Travel & Events in 2025: What’s Hot, What’s Not & Why It Matters
Let’s be real - 2025 is a wild mix of excitement and uncertainty. People are prioritizing experiences over stuff, craving real connections, and seeking meaning in what they do. But at the same time? The world is messy. Climate change, economic chaos, and rising safety concerns (especially for marginalized communities) are making it clear that not everyone gets to move through the world the same way.
So what’s happening? What’s trending, what’s changing, and what should you keep in mind when travelling or planning your event? Let’s dive deeper.
The World is Unhinged, But Travel is Thriving
Even with inflation, climate anxiety, and global political chaos people are still going places. Visit Sweden reports that 80 million travelers have their eyes on Sweden, and global tourism numbers are climbing fast. Meanwhile Eventbrite’s 2025 Trends Report calls this ”The Year of Opportunity”, with people going all in on live events, festivals, and shared experiences.
But here’s the thing: Not everyone feels safe traveling. For trans and non-binary travelers, BIPOC, and other marginalized groups, the world isn’t just unpredictable - it’s dangerous in some places.
So yeah, travel is growing, but so is the divide between WHO gets to experience the world freely and who doesn’t.
Travel & Event Trends that Matter in 2025
Real over Perfect: The Search for Authenticity
We’ve hit peak instagram aesthetic, and people are over it. The vibe for 2025? Experiences that actually mean something.
What’s Hot?🔥
Boutique hotels & Guesthouses.
Deep cultural immersion: cooking with locals > another sightseeing tour.
Off-the-grid destinations: goodbye big cities, hello to treehotels.
Events: personal, immersive, and intentional.
Wellness Travel & The Art of Doing Less
Burnout is real, travel is now more than ever - about recharging, slowing down, and choosing joy over chaos.
What’s Hot? 🔥
Silent travel: less noise, more nature, fewer distractions
Noctourism: stargazing, nighttime hikes, and dark-sky camping is ✨the vibe✨.
Slow travel: longer stays, fewer planes.
Events: more chill zones, sensory-friendly spaces, and unplugged moments. 24/7 overstimulation is over.
Safety & Inclusivity - A Growing Divide
The world is getting more connected AND more divided at the same time. Some countries are pushing for more inclusion, while others are actively rolling back rights.
What’s Getting Worse? 🚨
Anti-LGBTQ+ laws: some places are making it unsafe (or even illegal) to exist as yourself.
Border & airport stuggles: Gender marker issues, TSA drama, and discrimination is real.
Rising hate crimes
What You Can Do 💡
As a destination, hotel, or event organiser you can step up and prioritize inclusivity & safety. Show what you care for.
Create resources & guides for navigating travel safely.
Make sure your event is inclusive, diverse, and safe.
AI-Powered Travel & The Sustainability Glow-Up
As mentioned in my previous post, sustainability isn’t just a vibe, it’s a requirement. And so is convenience and personalization - this is where AI-driven travel planning comes in.
What’s Hot? 🔥
AI trip planners: custom itineraries based on your exact preferences.
Eco-conscious booking: If you say you’re sustainable, prove it.
Smart itineraries: tech making slow, low-impact travel easier to plan.
Events: AI-driven ticketing, flexible payment options, carbon footprint tracking.
Takeaways
The biggest takeaway? People are craving connection, safety, and experiences that aligns with their values. If you’re planning to travel - or hosting an event - you gotta move with intention.
Make it personal: curated, tailored, and immersive experiences.
Safety & inclusivity aren’t optional: transparent policies, diverse teams, line-ups, and actual action.
Tech should help, not replace: AI is cool, but real human connection is cooler.
Sustainability needs to be legit: no greenwashing, only real transparent impact.
Final Thoughts
2025 is a defining year for travel & live experiences. People want to move, explore, and create core memories - but they also want to feel safe, seen, and valued. The brands, destinations, and event organisers that get this balance right will be the ones that thrive.
So before you plan that trip or launch that event, ask yourself:
Does this actually feel meaningful?
Am I making inclusivity & sustainability a real priority?
How can I use travel & events as a tool for connection - not only consumption?
Because in a world that’s constantly changing, experiences that actually matter will always win.
