing how people choose and book their trips.” This technological shift not only makes travel planning easier but also enhances the way travellers interact with destinations, offering new opportunities for immersive and personalized experiences. Looking to the future, Jain notes, “AI-powered hyper-customization is revolutionizing the way we travel. Personalized experiences are becoming the standard, with every journey tailored to the traveller’s unique needs and preferences. From pre-arrival services to curated post-arrival experiences, the possibilities are endless.”
So, what does this all mean? In 2025, luxury travel is all about connecting more deeply with the places we visit—whether that’s through wellness, sustainability, or authentic experiences. From the Maldives to Jordan, people are choosing trips that are not just about getting away—they’re about getting closer to what truly matters.
Kommentarer