The travel landscape for 2025 is coming into focus, thanks to a comprehensive survey and global booking data from Sabre, a leading travel technology company. The survey, which polled Sabre’s global team members—travel industry insiders who understand the nuances of planning and booking trips—revealed key trends shaping how people will travel in the coming year. Combined with Sabre’s extensive booking data, the findings paint a vivid picture of a world increasingly prioritizing travel, adventure, and personalized experiences.
A Surge in Travel Plans
The survey found that travel is a top priority for 2025, with most respondents planning at least two leisure trips—a 6% increase from 2024. Close to a quarter of those surveyed are planning four or more trips, while 12% are gearing up for five or more getaways. Only 3% of respondents said they’re skipping holidays entirely, a significant drop from 9.4% in 2024. This enthusiasm for travel is reflected in Sabre’s global booking data, which shows a 9% year-on-year increase in air bookings for 2025.
Asia Pacific: A Travel Powerhouse
The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is emerging as a dominant force in global travel for 2025. According to Sabre’s booking data, there’s been a 34% increase in bookings made by travelers from the region compared to the same period last year. This growth is likely driven by lower airfares, with fare reductions of 10% in the first quarter and 5% in the second quarter of 2025, as well as a growing middle class in markets like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Rising Budgets, Generational Differences
The survey revealed that over 90% of travelers plan to spend the same or more on travel in 2025 compared to 2024. However, spending habits vary across generations. Gen Z travelers are focusing on budget-friendly options, while Baby Boomers are leading the charge in increased travel spending.
Frank Trampert, Senior Vice President at Sabre Hospitality, noted, “With travel budgets increasing, hoteliers have an opportunity to capture this spending power by delivering exceptional value and tailored experiences. Travelers want to feel their spending is worthwhile, whether they’re seeking budget options or luxury stays.”
Adventure and Culture Take Center Stage
Adventure travel is gaining traction, with nearly 30% of respondents prioritizing outdoor pursuits and sports during their trips. This trend is especially strong among Gen Z, where 73% cite sports and outdoor activities as their preferred holiday activity. Meanwhile, cultural experiences remain a favorite, with 46% of travelers ranking visits to landmarks, museums, and galleries as their top holiday activity.
Richard Addey, Senior Regional Director for Northern Europe and the Nordics at Sabre, highlighted the shift toward unique experiences: “Travellers today are prioritizing meaningful experiences over traditional itineraries. Sabre is supporting these needs through innovative solutions like our AI-driven tools, which empower the industry to deliver personalized, seamless options.”
Culinary Tourism on the Rise
Food is set to play a central role in 2025 travel experiences, particularly for Baby Boomers, 27% of whom identified food as their top holiday priority. This aligns with broader industry trends, as the global culinary tourism market is projected to reach $4.2 billion by 2033, growing at an annual rate of over 14%.
Kristin Hays, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Sabre, emphasized the importance of food in travel: “Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a gateway to connection. That’s why it’s crucial for the travel industry to deliver the technology needed to create personalized culinary experiences.”
Quality and Convenience Drive Booking Decisions
Younger travelers, particularly Gen Z, are placing a high emphasis on airline quality, with nearly 10% citing it as a key factor in their decision-making. Meanwhile, Gen X and Gen Y travelers are prioritizing booking ease, presenting an opportunity for the industry to streamline and personalize the booking process.
Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President at Sabre, explained, “Personalization is key. Our retailing platform, SabreMosaic, allows airlines to tailor the experience in a way that makes sense for their passengers and their business.”
Sustainability Gains Traction
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in travel decisions, especially when clear information is provided. When presented with lower-emission options, 54% of respondents said they considered carbon emissions in their decision-making. Over 5% said they would choose the most eco-friendly flight even at a higher cost, while 49% favored lower carbon-emitting flights when prices were comparable.
Group Travel and Advance Bookings
Group travel is also on the rise, with multi-person bookings showing significant growth. Bookings for seven people increased by 14%, while bookings for eight or more people jumped by 23%. Additionally, 52% of travelers are purchasing flight tickets three to six months in advance—a 14% increase from last year.
The Survey Behind the Data
Sabre’s findings are based on a survey of its global team members, who provided insights into their own travel preferences and priorities for 2025. This insider perspective was combined with Sabre’s extensive booking data, offering a comprehensive view of emerging travel trends. The survey highlights not only where people are traveling but also how they’re planning their trips, what they value most, and how their preferences vary across generations.
As 2025 approaches, the travel industry is poised to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers, offering a blend of adventure, culture, culinary delights, and seamless booking experiences. With sustainability and personalization at the forefront, the future of travel looks both exciting and inclusive.
