30 Travel Trends and Destinations for 2025

There are many reasons to vacation, but, here at HGTV, we seek out places and experiences packed with visual interest, beauty and inspiration. This is a bucket list for the traveler who's willing to book a hotel just for a bespoke china pattern or track down which bath linens a hotel uses because you love the embroidery. Here’s a look at the most popular travel trends and destinations for 2025 through a design lens.

Cold climates are still trending hot. The 2025 Virtuoso Luxe Report said “ice-olated escapes” are the No. 1 travel trend this year. And in Pinterest’s 2025 predictions, “mountain ranges will become the go-to travel destination” with searches for ski outfits up more than 250 percent. For snowscapes, Iceland continues to be the indie darling of the travel industry and it’s worth the hype — especially during the winter for glacier hiking and ice cave tours. And when it’s time to dethaw, Iceland has no shortage of geothermal baths from the Mývatn Nature Baths in the North to Sky Lagoon outside Reykjavik. This Blue Lagoon alternative features private showers and changing rooms, which is fairly uncommon for European hot springs and spas. The water isn’t blue, but the hardscape and design throughout the spa are just as noteworthy, from infinity-edge geothermal pools to a series of high-concept saunas and steam rooms such as this dry sauna with a dramatic, modern wall of glass overlooking the water.

Most travelers can’t splurge on every facet of a trip, but more travelers are willing to splurge on specific premiums, such as buying single seats on private planes with Jettly or renting Disney Vacation Club points to stay in Disney theme park timeshares without becoming a member via third-party vendors such as DVC Rental Store. And then there’s the recent explosion of rideshare-type apps for renting yachts or booking someone’s pool for the day. You can even crash posh hotel spas for the day with ResortPass. The app offers day rates for many high-end resort pools and other amenities for a fraction of the cost of booking an actual stay.

Several fare-booking sites have said Asia is trending big time — especially Japan. This forecast is on the heels of more airlines offering direct flights to Asia from the U.S. West Coast. Alaska Air Group, which owns Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, will start offering direct flights to Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan from Seattle in 2025. And while getting to Tokyo from the States is easier than ever, another popular Japanese city for tourists is outperforming Tokyo in searches. Kayak said interest is up for both Sapporo and Osaka and the latter will host the World Expo 2025. Osaka Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan, isn’t the oldest or the largest. It’s actually a newbie by ancient castle standards. It’s been built and rebuilt a couple of times — war, a casual lighting strike, etc. — and its current form isn’t even a century old yet. Still, it’s packed with exhibits and looks downright alluring in the Spring among all those cherry blossoms.

You’ve likely heard of FOMO, a fear of missing out that motivates people to always say yes to social commitments even when they’d rather be home; however, according to Expedia’s new trend report, more of us are saying no to over-commitment and celebrating the true rest and relaxation with JOMO, or the joy of missing out. What this looks like in the travel industry is less go-go-go and more quiet vacations with no itineraries or expectations. A JOMO trip is all about finding peace in serene settings such as a hot springs resort or enjoying the joy of doing nothing in a remote mountain cabin.

According to Expedia’s report, all-inclusive resorts are cool again. And it’s all thanks to Gen Z. Apparently, the younger generation doesn’t find them cheesy. We’ve come full circle back to the original credo of the all-inclusive: convenience. However, today’s all-inclusive seems to (finally) have both quantity and quality. Forget everything you know about watered-down pre-mixed pool drinks and inedible breakfast buffets and the closest beach the developers could find that’s adjacent to the airport. And say hello to posh retreats such as Castle Hot Springs. The all-inclusive between Phoenix and Sedona is less drink voucher and more luxury wellness with natural hot springs, farm-to-table menus, yoga paddle board and desert botanical painting classes.

And back to that train spa. As airline seats become more cramped, there’s a growing interest in bygone-era train travel, from The Ghan in Australia to Japan's Seven Stars. And luxury hoteliers are taking note. Belmond now has a fleet of historic, high-end trains in Europe, Asia and South America with bespoke experiences on board, from afternoon tea service to modern spa services. And the sleeper suites? Marquetry heaven. The Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train features stunning tweed and tartan that contrasts beautifully with elegant white relief ceilings. It’s rolling luxury.

