Forget all-inclusive trips and Ibiza holidays

No matter how the world colors, we want to travel and we will continue to do so. Escaping the everyday, together ‘under that dome’, legitimizing your out-of-office and really not checking your email. We have a deep need for it from time to time. So travel remains, but the destination and the filling of the vacation change enormously. Leave it to the people at Booking.com (after all, they know what they're talking about and also conducted large-scale research on it) to signal the most important travel trends of 2025.

1. Adventures under the stars and nighttime adventure

Because many places are also illuminated at night by urban conglomerates, we long for a ’real‘ starry sky. For 44% of travelers, visiting a destination with a truly dark sky is high on the list. Others want to enjoy clear starry skies (51%) or have seen a special astronomical event on their bucket list (44%). Additionally, 48% would like a tour with a star guide.

The reason for this trend? Global warming plays a role: 40% wants to plan activities in the evening to avoid the heat, while 44% wants to spend less time in the bright sun.

2. Vintage is the new souvenir

In 2025, the vacation wardrobe will get a new look, as more and more travelers choose vintage. For example, 36% prefers to buy clothes during the trip, rising to 51% among Gen-Z. Second-hand stores are popular: 52% likes to visit a thrift store, and 55% has scored vintage abroad. For many travelers, it's about more than shopping: they take unique, cultural stories home. Moreover, it's more sustainable than filling your suitcase with chain-store clothing.

3. Yes to AI, no to tourist attractions

Technology helps travelers to travel more consciously and personally. 46% will use technology to make better choices, and 28% wants to use AI tools, such as Booking.com's AI Trip Planner, to plan their trip tailored to their needs.

Interestingly, 56% of Dutch travelers consciously do not tag locations at lesser-known destinations to prevent them from turning into tourist attractions – globally, this percentage is lower at 44%.

4. Chilling at the gate

In 2025, travelers increasingly see airports as a luxurious place to relax and enjoy. One in five (20%) even chooses their destination based on the airport, and 36% is curious about airports with special experiences. Especially Gen-Z and millennials appreciate luxury facilities such as sleep pods, spas

and Michelin restaurants. Missed connections are even seen as an opportunity to experience more of the airport. So in 2025, the vacation starts at the airport.

5. Men in Child's pose

With ‘men-only’ vacations, drinks and bravado are exchanged for well-being, self-development, and vulnerability. In a time when there is more open discussion about the mental pressure on men, trips that counter loneliness and promote conscious ‘male bonding’ are becoming increasingly popular. No less than 34% of Dutch travelers want to encourage men in their surroundings to travel alone with men, with this rising to 52% among Gen-Z and 51% among millennials.

6. Family expedition

In 2025, more than half (52%) of parents prefer to spend money on a dream trip with their children rather than saving it as a piggy bank or inheritance. More and more (grand)parents choose to spend their money together with the family, rather than saving it for the next generation. They are happy to pay for a joint vacation to create beautiful memories. More than 58% of Dutch travelers indicate that their parents have previously funded vacations (or part of them). So expect even more family trips, made possible by ‘grandma and grandpa or mom and dad’.

7. Passport to immortality

Vacations as ‘longevity retreats’ are becoming popular. 52% of the Dutch are looking for intensive wellness experiences for a longer, healthier life. Think of red light therapy (42%), vibration training (41%), or even stem cell therapy (32%). Furthermore, 41% wants to discover routines they can apply daily at home, such as infusion therapy (21%) or simply the perfect coffee moment (22%).

8. Neuro-inclusive travel

Neurodivergent travelers, with unique ways of thinking and processing information, are asking for more visible and accessible travel options in 2025. They want technology that supports them with their specific needs and reduces stress. For example, 42% would like to use AI tools for current travel information and quiet places at airports and hotels. Quiet rooms are desired by 59%, and 67% wants options to reduce ‘noise’ on the go.

9. Boomers on adventure

Baby boomers are letting go of traditional ideas about ‘retirement rest’ (did someone say geraniums?). Almost a quarter (24%) chooses adventurous vacations in 2025, such as horseback riding, canoeing, or even glacier climbing. Age proves to be no barrier for them, but rather a motivation to enjoy life without limits. 14% is eager to leave their comfort zone and feel young and unrestrained again.