At Unwind Luxury Vacations, we know you plan trips to beautiful destinations for a whole host of reasons from traditional family vacations to college roommate reunions to business travel and more. And every single Unwind property is designed specifically for your comfort and relaxation, no matter the reason for your trip.
That said, the travel industry does anticipate some unique and exciting opportunities in 2025 to get people in the travelling spirit. In this blog we will take a look at a few of the trends shaping travel in 2025 and beyond!
According to the BBC, noctourism is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry.
Noctourism, also known as nighttime tourism, is a growing travel trend that emphasizes exploring destinations after dark. This form of tourism highlights the unique experiences and cultural activities that occur when the sun goes down, offering travelers a fresh perspective on cities, towns, and natural landscapes. From vibrant nightlife and illuminated landmarks to stargazing in remote areas, noctourism caters to those who want to experience the magic of a place in a new light—literally. Iconic examples include night safaris, after-dark museum tours, evening food markets, and nocturnal festivals. It’s a way to break free from the typical daytime itinerary and immerse oneself in the unique ambiance and activities that only come alive at night.
The appeal of noctourism lies in its ability to blend adventure, mystery, and serenity. For city travelers, it might mean marveling at a skyline glittering with lights, attending theater performances, or discovering local street food in bustling night markets. For nature lovers, noctourism can involve stargazing in dark-sky parks, witnessing bioluminescent phenomena, or embarking on guided nighttime hikes to encounter nocturnal wildlife. This trend is increasingly popular among those looking to avoid daytime crowds and experience a destination in a more intimate and often cooler environment. Moreover, noctourism often plays a role in sustainable travel, spreading tourist activities across a 24-hour period and easing the pressure on popular daytime attractions. Whether it’s the excitement of a buzzing city or the tranquility of a starlit wilderness, noctourism offers something extraordinary for every type of traveler.
If you are interested in experiencing vacation after the sun goes down, you might consider booking a stay in a one of these exciting Unwind destinations:
According to European tabloid, Conde Nast, “Expect to see enthusiastic readers descend on book festivals around the world in growing numbers, building on the record footfall seen at events such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the rising Helsinki Book Fair; the latter drew 98,000 people to the Finnish capital last year.”
Literature has the unique ability to transport readers to places they’ve never been, igniting a sense of curiosity and wanderlust that can inspire real-world travel. Through vivid descriptions of landscapes, cities, and cultures, books allow readers to imagine themselves walking along the cobblestone streets of Paris in A Moveable Feast, trekking through the moors of Yorkshire in Wuthering Heights, or exploring the bustling markets of Istanbul in The Museum of Innocence. These detailed settings not only create a vivid backdrop for the narrative but also serve as invitations to experience these destinations firsthand. The emotional connection forged between the reader and the setting often lingers long after the last page is turned, motivating them to seek out the places that once existed only in their imagination.
And if you’re simply looking for a great place to read a book in 2025 while on vacation, there’s no place like the beach! Check out these Unwind destinations on beautiful coastlines that just beg you to plop down and relax with a great book:
Hotel giant, Hilton, released their predictions for the trends that ought to shape travel in 2025 and leading their list is what they call “Go-Getaways.” In fact, according to Hilton, “[i]n 2025, 1 in 4 travelers plans to seek unique experiences, and 20% will aim for outdoor adventures.” A growing number of travelers love being active on vacation and want experiences that thrill!
“Go getaways,” or adventure vacations, are dynamic, action-packed trips designed for travelers who crave excitement and physical engagement. These experiences often include activities like hiking, kayaking, zip-lining, rock climbing, or even more adrenaline-fueled pursuits like white-water rafting or bungee jumping. Adventure vacations typically emphasize exploration and a deeper connection to nature, offering opportunities to step outside of one’s comfort zone and embrace thrilling challenges. They can range from guided tours in rugged terrains to DIY adventures tailored to personal interests. Perfect for individuals, couples, or families, go getaways combine fitness, fun, and unforgettable memories, making them ideal for those seeking more than a standard relaxation-based trip.
If a go-getaway is more your style, check out a few of our Unwind destinations that offer all the thrill and adventure you can pack into one trip:
Hot Springs, AR (Ouachita National Forest)
Finally, according to Skyscanner, there will be a number of literal cosmic events to inspire travel this year, most notably four opportunities to witness an eclipse:
March 13-14: total lunar eclipse
March 29: partial solar eclipse
September 7-8: total lunar eclipse
September 21: partial solar eclipse
Astro-tourism, or astronomical tourism, is a travel trend focused on exploring destinations with exceptional opportunities for stargazing and experiencing celestial events. It often involves visiting remote areas with minimal light pollution, such as dark-sky parks, observatories, and rural regions, where the night sky is vividly illuminated by countless stars, planets, and even the Milky Way. Popular activities include guided night sky tours, astrophotography, attending astronomical events like meteor showers or eclipses, and learning about space science. Astro-tourism combines natural beauty with scientific curiosity, offering travelers a unique way to connect with the universe.
As you’ve already read above, Unwind offers a whole host of destinations for stargazing and the rising trend of astro-tourism. As the events draw closer, be sure to check where the best destinations will be to observe them, and then book your luxury vacation home with us in order to get maximum joy out of the experience.
What Will Inspire You in 2025?
So what will make you pack your bags and visit another part of the world this year? Maybe something on the list above – noctourism, literature-inspired vacations, go-getaways, or celestial opportunities. Or, perhaps it will be something else entirely.
No matter what inspires you to travel this year, let Unwind Luxury Vacations be part of your journey. Our expertly-designed and curated homes will leave you in awe as well as ultimate comfort throughout your entire stay.
Check us out, and may 2025 be a year of wonderful adventures!