Bath, England is one of the best day trips from London. However, this special village is worth exploring for a couple of days at least — especially in 2025. Famously known as the home of Jane Austen, Bath will be celebrating the author’s 250th birthday on December 16, 2025, with tons of themed parties and events throughout the town all year long. And even if you’re not into an Austenland trip, Bath is home to some of the best-preserved Georgian architecture in the world such as the iconic Royal Crescent, which now has a luxury boutique hotel right in the middle of the curve. Of course, Bath is also the site of the Temple of Minerva, and you can still visit these ancient Roman baths today. It was believed that the waters have magical powers, and while you can’t bathe in them today, you can taste the water. But, as this writer has warned before, it’s very sulfur-forward. As in, it tastes like rotten eggs.

Expedia listed several other natural phenomena that people are traveling for in 2025 and many of the top searches are for nighttime experiences such as bioluminescent activity and where to see the Northern Lights. While many of us in the States caught a glimpse of one or two colors this year during a massive solar flare, the Arctic Circle is where you really need to go to enjoy the full palette of the Aurora Borealis. Iceland gets you pretty close. The mainland is just short of the ring, but it’s much more accessible from the U.S. with Icelandair’s famous stopover program. However, Northern Finland, Sweden and Norway are considered the sweet spot for the best views. These days, there are tons of gimmicks, from ice hotels to glass-ceiling glamping, but for something more authentic, Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnoy, Norway is worth the logistical hoops to get out there. The Lofoten island resort is set in a historic fishing village with renovated fisherman cabins from the late 1800s.

Another nighttime travel trend: Celestial experiences. Both Expedia and Booking.com predict a surge in stargazing for 2025. In the U.S., we’re lucky to have incredible stargazing spots with minimal light pollution and several of our National Parks, Preserves and Forests are DarkSky certified.

Collabs aren’t just for influencers. Historic fashion designers are taking on the hospitality industry and giving unexpected points of travel a chic upgrade, from Gucci ski gondolas to the Ralph Lauren cafe to select Belmond hotel and train spas with signature Dior toile. In these spaces, you can finally live the brands instead of just wearing them. Designer hotel merch is on the rise, too, from FRAME-embroidered dad hats for the Ritz Paris to The Carlyle x Sporty & Rich cashmere hoodies.

Overtourism is a hot topic in Europe right now, from natural landmarks facing erosion from too much foot traffic to select UNESCO World Heritage Sites placing caps on daily visitors to protect monuments. Attractions aside, cities are flooded with tourists, from cruise ship ports like Venice to major travel hubs like Paris. Perhaps the big summer games last year motivated travelers to think outside the metropolitan, but searches for Paris detours and detour destinations in general are up according to Expedia’s latest data. The No. 1 Parisian alternative and detour destination? Reims, France. The hype makes sense. Reims is a short train ride from Paris but offers similar architectural marvels without the crowds. Notre-Dame de Reims was likely a great placeholder for Notre-Dame de Paris, while the iconic cathedral was closed for reconstruction post-fire the last half-decade. Another draw: It’s in Champagne Country and makes the perfect home base for exploring authentic Champagne vineyards.

Another Paris detour? Toulouse, France. According to Lonely Planet, it’s the only French city worth mentioning in 2025. And not that we’re suggesting you could ever dupe Paris, but it is dupe-adjacent in that both cities are bisected by a river and arranged in a charming yet infuriating coil of twisty, turn-y canals and alleys. And if you love florals, this is your town. Known as The Pink City for all the terra-cotta brick, Toulouse is really all about the purple — violet to be exact. Candied violets became a thing here in the 1800s and the craze never died. There’s violet bread. Violet coffee. Violet chocolate. And so many more purple-petaled confections to explore. If you’re pressed for time, head straight to Maison de la Violette, a pistachio and purple houseboat turned artisanal boutique.

Hilton’s annual Trends Report said more travelers are hurkle-durkling on vacation. And no that’s not a euphemism. Similar to JOMO travel, hurkle-durkling is a Scottish concept where you relax in bed all day. It makes sense why you’d want to hurkle-durkle in a hotel bed, even when there are sights to see and things to do. The best hotel beds have that perfect balance of cozy yet crisp bedding and a fluff factor that you just sink into. We’ve got the scoop on what brands and materials boutique hotels shop for sheets if you want to recreate your favorite hotel bed at home.

In its annual trend report, Priceline said people are more interested in focusing on specific neighborhoods rather than sightseeing across town on vacation. Deemed the “awayborhood,” this type of travel is all about living like a local, from San Francisco’s Mission District to Boston’s North End. Many of the top awayborhoods on Priceline’s list feature spots with an emphasis on local businesses and artists, such as the River North Art District in Denver. RiNo, as locals call it, is in a revitalization with former industrial factories and warehouses turned into bars, restaurants and galleries. The Source Hotel, which is located in a former iron foundry in RiNo, is a regular-meets-traveler creative hub that’s either a boutique hotel with a craft market or a craft market with a boutique hotel. The lines are intentionally blurred.

