The top 5 travel trends of 2025

Written by Ute Junker for Australian Seniors

If it feels like everyone you know is booking a holiday, you’re not wrong. Tourism data says that 2025 will be the year the industry finally gets back to pre-pandemic numbers. But it’s not quite business as usual: what we want from our vacations has changed in the last few years. If you’re craving a more meaningful escape, read on to see how we’ll be travelling this year. 

1. Exploring new cultures

Hankering to immerse yourself in something completely different? You’re not alone. “There is a broader trend towards exploring diverse cultures, indicating a desire for deeper, more meaningful travel experiences,” says Toni Ambler, managing director of The Travel Corporation, the parent company of Trafalgar Tours and Insight Vacations. Discover our flying tips for senior travellers for your next trip.

2. Small group travel 

If you feel the lure of an exotic location but are a solo traveller, small group travel is the solution. Older travellers are signing up in big numbers, according to Sean Martin, managing director of G Adventures, Australia, NZ and Asia. “Small group travel offers a sense of safety and personal growth, as well as being a fun and social activity.  It’s a great way to connect with like-minded others, from all age groups and from across the globe,” he says.

3. Nature-based and wellness travel 

Demand for wellness travel keeps growing but you don’t need to head to a spa to be part of it. From walking holidays to renting a quiet cabin in the forest, nature-based holidays are booming.   

4. The slow travel trend 

Few trends have grown as quickly as slow travel. By taking your time and lingering longer in your chosen destination, you’ll get to enjoy the under-the-radar sights that most visitors miss.

5. Community connections

Travel is about making connections. We don’t just want to see a place – we want to meet the people and feel the energy. No wonder trips that connect us with local communities are more popular than ever before.

The top Australian travel destinations

Closer to home, Australian travellers are looking at new frontiers as well as old favourites. “We are seeing a greater interest in remote destinations like the Northern Territory,” says Kirsty Seikmann, CEO of luxury travel specialist, The Tailor. Add these in-demand destinations to your must-visit list. 

The Gold Coast

The old family favourite has become a great playground for grown-ups, with upmarket accommodation including five-star retreats and retro delights like The Pink Hotel, cultural attractions like HOTA (Home of the Arts), a lush hinterland and, of course, those beaches.

Northern Territory 

There’s a lot more to the northern NT than Kakadu. Browse Darwin’s First Nations art galleries, plunge into the delightful swimming holes of Litchfield Park, savour the deep cultural immersion of Arnhem Land or hike the six-day, 60km Jatbula Trail at Nitmiluk Gorge.

Adelaide

The city of Adelaide clocked some big tourism numbers in 2024 and promises to be just as exciting this year, with popular events including the Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide, LIV Golf Adelaide and the 25th anniversary of the Santos Tour Down Under, not to mention the nearby delights of the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.

Tasmania

The Apple Isle’s spectacular wilderness and rich history – both First Nations and convict – have long lured mainlanders. Visitors are now discovering much is packed into this small island, from a thriving arts and crafts scene to autumn’s glorious turning of the fagus, Tasmania’s famous deciduous tree.

Far North Queensland

If you think that just because you’ve done the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, you’ve done this region, think again. Cool off under the stunning waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands, drive the epic Savannah Way or marvel at the wild beauty of Cape York. 

Travel trends by the numbers

The Australian Seniors Series: Travel Trends Report 2022 finds …

• 40% of over 50s want historical/cultural experiences on holidays
• 35% prefer food and wine journeys
• 31% are looking for self-driving holidays 
• 28% book beach holidays