The Trends Shaping Travel in 2025

In 2025, the world of travel is about offering refined, personalised experiences that provide exceptional value. While the top-tier luxury industry continues to push the boundaries of extravagance, many travellers are opting for affordable opulence—a sweet spot that balances comfort, style, and service without being completely out of reach. So, what’s trending for travellers in 2025?

Flights: Comfortable and Convenient with a Touch of Class

Flying in 2025 is about convenience, comfort, and thoughtful service. Across all tiers of flying, there are a range of new and improved experiences on offer to make getting there something to look forward to.

What’s New?

• Upgraded Business Class: Business-class cabins are evolving to offer a more premium experience, from extra privacy to wider & longer lay-flat seats, as experienced with Qatar Airways' Q Suite and better dining options such as Singapore Airline's Book the Cook. Some airlines are adding more personalised services, including dedicated concierges and exclusive lounges to elevate your journey without the need for a first-class ticket.

• Long-Haul Comfort: Expect better amenities and more comfortable seating for long-haul flights—think advanced seat tech and lighting for better sleep, more room for personal space, and thoughtful touches like noise-canceling headphones and high-end skincare products.

• More options for Economy & Premium Economy travellers: Whilst some airlines still seem to be getting as many seats in the economy cabin as possible, other airlines are offering unique options to make travel more enjoyable. From Air New Zealand's Skycouch to Japan Airline's best in class Premium Economy, and new and improved entertainment systems, the world of flying in the back half of the plane is evolving for the better.

  
  

Accommodation: Stylish and Comfortable, Without the Crowds

High-end accommodation in 2025 isn’t just about grandeur; it’s about finding a balance between luxury and authenticity. Travellers are looking for places that feel exclusive but still reflect the destination's character. Whether you’re staying in a chic boutique hotel such as the Eden in Bormio, a swanky resort, or a serene countryside retreat like the Domaine du Colombier, the focus is on offering personalised service and an experience that feels unique but not overly extravagant.

What’s New?

• Boutique Hotels with Local Flair: In 2025, boutique hotels such as the Broadwick Soho will continue to rise in popularity. These hotels are often smaller, more intimate, and reflect the character of their destination. Expect locally sourced materials, design inspired by the area’s culture, and more personalised experiences, like private tours or locally crafted dining options.

• Sustainable Stays: Travellers are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly hotels that don’t compromise on comfort, such as the exquisite Namia River Retreat. Expect more properties that integrate green practices—like energy-efficient lighting, water conservation systems, and waste reduction—while still offering a stylish, relaxing atmosphere.

• Private Villas and Unique Stays: Many travellers will turn to private villas or holiday rentals such as those offered by One Fine Stay whom HGTE represent. These properties often come with private pools, gourmet kitchens, and full-time staff to take care of your every need. It's the perfect balance of comfort and exclusivity without the full cost of staying at a five-star resort.

  
  

Tours: Personalised Adventures with a Focus on Engagement

2025 is all about experiences—but not just any experiences. We'd say that the following is nothing new as it is how we have been designing and delivering tours for our guests for many years, but for others it is still a relatively new thing.

What’s on offer?

• Authentic Local Experiences: Travellers are opting for immersive cultural experiences that go beyond just visiting landmarks. Whether it’s a cooking class such as the Montalcino Cooking School where we take our guests, a guided tour of historic neighbourhoods, or a private art walk, the focus is on authentic and meaningful experiences that reflect the essence of the place.

• Wellness and Nature Tours: Wellness travel will continue to grow, with active adventures like guided mountain hikes, private yoga retreats, and rides and walks led by local experts. These tours are about resetting and recharging while exploring destinations that offer peace and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle.

• Slow Travel: Many travellers are choosing to spend more time in one place, adopting the concept of slow travel. This means longer stays in destinations, staying at a single resort or villa, and exploring everything the area has to offer at a relaxed pace—whether through guided bike tours, local food tastings, or wine tours at nearby vineyards.

  

  
  

Cruising: Sophisticated Voyages with Less Crowding

Small and mid size cruising isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. In 2025, mid-sized cruises will become a popular choice for travellers who want the comfort and class of a smaller ship and avoid the crowds of the mega-liners.

What’s New?

• Intimate, Boutique Cruises: While large, crowded ships can still be a part of the cruising experience, smaller boutique cruise lines such as Ponant are offering travellers a more refined journey with fewer passengers and more personalised service. These ships feature spacious suites, intimate dining experiences, and curated shore excursions, allowing for an exclusive but more affordable experience on the water.

• Sustainable Cruise Options: Sustainability is front and centre in cruising as well. Cruise lines are focusing on eco-friendly ships, using cleaner fuels and offering shore excursions that highlight conservation and environmental stewardship. Expect a greater emphasis on responsible tourism and lower-impact exploration.

• Destination-Focused Cruises: Instead of visiting popular tourist spots, high-end travellers are seeking cruises that take them to lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path destinations, like the Caribbean’s lesser-explored islands or the coastlines of Southeast Asia and the Amazon Delta. These cruises focus on personalised shore excursions and smaller, unique stops that large ships can’t access.

Destinations: Discovering Hidden Gems

While destinations like Paris, Tokyo, and New York will always be popular, 2025 sees more travellers seeking out lesser-known gems that offer both luxury and authenticity, without the overwhelming crowds.

What’s New?

• Off-the-Radar Cities: Instead of visiting well-trodden destinations, travellers are choosing smaller, up-and-coming cities that offer cultural depth, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Think places like Porto, Turin, Colombia’s Medellín, or Tbilisi, Georgia, where you can enjoy top-tier dining, art, and history without the high price tag and crowds of a more tourist-heavy location.

• Nature and Wilderness: There’s a growing trend toward remote destinations that provide an escape from the typical hustle of city life. Travellers are looking for places like the Japanese Pilgrim Routes, New Zealand’s South Island, Tasmania, or even Norwegian Fjords, where they can unwind in nature with high-end amenities and exceptional service.

In 2025, travel will be about striking the right balance between comfort, experience, and value. It’s not about opulence for the sake of opulence, but about enjoying exceptional experiences that feel more personal. From upgraded cabins and intimate boutique hotels to slow travel and curated local experiences, travellers are moving to quality over quantity.

For assistance in creating your personalised travel experience, reach out to the team and we'll help you design an experience to suit your interests info@hgte.com.au