Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research reveals how Australian travellers are ‘rewriting the playbook’ in 2025 by defying the rules of conventional getaways and as a result, forging new connections with themselves, their loved ones.

To understand how travellers are breaking away from the status quo, Booking.com’s Travel Predictions surveyed more than 27,000 travellers from 33 countries, including over 1,000 from Australia – to present nine travel predictions that foresee 2025 being the year that ushers in new ways of experiencing the world.

Noctourism

Travellers will be focused on building connections with the universe as they ditch the daylight crowds for midnight magic. In 2025, nearly two-thirds (57 per cent) of Australian travellers are considering visiting dark sky destinations with star bathing experiences (65 per cent), star guides (53 per cent), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59 per cent), and constellation tracking (49 per cent) top of the stellar adventure list. Further to night-sky activities, protection from UV rays is important for over half (56 per cent) of Australian travellers who say they plan to reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun on holiday, and almost half (44 per cent) are planning activity when the sun is at its lowest.

Silhouettes of people enjoying the sunset on the atlantic ocean, Lacanau France

2. Passport to Immortality

Driven by the desire to cultivate better lifestyle choices, 51 per cent of Australian travellers are interested in a longevity retreat – a super-charged flex on traditional wellbeing itineraries where temporary fixes are replaced in pursuit of a longer, healthier life. Deep revitalisation is a top priority, from body vibration (50 per cent) and red-light therapies (47 per cent) to cryotherapy (34 per cent). Over half (56 per cent) are looking for new wellness activities they can mix into their daily lives as they reconnect with a more balanced version of themselves.

3. AI = Alternative Itineraries

Almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of Aussie travellers will use technology to make informed decisions and find authentic experiences. AI-powered tools, like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner, are set to play a pivotal role in shaping these journeys, with 29 per cent of Aussie travellers interested in using AI to curate trips.

Over half (51 per cent) of travellers won’t tag locations on social media when visiting a lesser-known destination to keep it under wraps. Technology will also play a role in finding alternatives that can be shared without the guilt of overburdening the usual hotspots, with 60 per cent of Australian travellers hoping to use technology to find less crowded areas.

4. Multigen Megatrips

‘Ski’ holidays will be on the rise – but not on the slopes – as parents flip priorities by Spending Kids’ Inheritance (SKI) instead of squirrelling savings. Over half of Australian travellers (53 per cent) would rather spend money on a trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leaving inheritance to their children. While 44 per cent of younger Australian travellers admitted that their parents had already paid for their vacations or part of their vacations since being an adult, boomers are likely to influence an uptick thanks to the 65 per cent who are happy to pay for their children when booking their next trip, and 67 per cent for their grandchildren.

5. Boyz II Zen

Booze and bravado are set to take a back seat, as ‘men-only’ vacations rooted in wellbeing, self-development and empowered vulnerability come to the fore. With cultural change bringing progress to conversations around male mental health and societal pressures, moments that combat loneliness and prioritise more mindful male bonding will prevail in travel. Two in five Australians (40 per cent) say they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip, jumping to 61 per cent for Gen Z and 58 per cent for millennials.

Group of friends grilling food at the beach on a sunny summer day. Young group of people gather around a portable barbecue to roast some steak and sausages. Ohrid lake North Macedonia.

Male travellers are abandoning popular expectations and ‘bro culture’ cliches to switch off from the stresses of everyday life (24 per cent), rest and rejuvenate (24 per cent), in pursuit of mental health benefits (20 per cent) and personal growth (25 per cent).

6. To Ageless Adventures

Forget a restful retirement; next year an emerging cohort of baby boomers will defy their years and conventional expectations in favour of thrill-seeking. Over a quarter (29 per cent) of this generation are interested in vacations that involve adventure (up from 17 per cent in 2024**) and 19 per cent are eager to push beyond their established comfort zones, reconnecting with the reckless abandon of youth. Entering an era of adrenaline, 39 per cent of Aussie boomers are interested in going on the hunt for glaciers, one in ten (11 per cent) interested in skydiving, or hiking some of the world’s mountain ranges (9 per cent).

7. Neuroinclusive Navigation

Neurodivergent travellers will be putting their often-overlooked needs in the spotlight, using emerging and evolving technologies to revolutionise how they experience the world in 2025. Over half (55 per cent) of Australians who consider themselves neurodivergent have had a negative experience while travelling due to their neurodivergence and believe their travel options are more limited.

Many would like to see technology play a greater part of their travel journey and help reduce their, or their travel companions’, anxiety. Two-thirds (63 per cent) are keen on AI tools that would provide them with up-to-date travel information, reports of delays and suggestions on quieter, less busy spaces in airports and hotels. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations are sought after by 74 per cent, while 81per cent would like to see more ‘block out noise’ options across the travel experience

8. Vintage Voyaging

Holiday wardrobes will get a makeover in 2025, as trendy travellers become vintage voyagers, hitting thrift stores while on holiday to curate a more sustainable suitcase. Almost half (43 per cent) of travellers said they would be interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before, jumping to 61 per cent of Gen Z, while 59 per cent would visit thrift stores on vacation. A vast majority of Aussie Gen Z travellers (69 per cent) have already bought vintage or second-hand products when abroad.

No doubt influenced by both cost and climate awareness; this shift isn’t just about style – it’s about staying savvy. With 55 per cent of travellers intending to be thriftier on their trips and 69 per cent tightening budget planning to maximise their experiences, finding hidden gems in second-hand stores has become a pivotal part of the adventure. Flying in the face of fast fashion and mass consumerism, over a quarter (27 per cent) say they find better quality products in vintage stores abroad than at home, while a third (32 per cent) say they find better bargains.

9. The Gate Escape

Gone are the days of arriving ‘just in time’ to avoid lingering in crowded lounges post-security, as travellers reframe their 2025 vacation kick-off to embrace a new era of airport entertainment. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) express an interest in visiting somewhere because of its airport, with 60 per cent curious about airports with more unique experiences or facilities.

A side-view shot of a young man wearing casual clothing exploring a duty free shop in an airport in Toulouse, France before catching his flight. The man is smelling aftershave.

But it’s Gen Z and millennials who are jet set to fuel this trend. Among both, 40 per cent are keen to consider destinations based on their airport, looking for relaxing and indulgent experiences: from sleep pods (51 per cent Gen Z, 45 per cent millennials) and spas (37 per cent Gen Z, 37 per cent millennials) to Michelin star restaurants (21 per cent Gen Z, 28 per cent millennials). With this switch in mindset, travellers will be turning every missed connection into a slay-over next year.

Todd Lacey, regional manager for Oceania at Booking.com says “Aussies will be travelling with intention in 2025 and the underlying theme we’ll see for travel plans is that it’s not about ticking off the bucket list but instead breaking away from travel norms and cultivating experiences that count.

Be it embracing adventures in the great outdoors by visiting dark sky reserves or a focus on health and wellness, Aussies will approach travel more mindfully in the coming year.

Australians are eager to use AI to explore new ways of travelling, with technology and imagination coming together to create a new era of traditions and ultimately make it easier for everyone to experience the world in 2025 and beyond.”