Upcoming Travel Trends in America: Expenditures Unearthed, Yet Potentially Under-documented in Social Media
Traveling in 2025 is all about stepping out of the ordinary and embracing fresh experiences, but some trips are being kept on the down-low. We slapped a Q on 3,000 jetsetters to sniff out the juicy travel trends churning up this year. From solo sojourns to nudie cruises, it's time to dive in and see what America's covert vacays are all about!
The hottest travel trends of 2025: The unfiltered edition
2025's travelers are shaking things up with their trip choices, questioning the conventional travel narrative. Here are the nine unmissable travel trends making waves among the Yanks:
- Going solo - Nearly a quarter (26%) are ditching the squad and taking charge of their adventures.
- Off-peak getaways - Climate change making you sweat? Almost a fourth (24%) are opting for low-season escapes.
- Destination doppelgangers - 20% are going for budget-friendly, vibe-matching alternatives to popular tourist landmarks.
- Sports fanatics on the move - 15% are sprinting to catch their favorite team in action.
- Escape from consumerism - Time in the woods? A whopping 14% are dropping consumerism for a nature fix.
- Embracing boredom - 10% are booking silent retreats to detox from digital overload and tinge their creativity.
- Ancestral journeying - A dime a dozen (10%) are digging into their genetic background through exploration.
- Eco-conscious wanderlust - 9% are prioritizing green, socially responsible trips.
- Skill-building trips - 7% are hitting the road to learn new skills and talents.
The supersecret travel trends: Low-key, hush-hush, and undercover
While some travelers are proud to share their plans, others prefer to keep their secrets. Shockingly, 12% of travelers confess to being timid about certain trips, with 24% admitting they'll keep at least one vacation a mystery. Here are the hush-hush trends rising among the secretive explorers of 2025:
- Airport foodies - 7% are planning trips solely for the chance to taste cuisine from specific airport eateries or shops.
- Health and rejuvenation retreats - 6% are investing in spa holidays packed with cryotherapy, red light therapy, and even stem cell treatments.
- Multigenerational heirloom-seekers - 5% are splurging on family trips instead of financial planning for offspring.
- Bare-all cruises - 3% are hoisting their anchor on grown-up, clothes-optional cruises.
Why the cloak of secrecy?
- 28% are jumping on a trend they believe is overhyped but can't resist trying.
- 24% are worried about being judged for their choices.
- 19% are worried about others discovering their financial outlay.
- 19% are scared their trip ideas were swiped from someone else and don't want to be called out.
How much are travelers shelling out?
Most Americans are gunning for spending between $1,000-$5,000 per adventure. But some are ready to splurge:
- 26% of heritage/DNA voyagers, 20% of longevity retreaters, and 18% of nude cruisers plan to drop $5,000-$10,000 per head on their trips.
- 17% of SKI enthusiasts are spending over $10,000 per traveler.
- 11% of luxury animal lovers are dishing out over $10,000 for their furry companions.
How are travelers charting their courses?
Plotting a vacation strategy can be tough, especially with so many tantalizing options on offer. That's why 33% of travelers are enlisting the help of travel advisors this year. Here are the top three aspects travelers rely on agents for, in order of popularity:
- Budget management (25%) - Who better to handle your dough than a pro?
- Travel insurance (23%) - Peace of mind is priceless, especially in uncertain times.
- Booking the entire itinerary (21%) - Let someone else do the heavy lifting.
- Destination suggestions (21%) - Fresh eyes on a new spot can help narrow down the options.
- Insider tips and hooks-ups (19%) - A little local insight goes a long way.
- Documentation hassles (19%) - Filling out forms and passing muster is no fun.
- Local knowledge (18%) - Somebody that speaks the lingo can be a lifesaver.
- Round-the-clock assistance for non-emergencies (17%) - Questions may pop up late at night.
- Assistance with group travel coordination (14%) - Organizing a group needs a pro's touch.
- Emergency support (14%) - From flight cancellations to lost luggage, you never know what can happen.
- Timing suggestions (14%) - The best season to visit your dream destination can make all the difference.
- Advice on which trends are worth hopping on (13%) - Avoid wasteful trends and hone in on the good stuff.
- Special request specifics (10%) - Need a gluten-free meal or an accessible room? A travel advisor can help.
Protect your secrets, even the juicy ones
From solo escapades to covert coups, Americans are splurging on travel like never before, hiding certain trips in the shadows. Regardless of your trendy temptation, bring our website's all-in-one trip insurance along for the ride.
- Some travelers (12%) are secretive about their vacations, with 24% keeping at least one trip a mystery.
- 7% of these secretive travelers are planning trips solely for the chance to taste cuisine from specific airport eateries or shops.
- 6% are investing in health and rejuvenation retreats, including treatments like cryotherapy and stem cell therapies.
- 3% are hoisting their anchor on grown-up, clothes-optional cruises, known as bare-all cruises.
