Expedia unveils game-changing travel trends for the upcoming year – SmartBrief

Expedia has launched its inaugural Unpack ’25 report, a comprehensive analysis that highlights the evolving motivations of travelers and their anticipated destinations for the upcoming year. Notably, this year’s report includes insights from UAE residents, coinciding with Expedia’s strategic expansion into the region.

Key insights from the Unpack ’25 Report

The Unpack ’25 report utilizes detailed travel data, insights from a survey of 25,000 travelers, and the latest industry trends to identify six significant travel trends expected to shape 2025. Among these, “Detour Destinations,” “Goods Getaways,” and “Set-Jetting” stand out as the primary trends influencing travel choices in the coming year. The report also emphasizes the growing interest in natural phenomena, such as eclipses and stargazing opportunities in Dark Sky Parks.

Rehan Asad, vice president of global markets at Expedia, expressed the company’s commitment to merging technology with travel: “The Unpack report is our opportunity to reflect on what travelers are seeking and how our partners are innovating.”

Detour destinations: Discovering hidden gems

In 2025, travelers from the UAE and around the globe are expected to seek out “Detour Destinations”  – – less crowded locales near popular tourist hotspots that offer unique experiences.  Forty-nine percent of UAE travelers indicated they were likely to explore these off-the-beaten-path locations during their next trip. The report identifies the top ten trending detours based on increased search activity on Expedia:

•  Reims, France (near Paris)
•  Brescia, Italy (near Milan)
•  Cozumel, Mexico (near Cancun)
• Santa Barbara, California, USA (near Los Angeles)
•  Waikato, New Zealand (near Auckland)
•  Girona, Spain (near Barcelona)
• Fukuoka, Japan (near Tokyo)
• Abu Dhabi, UAE (near Dubai)
• Krabi, Thailand (near Phuket)
• Canmore, Alberta, Canada (near Calgary)
• Goods Getaways: Curated Travel Experiences

The influence of social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, is evident in the rising trend of “Goods Getaways.” Travelers are now planning trips specifically to acquire unique products that are not locally available, from viral Korean skincare to artisanal French butter. The report reveals that *78% of UAE travelers choose destinations based on their ability to purchase items not found at home. Additionally, many travelers, particularly women (60%), are focused on finding small mementos from their journeys.

 Set-jetting: Traveling through entertainment

The concept of  “Set-Jetting”, where travelers draw inspiration from films and television series, has gained traction. Since its identification by Expedia in 2022, this trend continues to grow. According to the report, 75% of UAE travelers have allowed movies and shows to influence their travel decisions, with documentaries about sports and nature being particularly popular. The report forecasts high demand for destinations featured in popular series and films, including:

•  Paris, inspired by “Emily in Paris”
•  Dubai, inspired by “The Real Housewives of Dubai”
•  Japan, inspired by “Shogun”
•  Thailand, inspired by “The White Lotus”
•  Madrid, inspired by “Money Heist”
•  Egypt, inspired by “Tomb Raider”
•  New York, inspired by “And Just Like That”
•  South Korea, inspired by “Squid Game”

Broader trends on the horizon

Beyond these prominent trends, the report indicates that travelers are increasingly prioritizing convenience and relaxation. All-inclusive packages and hotel-based dining options, particularly those led by celebrity chefs, are becoming more appealing as they help reduce stress. Furthermore, a fascination with witnessing natural phenomena will drive travelers to seek experiences such as bioluminescent plankton sightings and the mesmerizing Northern Lights in 2025.

As the travel landscape evolves, these insights from Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report set the stage for an exciting new year filled with unique adventures and unforgettable experiences

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