Looking ahead to 2025, we’ve rounded up current luxury travel trends to catch your eye. Sustainability remains high on the agenda, while solo travel is on the up. The desire for unique and authentic moments that stand apart from the everyday has never been higher and the ‘wellness sabbatical’ is making headlines. To keep your finger on the pulse, here are some of the most important, intriguing, and surprising travel trend predictions for 2025, with insights from our travel experts.

For travel inspiration, take a look at our collection of small group luxury journeys for 2025 and beyond.

1. Top Trending Destinations

“Luxury travel means something different to everyone. It may be an extended stay in an 11th century Irish castle, exploring Egypt’s monuments in VIP style or taking a luxurious cruise on Croatia’s crystal waters,” says Ulla Hefel Böhler, Chief Operating Officer for Luxury Gold and its sister brands at The Travel Corporation. “Whatever your destination, the desire for personalization, customization and exclusivity remains constant. We consider Luxury Gold guests amongst the most discerning of high-end travelers, and it is interesting to see how they are influencing the travel sphere. 

“For Luxury Gold travelers in 2025, Europe remains a perennial favorite, particularly France with its timeless allure. The capital Paris is a huge draw, with guests eager to see the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, and then soak up the romantic charm of Nice and St Tropez on the French Riviera. A country at its most exquisite when seen through a local lens, other highlights of our journeys to France include a chauffeured 2CV experience in Provence, a traditional French cooking class with a Michelin-star chef and a private cruise in Calanques National Park. 

“Scandinavia is also an increasingly in-demand destination, with its cosmopolitan cities and awe-inspiring mountains and fjords. Winding through snow-covered peaks on the Flåm Railway, sustainable fine dining at Stockholm’s Fotografiska restaurant and an unforgettable hotel stay overlooking Norway’s spectacular Geirangerfjord all combine for a sought-after luxury Scandinavian vacation.  

“In South America, the mystique of Machu Picchu, the vast wilderness of Patagonia, and the vibrant energy of the tango all continue to attract luxury seekers, driving increased demand for exquisite escapes to Peru, Chile and Argentina. 

“Vietnam and India are also high on the list of popular destinations, each offering a rich array of experiences. From cruising through the iconic limestone formations of Ha Long Bay to discovering the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, both countries boast exceptional hotels, deep historical significance, and an abundance of cultural treasures.” 

You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

 2. Sustainable Travel Remains A Priority

As we are seeing every year, the thirst for sustainable travel continues unabated. In the Luxury space this is taking the form of a rise in supply and demand of eco-friendly accommodations – responsible travel without a compromise on comfort, and an increased focus on regenerative travel. This is travel that goes beyond minimizing negative impacts; it actively seeks to improve the destinations traveler’s visit.

Luxury Gold’s Sustainability Manager Lucie Dalilah explains, “Access to lesser known, yet fascinating places is a fundamental aspect of luxury travel. Authentic connections with local cultures have become increasingly cherished, enriching the travel experience in ways that go beyond mere indulgence.

“Through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, included on every journey, guest leave a positive impact and contribute to the future of the communities they visit. Whether dancing flamenco in Seville, Spain or meeting New Zealand’s kiwis, these experiences take you into the heart of your destination, with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. The feeling you get is priceless and the memories last forever.”

Bookmark for later: This New Zealand Forest Retreat Combines 5-Star Luxury with Sustainability

3. Solo Travel Is On The Up

Empowering you to explore the world on your own terms, solo travel for many is a transformative experience. Ever more popular amongst the luxury set, solo travel is now making up over 10% of bookings, an increase year on year. Not completely surprising, as reported by Infinity Business Insights, the solo travel market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% between 2023 and 2030. This makes it the largest growth segment in the global leisure travel market.

Whether you see it as means of fostering self-discovery, an impetus to step outside of your comfort zone, or simply as a way to personalize your vacation and spend some valuable me time, there is much to be said for traveling by yourself at any time in life.

However, going solo does not have to mean going it alone, with luxury group travel offering the perfect blend of comfort, security and independence. In fact, according to leading solo travel website Solo Traveler, 9 out of 10 solo travelers prefer to take tours all or some of the time. With the freedom to do your own thing, alongside like-minded people, with 5-star hotels and top-rated dining, why not hop on board this 2025 trend?

