This is the year to shake up your travel plans and explore the extraordinary. From active road trips to astrotourism, 2025 is the year of unique travel trends and unconventional travel. Here are the coolest travel trends and hottest destinations so you can plan your next getaway or vacation.
Active Adventure: Take Your Road Trip to the Next Level
Road trips aren’t just about logging miles on the road filled with quick pit stops and photo ops anymore. This year, focus on active adventures that get your heart racing and your feet moving during your trip.
West Texas Road Trip: Hiking and Stargazing Adventure
- Backpacking in Big Bend National Park: An overnight hike in the Chisos Mountains to the South Rim offers breathtaking views. Join a guided trip with Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company, which provides gear rentals and expert guidance for day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. While hikes to the uber popular Window and Santa Elena Canyon are fabulous, you get Big Bend’s true splendid isolation during a backpacking adventure.
- Explore Terlingua Ghost Town: No trip to Big Bend is complete without some time in Terlingua. The ghost town is quirkly and lively. Grab a breakfast burrito at La Posada Milagro. Devour the fish tacos while listening to live music at the iconic Starlight Theatre. Take a self-guided historic walking tour through Terlingua and end with wandering through the ghost town’s cemetery.
- More Stops in West Texas: Hike above history at Fort Davis National Historic Site. From 1854 to 1891, it was a frontier military post. Swim or snorkel at Balmorhea State Park, the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pole. and stargaze at the McDonald Observatory’s Star Party. Don’t miss the roadside attraction of the Prada Store art installation near Valentine. Spend a night in Marfa so you can hopefully see the mysterious Marfa Lights.
Where to Stay:
- For a budget friendly and cool accommodation, stay at Terlingua Nights Cabins.
- Historic Hotel Limpia is perfect for your stargazing night in Fort Davis.
- Enjoy the a soak in the cowboy tank during a stay at the boutique hotel Lincoln Marfa.
- Splurge on a luxurious night’s rest at the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon.
Female Group Adventures: Thrills and Togetherness
Solo female travel has paved the way for a new trend in 2025: female group adventure travel. Forget the typical girls’ trip—these are thrill-seeking adventures and treks to bucket-list destinations.
Machu Picchu, Peru: Only Women Trek Tours
- Book an all-female trek with Alpaca Expeditions to this iconic destination.
- Tour is only women including guide, chef, and porters.
- Explore the Salkantay Trail, an alternative route to Machu Picchu with fewer crowds but equally stunning scenery as Inca Trail.
- Trek tour includes a day exploring the Sacred Valley, hike to Humantay Lake, tour of coffee plantation, cooking class, and stays in glass roof cabanas, tents, hobbit houses.
Night Tourism: The Rise of Astrotourism
Dark skies and celestial wonders are capturing the imaginations of travelers everywhere. Discover the magic of night tourism, also called astrotourism or noctourism, in one of the best spots in the U.S. Go for the night skies, but spend days exploring the lively city and southern Arizona.
Tucson, Arizona: Astrotourism Epicenter
- University of Arizona’s Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter: The Schulman 32” Telescope is the largest in the world dedicated to public access.
- Saguaro National Park: It’s one of only 11 Urban Night Sky Places globally. There are two units both less than 20 minutes from downtown Tucson for easy access to hike during the day and stargaze at night.
- More to Explore: Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to explore their zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum. Dive into science at Biosphere 2. For more ideas check out the article I wrote for AAA Trip Canvas on What to Do During a Winter Escape to Tucson.
- Tucson’s unique status as the first city in the United States designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy makes it a feast for foodies too.
Slow Travel: Bucket List Destinations Reimagined
Slow travel is trending, and it’s not just about soaking up the vibe—it’s about staying longer to savor every moment. That also includes staying longer at bucket list destinations. Take your turn seeing iconic spots then explore the region to discover some additional gems.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Go Beyond the Falls
- Start your visit with a guided walking tour of the falls followed by an afternoon ride with Zambezi Helicopter Company for a bird’s eye view of the iconic falls.
- Cross into Zambia for a morning safari in Mosi au Tunya National Park followed by an exhilarating boat ride on the Zambezi River to take a dip at Devil’s Pool and lean over the legendary falls.
- Have lunch at Lookout Cafe then shop the artisan village at Elephant Walk for unique finds.
- Stay at Elephant Camp, a luxurious safari experience just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria Falls.
- Extend your stay in the region for bush adventures and take a quick 15-20 minute flight to Hwange Bush Camp for a walking safari experience in Hwange National Park.
Oenotourism: Unexpected Wine Destinations
Wine travel is getting a shake-up with oenophiles exploring lesser-known regions.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Explore Mexico’s Wine World
- Sip and swirl at wineries just 30 minutes from this stunning city known for its vibrant food scene, historic architecture, and rooftop cocktail bars.
- Go for a late morning tasting at Tres Raices followed by a phenomenal lunch at the winery.
- Enjoy bubbles sipping sparkling wine at La Santisma Trinidad
- Eat your way through San Miguel at The Restaurant and Quince
- Indulge in a spa treatment at Sense followed by a rooftop dinner with a view at Luna in the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
- Savor San Miguel’s coffee scene trying multiple coffee shops like Ki’Bok Coffee
- For a complete guide, check out article I wrote for AAA Trip Canvas on 9 of the Top Things to do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Bonus Trends to Watch
Looking for even more inspiration? Here are some additional trends making waves in 2025:
- Multigenerational Travel: Family trips that cater to all ages.
- Luxury Train Travel: The journey becomes just as exciting as the destination.
- Cowboy Culture Tourism: Saddle up and immerse yourself in the Wild West.
- Sophisticated Airport Lounges: Travel in style before your flight.
2025 is the year to push boundaries and explore destinations in new, exciting ways. Whether you’re hitting the road, trekking the Andes, or sipping wine in Mexico, adventure is calling. Where will your wanderlust take you?