By Denise Sutcliff, Londoner & Global Explorer
For me, travel is everything. I work to fund my adventures. Bank holidays are an excuse for a quick escape, and my annual leave is spent hopping on flights to wherever feels exciting and unfamiliar. I’m not the type to book months in advance or follow rigid itineraries. Instead, I thrive on last-minute deals, spontaneous decisions, and the thrill of not knowing what’s around the corner. Whether I’m exploring the markets in Morocco, island hopping in Thailand, or wandering through ancient ruins in Turkey, the journey is as important as the destination.
But as I look ahead to 2025, I can’t help but think about how the travel landscape is changing. The world feels more accessible than ever, yet the travel industry still struggles to cater to people like me — people who want flexibility, authenticity, and adventure, without being bogged down by overpriced package tours or rigid plans. So, what’s in store for leisure travelers like me in the year ahead? Let’s dive in.
Flexibility is the New Luxury
One of the biggest changes we’re already seeing — and that I think will define travel in 2025 — is the demand for flexibility. For my generation, strict schedules and set itineraries are more stress than they’re worth. I’m not booking a flight six months in advance; I’m waiting for that last-minute deal, ready to pack my bags at a moment’s notice.
The pandemic showed us all how quickly things can change, and that’s made travelers more cautious about committing too early. According to travel experts, flexible booking options are now one of the most sought-after features for leisure travelers. Many airlines, hotels, and booking platforms are leaning into this, offering more generous cancellation policies and changeable bookings — and that’s a trend I hope sticks around for the long haul. If I decide on a whim to extend my stay in Istanbul for a few more days (because why not?), I want to be able to adjust without hefty fees.
Affordable, Spontaneous Travel is Here to Stay
One of my favorite things about traveling is scoring those killer last-minute deals. Whether it’s an ultra-cheap flight to Portugal or a discounted riad in Marrakech, the thrill of finding an unexpected bargain never gets old. Luckily, the rise of dynamic pricing and last-minute booking platforms has made it easier to travel on the fly without breaking the bank.
In 2025, I expect more travel companies to cater to people like me — adventurers looking for spontaneity and affordability. I think we’ll see a surge in “flash sales” and apps that allow travelers to take advantage of deals only available within 48 hours of departure. Companies like Skyscanner, Hopper, and HotelTonight are already capitalizing on this trend, and I believe it’s only going to grow. That’s great news for people like me who don’t want to be tied down by long-term plans or rigid schedules.
Authenticity Over Luxury: The Hostel vs. Hotel Debate
For some people, travel is about luxury — five-star hotels, infinity pools, and high-end dining. For me, it’s about authentic experiences. I’ve stayed in boutique hotels, hostels, homestays, and Airbnbs, and I’ll continue to choose whatever feels the most immersive. There’s nothing quite like staying with a local family in Thailand or finding a quirky hostel in the heart of a Turkish bazaar.
My generation wants travel that feels real — we’re looking for authenticity over extravagance. According to a recent report, 78% of Millennial and Gen Z travelers prioritize experiences over material goods. I don’t need a fancy resort, but I do want to discover local culture, food, and traditions. And that’s where the industry often gets it wrong.
Too many places cater to the cookie-cutter, package-tour crowd, offering sanitized versions of a country that feel the same no matter where you go. In 2025, I hope to see more platforms that help travelers like me connect with locals, find off-the-beaten-path experiences, and immerse ourselves in the culture — not just the tourist traps. I expect more growth in services like Couchsurfing, EatWith, and Airbnb Experiences that allow us to dive into local life, whether that’s through food tours, community events, or staying with hosts.
Sustainability Matters More Than Ever
If there’s one thing we’ve all become more aware of over the past few years, it’s the impact travel can have on the planet. From carbon emissions to overtourism, the way we travel needs to change — and quickly. But here’s the thing: I don’t want to stop traveling, and neither do most of my peers. Instead, we want to travel smarter, with sustainability in mind.
In 2025, I believe sustainable travel will be more than just a buzzword — it’ll be the norm. Airlines are already investing in sustainable aviation fuels, and more hotels are focusing on eco-friendly practices. I expect to see more emphasis on slow travel, where the focus is on staying longer in one place and minimizing flights. Maybe instead of flying from city to city in Europe, I’ll take the train or stay longer in one spot to really get a feel for the local life.
I’m also looking forward to seeing more carbon-offset programs that are easy to use and integrated into booking platforms. And I think destinations that have been hit hard by overtourism (looking at you, Venice and Bali) will begin to implement stricter guidelines to protect their environments. If I have to pay a small fee to help preserve a location’s natural beauty, I’m all for it.
The Social Side of Travel
While I do love solo travel — there’s something so freeing about exploring a new city at my own pace — I also love the social aspect of it. Hostels, group tours, and meetups are some of the best ways to connect with like-minded travelers. I think 2025 will see a rise in community-focused travel platforms that make it easier to meet people while on the road.
Apps like Backpackr, Tourlina (for women travelers), and Travello are already making waves by connecting travelers with similar interests, and I expect more innovations in this space. Whether it’s organizing a group hike in the Atlas Mountains or a beach bonfire in Thailand, technology is making it easier than ever to find people who share your passion for adventure.
What’s Next for 2025?
The way I see it, travel in 2025 will be more spontaneous, affordable, and authentic than ever before. It’ll be easier to grab last-minute deals, connect with locals, and travel in ways that are kinder to the planet. But most importantly, it’ll be on my terms — and that’s exactly how I want it.
If the travel industry can keep up with people like me — who value flexibility, sustainability, and experiences over luxury — then the future of travel looks incredibly exciting. Here’s to more adventures, more new friends, and more unforgettable memories in the year ahead. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me!
