We’ve conducted extensive research involving over 32,000 leisure travellers across 32 countries to understand their upcoming travel plans, sentiments and emerging travel trends. This article delves into evolving traveller behaviours, providing strategic insights to help you better support your properties.

1. Travellers are prioritising relaxation

This year, a significant 77% of global leisure travellers are feeling optimistic about travelling, with relaxation being the primary motivation. Popular activities include relaxing by the beach or pool (48%) and visiting natural scenery (50%). Specific motivations vary by country – for example, travellers from South Korea prioritise boosting their mood, while those from the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden aim to escape their daily routine. 

Tip: To help guests find the relaxing stay they're looking for, we recommend leveraging our APIs to showcase property features that align with these activities, such as the Photo API to highlight visually relaxing spots.

2. Travellers expect to spend more on trips

Almost half of the travellers surveyed (48%) are planning to increase travel budgets this year. Reasons for increased spending range from rising costs for trips in Europe and North America, people taking longer trips in Asia and far-flung travel to places like Latin America. Notably, travellers from Switzerland, Sweden, Colombia and Hong Kong attribute higher spending to taking more trips, while French and New Zealander travellers plan to travel to long-distance destinations. 

Tip: Use the Promotions API to set up special offers and rates that will help your properties stand out to travellers looking to save money, as well as those searching for deals on longer or more frequent trips.

3. Travellers are relying on AI more for property searches

The use of AI in travel planning has increased by 10%, especially among younger travellers. Typical uses include restaurant recommendations, accommodation searches and activity suggestions. Chinese travellers are keen on using AI to understand local customs, while Spanish, Italian and Portuguese travellers prefer AI for detailed itineraries. 

Tip: With the Facilities API, you can ensure that all the facilities your properties offer are visible. If a listing is more complete, it will put your properties in a stronger position to be recommended when travellers use AI tools to choose where to stay.

4. Travellers show flexibility in accommodation type choices

Approximately two-thirds of travellers are flexible in terms of choosing their accommodation type. Hotels are favoured for cleanliness and security, while homes are appreciated for privacy and space. Interestingly, 20% of travellers plan to stay with friends or family, with American, Canadian, Swedish, Croatian and travellers from New Zealand showing the highest preference for this. 

Tip: Make sure your properties highlight specific features that cater to these preferences – for example, security alarms for hotels and a private entrance for homes.

5. Travellers plan trips around who they’re going with – or without

Last year, 53% of travellers took a trip with their partner, 45% travelled with family and 21% went solo. Travel priorities vary depending on who people travel with.

• Couples – generally enjoy smooth travels together, especially older couples, with 70% saying they had no disagreements with their partner during their trips.
• Solo travellers – value freedom and independence, but are open to meeting new people. 
• Families – focus on relaxation and quality time. 85% see travel as a key way to expose children to new cultures and experiences.

Tip: To attract a broader mix of guests, enable pricing per guest with our Rates and Availability API – ideal for both groups and solo travellers. You can also boost family bookings by setting up children policies and rates to let travellers know when a property accepts children.

6. Travellers want to connect with other people

Younger travellers – especially Gen Z and Millennials – are more interested in meeting like-minded people while travelling. In fact, 31% of Gen Z travellers say they travel solo specifically to meet new people, compared to just 18% of Boomers. 

Tip: Our research shows that the top venues for socialising include cafés, bars, festivals and tours. You can help your properties tap into this trend by highlighting features and experiences that foster connection, such as onsite bars, walking tours or pub crawls.

7. Travellers worry about travel risks and uncertainties 

Travellers' concerns have shifted since COVID-19 began. Today, getting sick is now a top concern for 46% of global travellers – something that used to be low on the radar. They also worry that bad weather, crime, theft and even climate-related disruptions could impact their trips.

Tip: Showcase key amenities to help guests gain peace of mind about their top travel worries, such as hygiene practices, 24-hour security and safes.

8. Travellers are still drawn to the classic travel experiences

Beaches, nature exploration and spending time together continue to be favourites among travellers. Our research shows that 67% expect to return to a destination they’ve visited before, while 58% plan to take a short domestic trip. These trends show that people crave comfort and familiarity.

Tip: Use the Photos API and Facilities API to highlight properties and destinations that match these classic preferences – both visually and functionally. 

Get deeper insights into these 2025 travel trends

Enhance your strategy and optimise your properties to meet traveller needs. Download the full report to explore each trend in detail.

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The Travel Trends 2025 research was commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025.