FESTIVE BALCONY SPECIAL! Use code RUDOLPH at checkout to save £20 on all balcony cabins on cruises of 7nts or more!

  Family Business est. 1959
  Award Winning Agency
  Book Online or by Phone

Hottest Travel Trends For 2025

Hottest Travel Trends For 2025
27 Dec 2024
Orla Sutton
Destination Focused, Top Destinations, Travel Industry, Travel Trends 2025

As we step into 2025, the world of travel is experiencing a shift toward more meaningful, immersive, and luxurious adventures. Travellers today are seeking unique ways to explore the globe. With intimate cruises that redefine the concept of luxury and destinations that blend breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.

Cruising has always been a favourite mode of travel, but the travel trends in 2025 are being reimagined in exciting ways. Along with the giant ships carrying thousands of passengers. Travel trends in 2025 focus on smaller, more intimate ships and specialised experiences that cater to every type of traveller.

River Cruises

River cruising has emerged as one of the most serene and immersive ways to travel. Imagine floating down the Mekong River, with the lush landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia surrounding you. This journey gives you the exciting opportunity to deeply connect with local cultures. Stop in small villages, explore ancient temples, and taste traditional dishes prepared fresh by locals. Europe’s rivers also offer captivating itineraries. A cruise through Bordeaux takes you past world renowned vineyards, where you can indulge in wine tastings and exquisite cuisine. River cruises provide the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all while delivering spectacular views from your cabin window.

Fly Cruises

For those who value their time as much as the destination, fly-cruises are a game changer. Instead of embarking on lengthy journeys to reach the starting point of your cruise, fly-cruises allow you to skip straight to the heart of the adventure. Imagine flying directly to Alaska, where a luxury cruise ship awaits to take you through glacial fjords and untouched wilderness. With fly-cruises, you can explore remote regions like the Norwegian Fjords or Antarctica with ease, ensuring that every moment of your journey is spent soaking in the beauty of these destinations rather than in transit.

Small Ship Cruising

Small ship cruising offers an intimate, personalised travel experience that larger ships simply can’t match. These cruises often carry fewer than 200 passengers, creating a community like atmosphere where you can truly connect with fellow travellers and the crew. Small ships can navigate into ports and waterways inaccessible to larger ships, opening up opportunities to visit hidden gems and less travelled destinations. Picture yourself gliding into a secluded bay in the Canadian Rockies or exploring Monte Carlo’s exclusive harbours, all while enjoying world class amenities and tailored excursions.

Top Destinations for 2025

The world is brimming with incredible places to explore, and 2025’s top travel destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a lover of natural wonders, cultural richness, or vibrant city life, these travel trends for 2025 should be on your bucket list

Alaska

Alaska remains a dream destination for those who crave the raw beauty of nature. This state is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see whales breaching in icy waters, bears fishing for salmon, and bald eagles soaring overhead. A cruise along Alaska’s Inside Passage reveals towering glaciers, lush rainforests, and quaint coastal towns like Ketchikan and Juneau. For a truly immersive experience, opt for excursions that take you dog sledding across frozen tundras or kayaking in pristine bays surrounded by icebergs.

Canadian Rockies

Few places on Earth can rival the jaw dropping scenery of the Canadian Rockies. This region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking and wildlife spotting to luxurious train journeys that pass through snow capped peaks and turquoise lakes. Highlights include Banff National Park, with its iconic Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park, where stargazing under some of the darkest skies in North America is an unforgettable experience.

Norwegian Fjords

Norway’s fjords are among the most dramatic landscapes in the world. And a visit here feels like stepping into a postcard. These deep, glacially carved inlets are surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. Cruising through the fjords is a truly magical experience, as the ship navigates narrow waterways and brings you close to some of nature’s most stunning creations. Villages like Geiranger and Flam offer a glimpse into Norway’s rural charm. Outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking provide a closer connection to the land.

Antarctica

For the ultimate adventure, Antarctica stands unrivalled. This remote and untouched continent is a bucket list destination for travellers who want to experience the extraordinary. Expedition cruises take you past towering icebergs and vast glaciers, where you’ll witness colonies of penguins and seals in their natural habitat. Activities like ice kayaking and polar plunges add a thrilling edge to the experience. Travelling to Antarctica is not just a journey, it’s an adventure that will stay with you forever.

Vietnam and Cambodia

Southeast Asia continues to captivate travellers with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. A river cruise along the Mekong is the ideal way to explore Vietnam and Cambodia, offering a window into traditional ways of life. Stop at floating markets to sample local delicacies, explore ancient temples like Angkor Wat, and witness the vibrant energy of cities like Ho Chi Minh. The contrast between bustling urban centres and peaceful rural landscapes makes this region endlessly fascinating.

Bordeaux

For wine lovers, Bordeaux is a dream come true. This French region is renowned with some of the world’s finest wines, and a trip here is a treat for the senses. Embark on vineyard tours where you’ll learn about the art of winemaking, sample exquisite vintages, and enjoy gourmet meals paired with local wines. Beyond the vineyards, Bordeaux offers charming villages, historic chateaux’s, and a laid back ambiance that invites you to slow down and savor every moment.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is the epitome of glamour and sophistication. Nestled on the French Riviera, this tiny principality offers everything from luxury yachts and high end casinos to stunning Mediterranean views. Spend your days exploring the narrow streets of Monaco’s old town, relaxing on private beaches, or attending world class events like the Monaco Grand Prix. In the evening, dine at Michelin starred restaurants before trying your luck at the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.

New Orleans

Rich in history, culture, and music, New Orleans is a vibrant city that promises an unforgettable experience. Known as the birthplace of jazz, this city offers lively nightlife, colourful festivals, and mouthwatering Creole and Cajun cuisine. Stroll through the historic French Quarter. Take a cruise along the Mississippi River and immerse yourself in the rhythms of live jazz performances. With its unique blend of cultures and traditions, New Orleans is a destination like no other.

New York

No travel list is complete without New York City. As one of the most iconic cities in the world, New York offers something for everyone. Take in a Broadway show, visit world famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. Or explore its diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character. Start with high-end shopping on Fifth Avenue and make your way to cultural experiences in museums like the Met. New York remains a dynamic and ever evolving destination that continues to captivate visitors year after year.

The travel trends in 2025 reflect a growing desire for personalised, immersive experiences that prioritise quality over quantity. Whether you’re cruising through remote fjords, exploring bustling cities, or sipping wine in French vineyards. This year’s travel trends encourage us to connect with the world in deeper and more meaningful ways.

Feeling Inspired?

CALL OUR TEAM TO BOOK ON 02380 658 386

 Previous Blog

Enquire Now

Cruise Enquiry (Tprofile)
Please enter your contact details below and we will respond as soon as we can.
Would you like to be kept up to date with all the latest offers from Southampton Cruise Centre? *