How to Ride the 2025 Traveler Trend Wave: A Hotelier’s Guide to Winning Hearts (and Bookings!)

Just when you think you’ve got traveler preferences nailed down, they flip the script.

2025 brings a fresh wave of travel trends where guests seek more than just getaways; they’re craving meaningful, tailored experiences. From the rise of solo male travelers to the allure of detour destinations, today’s travelers are drawn to experiences that are personal, immersive, and often unexpected.

To keep you on top of these shifts, we’ve unpacked the top trends for 2025, showing how each one can help your hotel create memorable stays that keep guests coming back for more.

Why these trends matter: Staying in the know isn’t just about being trendy—it’s about tailoring your services, wowing guests, and keeping those rooms booked. This year, the trends range from adventure-filled solo trips to no-stress, all-inclusive getaways.

Sneak peek: Think “JOMO” (the Joy of Missing Out), detours to hidden gems, and unforgettable dining experiences. Let’s dive into what’s hot for 2025!

Trend 1: Solo Male Travel

The Rundown: Solo travel isn’t just a trend for women anymore. In fact, 30% of men are planning solo trips for 2025, outpacing the 23% of women planning the same. These solo adventurers are seeking personal growth, freedom, and experiences that help them recharge.

And it’s not just about getting away—they’re ready to splurge, with 28% of men planning to spend over $2,400 on their solo getaways.

Hotelier Insight: Think of these solo guys as independent explorers—they want a balance of adventure and luxury. Offer a “Solo Adventure Hotel Package” that includes solo-friendly dining options, personalized maps for local adventures, and a “Solo Social Hour” for them to connect with others.

For the high-spenders, provide exclusive experiences like private tours or VIP services to elevate their stay and make it feel like a true escape.

Trend 2: Detour Destinations: Beyond the Mainstream

What’s the Buzz?: Travelers are craving less-touristy, hidden-gem destinations. They’re detouring from the usual to find secret spots that feel like their own private discoveries.

Hotelier Insight: Highlight your hidden local gems! Set up transport to those under-the-radar spots and showcase nearby gems in your guidebooks and website. Maybe offer a “Detour Adventure Pass” that makes it easy for guests to explore these unique spots.

Trend 3: Hotel Restaurant Renaissance

The Flavor of the Year: Guests no longer just want a place to rest their heads; they’re hungry for an experience that tantalizes their taste buds.

Hotel dining is becoming the star of the show, with more travelers seeking out top-tier food as part of their stay. From Michelin-starred chefs to unique, locally inspired dishes, it’s not just a meal—it’s the whole experience.

Hotelier Insight: L’Enclume, a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in Cartmel, exemplifies this trend. By focusing on farm-to-fork cuisine and providing personalized dining experiences, the hotel has transformed its culinary offering into a major draw. Learn more about L’Enclume’s approach.

Trend 4: JOMO Travel (Joy of Missing Out) Travel

The Chill Factor: Move over, FOMO. JOMO is all about the joy of disconnecting and embracing rest, relaxation, and simplicity. Guests are craving more peaceful, tech-free escapes where they can fully unwind and recharge. Hotelier Insight: Now’s the time to market those zen spaces

. Create serene, tech-free zones, and package up spa retreats or wellness activities to help guests reset. With JOMO on the rise, a calming, no-stress package could be your ticket to becoming their go-to sanctuary.

Trend 5: Phenomena-Based Tourism

Why It’s a Hit: Travelers are looking to make 2025 epic by planning trips around jaw-dropping natural wonders. Think of it as curating the “highlight reel” of life: catching the Northern Lights, watching bioluminescent bays glow, or witnessing a starling “Black Sun” migration. 🧘‍♂️

This type of tourism isn’t just a trend; it’s a journey toward once-in-a-lifetime sights that bring wonder and awe to their trips.

Be Their Guide: If your location offers a view or easy access to a natural phenomenon, make it a highlight. Set up scenic view rooms, local tours, and provide weather updates for the best viewing times. A “Phenomena Package” can make it easy for guests to experience nature at its best.

Trend 6: The All-Inclusive Era

The Appeal: In 2025, it’s all about ease and experience for travelers who want to leave the planning behind. Younger travelers, especially, appreciate the “one and done” approach, where everything—from dining and drinks to activities and transport—is seamlessly included.

