The biggest travel trend predicted for 2025 is a return to nature, with travelers seeking out otherworldly marvels such as starling murmurations, Northern Lights, and bioluminescent plankton. Expedia Group’s latest trend report, Unpack ‘25, outlines eight predictions for the upcoming year based on global research and booking data. One of these predictions is the Phenomena List, which suggests that travelers will go to great lengths to witness natural wonders. The trend was sparked by the popularity of the total solar eclipse that occurred in North America in April, leading to a surge in bookings for rural, private holiday homes. The Northern Lights are expected to be a major attraction in 2025, with more accessible displays not only in traditional locations like Finland’s Lapland region, but also in countries like the UK, Germany, and Italy due to an intense phase of solar activity.
For those looking to experience other nighttime wonders, Expedia recommends visiting an International Dark Sky Park such as Arches National Park in Utah, USA, where visitors can marvel at over 2,000 natural stone arches under the stars. In Europe, Northumberland’s dark sky park is a great spot for aurora-chasing. The report also highlights bird-watching opportunities, such as the annual red-crowned crane ballet in Hokkaido, Japan, or the little penguin parade on Phillip Island near Melbourne, Australia. Closer to home in Denmark, the Black Sun starlings’ migration in the Wadden Sea National Park is a spectacular sight to behold. In the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, travelers can witness synchronous fireflies lighting up the night sky in a magical display.
Another natural phenomenon to look out for in 2025 is the bioluminescent plankton that lights up the waters in Vero Beach, Florida during the summer months. This mesmerizing display is also found in locations like Thailand, Jamaica, the Maldives, and the caves of Phang Nga Bay near Phuket. Expedia suggests exploring the Bay of Fundy in Canada for a unique experience walking on the ocean floor alongside cliffs containing a fossil record dating back 300 million years. The report encourages travelers to seek out these magical natural wonders for a truly unforgettable and immersive travel experience in 2025.
In conclusion, the travel trend for 2025 is a return to nature, with travelers seeking out once-in-a-lifetime experiences like witnessing the Northern Lights, bird-watching at unique locations around the world, and marveling at bioluminescent plankton. The trend was sparked by the popularity of natural phenomena such as the total solar eclipse in North America and the migration of the Northern Lights further south due to intense solar activity. From the skies to the seas, travelers are encouraged to explore the world’s most spectacular natural wonders for an immersive and unforgettable travel experience in 2025. Whether it’s witnessing starling murmurations, penguin parades, or the shimmering waters of bioluminescent plankton, the year ahead promises to be filled with awe-inspiring natural marvels waiting to be discovered.
