Looking ahead to 2025, we’ve rounded up current luxury travel trends to catch your eye. Sustainability remains high on the agenda, while solo travel is on the up. The desire for unique and authentic moments that stand apart from the everyday has never been higher and the ‘wellness sabbatical’ is making headlines. To keep your finger on the pulse, here are some of the most important, intriguing, and surprising travel trend predictions for 2025, with insights from our travel experts.
For travel inspiration, take a look at our collection of small group luxury journeys for 2025 and beyond.
1. Top Trending Destinations
“Luxury travel means something different to everyone. It may be an extended stay in an 11th century Irish castle, exploring Egypt’s monuments in VIP style or taking a luxurious cruise on Croatia’s crystal waters,” says Ulla Hefel Böhler, Chief Operating Officer for Luxury Gold and its sister brands at The Travel Corporation. “Whatever your destination, the desire for personalization, customization and exclusivity remains constant. We consider Luxury Gold guests amongst the most discerning of high-end travelers, and it is interesting to see how they are influencing the travel sphere.
“For Luxury Gold travelers in 2025, Europe remains a perennial favorite, particularly France with its timeless allure. The capital Paris is a huge draw, with guests eager to see the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, and then soak up the romantic charm of Nice and St Tropez on the French Riviera. A country at its most exquisite when seen through a local lens, other highlights of our journeys to France include a chauffeured 2CV experience in Provence, a traditional French cooking class with a Michelin-star chef and a private cruise in Calanques National Park.
“Scandinavia is also an increasingly in-demand destination, with its cosmopolitan cities and awe-inspiring mountains and fjords. Winding through snow-covered peaks on the Flåm Railway, sustainable fine dining at Stockholm’s Fotografiska restaurant and an unforgettable hotel stay overlooking Norway’s spectacular Geirangerfjord all combine for a sought-after luxury Scandinavian vacation.
“In South America, the mystique of Machu Picchu, the vast wilderness of Patagonia, and the vibrant energy of the tango all continue to attract luxury seekers, driving increased demand for exquisite escapes to Peru, Chile and Argentina.
“Vietnam and India are also high on the list of popular destinations, each offering a rich array of experiences. From cruising through the iconic limestone formations of Ha Long Bay to discovering the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, both countries boast exceptional hotels, deep historical significance, and an abundance of cultural treasures.”
You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
2. Sustainable Travel Remains A Priority
As we are seeing every year, the thirst for sustainable travel continues unabated. In the Luxury space this is taking the form of a rise in supply and demand of eco-friendly accommodations – responsible travel without a compromise on comfort, and an increased focus on regenerative travel. This is travel that goes beyond minimizing negative impacts; it actively seeks to improve the destinations traveler’s visit.
Luxury Gold’s Sustainability Manager Lucie Dalilah explains, “Access to lesser known, yet fascinating places is a fundamental aspect of luxury travel. Authentic connections with local cultures have become increasingly cherished, enriching the travel experience in ways that go beyond mere indulgence.
“Through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, included on every journey, guest leave a positive impact and contribute to the future of the communities they visit. Whether dancing flamenco in Seville, Spain or meeting New Zealand’s kiwis, these experiences take you into the heart of your destination, with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. The feeling you get is priceless and the memories last forever.”
Bookmark for later: This New Zealand Forest Retreat Combines 5-Star Luxury with Sustainability
3. Solo Travel Is On The Up
Empowering you to explore the world on your own terms, solo travel for many is a transformative experience. Ever more popular amongst the luxury set, solo travel is now making up over 10% of bookings, an increase year on year. Not completely surprising, as reported by Infinity Business Insights, the solo travel market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% between 2023 and 2030. This makes it the largest growth segment in the global leisure travel market.
Whether you see it as means of fostering self-discovery, an impetus to step outside of your comfort zone, or simply as a way to personalize your vacation and spend some valuable me time, there is much to be said for traveling by yourself at any time in life.
