Defying Convention: Booking.com’s Bold Travel Predictions for 2025

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As the travel industry continues to evolve, Australians are increasingly rejecting traditional vacation norms in favor of new, deeper, and more meaningful ways to experience the world. Booking.com’s latest Travel Predictions survey reveals a future where Aussie travellers are pushing boundaries on age, gender, and the very essence of self, rewriting the rules for travel in 2025.

The study, which surveyed over 27,000 global travellers—including more than 1,000 Australians—has forecasted a travel landscape where experiences, rather than mere destinations, define the journey. Here’s a look at nine key predictions for Australian travellers in 2025:

1. Noctourism: Embracing the Stars

Forget crowded daylight hours—2025 will be the year Australians turn their gaze to the night sky. A striking 57% of Aussie travellers are keen to visit dark sky destinations for experiences such as stargazing and cosmic events. With a focus on finding tranquillity under the stars, activities like constellation tracking (49%) and star bathing (65%) will top many travel wish lists. At the same time, more than half (56%) plan to reduce their sun exposure, further signaling a shift towards nocturnal adventures.

2. Longevity Retreats: The Rise of Wellness Beyond the Surface

Wellbeing travel is evolving beyond the basics, with Australians increasingly seeking to enhance their longevity. Half of all Aussie travellers (51%) are considering wellness retreats focused on long-term health rather than short-term fixes. From cryotherapy (34%) to body vibration therapies (50%), these immersive wellness experiences offer deep rejuvenation, aiming to improve both physical and mental health for years to come.

3. AI-Powered Journeys: Personalised Travel Like Never Before

Artificial intelligence is set to play a key role in shaping travel plans. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of Australian travellers are turning to AI tools for advice on authentic experiences, with 29% specifically interested in AI-curated itineraries. This tech-savvy approach will also help travellers discover less crowded, off-the-beaten-path destinations, with 60% of Aussies keen to use technology to find quieter spots to enjoy without the crowds.

4. Multigen Megatrips: Family Holidays Reimagined

Forget about ‘Spending Kids’ Inheritance’—in 2025, families will prioritize experiences over material wealth. A notable 53% of Australian travellers would rather spend money on unforgettable family vacations than leave an inheritance. This trend is especially evident among boomers, with 65% planning to pay for their children’s trips and 67% for their grandchildren’s adventures, signaling an upswing in multi-generational holidays.

5. Boyz II Zen: Men-Only Retreats for Wellness and Vulnerability

The shift towards mindful, self-aware male bonding is growing, with men-only retreats focused on mental health and personal growth gaining popularity. Forty percent of Australians say they would encourage the men in their lives to embark on a men-only wellness trip, a trend that resonates strongly with younger generations like Gen Z (61%) and millennials (58%). These trips prioritize relaxation and emotional well-being, moving away from traditional ‘bro culture’ to embrace a more reflective and nurturing approach to male friendships.

6. Ageless Adventures: Baby Boomers Seek Thrills

The idea of a restful retirement is being challenged by an adventurous new wave of baby boomers. Over 29% of Aussies in this generation are looking for more adrenaline-packed experiences, from glacier hunting (39%) to skydiving (11%). Far from slowing down, many boomers are redefining their golden years with thrilling adventures that push them beyond their comfort zones.

7. Neuroinclusive Navigation: Technology for All

Travelling with neurodivergent needs is becoming a more prominent focus, with 55% of neurodivergent Australians reporting challenges in the past due to a lack of accessible travel options. However, 2025 will see a significant shift, with travellers looking for AI-driven solutions to enhance their journeys. Two-thirds (63%) are interested in AI tools that provide updates on travel disruptions and suggest quieter spaces in airports and hotels. Enhanced sensory rooms and noise-blocking options are also high on the wishlist, with 74% of Aussies hoping for these facilities in public spaces.

8. Vintage Voyaging: Sustainable Fashion on the Road

Sustainability is becoming an integral part of the travel experience, with 59% of Australian travellers planning to visit thrift stores while on vacation. This trend is especially prominent among Gen Z, with 69% having already bought second-hand items while abroad. Whether it's for eco-consciousness or budget-friendly reasons, Australians are embracing vintage shopping as a core part of their holiday wardrobe.

9. The Gate Escape: Airport Adventures

Airports are no longer just places to catch flights—they’re becoming destinations in their own right. A surprising 24% of travellers would consider visiting a destination specifically for its airport, with millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. Relaxation is key, with amenities like sleep pods (51% of Gen Z, 45% of millennials) and Michelin-star dining (21% of Gen Z, 28% of millennials) transforming the way travellers approach the start of their journey.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

Todd Lacey, Regional Manager for Oceania at Booking.com, notes that 2025 will see Australians embracing a more mindful approach to travel, focusing not just on ticking off bucket list destinations, but on creating meaningful connections with people, places, and themselves. “Aussies are eager to use AI and other innovations to explore new ways of experiencing the world, forging unique paths that blend technology and tradition for more enriching journeys,” he says.

As we look toward 2025, Australian travellers are paving the way for a new era of adventure, wellness, sustainability, and personal growth. With these bold predictions on the horizon, it’s clear that the future of travel is about more than just going places—it’s about making every journey count.