Noctourism, neurodiverse travel perks and seven other travel-related patterns from one international survey could be prevalent next year

Based on a July–August 2024 online survey of 27,713 adults business or leisure travelers across 33 countries and territories* on their travel plans for the next 12 to 24 months, an online travel and booking service has forecast nine trends for 2025.

First, 72% of respondents from the surveyed Asia Pacific countries indicated they will use technology to make informed decisions and find authentic experiences, to not only respect the locations they visit but contribute positively to them. Some 49% were interested in using AI to curate trips, while 38% cited not tagging locations on social media when visiting lesser-known destinations. Conversely, in 2025, technology will play an equally important role helping 69% of respondents find less crowded destinations.

Second, 60% of respondents indicated being interested in a “longevity retreat” wherein they seek out traditional well-being itineraries in pursuit of a longer, healthier life. Respondents cited deep revitalization as a top priority, from body vibration (61%) and red light therapies (54%) to cryotherapy (51%) and stem cell treatment (51%). Some 70% cited looking for new wellness activities they can mix into their daily lives as they reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves. Among APAC respondents, 57% indicated they would pay for a vacation whose sole purpose is to extend their lifespan and well-being.

Other findings

The third predicted travel trend for 2025 is a rise in “noctourism”, involving visiting darker sky destinations (67%) with “starbathing” experiences (76%), star guides (66%), constellation tracking (62%), and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (61%). Avoiding the warmer part of the day, 57% indicated plans to elevate their night-time pursuits; 56% preferred to vacation in cooler locations; and 60% cited they would book an accommodation without lights to encourage less light pollution and preserve flora and fauna. Also:

  • 44% of respondents expressed an interest in visiting somewhere because of its airport, with 71% curious about airports with more unique experiences or facilities. Gen Z (50%) and millennials (51%) in the data were set to fuel this trend, as they indicated keenness to consider destinations based on the appeal of airport sleep pods (38% Gen Z, 37% millennials), spas (31% Gen Z, 33% millennials), and Michelin star restaurants (28% Gen Z, 31% millennials). Some 73% would feel more excited and stress-free about their trip if there were a wider array of facilities for use prior to their flight.
  • In terms of travel logistics and spending:
    • 57% indicated they would be interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before (jumping to 66% of Gen Z).
    • 57% would visit thrift stores on vacation. Some 76% would have already bought vintage or second-hand products when abroad, and 57% intended to be thriftier on their trips. In terms of thrifting, 36% felt they could find better-quality products in vintage stores abroad than at home; 37% indicated they buy vintage on vacation because they find better bargains.
    • 71% planned to tighten budget planning in order to maximize their experiences.
  • 54% of respondents representing APAC considered themselves neurodiverse (instead of neurotypical) and had had negative experiences while travelling due to this trait, while 58% of this group believed this trait limited their travel options. These respondents indicated they would like to see technology play a greater part in reducing travel anxiety among their travel group:
    • 72% were keen on using AI tools that would provide them with up-to-date travel information, reports of delays, and suggestions on quieter, less busy spaces in airports and hotels.
    • Others sought sensory rooms in airports (70%) and ‘block out noise’ options (77%) across their neurodiverse travel experience.
    • 74% indicated wanting an industry-wide initiative or program that shares their needs and preferences seamlessly with airlines and accommodation providers.
  • 53% of respondents overall indicated they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip, compared to 68% for Gen Z and 61% for millennials wishing the same. Reasons cited included:
    • to switch off from the stresses of everyday life (34%)
    • to rest and rejuvenate (36%)
    • to pursue mental health benefits (28%)
    • to attain personal growth (28%)
    • to build connections, both old and new (29%)
    • to make new friendships or improve their relationship-building skills with friends and family (26%)
    Among the women respondents, 57% were planning the males in their lives (40% being friends, 27% their brothers, and 22% their fathers) to follow the trend.
  • 51% of Singapore respondents (baby boomers coming in at 54%) would rather spend money on a trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leaving inheritance to their children. While 65% of all respondents indicated that their parents had already paid for their vacations or part of their vacations since being an adult, 76% of boomers were likely to pay for their children when booking their next trip.
  • 21% of respondents who were baby boomers were interested in vacations that involve adventure; 24% were eager to push beyond their established comfort zones. Some 30% were interested in horseback riding and letting go of their inhibitions at a wine rave (28%), canoeing down the world’s largest rivers (20%), hunting for glaciers (16%), or trekking one of the highest mountain ranges (14%).

According to Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director (Asia Pacific), Booking.com, the firm that commissioned the survey, in 2025, “technology and imagination are coming together to create a new era of traditions and ultimately make it easier for everyone to shape their own journeys in 2025 and beyond.”

*including Argentina (1,016), Australia (1,002), Austria (502), Belgium (1,003), Brazil (1,002) Canada (1,006), China (1,007 ) Colombia (1,005), Croatia (501), Denmark (501), France (1,011), Germany (1,009), Hong Kong (1,004), from India (1,002) Ireland (506), Israel (501), Italy (1,014), Japan (1,008), Mexico (1,013), The Netherlands (1,011), New Zealand (1,003, Portugal (504), Singapore (508), South Korea (1,004), Spain (1,008), Sweden (509), Switzerland (500), Taiwan (507), Thailand (1,009), the UAE (503), the UK (1,012), the US (1,006 )and Vietnam (1,016).