You may be interested to read:  7 Reasons Why Solo Travel Is The Ultimate Form Of Self-Indulgence

4. Thinking Ahead is Back

In 2024, many travelers were known for their last-minute planning, but for 2025, the trend is shifting back toward advance preparation. 35% of bookings are now being made more than 13 months in advance, indicating that travelers are eager to secure their future luxury getaways well ahead of time. In contrast, those who opt to book within the 0 to 7-month window currently represent only 15% of total bookings. This resurgence in proactive planning reflects a growing desire among travelers to thoughtfully plan their experiences and ensure they don’t miss out on desirable destinations and places to stay.

5. Cruises Are High On The Wishlist

Analysis of search data reveals that ‘cruises’ are experiencing a 21% year-on-year increase, a significant feature in the luxury travel market. “The ease and indulgence of a luxury cruise never goes out of style,” says Luxury Gold’s Travel Experiences Manager EMEA, Karen Gower. “Fine dining on deck, sumptuous suites and a dazzling itinerary of stops and activities, what’s not to love!

“There are some destinations that simply must be seen from both water and land, to be fully appreciated, Croatia being a great example. The stunning Dalmatian Coast lends itself perfectly to cruising, with sparkling waters, golden sands and numerous beautiful islands to stop at and explore. Whilst on land the national parks and ancient cities are also not to be missed, so combining a cruise with a land tour portion also gives the best of both worlds on our Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey.  Guests can also enjoy a fabulous cruise in Egypt on our Elegance of the Nile.”

Discover what it is like on a Luxury Gold cruise:  Beauty Beyond Words: Past Guest Sal On Cruising Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

6. Spa Holidays Drive Wellness Tourism

With wellness firmly atop the agenda still, searches for ‘spa holidays’ are up 52%. Not altogether surprising as wellness tourism continues to be one of the fastest-growing travel segments, with the global wellness economy projected by the Global Wellness Institute to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027.

Now less an add-on and more a focus of travel, combining luxurious accommodations with the ultimate pamper-fest is the way to go. Alongside this, the conventional perception of sabbaticals (think backpacking and budget hostels) is also undergoing a transformation. Luxury sabbaticals are now becoming increasingly popular, emphasizing immersive experiences that prioritize wellness and personal growth, and making the most of some sensational hotels and wellness facilities.

You may also enjoy: Skip The Jacuzzi and Brave the Ice Bath: Industry Insider Joanna Moran Reveals Her Top Spa Secrets

Other Luxury Travel Trends In The News:

7. Increased Desire For Comfort In The Skies

More people are paying for higher grade air seats – people are showing an increasing willingness to pay for more comfort and a better experience in airplanes. To minimize time spent in uncomfortable or crowded areas, those looking to avoid long waits are increasingly booking access to private lounges or choosing the latest and most luxurious lounge options available at airports worldwide, according to a recent Smartflyer report.

Bookmark for later: Flying First Class: The Luxury Gold First-Timer’s Guide

8. Capturing EVERY Moment In High Quality

A new report from Virtuoso and Globetrender spotlights ‘Memoirs in Motion’ as a key trend set to shape the luxury travel landscape in 2025. Luxury travelers are increasingly casting themselves in their own personal documentaries, generating demand for professional film crews who can accompany them on special journeys and expeditions.

They describe how this trend “reflects a growing desire for personalized storytelling and the preservation of memories in dynamic and visually stunning formats, elevating travel experiences.” One to consider extending the budget for!

If these luxury vacation trends have inspired you to think about your next journey, take a look at our worldwide collection of limited-edition tours.

Want to get ahead of the travel pack? The hot travel trends and destinations are already forming for next year, from the safari scene to ultra-luxe hotel openings, active pursuits and top destinations. If you’re looking for the best luxury vacations to book, here’s your starter’s guide. Wild, unspoiled nature and low formality are two things that will set the tone, says the founder of trend forecasting website Globetrender, Jenny Southan. “Sometimes when people are investing a lot in a trip, it can create a lot of pressure,” she explains. “When everyone is in a relaxed state of mind then time together becomes more enjoyable.” From hotel merchandise to padel games, here are some of the top trip styles and places to travel in 2025.

