All-inclusive destinations and joy-focused trips lead the way

2025 TRAVEL TRENDS

By ALEXANDRA CASPERO

Wealth of Geeks

Global tourism exploded last year with a whopping 1.4 billion international arrivals, and 2025 could be even bigger. According to travel trade publication Skift, the number of trips is projected to jump by an impressive 24 percent in the coming year.

“It’s clear that travel isn’t slowing down anytime soon and will only keep increasing steadily as we head into 2025. Americans are more excited than ever to explore the globe despite rising costs and climates, making it crucial to plan ahead, do your research, and take full advantage of points and loyalty programs to score the best deals,” says Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy.

Travelers increasingly prioritize meaningful trips that foster connection through cultural experiences and shared interests.

Expedia Group’s Unpack ‘25 examined what’s motivating travelers and where they will go this year. Drawing on data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, the report identifies key travel trends for 2025.

These include a focus on high-quality dining, luxury all-inclusive vacations, destinations showcasing natural wonders, and intentionally slower-paced travel aimed at reducing stress.

All-inclusive travel is as popular as ever

All-inclusive resorts are witnessing their strongest growth in decades, with younger travelers leading the shift toward hassle-free vacation experiences.

Hotels.com reported a 60% increase in global searches using the “all-inclusive” filter, and 42% of Gen Z travelers prefer all-inclusive resorts as their preferred accommodation type. Social media reflects this trend. Over the past two years, the hashtag #allinclusive has seen meteoric growth on TikTok in the U.S., appearing in 34,000 posts and garnering over 538 million views.

Resort operators are responding to this surge with enhanced offerings. Margaritaville Island Reserve Resorts in Riviera Cancun is promoting “ Margarita Month ” in February, featuring mixology classes, specialty spa treatment, and events like margarita pong contests.

“For the first time, my family stayed at a Cancun all-inclusive resort for a long weekend and made zero plans to explore the destination or even leave the property. After a hectic backto- school season, a stress-free, worry-free long weekend escape that focused on family fun and making memories without any vacation to-dos was just what we needed.” says travel writer Monica Fish.

Fish’s experience highlights the core appeal of all-inclusive resorts: a complete, self-contained vacation experience that eliminates the need to plan out every detail. Great for busy families and anyone seeking a real break.

Elevated All-Inclusive Experiences This evolution of all-inclusive resorts reflects broader changes in travel preferences. Many properties now offer upscale dining, including chef-driven restaurants, private dining experiences, and premium liquor selections.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Resorts, for example, features five specialty restaurants offering diverse cuisine, from beachside tacos to house-made pasta, and a laid-back lobby bar with over 21 varieties of top-rated rums.

All-inclusive resorts “are set to lead the way in global travel over the next decade, especially as companies continue to innovate year after year. As the appeal of seamless, worry-free vacationing grows worldwide, travelers are looking for curated experiences that allow them to fully immerse themselves without managing every detail.” says Alejandro Rodriguez del Peon, VP of marketing and public relations at Blue Diamond Resorts.

Jomo travel: The joy of missing out

Another key trend is the rise of JOMO – the joy of missing out. This involves intentionally doing less on vacation to escape daily pressures and prioritize relaxation and reconnection.

“Doing less on vacation to make time for relaxing and reconnecting with loved ones will continue to be a priority,” says Fish. “All-inclusive resorts are the easy button for a relaxing vacation, especially in today’s hustle and bustle world.”

A significant majority (62 percent) of travelers report that these types of trips reduce stress and anxiety, and nearly half say they enhance quality time with loved ones.

In our always-on, connected world, travelers are looking for places to switch off, tune out from the constant noise and notifications, and use their vacation to unplug.

Amenities for JOMO travelers

The top vacation rental amenities JOMO travelers seek are pools, tranquil gardens, hot tubs, and porches with a view.

In contrast to the “fear of missing out” (FOMO) that often drives jam-packed itineraries, JOMO encourages travelers to embrace downtime and prioritize experiences that foster genuine connection and relaxation.

Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a gourmet kitchen in an off-grid home, or just the peace and privacy of a space that’s all yours, travelers are looking for vacation rentals that offer a unique way to experience the joy of missing out.

“JOMO travel is about finding the right place to truly unplug and enjoy the quiet moments that are so often hard to come by,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Brands PR.