Another trend on Expedia’s list? Birding. Yes, it’s not just a retired person's hobby anymore. Younger generations are discovering bird watching, and brands such as Bird Collective give the ornithophile life a certain cool factor with their merch. According to Expedia, more people are traveling to specific birding events, especially starling murmurations in Europe. This phenomenon happens in the winter when huge flocks migrate and create this alien-looking (and humming) cloud in the sky.

The Netherlands is always worth a visit for design inspiration, from those pastoral gambrel roofs to the iconic Dutch door. And Amsterdam is an architectural jewel with its signature canal houses and whimsical curved eaves. There is even more reason to visit in 2025 as the city will celebrate its 750th anniversary all year long. The Pulitzer Amsterdam is a great masterclass in Dutch design as the hotel just debuted several themed suites paying homage to Dutch interior design. The Flower Collector’s Suite celebrates Amsterdam’s obsession with florals and features one of the most gorgeous gallery art walls this writer has ever seen. But the real showstopper is the new Porcelain Collector's Suite which riffs on historic Dutch Delft pottery. It’s a treasure trove of Delftware and Delft tiles right down to the complimentary in-room tea station, which features Delft ceramic teacups. It’s Delft heaven without even visiting the town of Delft.

Skyscanner also noted that “botanical tourism continues to bloom.” More travelers are seeking out gardens and farms while traveling as a remedy for too much tech. And according to Skyscanner, 46% of American travelers say gardening is their favorite hobby. We love to hear it! The best garden in the world will always be your own but the world is certainly full of natural marvels worth traveling for. Kew Gardens, part of the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, features some of the largest water lilies in the world. And Vallarta Botanical Garden in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico is home to an impressive collection of orchids and Mexican wildflowers. And stateside, Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware is a rite of passage for native plant enthusiasts. Of course, we could go on and on. We love a botanical garden field trip and have a roundup of the best public gardens and arboretums in every state to inspire your next vacation.

Hello, Dollywood! Dolly Parton’s iconic theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee turns 40 in 2025 and if you haven’t been up to the Smokies resort in a while, you’ll be shocked by how much new is all around. Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort opened at the end of 2023 and in 2024 Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa did a major refresh of its rooms. Last year also saw the grand opening of The Dolly Parton Experience, a new land within Dollywood that’s dedicated to Parton’s history and heritage — and that includes her sparkly style! In the new Behind the Seams museum, you’ll learn about the design team that’s responsible for all of Parton’s iconic costumes and bringing her signature aesthetic to life. There’s a big vignette of creative director Steve Summers’s workspace and it’s all decorated with actual leftover items from previous designs — right down to the buttons in each tiny craft bin. Look closely and you might remember certain baubles from Parton’s most popular performances and appearances.

Fans from all kinds of franchises will descend upon Orlando, Florida this May when Universal Orlando Resort opens its third theme park: Universal Epic Universe. The brand-new park features portals to five distinct worlds, four of which are inspired by film and media franchises, from Harry Potter to Universal’s OG monster movies. But it’s the aesthetic that this writer is most excited about, particularly the new Celestial Park area. Everything in the concept art has that 1920s-era obsession with mysticism and magic that swept high society. So, it’s a beautiful mix of harsh Art Deco geometrics balanced with little ethereal wisps of mythology. And the gilded gem is the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will overlook the park because it’s actually built inside the theme park. The best view will come from a dramatic, circular rooftop bar; however, this writer will be focused on the giant dome ceiling of constellations that you sit under. It looks like a Gatsby-meets-Houdini fever dream.

According to Expedia, “set-jetting,” or traveling to a destination specifically because it was featured on screen, is more popular than ever. But we already knew that. Here at HGTV, we love visiting sets from TV and film and finding real-life destinations and homes that bring a story to life. If you need trip inspiration, we’ve got all kinds of movie magic — from a Beetlejuice-inspired road trip to historic locations from HBO’s The Gilded Age.

Lonely Planet just named the Lowcountry a must-visit for 2025 and if you win HGTV Dream Home 2025, you’ll be right on trend. We love the Lowcountry for its cultural history and unique style, especially around Christmas time. And sister cities Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia are a bevy of architectural revival styles. There’s always a reason to visit Savannah, but in 2025, the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum will celebrate the author’s posthumous birthday the weekend before and leading up to March 25, 2025.