1. The “it” hotel

One of the top trends Jenny has noticed is what Globetrender is calling “hotel hotlisting”. “High-net-worth travellers are chasing new hotel openings around the world to tick off, and in so doing may find themselves exploring places they hadn’t considered before,” she explains. Some of her top openings to watch in luxury vacation destinations for 2025 include the Corinthia Bucharest in Romania, Six Senses Papagayo in Costa Rica and One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana. Luxury Gold’s tours tick off many of the most sought-after hotels on the planet: your hotel hotlist might include Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, at Argentina’s Iguassu Falls (the Grand South America tour), South Africa’s striking Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (Spectacular South Africa), and Ireland’s Ashford Castle (Castles & Kingdoms tour).

Brazil’s Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, by Iguassu Falls, might make your hotel hotlist

2. Accessible safaris

Safaris are for everyone – or they should be. Jenny points to a leader in this field – Ximuwu Lodge, in South Africa’s Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – as a pioneer of accessible safaris. Ximuwu’s vehicles are adapted for wheelchair users, as well as its lodge bedrooms, pool, corridors and communal areas; there are mobile ramps to access wildlife hide locations, strategically positioned for optimal lighting so all visitors can capture great images of the Big Five.

3. Nature for family bonding

Some of the best luxury vacations for the year ahead will be in naturally bountiful nations, says Jenny. “Nature-based retreats trump cities, for example. And less formality will enable everyone to feel more relaxed than white glove service,” she observes. “The emphasis will be on time together as a family – not leaving your children in a kids’ club all day, or with a nanny. In Italy, the Borgo Egnazia hotel is organising ‘Family Happiness Breaks’, for example.” Whether nature immersion means rugged National Parks or white sand beaches to you, think about getting the family out to an outdoors-focused destination such as Norway, Ireland or Australia.

National Parks like Banff in Alberta, Canada, could be the place for your next family vacation

4. Padel in paradise

Luxury vacation destinations are getting sporty with the latest fitness trends. “We have identified a trend for ‘Racketeering’, whereby people are seeking out hotels and resorts where they can play tennis and other popular racket sports, such as padel and pickleball,” says Jenny. Even the billionaires are at it. “Necker Island, Richard Branson’s resort in the British Virgin Islands, recently installed new padel and pickleball courts, while other high-end properties and cruise ships are following suit. Unlike tennis, padel courts are smaller and the games are easier to master. Plus they’re social,” says Jenny. 

5. The screen-inspired trip

“Nantucket on the US east coast and luxury Thailand will be big due to ‘jet setting'”, says Jenny – the two destinations feature in new Netflix show The Perfect Couple, starring Nicole Kidman, and the upcoming series of The White Lotus respectively. Other inspiration for 2025’s best luxury vacations will be the upcoming film Paddington in Peru and the Mediterranean island of Malta, which served as a location for both Jurassic World Rebirth and the highly anticipated Gladiator II. For southeast Asian serenity, White Lotus style, try Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Indochina itinerary; for Paddington worthy landscapes, book Treasures of the Incas.

6. Winter sun outside the box

New openings in classic locations such as the Seychelles will be big for next year, says Jenny, who cites the new Cheval Blanc in the islands as one of the most exciting openings on her radar. A Four Seasons is also coming to Belize, putting this less well-trodden Latin American destination on the luxury map. “I saw that Bahrain is promoting itself as a winter sun holiday destination,” she adds, “and there are a number of new luxury hotels opening on Saudi Arabia’s Red sea coast”. Get ahead of the high-end travel crowd by booking less obvious winter sun destinations before everyone else gets there.

Ancient spa practices from Cambodia to India will inspire wellness trips

7. Wearable hotels

One huge travel trend in the hospitality world is luxury merchandise, says Jenny. “More and more luxury hotels are jumping on the ‘shoppable stays’ trend, where they launch highly covetable branded merchandise, fashion apparel, sports gear and homeware. These are often in partnership with couture brands such as Dior and Fendi, but also the likes of Lacoste and Superga,” she says. “Pioneers include the One&Only and Four Seasons groups, as well as Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Marbella’s Puente Romano Beach Resort, the Beverly Hills in LA, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua in Lake Como.” 

8. South America for digital nomads

South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Colombia are emerging as the new digital nomad destinations, Globetrender has found. Good value living costs, sunshine, nature and vibrant communities are all thought to be draws for the world’s wealthy entrepreneurs -and where the working-from-abroad crowd goes, the luxury travellers will follow. Some of the best luxury vacations for 2025 can be found in magical Peru, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. See the best of the Latin American continent on Luxury Gold’s epic, 23-day Grand South America tour.

