2025 travel trends you need to know about

Experience the Wild West

Picture this: vast open plains, rugged mountains, and the sound of hooves as you ride into the sunset. Welcome to ‘Cowboy Core’, a travel trend tapping into your inner cowboy or cowgirl. Inspired by the resurgence of TV westerns and the ever-growing popularity of country music, Cowboy Core is taking over as one of the hottest travel trends of 2025.

The United States is home to some of the most iconic cowboy destinations, with Montana and Wyoming being some of our top picks for those seeking an authentic ranch experience. Here, you can immerse yourself in the cowboy lifestyle, learning to ride horses and cook over an open fire. You might even find yourself staying at a working ranch, where you can participate in day-to-day activities and enjoy the camaraderie of the ranch hands.

Unplug and rejuvenate

In today's fast-paced world, it's essential to take a step back and focus on your well-being. That's where ‘Reset Retreats’ come in. These travel experiences are designed to help you unplug, recharge, and rejuvenate, making them a perfect fit for those seeking a healthier, more mindful lifestyle in 2025. Whether it's yoga and meditation, hiking through serene landscapes, or indulging in spa treatments, these retreats provide an escape from everyday life.

Bali is renowned for its lush landscapes and world-class wellness centres, making it a top destination for those seeking a holistic experience. The Sea Breeze Beach Resort Santorini also offers a peaceful sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a slower pace of life. Closer to home, South Africa has incredible options like the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the Cederberg, where wellness meets nature amidst breathtaking rock formations and ancient heritage.

Unlock hidden stories

There's no better way to truly understand a destination than by experiencing it through the eyes of a local. We’re seeing an increase in getaways that include guided tours led by knowledgeable locals who can offer insider insights and stories that might otherwise go untold, and this trend is only set to increase in 2025.

Guided tours provide a deeper connection to the places you visit. When led by passionate and informed guides, these tours offer a unique perspective on the culture, history, and traditions of a destination. Whether it's a walking tour through ancient ruins or a culinary adventure sampling local delicacies, guided experiences add depth and context to your travels.

Reach for the stars

2025 is set to be an incredible year for astro-tourism, with several major celestial events on the horizon. ‘Astrological Adventures’ invite travellers to explore the wonders of the night sky, from total solar eclipses to the mesmerising Northern Lights.

For those searching for the Northern Lights, North Iceland and Tromsø in Norway are top destinations, known for their stunning displays of the auroras. In 2025, there will be four major eclipses, with prime viewing locations including parts of North America and Europe and even some cruise lines like Holland America offering front-row seats from a ship in the middle of the ocean. When planning an astrological adventure, timing is everything. Ask your Travel Counsellor for the dates and locations of celestial events well in advance to secure the best viewing spots.

To book your 2025 holiday, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

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Top tips for the responsible traveller

23 July 2026

Wherever your next Travel Counsellors’ trip will take you, we hope you’re looking forward to the amazing memories you’re sure to create. To help ensure that you tread a little lighter and enrich the places you visit along the way, we’ve gathered some top tips for responsible travelling that we’ve assembled with support from our sustainable tourism charity partner, The Travel Foundation.