According to Pinterest, "Medieval is having a major moment." The annual trend report said that searches for “medieval core” are up more than 100% and in 2025 Gen Z and millennials will take home decor inspiration from ancient castles. In our opinion, castles never go out of style, from touring them to dreaming about them to living in them. If you’re inspired for a medieval castle crawl through Europe this year, put Eltz Castle in Germany at the top of your list. The 900-year-old residence, which is still family-owned, features incredibly ornate 15th-century hand-painted wall murals as well as tapestries, furniture and a stunning Gothic Rhenish vaulted ceiling.

Portland is often described as Seattle’s little sister city in the Pacific Northwest. However, the City of Roses can hold its own, especially with recent investments in the Portland Art Museum and airport. The newly remodeled main terminal at PDX gives a stunning first impression of the PNW, with landscaping dupes of iconic native plants (that wouldn’t survive inside without the rain) and a dramatic lattice ceiling made from locally sourced wood. Who knew an airport could be this serene? Even better: All the businesses in the terminal are local, too, from Portland Gear (which arguably has some of the best merch in the PNW) to Steven Smith Teamaker (which arguably has some of the best PNW peppermint tea in the PNW).

This Pride Month, Washington, D.C. will be more colorful than ever. D.C. Pride turns 50 this year and our nation’s capital is also hosting WorldPride 2025, which is a traveling Pride celebration that cities around the world bid on to host. There will be picnics in iconic D.C. parks, parties in iconic D.C. museums and a series of rainbow art installations and decor throughout D.C. Events are scheduled from May 17 through June 8, 2025. If you go, don’t miss the Museum of American History as this spot on the mall typically curates an LGBTQ+ history exhibit in June featuring artifacts from the Smithsonian’s collection such as the original Trans Pride Flag designed by Monica Helms.

Remember last year’s Polly Pocket Airbnb? 90s fandom isn’t going anywhere in 2025 and it’s motivating more travelers to craft vacations around their 90s nostalgia, from Oasis (finally) reuniting and going on tour this summer to roadtrippers making the ultimate throwback pilgrimage to the last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon. And “Friends” fans can live out their NYC dreams in LA at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. The tour includes the real fountain from the show’s intro and recreated sets for Central Perk, Monica’s apartment and Chandler and Joey’s apartment.

Traveling for art and culture is always a top trip motivator, but according to Skyscanner, how we experience art is changing. More travelers are seeking out immersive exhibits that interact with traditional media in new ways such as Frameless in London or the Van Gogh Exhibition. But the rise of “art-venture” has also propelled new media artists to create installations and experiences worth traveling for such as the Astra Lumina franchise or Bruce Munro’s Sensorio exhibitions. The Sensorio Field of Lights in Paso Robles, California features 15 acres of multi-sensory displays and in February a brand-new installation, the FOSO (Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra), will open and join the other permanent installations.

Disney Cruise Line is in its golden age of design. The current Triton Class of ships, which debuted in 2022 with the Disney Wish, is a dramatic reimagining of the DCL — or cruising in general — experience. There’s no maritime theming here. These ships are floating castles with immersive interior design. The Disney Treasure, which officially set sail in December 2024, riffs on Moorish and Moroccan design, from the bazaar-inspired Grand Hall to the Rajah Royal Suite. But what’s most impressive about the Triton Class is the use of really, really good dupes. Per maritime safety regulations, cruise ships can’t be too heavy or flammable. And that presents a challenge for most luxury materials. But DCL is faking it in style, from faux dark woods in the Grand Hall to a faux bone-in-lay coffee table in the Rajah Royal Suite. It’s a level of attention to detail that you don’t normally see in family-friendly hospitality. And the next ship in the fleet, the Disney Destiny, which sets sail this November, will have similar high-design offerings such as the new Hero Suite with Greco-Roman vibes through a Hollywood Regency lens.

E-bikes are clutch for travelers looking for active but not intense activities on vacation. Sometimes called pedal-assist bicycles, these e-bikes have become increasingly popular over the last decade with traditional bicycle tour operators offering more and more e-bike options. The electronic motor propels you forward with different levels of assistance allowing all types of bikers to enjoy longer tours and tours with hills without straining muscles, aggravating joints or raising heart rates. Plus, with an average top speed of 20 miles per hour, e-biking covers more ground so you’re able to see more sights. And for cruise ports such as Victoria, British Columbia, e-biking is a great way to maximize the few hours you have to explore. The Pedalar, a bike tour company in Victoria, offers a Pedal to the Petals tour through the city’s most famous gardens as well as self-guided e-biking through the iconic Butchart Gardens.