As we wrap up this year, we’re uncovering some fresh insights into the travel dynamics of 2024 and catching glimpses of how they might ripple through 2025. Imagine this: two out of three of us have either met or exceeded our travel goals this past year. What comes next, you ask?
A survey by Club Wyndham of 2,000 U.S. travelers had some surprises. About 43% stuck to their plans, while 23% took even more trips. They’ve been busy, checking places off their bucket lists.
But travel isn’t just about the destinations. It’s about understanding our choices and experiences in 2024 to prepare for 2025 travel.
We’ve spent more on our top three trips: two planned ones and one surprise. On average, solo trips cost us $1,532 and trips with friends or family cost $1,598, totaling about $4,600.
Looking forward? Most people, seven in ten, plan to keep this travel enthusiasm going into 2025.
We’re getting smart about budgeting too. Half of us have travel savings, averaging $2,515, and one in seven has over $5,000 saved. Talk about smart planning!
Our travel habits are changing, with almost twice as many choosing to drive instead of fly in 2024 (40% vs. 26%).
The classic American road trip was the favorite this year, claiming 40% of travel styles, followed by relaxing trips with no schedule (22%) and multigenerational trips (21%). In 2025, it looks like the open road will still be popular at 34%, and short getaways are staying strong, with 17% planning quick trips.
Family trips remain a hit, with 61% of American travelers excited about them for next year.
Who do we prefer traveling with? Partners lead the way! Around 46% choose traveling with partners, which beats solo travel, although going solo still has its fans (14% vs. 18%).
New travel styles are catching on. “Home-away-from-home” travel is popular with 18%, and off-season exploring is rising at 17%. The trend towards cozy, family trips is setting our focus for 2025: comfort, adventure, and close connections.
Local travel will likely stay popular in 2025 (24%), maybe because 60% of us see there are still new places to discover nearby.
Plans for trips in 2025 show a shift in priorities, with travel costs being important to 52% and choosing destinations important to 49%.Smart travelers spread their trips over the year—58% do this to keep their excitement alive, while 28% prefer to group their trips together.
June (28%) and July (27%) are best for 2025 adventures, though March (16%) and December (15%) also have their fans.
Those who enjoy less busy times like better weather (42%) and celebrating events (28%), while others love avoiding the crowds (27%).
And it’s not surprise that 30% of us can’t wait for early trips, planning to go even before spring has sprung this coming year.
So what are 10 of the most popular travel trends for 2025?
- Road trips — 34%
- Slow travel — 24%
- Home-away-from-home (visiting somewhere that offers the comforts of home in a new destination) — 18%
- Multi-generational family trips — 18%
- Off-season travel — 17%
- Microcations (trips that are four days or less) — 17%
- Immersive travel (having intimate, local interactions and authentic cultural experiences) — 16%
- “Experience economy” (Visiting a location because of the experiences, not the destination) — 15%
- Solo travel — 14%
- Staycations (traveling very close to home) — 13%
Takeaways
The travel world is changing, and travelers are taking charge. They’re not just checking off destinations; they’re looking for the feelings and experiences that come with each place. It’s kind of like creating their own story of exploration and learning. New trends like immersive travel, slow travel, and the experience economy show a move toward personal and meaningful adventures.
But even as people dream of distant landscapes, there’s a charm in staying close to home. Staycations and cozy getaways are gaining popularity. Sounds like a mix, right? Today’s travelers want both excitement and comfort, finding a balance between the new and familiar.
If you’re planning future trips, think flexibility, empathy, and sustainability. These aren’t just stats; they’re a map to what different travelers want. These days, many of us make travel a big part of our budgets. Looking at these trends can help—whether we’re designing travel deals or planning our own trips.
So, where is your compass pointed?
About Puzzle Partner
Puzzle Partner is a marketing agency focused exclusively on the complex B2B initiatives of hospitality and travel technology innovators. By combining industry expertise, strategic thinking, and passion for delivering exceptional results, the agency helps clients achieve their business objectives and stay ahead in competitive markets. With its deep understanding of the hospitality and travel sectors, Puzzle Partner has established itself as a trusted advisor to leading global brands. The agency’s insights and holistic methodologies have helped clients navigate the evolving marketing landscape, maximize brand exposure, and drive revenue growth.
To learn more, visit puzzlepartner.co.
Ivana Johnston
Puzzle Partner
Puzzle Partner Ltd.
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