As the world embraces a new era of exploration in 2025, a recent Sabre survey unveils key insights into what travellers genuinely desire. This year’s travel forecast will be dynamic and transformative, from multi-trip itineraries and sustainability to rising travel budgets and a shift towards adventure.
Sabre, a global travel technology leader, combined its robust industry data with responses from its worldwide team members to identify the pivotal trends influencing travel behaviour. Here’s what you need to know about the travel landscape in 2025:
Multi-Tripping Takes the Lead
In 2025, travellers are not content with just one getaway. The Sabre survey reveals that over 75% of respondents plan to take at least two leisure trips this year—an impressive 6% increase from 2024. Remarkably, nearly 25% of participants aim for four or more trips, indicating a growing appetite for frequent adventures.
Global travel bookings reflect this enthusiasm, showing a 9% rise in air travel compared to the previous year. This surge underscores the importance of prioritizing travel experiences, with only 3% of respondents skipping vacations in 2025—a significant drop from 9.4% in 2024.
“Traveling has always been my passion. In 2025, people are doubling down on exploration, valuing cultural immersion and personal growth through travel,” shared Todd Arthur, Senior Vice President at Sabre.
Asia Pacific’s Unprecedented Travel Boom
Asia Pacific (APAC) emerges as the frontrunner in global travel trends. Sabre’s data shows a 34% increase in bookings from the region compared to 2024. Lower airfares and increased capacity in countries like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have fueled demand, while a burgeoning middle class contributes to the growth.
This rise aligns with a notable reduction in airfare costs in APAC—down 10% in Q1 and 5% in Q2 of 2025. As travel becomes more accessible, the region’s dynamism continues to set a global benchmark.
“Asia’s growth in travel demand reflects a vibrant future. Agencies and airlines must leverage scalable technologies to capitalize on this momentum,” emphasized Brett Thorstad, Vice President at Sabre.
Baby Boomers Lead Travel Spending
Household budgets for travel are rising, with over 90% of respondents indicating they will maintain or increase their travel spending in 2025. While Gen Z opts for budget-friendly options, Baby Boomers are the most willing to splurge, choosing elevated experiences and luxury accommodations.
This spending surge allows the travel industry to tailor offerings for diverse preferences. Sabre’s Frank Trampert noted: “By utilizing advanced retailing technologies, hoteliers can cater to both budget-conscious and luxury-seeking travelers, ensuring every dollar spent is worthwhile.”
Adventure Travel Rises in Popularity
The allure of outdoor exploration and sporting activities is redefining leisure travel in 2025. Sabre’s survey highlights a 30% preference for adventure-focused itineraries, with Gen Z leading the charge. While cultural landmarks remain popular, Baby Boomers are rediscovering the great outdoors, with 45% prioritizing adventure activities.
“This trend marks a shift towards unique, meaningful experiences,” said Richard Addey, Senior Regional Director at Sabre. “Our AI-driven solutions are designed to meet this demand by providing seamless, personalized options.”
Culinary Tourism: The Heart of Travel
Food continues to be a cornerstone of the travel experience, particularly for Baby Boomers, with 27% identifying it as a top priority. Culinary tourism is booming, with the global market projected to grow at over 14% annually through 2033, according to IMARC Group.
From cooking classes to farm-to-table dining, food offers travellers a deep connection to local cultures. Kristin Hays, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Sabre, stated: “Food transcends boundaries, creating lasting memories and authentic connections during travel.”
Airline Quality: A Priority for Younger Travelers
Gen Z and Millennials place significant importance on airline quality, even as they remain cost-conscious. Nearly 10% of Gen Z respondents listed airline service as a key decision factor, signalling a shift towards valuing comfort and experience over the cheapest fare.
“Personalization is crucial,” remarked Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President at Sabre. “Our SabreMosaic platform enables airlines to tailor experiences that resonate with modern travelers.”
Simplifying the Booking Process
Booking ease ranks high among Gen X and Millennials, particularly for families. Tour packages are gaining popularity, offering convenience and structure for travellers seeking seamless planning.
Advanced technology is addressing these needs. Madhavan Kasturi, Head of Global Solution Engineering at Sabre, explained: “Travelers want curated options, not endless scrolling. Our multi-source content platform simplifies the booking process by delivering relevant, personalized choices.”
Early Birds Book More
Travellers are planning further ahead in 2025, with 52% booking flights three to six months in advance—a 14% increase from last year. The trend is particularly evident in APAC, which is driven by significant travel periods like China’s Golden Week.
Chinmai Sharma, Senior Vice President at Sabre, emphasized the importance of early bookings: “Advanced machine-learning capabilities enable us to provide precise, tailored options that capture demand early.”
Family-Centric Travel
Extended family vacations are gaining traction, especially in Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America. Multi-person bookings have risen by 14% for groups of seven and 23% for groups of eight or more.
Research supports this trend, with parents valuing grandparent involvement in trips. The growing demand for family-focused itineraries presents an opportunity for travel providers to deliver tailored experiences.
Sustainability Drives Decisions
Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration. Sabre’s survey shows that when presented with precise data, 54% of travellers factor carbon emissions into their plans. Transparency empowers eco-conscious decisions, with many willing to pay more for lower-emission options.
Jessica Matthias, Senior Director of Sustainability at Sabre, stated: “When sustainability is visible, it matters. Providing travellers with actionable insights helps reduce their environmental impact.”
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for 2025
With travel budgets expanding, preferences shifting towards adventure and sustainability, and a focus on meaningful family experiences, 2025 promises to be a milestone year for the industry. By leveraging innovative, data-driven technologies, travel providers can deliver seamless, personalized experiences that resonate with evolving traveller demands.
Sabre’s insights underscore the importance of adaptability and foresight in meeting these trends. The travel industry’s ability to align with these priorities will define its success in 2025 and beyond.
Written by: Yves Thomas
