Trends for 2025 from Bókun: Botanical tours, neurodivergent inclusive travel, on-screen inspired destinations, wellness travel, and detour breaks gaining popularity.
As we edge closer to 2025, it is approaching that time of year when the weather gets even colder and more people start thinking about booking a getaway for the new year. Samuel Jefferies, Senior Growth Marketing Manager at Bókun has analysed Google search forecast data to reveal the biggest trends predicted to boom in 2025.
Botanical Breaks
“The coming year is poised to see a surge in tourists seeking relaxation and inspiration through the beauty of nature. Insights from Bókun reveal a remarkable surge in searches for experiences globally such as ‘Lavender Field Tours’ (+1600%), ‘Tulip Fields Near Me’ (+122%), and ‘Cherry Blossom Tours in Japan’ (+173%) all in the past year. In 2025, Google searches for ‘Botanical tours’ are predicted to grow 21%.
These insights highlight the blossoming enthusiasm for these escapes both abroad and closer to home which we can certainly expect to see more of in the new year.”
Neurodivergent Inclusive tours
“Travel can sometimes be challenging for individuals with neurodivergence or families with neurodivergent children, which is why initiatives like those from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) are valuable.
IBCCES provides specialised training to businesses, equipping them to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for autistic and neurodivergent travellers. Their certification programme identifies travel destinations and attractions that prioritise accessibility and inclusion.
Currently certified locations include High Point, North Carolina as a whole destination, alongside attractions such as ABQ BioPark Aquarium (Albuquerque), Adventure Park (Dubai), Legoland (New York) and more.
Remarkably searches for ‘IBCCES’ have already grown 88% in the past year, and as awareness of these certified destinations grows, travellers can feel more confident that their needs will be met. Predicted search interest is predicted to grow 44% in the new year, meaning this momentum will certainly inspire more businesses to pursue certification, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive tourism industry.”
On-screen to real-life destinations
“The film and TV industry has long been a powerful driver of tourism, but a recent study has found that it will account for as much as 28% of all travel inspiration in the year ahead1.
Filming locations tied to franchises such as Harry Potter or Game of Thrones will undoubtedly remain major draws. However, we are also seeing the scope of media-inspired travel broaden, particularly with the growing popularity of true-crime stories. Google searches for ‘filming tour locations’ are expected to rise 18% in the new year.
Following the release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story in October, there was an astounding 8,755% increase in interest in visiting both the Menendez family home and the house featured in the dramatised series. This surge highlights the influence of the true-crime genre, a trend that is poised to expand further as streaming platforms continue to produce content that captures global audiences.”
Rise of health and wellness motivated tours
“Wellness travel is far from a new concept, but its popularity continues to soar as more travellers are focused on relaxation and health-conscious experiences.
This shift toward a more mindful approach to travel is driving increased interest in spa getaways, wellness retreats, and emerging trends like cold plunges. Searches for ‘cold plunges’ and ‘cold plunges near me’ have seen a notable rise in tourism interest over the past month alone, increasing by 123% and 83%, respectively. Both searches are set to increase by 17% (cold plunge) and 16% (cold plunges near me) in 2025. This growing focus on rejuvenation and well-being is certainly set to shape travel choices in the months ahead.”
Rise of detour breaks
“A recent study by Booking.com revealed that 67% of travellers are eager to explore less crowded destinations, signalling a shift toward more personalised and off-the-beaten-path experiences in 20252.
This trend is likely to fuel the rise of ‘detour breaks’, where travellers extend their journeys further. Whether venturing to serene islands, exploring the lesser-known regions of a country, or even crossing borders by boat or rail, we can predict that the new year will be more about gaining those authentic experiences. Google searches for ‘Train to other country’ are set to increase 23% in the next year, signalling a clear intention among tourists.
Offering valuable insights, local tour operators can enhance your overall experience during these trips and may even be able to show you some lesser-known gems along the way.”
“Whatever adventure you embark on in 2025, be sure to research your destinations thoroughly, explore traveller reviews to gain better insights into the experiences, and plan ahead to make the most of your time in your chosen location.”
Born in Iceland and raised by Tripadvisor, Bókun is designed to keep tour and activity providers stay organised and help grow bookings with 27,000+ connections to Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Resellers & Suppliers.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
