It’s no secret that Americans are willing to spend on travel this year, but some trips are staying hush-hush. We surveyed 3,000 travelers to uncover the biggest travel trends of 2025, including the ones they’re too embarrassed to admit they’re indulging in. From destination dupes to nude cruises, let’s dive into what’s shaping travel plans this year.
The top 9 travel trends of 2025
2025 is all about travelers rethinking how (and why) they explore. Here are the nine biggest travel trends Americans are investing in:
- Solo travel – 26% are embracing independent adventures.
- Low-season travel – 24% are opting for off-peak trips as climate change makes weather less predictable.
- Destination dupes – 20% are choosing budget-friendly alternatives that deliver the same vibes as major tourist hotspots.
- Sports tourism – 15% are traveling to catch their favorite sports team play.
- Human rewilding – 14% are stepping away from consumerism to reconnect with nature.
- The benefits of boredom – 10% are booking silent retreats to reduce overstimulation and boost creativity.
- Heritage/DNA travel – 10% are exploring their ancestral roots through travel.
- Regenerative tourism – 9% are prioritizing eco-friendly, socially responsible trips.
- Skillcations – 7% are vacationing to learn or develop a new skill.
The secret travel trends consumers are staying hush-hush about
While many travelers are all about sharing their plans, others are keeping things quiet. In fact, 12% of travelers admit they’re embarrassed about some of their travel choices this year, and 24% say they plan to keep at least one of their trips a secret. Here are the most unique—and hush-hush—trends emerging in 2025:
- Airport tourism – 7% plan to travel solely to visit a specific airport restaurant or shop.
- Longevity retreats – 6% are investing in wellness escapes featuring cryotherapy, red light therapy, and even stem cell treatments.
- SKI trips (Spending the kids’ inheritance) – 5% are prioritizing multi-generational trips over saving for their kids’ future.
- Nude cruises – 3% are setting sail on adult-only, clothing-optional cruises.
Why are they keeping their plans under wraps?
- 28% think the trend is overrated but they’re doing it anyway
- 24% worry about being judged
- 19% don’t want others to know how much they’re spending
- 19% copied someone else’s trip and don’t want them to find out
How much are travelers willing to spend?
The majority of Americans aim to spend between $1,000-$5,000 per trip on the aforementioned trends, but some are planning to shell out more:
- 26% of heritage/DNA travelers, 20% of longevity retreat-goers, and 18% of nude cruisers plan to spend $5,000-$10,000 per person on the trip
- 17% of SKI trippers are going all out, budgeting over $10,000 per person
- 11% of luxury pet travelers are also spending over $10,000 per person
How are travelers planning their trips?
With so many options, planning a trip can be overwhelming. That’s why 33% of travelers are turning to travel advisors this year. Survey-takers chose the top 3 trip aspects they rely on agents for, ranked from most to least popular:
- Budget management – 25%
- Travel insurance – 23%
- Entire itinerary booking – 21%
- Destination suggestions – 21%
- Insider tips and perks – 19%
- Documentation help (visas, travel requirements, etc.) – 19%
- Local expertise – 18%
- 24/7 support for non-emergencies – 17%
- Group travel coordination – 14%
- Emergency support (flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical issues, etc.) – 14%
- Timing suggestions (best seasons to visit destinations) – 14%
- Advice on which travel trends are worth participating in – 13%
- Ensuring special requests are honored (dietary needs, accessibility, etc.) – 10%
Protect your trip–even the secret ones
From solo adventures to undercover splurges, Americans are spending more on travel than ever before–sometimes in ways they don’t want to admit. No matter what trend you’re hopping on, make sure to bring Faye’s whole-trip travel insurance along for the journey.