Hotelier Insight: To tap into this trend, create packages that make your hotel a one-stop shop for relaxation and adventure. Include everything from local tours and spa days to gourmet dining and transfers.

Make it simple, like a “Book, Arrive, Relax” experience. This eliminates any guest decision fatigue, making it an effortless choice for travelers looking to unwind and indulge.

Trend 7: Set-Jetting

What It Is: TV shows and movies are inspiring travelers to see the sets in-real-life (IRL). Iconic spots from “Emily in Paris” or “Game of Thrones” and even the luxurious Italian settings from “The White Lotus“ are topping travel wishlists, drawing fans eager to immerse themselves in these cinematic worlds.

Hotelier Insight: Play the part, offer themed tours, room decor, or packages inspired by local filming spots. A “Set-Jet Package” complete with a map and itinerary could make their dreams come true!

Trend 8: Noctourism—Creating a Nighttime Brand Experience

The Allure: Noctourism is enticing guests to experience destinations under the night sky, whether for serene stargazing, wildlife-spotting, or enjoying nightlife. This trend is especially popular with travelers looking to reconnect with nature after hours, as well as city-goers seeking evening escapades.

Hotelier Insight: To embrace noctourism, elevate your hotel’s night ambiance. Install “stargazing lounges” with telescopes or add low-light pathways for nighttime garden walks. Host periodic night-time events such as candlelit tours of historic nearby landmarks or create a tranquil ‘night garden’ for guests to unwind.

Think of the nighttime as an extension of your brand’s story, creating an immersive experience that guests remember.

Trend 9: City Breaks—Curating Authentic Urban Experiences with Local Partnerships

Why It’s Hot: City breaks are making a resurgence, with travelers drawn to the arts, culture, and food scenes of major urban hubs. Visitors increasingly look for authentic experiences that immerse them in the local vibe and highlight a city’s unique culture.

Hotelier Insight: Bring the city’s culture into your property by partnering with local artists and chefs for rotating pop-up exhibits, workshops, and culinary showcases. Offer guided city walks led by staff or neighborhood personalities to reveal hidden aspects of the city.

And get creative with local merchants, featuring in-room “mini-shops” that showcase unique local products available for purchase. This curates a “city stay” experience that brings urban energy right to your guests’ rooms.

Trend 10: Eco-Adventurism

What’s the Draw?: Today’s travelers are increasingly eco-conscious, seeking ways to combine adventure with sustainability. From exploring pristine landscapes through guided eco-hikes to joining local environmental initiatives, these travelers aim to minimize their footprint while immersing themselves in nature.

Hotelier Insight: Position your property as an eco-friendly base. Offer carbon-offset options, partner with local eco-tours, and highlight sustainable practices like renewable energy use and farm-to-table dining. Help guests immerse themselves in nature responsibly and build brand loyalty with these values-driven explorers.

3. The Key Takeaways for Trend-Savvy Hoteliers

Do a Quick Check: Are you ready to welcome solo travelers? Can you guide guests to nearby hidden gems? Is your restaurant the kind that guests will post on Instagram?

What to Do:

• Curate Solo-Friendly Experiences: Think of solo dining and adventure activities.
• Highlight Local Secrets: Stand out by offering unique excursions.
• Build a Zen Space: Create relaxation zones and JOMO packages.
• Make Dining an Event: Treat every meal as an experience, not just food.
• Phenomenal Views: If your location offers natural wonders, turn them into must-see experiences.
• All-Inclusive Ease: Offer the “Book, Arrive, Relax” experience with all-inclusive packages—meals, activities, and transport included.
• Set-Jetting Made Easy: Tap into pop culture.
• Nighttime Ambience: Offer stargazing lounges and candlelit garden tours.
• Urban Edge: Partner with local artists and vendors for immersive city stays.
• Eco-Adventure: Provide eco-options like carbon offsets and nature tours.

Watch Your Metrics: Keep an eye on occupancy rates, guest satisfaction, and bookings for specific packages. Dive into data on how new experiences affect loyalty and share rates on social media.

Wrapping it Up: Stay Trendy, Stay Booked

The trends are here to help you stand out, attract new guests, and keep them coming back for more. Each trend offers a chance to add more value to the guest experience and differentiate your property from the rest.

The key to thriving in this new wave is simple: give your guests what they want—authentic, tailored, and memorable moments. Here’s to making 2025 your most booked year yet!