As travel innovation continues to reshape global tourism, Expedia has unveiled its insights into the top travel trends anticipated for 2025, highlighting a dynamic evolution in travel preferences for both UAE citizens and global tourists. In its recent report, titled “Unpack,” Expedia reveals top 2025 travel trends for UAE and global tourists, emphasizing emerging patterns such as ‘Detour Destinations,’ ‘Goods Getaways,’ and ‘Set-Jetting.’ This evolving landscape of travel reflects a shift towards unique and experience-driven adventures, encouraging travelers to explore beyond traditional hotspots.
Detour Destinations: A Shift Towards the Unexplored
According to Expedia’s findings, the trend of ‘Detour Destinations’ showcases a growing appetite among travelers from the UAE and other regions to explore less crowded, lesser-known locales. “Next year, travellers from the UAE and beyond are not only visiting the tried-and-true tourist destinations – they are adding detours,” the report states. This increasing desire for unique travel experiences positions detours as an exciting way to discover hidden gems.
The report, which draws on first-party travel data and feedback from 25,000 travelers, lists Reims, France, as a favored detour from Paris, while Brescia, Italy, offers an alternative to Milan. Other notable detour destinations include Cozumel, Mexico, from Cancun, and Santa Barbara, California, from Los Angeles. Notably, nearly half (49 percent) of UAE travelers expressed willingness to consider a ‘Detour Destination’ on their next trip, driven by the quest for serenity and fresh perspectives.
Goods Getaways: The Allure of Unique Finds
Another compelling trend outlined in the report is ‘Goods Getaways.’ In the age of social media, platforms like TikTok have sparked a wave of interest in specialty goods that entice travelers to venture far and wide. “When going on vacation, 78 percent of UAE travellers chose a holiday destination based on getting an item they cannot find locally,” Expedia reveals. This trend reflects a growing consumer culture that prioritizes the pursuit of unique products, from viral skincare items to authentic foods and artisanal crafts.
As travelers seek out these coveted goods, many are now restructuring their trips specifically to acquire these treasures. The report highlights that UAE travelers are gravitating towards locally-sourced products, such as sustainable coffee from Costa Rica and exquisite honey from New Zealand, enriching their travel experience with authentic finds.
The Role of Technology and Evolving Preferences
Expedia’s Vice President of Global Markets, Rehan Asad, stated, “The Unpack report is our opportunity to reflect on what travellers are seeking and how our partners are innovating.” The integration of technology in travel planning is becoming increasingly critical as travelers prioritize ease and comfort alongside their quest for memorable experiences.
Furthermore, the report indicates that women travelers from the UAE (60 percent) are particularly eager to collect small mementos from their journeys, reinforcing the notion that travel is not only about destinations but also about personal stories and memories.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the insights from Expedia reveal not just trends but a fundamental shift in the way travelers from the UAE and around the globe are approaching their adventures. With an emphasis on exploring uncharted territory and embracing local culture through specialty goods, the findings paint an exciting picture for travel in 2025.