The global travel trends 2025 recently unveiled by the travel platform Booking.com also show the key directions for experiential marketing. Spoiler alert: nocturnal events, wellness gatherings, vintage vibes and – sorry, ladies – new event formats tailored specifically to men are likely to play a bigger role than ever before. These 9 travel trends are shaping the event landscape in 2025.
The annual study on global travel trends by Booking.com indicates that many travelers are redefining how they experience and interact with the world, embracing new ways to grow and connect meaningfully. The Booking.com analysis shows that adventurous travelers are stepping out of their comfort zones, adopting unique travel concepts to foster personal growth and sustainability. But what does this mean for event planning? Let’s explore the main takeaways from these travel trends for new event ideas and innovative event formats in 2025.
The Booking.com 2025 analysis, based on a survey of over 27,000 travelers across 33 countries, identified nine major travel trends across age and gender. Here is a summarized overview:
Travel Trend #1: Nocturnal Tourism
With heatwaves and climate change affecting daytime tourism, nighttime activities like stargazing and night excursions are gaining popularity. Over half of travelers plan to be active in the evenings or early mornings, with 63% preferring to avoid UV exposure. Many find the tranquility of nighttime strengthens their connection to nature.
Travel Trend #2: Immortality Passport
Travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable well-being. Longevity retreats, featuring innovative treatments like red-light therapy and cryotherapy, attract 52% of travelers, with 51% indicating that an extended, healthier life would be a top reason to travel.
Travel Trend #3: AI-Based Travel Plans
By 2025, AI-powered tools like AI Trip Planners are set to craft travel experiences that promote authenticity and are environmentally considerate. About 53% of travelers hope technology will lead them to quieter, less frequented destinations.
Travel Trend #4: Multi-Generational Megatrips
"Spending Kids’ Inheritance" travel is on the rise, with Baby Boomers choosing to invest in family vacations rather than saving up for their heirs. Over half of these are willing to pay for travel for their children and grandchildren.
Travel Trend #5: Men-Only Escapes / "Boyz 2 Zen"
Men’s trips focusing on mindfulness and mental health are gaining traction, with 38% of travelers supporting men-focused getaways, and 12% using these trips to address loneliness. Women are encouraging their partners to take these trips to enhance well-being and friendships.
Travel Trend #6: Ageless Adventures
Older travelers, especially Baby Boomers, seek adventures beyond their comfort zones, including horseback riding, canoeing, and glacier tours. Adventure travel is increasingly popular across age groups as a way to explore and experience the world.
Travel Trend #7: Neuro-Inclusive Navigation
Neurodivergent travelers demand accessible travel options and technical support. About 63% would like sensory retreat spaces, and 56% seek AI tools to reduce stress and smooth travel experiences.
Travel Trend #8: Vintage Voyages
The interest in secondhand fashion during travel is rising, with 39% of travelers on the lookout for vintage clothing and preferring to build their vacation wardrobes locally. This approach promotes budget-conscious, sustainable travel with an eye for stylish, culturally significant pieces.
Travel Trend #9: Young Airport Enthusiasts
Airports are becoming experience hubs, with 31% of travelers targeting unique airport offerings such as sleep pods and spas. Millennials and Gen Z appreciate relaxing starts to their journeys and enjoy facilities that make the travel experience more comfortable.
These trends indicate a shift towards more mindful, sustainable, and comfort-driven travel, along with a desire for unique, personalized experiences. And these trends offer event managers and planners valuable inspiration for creating innovative, relevant event formats in 2025.
Event Trends 2025 Inspired by Travel Insights
1. Nighttime Events: The trend towards nocturnal tourism suggests that nighttime events with unique atmospheres—such as stargazing, night markets, or guided nature walks—could be highly popular. Formats like outdoor silent discos, nighttime retreats, or light festivals could cater to guests seeking cooler, more comfortable experiences.
2. Longevity and Wellness Events: With a growing demand for longevity and wellness themes, event planners could focus on health-centered offerings that promote self-improvement. Examples include talks and workshops on mindfulness, and retreats or summits aimed at holistic well-being and stress management, which could also attract business event audiences.
3. AI-Driven Personalized Experiences: The rise of AI in travel suggests that events could benefit from AI-assisted planning tools to personalize attendee experiences. AI-driven systems could help event planners create tailored agendas that adapt in real-time to attendee needs.
4. Multi-Generational Events: Event concepts that foster intergenerational exchange, such as workshops or cultural festivals designed for diverse age groups, could appeal to new audiences. The “Spending Kids’ Inheritance” travel trend can also apply to premium experiences that create memorable, shared moments between generations.
5. Male-Centered Events: After years of women-centered events, now is the time for male-focused formats that go beyond traditional "masculine" themes. Well-being and community-focused programs for men—such as retreats or workshops addressing mental health—could foster positive exchanges and mental health awareness.
6. Age-Appropriate Adventures: With a growing segment of adventure-seeking Baby Boomers, event planners could design experiences for mature audiences, offering safe yet thrilling adventures.
7. Neuro-Inclusive Experiences: An increased awareness of neuro-inclusive travel needs suggests that events should consider accessible formats for neurodivergent participants. Sensory-friendly zones, clear signage, and tools like event apps designed for sensory-sensitive users can enhance inclusivity.
8. Sustainable Vintage Aesthetics: Taking a cue from the interest in vintage travel, event planners can embrace sustainability by incorporating secondhand décor or organizing upcycling workshops. Vintage-themed event spaces and curated markets could attract eco-conscious attendees and create unique storytelling content.
9. Enhanced Waiting Areas as Experience Zones: Inspired by airports as experience hubs, event planners could transform waiting areas or large entryways into inviting spaces. Amenities like relaxation lounges, pop-up spas, and premium food options would elevate the overall event experience.
Cover Image: Booking.com Travel Trends 2025, Theme Nocturnal Tourism (Credits: Booking.com / Copyright: GettyImages)
Related Topics: Travel Trends 2025, Booking.com, study, survey, analysis, trend report, event trends, new event formats, event innovation, event trends, event planning, event ideas, event concepts
Summary: The Global Travel Trends 2025 survey by Booking.com reveal key insights for event planning, from night tourism and well-being events to vintage aesthetics and male-focused formats. Event professionals can leverage these trends to design innovative, impactful event concepts that resonate with the evolving preferences of a global audience.
This text is a translation from the original German article. Please excuse any translation errors. Read the original at: EventMasterBook.de | Reisetrends 2025 inspirieren Eventplanung
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