Shawna Levet5 Travel Trends to Watch in 2025
As the travel industry continues to evolve, 2025 promises to bring new opportunities for travel agents. Staying ahead of the curve is crucial, and understanding emerging trends will help agents meet the demands of today’s travelers. From last-minute bookings to the rise of cool weather destinations, the landscape is shifting towards spontaneity and adventure. Additionally, Gen Z is reshaping travel expectations with their own unique preferences. In this article, we explore five key travel trends that travel agents should watch for in 2025 in order to stay competitive in the market.
1. Last-Minute Bookings
If you asked someone 10-15 years ago how far in advance they planned a big vacation, they might say anywhere between 5-8 months. The planning period for big getaways has decreased suddenly and dramatically post-COVID – in some cases, down to a few days. Approximately 44% of leisure travelers and 56% of business travelers book trips at the last-minute. And, contrary to popular belief, they’re not overpaying for their spontaneity. So what’s causing travelers to procrastinate on their vacation planning? The rise in flexible work schedules is the most likely factor. More than 4.7 million American workers work from home at least half of the time. As work flexibility continues to rise, so do last-minute vacations.
What this means for travel advisors
Consolidator fares offer especially great savings for last-minute bookings. Make sure your clients know that you can assist them in finding a great deal for their spontaneous travel. Bonus points if they have flexibility on their flight times and dates! On centrav.com you can search with flexible parameters to help land your clients a good price.
2. Cool-cations
Travel isn’t just for warm, sandy destinations anymore. Cold weather destinations are “hot” on the rise. YouTube vloggers like Cecilia Blomdahl have unveiled the mysteries of cold, remote destinations like Svalbard, Norway – driving tourism into the most unlikely corners of the earth. And, of course, we can’t forget the Lapland region for Northern Lights tourism, Antarctica expeditions, and European winter sports travel. Some of your travelers will be looking for a summer getaway to a cooler locale and others, a winter trip expressly for the purpose of snow sports – skiing, snowboarding, and more!
What this means for travel advisors
Cool destination travel often requires a bit more coordination by an expert. While a beach vacation can stay low-key and relaxed, snow-centered activities need a little extra forethought. If this is a niche you want to venture into, be sure to spend some time immersing yourself in these experiences beforehand.
3. Ultra-Luxury Vacationing
Ultra luxury travel is the fastest growing travel segment in the industry. Today’s travelers value memories and experiences over things and are ready to splurge on a high-end vacation even if they aren’t inclined to splurge in other areas of their life. Luxury can mean many different things, depending on who you ask. But privacy and tranquility, gorgeous scenery, and tailored experiences are typically top-of-mind for the high-end traveler.
What this means for travel advisors
Studies show that clients in all industries are rarely disappointed by an upsell. When it comes to luxury travel, don’t hesitate to offer the best! On Centrav’s flexible airline booking tool, we’ve made it possible for you to estimate the cost of upgrading seats even after your client has booked their flights. To learn how to do this (and much more!) be sure to check out our own travel agent education courses at Centrav Academy.
4. Travel Solo, Meet a Friend
Solo travel continues to trend, but with a spin: intentions to meet a friend or a romantic partner. According to a report by Booking.com, 58% of global travelers planned a solo trip for 2024. Social media platforms and dating apps, like Bumble and Tinder, have further fueled this trend by helping users form connections across the world. Solo travelers can plan meetups with friends or partners they’ve met online, blending exploration with personal relationships. This trend highlights a shift toward more flexible, personalized travel experiences, where the focus is on human connection rather than just sightseeing.
What this means for travel advisors
Familiarize yourself with places where your clients can meet others while on the go: restaurants, group tours, meetups, etc. Encourage them to take safe travel precautions such as downloading helpful apps for travelers going solo.
5. Non-Aesthetic Travel
Say what? Yes, Gen Z is shaking things up for the travel industry with what some experts are calling “non-aesthetic” experiences. This just means they’re pushing back against the picture-perfection obsession of their millennial predecessors. Instead of seeking out photo op experiences – such as a rustic picnic on the Champ de Mars, they want to join a local family on their front porch for lunch. Gen Z prefers an authentic, everyday experience over an opportunity to grab social media content.
What this means for travel advisors
Authentic travel is what you do best! We polled thousands of travel advisors to get their best advice for an authentic travel experience and they delivered! Check out 10 of our favorite responses from travel advisors here.
