Luxury Travel Trends to Watch for 2025

Our luxury network host, Virtuoso, recently surveyed members for the 2025 Luxe Report, a window into the major trends shaping the future of high-end travel. The report is out and full of fabulous insight! For the coming year, travelers are still keen to explore new places, enjoy life-changing experiences and connect with each other in meaningful ways, but they’re also looking to balance value with quality. While luxury travelers are willing to splurge, they’re attuned to the uptick in costs and want to ensure the investment truly enhances their trip overall.

Couple that with the fact that half of the members polled expect travel demand to go up slightly next year while 20 percent think it will see an even bigger jump, and it’s more helpful than ever to work with a trusted Travel Advisor who can help you maximize precious vacation days, navigate challenges with availability and crowding, and make your time together matter. Our Ciao Bambino team hand-curates travel recommendations from firsthand experience and real-time feedback from our clients — there’s no substitute for this kind of intel when it comes to designing an immersive itinerary that allows you to engage meaningfully with your destination. And because we’re part of the Virtuoso network, we have access to special offers and preferred benefits at Virtuoso properties worldwide, including complimentary upgrades upon availability, breakfast and resort credits, early check-in/late check-out and more.

Reach out to us for more details about our vacation planning service, and in the meantime, read on to see what’s noteworthy for next year! 

The Biggest 2025 Luxury Travel Trends from Virtuoso

As quoted directly from Virtuoso, here are the travel topics making news for 2025:  

1. Ice-olated Escapes: The “coolcation” trend shows no signs of slowing down, as more travelers request cold-weather destinations to escape the rising temperatures and avoid crowds. Antarctica, with its expanding cruise options and pristine, icy landscapes, has surged in popularity, climbing from fifth place last year to second among the top destinations to watch. Norway and Iceland also rank in the top five, reemphasizing the trend toward northern European countries. This shift is largely driven by climate change, with nearly half of advisors reporting that their clients are altering their plans due to its effects. Seventy-eight percent of advisors say clients are opting for shoulder season or off-peak travel, while 76 percent say they now favor destinations with more moderate weather — up five points from last year. 
2. Sailing Solo: Travelers seeking freedom and flexibility have no hesitation going it alone, and cruising is proving to be a key trend among the solo set, with expedition, ocean and river cruises ranking among the top travel experiences for the coming year. Promoting personal growth and self-reliance, solo cruising allows individuals to navigate new adventures at their own pace, while also enjoying camaraderie with other passengers if desired. Solo cruising can provide a sense of security, as small-ship cruises allow excursions alongside like-minded companions in more intimate groups. Many cruise lines now cater to solo voyagers with special deals, dedicated hosts and fun social activities, making it easier to connect with fellow passengers.
3. Born to be Mild: Adventure and wellness continue to be significant motivators, but in 2025, upscale travelers will pursue a harmonious balance of exhilaration and relaxation. While some venture to the extreme frontiers of Antarctica and Alaska for thrills, others are drawn to destinations like Morocco, Costa Rica and Bhutan, where physical activity meets holistic wellness practices. These “softer” adventures not only cultivate personal accomplishment but give travelers the chance to unwind and recharge, leaving them refreshed and ready for their next big adventure. 
4. You Tell Me Travel: Rather than sticking to well-worn bucket lists, travelers are finding new inspiration in documentaries, books, beloved films and recommendations from friends and family. TikTok remains a powerful influence, delivering rapid-fire clips of destinations previously overlooked. Yet nothing rivals the expertise of travel advisors, who report their clients are now reaching out to ask, “Where to next?” rather than naming a specific destination.
5. Palate and Place: Culinary experiences have become a crucial element of luxury travel, and globetrotters are prioritizing gastronomic discoveries that showcase the authentic local flavors and unique traditions of the places they visit. High-end visitors want meals that go beyond traditional dining, with an emphasis on experiences that immerse them in a destination’s culture through its cuisine — think food tours, hidden markets and one-of-a-kind eateries, like the best food trucks and street vendors. As a result, some advisors report spending weeks, even months, curating the ideal culinary immersion for their clients to savor.   

Top Travel Trends

1. Family travel (immediate family)
2. Celebration travel
3. Multigenerational family travel
4. Adventure cruising
5. Active travel

Destinations on the Rise

1. Portugal
2. Antarctica
3. Iceland
4. Norway
5. Morocco

Top Global Destinations

1. Italy
2. Greece
3. France
4. Japan
5. Croatia

Top Cities

1. Paris
2. Barcelona
3. Rome
4. London
5. Tokyo

Top Family Travel Destinations

1. Italy
2. Hawaii
3. Costa Rica
4. Greece
5. Japan

Top Adventure Destinations

1. Antarctica
2. Alaska
3. Iceland
4. South Africa
5. Costa Rica

Top Honeymoon Destinations

1. Italy
2. Greece
3. Bali
4. French Polynesia
5. Maldives

Top Cruise Itineraries

1. Mediterranean
2. Alaska
3. Greek Isles
4. Caribbean
5. Danube River

Top Aspects of Sustainable Tourism

1. Wildlife conservation/interaction
2. Avoiding overtouristed destinations
3. Booking with companies that employ locals
4. Giving back to/supporting local communities
5. Conservation of land/environment

Top Travel Motivations

1. Celebrating a milestone
2. Excitement of exploring a new destination
3. Rest and relaxation
4. Spending time with loved ones
5. Escaping foul weather

Top Solo Travel Experiences

1. Guided tours
2. Expedition cruising
3. Ocean cruising
4. River cruising
5. England

Relevant Links:

Let the planning begin! Our top 2025 travel destinations

18 summer vacations to take before your kids grow up

Pick your passion: Best family vacation spots for every interest

10 family vacations that will change kids forever

One family, 20 trips: Priceless memories from two decades of vacation planning with Ciao Bambino

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.