However, going solo does not have to mean going it alone, with luxury group travel offering the perfect blend of comfort, security and independence. In fact, according to leading solo travel website Solo Traveler, 9 out of 10 solo travelers prefer to take tours all or some of the time. With the freedom to do your own thing, alongside like-minded people, with 5-star hotels and top-rated dining, why not hop on board this 2025 trend?
You may be interested to read: 7 Reasons Why Solo Travel Is The Ultimate Form Of Self-Indulgence
4. Thinking Ahead is Back
In 2024, many travelers were known for their last-minute planning, but for 2025, the trend is shifting back toward advance preparation. 35% of bookings are now being made more than 13 months in advance, indicating that travelers are eager to secure their future luxury getaways well ahead of time. In contrast, those who opt to book within the 0 to 7-month window currently represent only 15% of total bookings. This resurgence in proactive planning reflects a growing desire among travelers to thoughtfully plan their experiences and ensure they don’t miss out on desirable destinations and places to stay.
5. Cruises Are High On The Wishlist
Analysis of search data reveals that ‘cruises’ are experiencing a 21% year-on-year increase, a significant feature in the luxury travel market. “The ease and indulgence of a luxury cruise never goes out of style,” says Luxury Gold’s Travel Experiences Manager EMEA, Karen Gower. “Fine dining on deck, sumptuous suites and a dazzling itinerary of stops and activities, what’s not to love!
“There are some destinations that simply must be seen from both water and land, to be fully appreciated, Croatia being a great example. The stunning Dalmatian Coast lends itself perfectly to cruising, with sparkling waters, golden sands and numerous beautiful islands to stop at and explore. Whilst on land the national parks and ancient cities are also not to be missed, so combining a cruise with a land tour portion also gives the best of both worlds on our Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey. Guests can also enjoy a fabulous cruise in Egypt on our Elegance of the Nile.”
Discover what it is like on a Luxury Gold cruise: Beauty Beyond Words: Past Guest Sal On Cruising Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
6. Spa Holidays Drive Wellness Tourism
With wellness firmly atop the agenda still, searches for ‘spa holidays’ are up 52%. Not altogether surprising as wellness tourism continues to be one of the fastest-growing travel segments, with the global wellness economy projected by the Global Wellness Institute to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027.
Now less an add-on and more a focus of travel, combining luxurious accommodations with the ultimate pamper-fest is the way to go. Alongside this, the conventional perception of sabbaticals (think backpacking and budget hostels) is also undergoing a transformation. Luxury sabbaticals are now becoming increasingly popular, emphasizing immersive experiences that prioritize wellness and personal growth, and making the most of some sensational hotels and wellness facilities.
You may also enjoy: Skip The Jacuzzi and Brave the Ice Bath: Industry Insider Joanna Moran Reveals Her Top Spa Secrets
Other Luxury Travel Trends In The News:
7. Increased Desire For Comfort In The Skies
More people are paying for higher grade air seats – people are showing an increasing willingness to pay for more comfort and a better experience in airplanes. To minimize time spent in uncomfortable or crowded areas, those looking to avoid long waits are increasingly booking access to private lounges or choosing the latest and most luxurious lounge options available at airports worldwide, according to a recent Smartflyer report.
Bookmark for later: Flying First Class: The Luxury Gold First-Timer’s Guide
8. Capturing EVERY Moment In High Quality
A new report from Virtuoso and Globetrender spotlights ‘Memoirs in Motion’ as a key trend set to shape the luxury travel landscape in 2025. Luxury travelers are increasingly casting themselves in their own personal documentaries, generating demand for professional film crews who can accompany them on special journeys and expeditions.
They describe how this trend “reflects a growing desire for personalized storytelling and the preservation of memories in dynamic and visually stunning formats, elevating travel experiences.” One to consider extending the budget for!
If these luxury vacation trends have inspired you to think about your next journey, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.
My wife and I recently spent 3 plus weeks in Australia. A couple of my top resorts are Longitude 131 at Ayer’s Rock (stay 3 nights-4 is better); Silky Oaks (bring hiking boots) again 3 nights+.
Langham Hotel Sydney (5 nights include breakfast habor view) and Langham Hotel Melbourne (4 nights river view club level)