Summer’s in full swing and with it comes the familiar itch to get away – as well as fresh consumer travel trends. This year, people aren’t just looking for a break. They want something that means something.
Thanks to our TravelIQ data, we’ve seen the shift firsthand. Today’s travelers aren’t chasing postcard moments. They’re chasing connection and a story worth telling when they come home.
Here are the consumer travel trends shaping 2025 based on predictive insights from PeopleCore. And for even more data-driven travel insights, download our complete Research Report: Understanding Modern Travel Trends by clicking here.
Wellness Is the New Luxury
Luxury doesn’t always look like a five-star hotel. For a growing number of people, it looks like quiet. Like good sleep. Like peace.
Wellness travel has grown beyond facials and massage tables. It’s become something deeper—a full-body, full-mind reset. We’re talking magnesium mocktails, silent retreats, long hikes, and hammocks without a Wi-Fi signal in sight.
And it’s not just a niche interest:
- Men are nearly 34% more likely than women to travel for wellness reasons.
- Travelers aged 29–44 are 63% more likely to seek peace by the water.
- And those aged 18–28? They still want cultural depth, but they’re also 200% more likely to book all-inclusive stays. They want the comfort baked in.
Even solo travelers are leaning in. Single consumers are 52% more likely to book all-inclusives, suggesting they value simplicity, ease, and maybe a breakfast buffet that comes with no small talk.
Food and Values Go Hand-in-Hand
In 2025, food is more than a perk of travel. It’s often the reason for going in the first place!
Consumers who follow vegan diets are 95% more likely to travel for culinary experiences. They’re booking trips with their tastebuds, perhaps chasing plant-based innovations from Mexico City’s food stalls or Barcelona’s vegan tapas tours.
Not only that, but food-motivated travelers also spend big! Organic grocery shoppers are likely to spend nearly 51% more on domestic travel per year than the average consumer. And it should be no surprise that they are 130% more likely to spend that money on culinary-driven experiences.
For these travelers, meals aren’t just meals. They’re part of their identity, and a way of living out your values on a plate.
And if that jackfruit tostada is worth the flight, well… that’s the point.
Cruises? Gen Z Isn’t on Board
For younger travelers, the cruise ship has lost its charm.
Gen Z is 73% less likely to book a cruise compared to the average traveler. They see cruises as inflexible, overly packaged, and too far removed from real local life.
Instead, they’re looking abroad and are 59% more likely to take an international trip than the average consumer with the most interest in adventure and wellness experiences.
For marketers, that means the real opportunity isn’t on the open sea—it’s in crafting globally-minded, experience-first campaigns that speak to Gen Z’s desire for authenticity, autonomy, and adventure.
Spontaneous Travelers Looking for a Thrill
Some people plan months in advance. Others check flight prices, see a deal, and book it before lunch.
People with spontaneous traits are 150.5% more likely to travel for adventure. They’re thrill-seekers by nature—drawn to the rush of canyon zip lines, jungle hikes, or last-minute flights because they saw a good deal.
It’s spontaneous. It’s emotional. And it’s a segment worth paying attention to if your brand speaks to the bold.
Status Still Matters—for Some
For luxury travelers, the travel experience starts long before arrival. It starts at the gate.
These folks aren’t just collecting destinations. They’re collecting perks. Our data shows they’re 196.2% more likely to carry an airline-branded credit card—because access, upgrades, and early boarding matter. And it seems they are racking up the sky miles by spending nearly 62% more on domestic travel than the average consumer annually.
They’re not picking the cheapest room. They’re booking the one with a private plunge pool and a curated scent menu. They align with brands that understand their lifestyle and reward it in ways that feel personal.
Consumer Travel Trends: The Real Takeaway
Consumer travel trends in 2025 aren’t just about where people are going—it’s about why. For today’s travelers, the journey is personal. They’re not just looking to escape; they’re seeking authenticity, connection, and something that feels worth the time and investment.
If you’re in the business of travel, marketing, or consumer insight, the takeaway is simple:
Don’t just promote the place. Understand the person.