Booking.com and Expedia have released their much-anticipated 2025 travel predictions and the way travelers think, book, and experience stays is shifting in dramatic ways.
Drawing from insights gathered from 27,000 travelers across 33 countries—including key markets like the U.S., Germany, Japan, and Australia—Booking.com’s 2025 predictions reveal a clear shift in travel behavior. Similarly, Expedia’s Unpack 2025 trends, based on data from Hotels.com and Vrbo, highlight an increased demand for authenticity, relaxation, and purposeful travel.
If you’re a property manager, staying on top of these trends is essential. Being prepared for what’s next can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the top trends shaping 2025 and explore how you can leverage them to stand out, stay relevant, and boost your bookings in this exciting new era of travel.
1. Wellness and Mental Health-Focused Travel
A significant number of travelers in 2025 are prioritizing wellness and mental health. Booking.com reports that 60% of travelers are seeking long-term health benefits from their vacations, such as cryotherapy and other advanced therapies. Additionally, the concept of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) is gaining traction, with people looking to disconnect from their busy lives and relax in peaceful settings.
Actionable Advice:
- Market your property as a wellness retreat: If your property is located in a serene, nature-rich area, emphasize the calm and tranquility your rental provides. Highlight features such as private gardens, nearby nature trails, or quiet spaces for meditation and relaxation.
- Offer wellness amenities: Simple upgrades like adding yoga mats, massage chairs, or partnerships with local wellness providers (such as spas or yoga studios) can cater to the health-conscious traveler.
- Promote digital detox experiences: For guests seeking JOMO travel, offer packages that encourage unplugging, such as “no WiFi weekends” or activities like hiking, meditation, or stargazing.
2. Multigenerational and Group Travel
Family travel is evolving, with more families booking “multigenerational” trips. In 2025, travelers of all ages, including Baby Boomers (ages 59-77), are seeking experiences that allow them to bond with loved ones through adventurous or relaxing activities. Booking.com found that 23% of Boomers are planning thrill-seeking vacations .
Actionable Advice:
- Highlight family-friendly features: If your property can accommodate large groups, make sure to promote this in your marketing. Emphasize multiple bedrooms, large dining areas, or outdoor spaces where families can gather.
- Offer group activities: If you’re near adventure spots like hiking trails, water sports, or family-friendly excursions, partner with local businesses to offer packages. Even providing board games, BBQ equipment, or large seating areas can help foster a family-friendly vibe.
- Cater to active seniors: Adventure travel isn’t just for younger generations. Highlight activities that appeal to older travelers, such as guided nature walks, cultural tours, or nearby golf courses.
3. Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Accommodations
Booking.com predicts that in 2025, 66% of neurodivergent travelers (those with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, or sensory processing issues) will seek out accommodations that cater to their specific needs . This growing demand for sensory-friendly spaces, which are designed to minimize overwhelming stimuli, is important to address.
What Does Sensory-Friendly Mean? Sensory-friendly environments are designed to reduce noise, harsh lighting, and other sensory inputs that can cause stress or discomfort for some travelers, particularly those who are neurodivergent.
Actionable Advice:
- Create quiet spaces: Designate areas in your property where guests can relax away from noise or distractions. Offering blackout curtains, white noise machines, and dimmable lights can help create a calming atmosphere.
- Promote your sensory-friendly features: Clearly communicate any sensory-friendly aspects of your property in your listing. Include phrases like “quiet rooms,” “soundproof walls,” and “dimmable lights” to appeal to travelers seeking a more comfortable, controlled environment.
- Consider neurodiverse-friendly experiences: If your property is located near attractions that are sensory-friendly (such as nature trails or parks), highlight these in your marketing.
4. The Rise of All-Inclusive and Stress-Free Stays
All-inclusive stays are making a comeback, especially among younger travelers like Gen Z, who prefer stress-free, bundled experiences. Expedia reports that 42% of Gen Z (ages 9-24) travelers favor all-inclusive accommodations that simplify the travel experience .
Actionable Advice:
- Bundle your services: Create all-inclusive packages that cover meals, transportation, or local activities. Offering simplicity and value in one booking can attract travelers who want a hassle-free experience.
- Utilize social media for direct bookings: Gen Z is heavily influenced by social media, with 50% of travelers saying they want to book trips they see online . Ensure your social media presence is optimized with easy booking options directly through platforms like Instagram or your website.
5. AI-Powered Travel and Seamless Technology
As AI becomes more integrated into travel, 66% of travelers are now relying on AI-powered tools to help plan their trips. Personalization is key—travelers want recommendations tailored to their preferences, creating a demand for tools that make travel planning intuitive and relevant.
Actionable Advice:
• Implement AI-driven guest services: Leverage AI-powered booking systems or chatbots to enhance the guest experience. For example, offer personalized itineraries based on guests’ preferences or AI-powered recommendations for local restaurants and activities.
• Simplify the booking process: Make it easy for guests to book through your website or social media channels with one-click reservation options. This will appeal to the growing demand for seamless, tech-enabled travel.
6. Sustainable and Unique Destinations
Travelers in 2025 are increasingly seeking out destinations that offer a unique, meaningful experience. According to Expedia, 63% of travelers are looking for “Detour Destinations” — off-the-beaten-path locations that provide a break from overcrowded tourist spots. At the same time, a growing number are driven by sustainability, wanting to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their trips. Additionally, Set-Jetting—traveling to places featured in movies or TV shows—is gaining popularity, with 36% of travelers choosing destinations based on media inspiration.
Actionable Advice:
• Promote your eco-friendly practices: If your property has energy-saving appliances, recycling programs, or uses eco-friendly cleaning products, make these visible in your listing. Travelers are more likely to book properties that align with their values of sustainability.
• Highlight lesser-known local experiences: If your property is in a quieter, less touristy location, use this to your advantage. Showcase the peace and privacy your area offers, and recommend local attractions that are unique, eco-conscious, or community-based.
• Leverage Set-Jetting appeal: If your property is near a location featured in popular movies or TV shows, incorporate it into your marketing. Guests seeking to relive the magic of their favorite films or shows will be drawn to the local insights you can provide.
By understanding these emerging trends and making thoughtful adjustments to your vacation rental property, you can position yourself to attract a wide range of travelers in 2025. Being adaptable and responsive to what guests want is the key to thriving in this evolving travel landscape.
