Jamie Biesiada
What destinations and travel styles will be hot in 2025?
Host agency Fora has some ideas.
The agency recently released its Hot List for next year, crafted with "data, hospitality intel and a shot of intuition to make predictions on where travelers will be headed next year."
As far as destinations, Fora points to five: the Dolomites (for hiking and spas); Morocco (with increased air service from the East Coast and luxe hotel openings); Thailand (thanks to the "White Lotus" effect); Mediterranean islands (specifically Spain's Formentera, Italy's Sardinia and Greece's Folegandros); and its own headquarters in New York (with plenty to do, and many hotel openings on tap).
Hot travel trends in 2025
Fora also broke down some travel trends that will be hot in 2025.
First up: high-end cruising. Fora pointed to cruise lines like Aqua Expeditions, Explora Journeys, Four Seasons Yachts and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as bolstering this trend.
Fora predicted more solo travel in 2025, as well as traveling to farther-flung destinations like Kenya, Bhutan and Patagonia.
A continuing trend will be hotel and lifestyle collaborations, the agency said, pointing to recent partnerships like Aman naming tennis superstar Novak Djokovic its first global wellness advisor and Amalfi Coast hotel Le Sirenuse launching a loungewear collection with Comme Si.
Finally, Fora predicted that airport lounges will continue to evolve, with more features and services to attract travelers.
A strong year predicted
So far, most advisors are predicting 2025 will be another strong year for the agency channel.
A poll of advisors from New York-based First in Service found that the majority, 59%, expect international bookings in 2025 to remain about on par with international bookings this year.
Another 24% of First in Service's advisors polled said international bookings will likely increase somewhat. And 12% projected a "significant increase" in international bookings.
Considering 2024 will be a record year for many, that's a good indicator of the health of 2025.
Travel Experts, in Raleigh, N.C., also expects a solid year ahead. Some advisors are even reporting planning trips for clients in 2026 and 2027.
"Our advisors are telling us that they experienced another record year in 2024 and expect 2025 to continue the trend that started in 2023," Sharon Fake, executive director, said in a release. "In addition, some advisors have noted that clients are booking higher priced vacations, and more people are planning further ahead than ever before."