Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research* reveals how Australian travellers are ‘rewriting the playbook’ in 2025 by defying the rules of conventional getaways and as a result, forging new connections with themselves, their loved ones, those they meet along the way, as well as the destinations they visit.
To understand how travellers are breaking away from the status quo, Booking.com’s Travel Predictions surveyed more than 27,000 travellers from 33 countries, including over 1,000 from Australia – to present nine travel predictions that foresee 2025 being the year that ushers in new ways of experiencing the world.
- Noctourism
Travellers will be focused on building connections with the universe as they ditch the daylight crowds for midnight magic. In 2025, nearly two-thirds (57%) of Australian travellers are considering visiting dark sky destinations with star bathing experiences (65%), star guides (53%), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (49%) top of the stellar adventure list. Further to night-sky activities, protection from UV rays is important for over half (56%) of Australian travellers who say they plan to reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun on holiday, and almost half (44%) are planning activity when the sun is at its lowest.
- Passport to Immortality
Driven by the desire to cultivate better lifestyle choices, 51% of Australian travellers are interested in a longevity retreat – a super-charged flex on traditional wellbeing itineraries where temporary fixes are replaced in pursuit of a longer, healthier life. Deep revitalisation is a top priority, from body vibration (50%) and red-light therapies (47%) to cryotherapy (34%). Over half (56%) are looking for new wellness activities they can mix into their daily lives as they reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves.
- AI = Alternative Itineraries
Almost two-thirds (61%) of Aussie travellers will use technology to make informed decisions and find authentic experiences. AI-powered tools, like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner, are set to play a pivotal role in shaping these journeys, with 29% of Aussie travellers interested in using AI to curate trips.
Family gathered at the table at home
Over half (51%) of travellers won’t tag locations on social media when visiting a lesser-known destination to keep it under wraps. Technology will also play a role in finding alternatives that can be shared without the guilt of overburdening the usual hotspots, with 60% of Australian travellers hoping to use technology to find less crowded areas.
- Multigen Megatrips
‘Ski’ holidays will be on the rise – but not on the slopes – as parents flip priorities by Spending Kids’ Inheritance (SKI) instead of squirrelling savings. Over half of Australian travellers (53%) would rather spend money on a trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leaving inheritance to their children. While 44% of younger Australian travellers admitted that their parents had already paid for their vacations or part of their vacations since being an adult, boomers are likely to influence an uptick thanks to the 65% who are happy to pay for their children when booking their next trip, and 67% for their grandchildren.
- Boyz II Zen
Booze and bravado are set to take a back seat, as ‘men-only’ vacations rooted in wellbeing, self-development and empowered vulnerability come to the fore. With cultural change bringing progress to conversations around male mental health and societal pressures, moments that combat loneliness and prioritise more mindful male bonding will prevail in travel. Two in five Australians (40%) say they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip, jumping to 61% for Gen Z and 58% for millennials.
Male travellers are abandoning popular expectations and ‘bro culture’ cliches to switch off from the stresses of everyday life (24%), rest and rejuvenate (24%), in pursuit of mental health benefits (20%) and personal growth (25%).
- To Ageless Adventures
Forget a restful retirement; next year an emerging cohort of baby boomers will defy their years and conventional expectations in favour of thrill-seeking. Over a quarter (29%) of this generation are interested in vacations that involve adventure (up from 17% in 2024**) and 19% are eager to push beyond their established comfort zones, reconnecting with the reckless abandon of youth. Entering an era of adrenaline, 39% of Aussie boomers are interested in going on the hunt for glaciers, one in ten (11%) interested in skydiving, or hiking some of the world’s mountain ranges (9%).
- Neuroinclusive Navigation
Neurodivergent travellers will be putting their often-overlooked needs in the spotlight, using emerging and evolving technologies to revolutionise how they experience the world in 2025. Over half (55%) of Australians who consider themselves neurodivergent have had a negative experience while travelling due to their neurodivergence and believe their travel options are more limited.
A group of friends, some of which are adaptive athletes, gather together and talk outside a ski lodge between ski runs on a beautiful and sunny winter day.
Many would like to see technology play a greater part of their travel journey and help reduce their, or their travel companions’, anxiety. Two-thirds (63%) are keen on 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. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations are sought after by 74%, while 81% would like to see more ‘block out noise’ options across the travel experience
- Vintage Voyaging
Holiday wardrobes will get a makeover in 2025, as trendy travellers become vintage voyagers, hitting thrift stores while on holiday to curate a more sustainable suitcase. Almost half (43%) of travellers said they would be interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before, jumping to 61% of Gen Z, while 59% would visit thrift stores on vacation. A vast majority of Aussie Gen Z travellers (69%) have already bought vintage or second-hand products when abroad.
No doubt influenced by both cost and climate awareness; this shift isn’t just about style – it’s about staying savvy. With 55% of travellers intending to be thriftier on their trips and 69% tightening budget planning to maximise their experiences, finding hidden gems in second-hand stores has become a pivotal part of the adventure. Flying in the face of fast fashion and mass consumerism, over a quarter (27%) say they find better quality products in vintage stores abroad than at home, while a third (32%) say they find better bargains.
- The Gate Escape
Gone are the days of arriving ‘just in time’ to avoid lingering in crowded lounges post-security, as travellers reframe their 2025 vacation kick-off to embrace a new era of airport entertainment. Almost a quarter (24%) express an interest in visiting somewhere because of its airport, with 60% curious about airports with more unique experiences or facilities.
But it’s Gen Z and millennials who are jet set to fuel this trend. Among both, 40% are keen to consider destinations based on their airport, looking for relaxing and indulgent experiences: from sleep pods (51% Gen Z, 45% millennials) and spas (37% Gen Z, 37% millennials) to Michelin star restaurants (21% Gen Z, 28% millennials). With this switch in mindset, travellers will be turning every missed connection into a slay-over next year.
Todd Lacey, Regional Manager for Oceania at Booking.com says “Aussies will be travelling with intention in 2025 and the underlying theme we’ll see for travel plans is that it’s not about ticking off the bucket list but instead breaking away from travel norms and cultivating experiences that count.
Be it embracing adventures in the great outdoors by visiting dark sky reserves or a focus on health and wellness, Aussies will approach travel more mindfully in the coming year.
Australians are eager to use AI to explore new ways of travelling, with technology and imagination coming together to create a new era of traditions and ultimately make it easier for everyone to experience the world in 2025 and beyond.”
