#travel-trends

#travel-trends

For someone whose job is seeking out the new and notable in travel, 2025 was a year when the old guard came out on top. Why? Hotel prices remained sky-high, leading us to look for places delivering maximum value. Established hotels often have deeper ties to their destinations, making them more solid conduits for local experiences so long as they aren't resting on their laurels. They've also had time to figure out how guests move through their space, what they want from their experience and how best to deliver.

Hugging Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast, Limón province is rich with natural wonders, from its white-sand beaches to its multiple wildlife refuges and volcanic landscapes. The region's invigorating multiculturalism also lures visitors with calypso music, island cuisine, and its history as a port of entry to the Caribbean.

Though a piece of our hearts will always belong in the "Ahh! Adulting!" era, these days, us millennials are the ones traveling with young kids. That shift has redirected vacations from the overstimulation of our hustle-culture years toward something more intentional, prioritizing presence and connection with loved ones. And the data backs it up. Hilton's 2026 Trends Report surveyed 14,000 travelers across 14 countries, and this year's data sends a clear message: vacationers want their time off to feel meaningful.

Cruise ships are seeing a record year for outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses. So far, there have been 20 outbreaks on the vessels, mostly of norovirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last year, which was also a record year for outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness, there were 18. The latest outbreak involved the Oceania Insignia of Oceania Cruises on an 11-day (October 16-27) Montreal to Boston cruise, the CDC reported.

"Some of my most unforgettable travel moments come from immersing myself in local cultures, supporting local economies, and exploring less-traveled destinations," Ariane Gorin, the CEO of the Expedia Group, said in a statement shared with T+L. "With 1 billion average monthly travel searches, Expedia Group isn't just a travel marketplace-we're a catalyst for positive change. We have a responsibility to shape the future of travel: one that's smarter, more sustainable, and deeply respectful of the places we go."

Tombstone tours up +428%, drawing visitors to world-famous cemeteries Hair transplant vacations up +267%, often packaged with flights, hotels and surgery Plastic surgery trips up +145%, with hotspots in South Korea, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico and India Gambling cruises up +136%, offering floating casinos for travelers from places with strict land-based laws Storm-chasing tours up +114% for hurricanes and +21% for tornadoes

Every year, millions of travellers chart familiar paths across the globe - be it for food, faith, fashion or simply to stand in the shadow of a landmark they've seen a hundred times on screen. According to Euromonitor International's City Destination Index, a handful of cities continue to rise above the rest, collecting more arrivals than anywhere else on earth. Some are expected, others less so, and together they paint a picture of how and why we travel today.

Thanks to TikTok, grocery store tourism is trending, with convenience stores becoming must-see destinations for tourists in Japan, significantly enhancing their travel experience.

Financial barriers remain the biggest hurdle for Black travelers, with 37.3 percent citing cost as a concern, followed by safety worries at 27.3 percent.

"People are getting more comfortable with booking short-term rentals and figuring out the pricing mechanics. Many STRs offer last-minute discounts to fill inventory, so that the closer you get to a stay, the less expensive it is."

The simplicity of Jet2's messaging, combined with Glynne's catchy pop beat, created the perfect formula for Gen Z remix culture. The advertisement's straightforward voiceover has become embedded in British consciousness after years of a 'non-stop onslaught.'

San Jose International Airport saw a slight increase in passenger traffic in May compared to April, but numbers are still significantly below pre-COVID levels.

All-inclusive holidays have never been so in demand, with more travelers seeking stylish resorts that offer unlimited luxuries without guilt.

Airlines are competing fiercely to offer the most luxurious first class experiences, responding to soaring demand for premium travel with extravagant new offerings.

The Crystal Symphony offers on-the-ball service with butlers for every suite, committed to creating an exceptional guest experience that feels luxurious yet comfortable.

Lauren Alexander, who flew from Boston, criticized the rising check-in luggage fees, labeling them as "ridiculous" and perceiving them as deceptive charges alongside ticket prices.

68% of UK business travellers find trips more appealing when leisure days are added, especially Millennials (73%) and Gen Z (71%) compared to Gen X (58%).

These suites are designed to help guests recharge in every sense, offering amenities such as private hammams, saunas, and dedicated treatment rooms.

"This supports our local ports, which is tremendously important to me, as well as to our folks in food and beverage," Bodenheimer told The Points Guy.

Travelers seeking the most affordable airfare should fly on Tuesdays, with midweek days offering 13% to 20% lower fares compared to weekend flights.

Villa Santa Cruz is leading the renaissance of Todos Santos with its new rooftop villas and a uniquely impressive fine dining experience, drawing in a vibrant tourist crowd.

More travelers are opting for volunteer tourism, with estimates showing a market value of $848 million in 2023 and a projected growth of 6% annually until 2030.