Travel trends in 2025: What changes should we expect?

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Welcome all to the year 2025! COVID is behind us, AI is with us, and geopolitics are as interesting as they've ever been. The one constant? The universal need for a break, the curiosity to explore a new place, and the longing to disrupt the day-to-day - somehow, anyhow.

Travelling has been and always will be a great way to do that. But just as the world changes, so do the trends and customs around planning trips. As this year marches forward, there is one question that keeps coming back around. Is it possible to keep up, slow down, and travel safely all at the same time?

Eco-tourism is finally more than just a buzzword used by the occasional brunch buddy. As the global and local impact of travelling enters into general conversation, companies and individuals are making more thoughtful choices in key areas like transportation, accommodation, and resource allocation.

Expect to take a bit of extra time when planning your next trip to consider how each choice could impact the environment or local communities.

Watch out: As sustainable travel enters the mainstream, some tourism companies are putting it on to appear more sustainable than they are - a phenomenon known as greenwashing. Always do your research before booking.

Instead of taking wild international trips, travelling with intention is where it's at. That often means forgoing stinky, packed aeroplanes for trips that align with personal preferences, like sport, sleep, or seeing the stars. In many cases, that means exploring places closer to home.

With visa requirements changing for formally popular destinations, such as the UK, staying within the borders has never been more appealing. Skip the visa application process and jump straight to the planning.

Secret tip: The world may be big, but it's more than possible to discover beautiful and exhilarating destinations in your backyard. Australia has it all, including a few hidden gems that may give farther-off destinations a run for their money.

Remote work has been a rollercoaster in recent years. Data from late last year indicates that at least 2.4% of Australian searches on Indeed are for remote work. While that may not seem like a lot, it's about 5.5 times higher than before the pandemic.

Co-living spaces are on the rise. These spaces provide the opportunity to live and work abroad with a space to connect with other similar travellers. Also, it's a comfortable hub to live and work in a country with different customs and challenges in finding long-term accommodation.

Even business owners in smaller, more rural destinations are embracing work-from-anywhere culture. Laptop-friendly coffee shops are easier to find than ever. Even modern campervans are often wifi-powered, and local Airbnb hosts are embracing the importance of strong wifi.

Hot take: Digital nomad life is not for everyone, and that's OK. There is nothing wrong with preferring the comforts of home over living out of a suitcase. Travel can still be fun, even if it's only occasional.

Scammers are targeting tourists everywhere, and cybercriminals are lurking in free wifi. While these types of security issues aren't new, the way they are implemented is catching up with technology.

Yay to all kinds of travel, both near and far. Hats off to sustainable travel, intentional travel, and travel that lasts two days or two months. As every sort of travel trend finds its way into your friend group, remember to cherish every opportunity and enjoy the beauty of culture, nature, and humankind. Just don't forget the basics: health, safety, and prosperity.

Travel should feel good and be scam-free. Follow the trends or take your own road. Just remember to take pictures, take it all in, and relish.

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