9. Authentic spa destinations

Tapping into historical spa and healing practices will be a big trend of 2024, say Jenny and Globetrender – they recently reported on the Skjol bathing ritual you can experience in Iceland. In terms of the best luxury vacations, the world’s top spa destinations will include India for Ayurvedic practices (the luxe hotels on the Imperial Rajasthan tour have you covered), Peru’s Inkaterra lodges for ancient medicinal treatments (Treasures of the Incas) and Cambodia and Laos for steam baths, meditation and massage (Inspiring Indochina).

10. Fabulous rail journeys

Taking the train will be a core part of the luxury experience in 2025, says Jenny – going on recent Globetrender reports of The Vietage train’s new experiences in Vietnam, and champagne catering on Belmond’s luxury trains in Singapore and Europe. Bucket-list rail experiences abound in Luxury Gold’s itineraries: from Switzerland’s mountain scenery aboard the Glacier Express to Norway’s Flam Railway and Japan’s iconic bullet trains, you can ride the rails in style on several continents.

New Zealand experiences often top the must-do travel lists — and with good reason. From adventures in nature to sipping nature’s bounty, there’s no shortage of things to do in New Zealand. These are our top five once-in-a-lifetime experiences to experience on your New Zealand tour. 

Adventure in nature

It may come as no surprise that exploring New Zealand’s rich landscapes makes the top of our list. Our 19-day tour will immerse you in all of these rich New Zealand adventures. Take to the water for a serene cruise of Milford Sound’s Lake Manapouri lined with plummeting waterfalls, coves and beaches dotted along its shore. This magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park’s forest-clad mountains and islands is a must-do on any trip to The Long White Cloud. You’ll also cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight watching the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters. For adrenaline junkies, zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin on a Haast River jet boat safari. 

Stay at the ultimate nature retreat at Milford Sound Lodge. 

There’s plenty to discover on land, too. Understand what the ice age must have felt like experiencing the mighty natural wonder and grand scale of the Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll also visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system. Discover the world’s largest hot spring, volcanic crater lakes and the most incredible flora and fauna that have been untouched by man as you stroll along boardwalks.

Uncover Māori culture

When asking yourself “what to do in New Zealand?” experiencing the indigenous Māori culture is probably at the top of your list. You’ll have the opportunity to do just that on a visit to Tamaki Māori Village in Rotorua. Through this immersive experience, dine on a hearty and delicious meal warmed by the earth with a uniquely prepared Hāngī feast. Hāngī meals are made of meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam. As you dine, witness a captivating live cultural performance showcasing honored traditions, stories, songs and performing arts. See the fierce ‘Haka’ (war dance), action dances and stick games. This sensory evening will delight you with the magic of Māori storytelling and culture set deep within the forest. 

@laxmiii_sbdr

Sip and Savor

Most seasoned travelers will agree day trips in New Zealand must include a little wine tasting. Embark on a boutique wine-tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region. Here you’ll sample the area’s finest Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc.  

Our tours even treat you to a dinner and wine pairing at Hawke’s Bay Craggy Range Winery with an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant. Taking in the grandeur of Te Mata Peak and feast on local produce as you drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards. You’ll also learn how this family-owned winery began with a search to start a winery in France, the U.S., Australia and finally the exceptional climate of New Zealand.    

More of a beer connoisseur? Sample some of Dunedin’s best local brews on an exclusive tour and tasting session at Emerson’s Brewery. You’ll witness each stage of the process as you’re guided behind the scenes from malt room to bottling at this award-winning microbrewery. 

National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa Visit

Add going behind-the-scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa to your collection of New Zealand experiences. Meet the kiwi at this working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. This has become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, and the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. After your visit, you’ll understand how the nursery and hatchery is leading the conservation efforts of the national icon. You may even get to see a newly hatched kiwi chick. 

New Zealand, Wellington, North Island,

Waitomo Cave Visit with Private Boat Tour

Perhaps one of the most unexpected – and enchanting — New Zealand experiences is an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave. You’ll tour the subterranean Waitomo Cave where you’ll be guided through the extensive network. The highlight is meeting the local glowworms that light up the cavern. Enter the cave through a natural chasm. Then view these fascinating glowing creatures as you glide quietly on a private tour by boat through the underground cave. You’ll even view the bones of one of New Zealand’s lost treasures, the ancient Moa. 

@waitomocaves

A true Kiwi lover? Learn about Six Stunning Filming Locations To See In New Zealand and a World-class jockey who turned into a hands-on sustainable farmer.