Top Travel Trends of 2025: The Rise of Solo Journeys, Slow Travel, and Pet-Friendly Escapes

The way we travel is changing—and fast. As the world reopens, travelers in 2024 are rewriting the rules of exploration. What once centered on packed itineraries and group getaways is shifting toward intentional, flexible, and deeply personal travel experiences.

From the surge in solo travel and the rise of the slow travel movement to the boom in pet-friendly bookings and a renewed interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations, travel behavior is evolving.

This article unpacks the five biggest travel trends shaping the year, what they mean for travelers and hosts, and how the industry can adapt to meet new expectations.

Solo Travel Is Booming, and Redefining the Market

Solo travel is having a moment. Searches for solo trips have skyrocketed by 90% year-over-year, indicating a massive shift in how people approach their getaways.

But it’s not just about going it alone—it’s about traveling longer and more intentionally. Data shows solo travelers are booking average stays of 17 nights, nearly double the length of trips booked by couples (9 nights) or families (8 nights).

What’s Driving the Trend?

• Desire for personal growth and self-discovery

• Increased flexibility due to remote work

• A growing online community of solo travel advocates

• Easier access to safety-focused resources for solo travelers

  
  

What It Means for Hosts and Property Managers

• Highlight safety features in listings (secure entry, well-lit areas, etc.)

• Offer longer-stay discounts

• Include local guides or curated solo itineraries

• Promote quiet spaces for remote work

  
  

The Soft Travel Movement: Slower, More Mindful Journeys

In contrast to the pre-2020 era of fast-paced, checklist-driven vacations, 2024 marks the rise of "soft travel"—a movement rooted in wellness, calm, and cultural immersion.

Travelers today are prioritizing:

• Nature over nightlife

• Mindful experiences over jam-packed schedules

• Local immersion over tourist-heavy attractions

  
  

From yoga retreats in the countryside to slow coastal living in seaside towns, the soft travel trend reflects a growing desire to disconnect, decompress, and reconnect with simplicity.

Tips for Embracing the Soft Travel Trend

• Curate listings with wellness-focused amenities (bathtubs, meditation areas, green space access)

• Promote properties near nature trails, beaches, or quiet rural spots

• Partner with local wellness businesses (yoga instructors, massage therapists, cultural tour guides)

• Emphasize tranquility, privacy, and local charm in marketing materials

  
  

Pet-Friendly Travel Is On the Rise—Led by Solo Travelers

Pets are no longer left behind. In fact, searches for pet-friendly accommodations have increased by 30%, with solo travelers accounting for a 40% rise in these searches alone.

For many solo travelers, bringing a pet along offers companionship and comfort—especially on extended trips.

What Travelers Are Looking For

• Secure outdoor space for pets

• Nearby parks or pet-friendly beaches

• Listings that clearly outline pet policies

• Photos that show pet-friendly features

What Hosts Can Do

• Add “pet-friendly” to the listing title and filters

• Include pet bowls, beds, and welcome treats

• Provide pet-focused local guides

• Charge reasonable pet cleaning fees—but avoid overpricing

  
  

Trending Travel Destinations: The Rise of Coastal and Cultural Hotspots

Forget the crowded capitals and over-touristed cities. 2024 travelers are seeking hidden gems and culturally rich, yet underrated, destinations. The focus is on coastal calm and cultural depth, with emerging hotspots that offer both.

Top Trending Destinations:

• Ubatuba, Brazil – A beach town known for its lush rainforests, surfing, and biodiversity

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Beyond resorts, travelers are exploring its quiet coastal villages and natural parks

• Basel, Switzerland – A cultural gem packed with museums, art fairs, and riverside charm

• Cologne, Germany – Vibrant arts scene, rich history, and walkable neighborhoods

  
  

These destinations reflect the broader desire for authenticity, serenity, and connection.

Longer Stays & Flexible Travel Are the New Norm

Driven by remote work, digital nomadism, and an increasing desire for lifestyle travel, longer stays are now mainstream.

Where once a 2-week vacation was the norm, travelers are now booking stays of several weeks or even months. Flexibility in scheduling—whether it's midweek check-ins, month-long rentals, or open-dated bookings—is now a competitive advantage for hosts.

What’s Fueling This Trend?

• Remote work policies becoming permanent

• Better global internet infrastructure

• Visa programs for digital nomads

• A shift in priorities—travel as lifestyle, not luxury

How Hosts Can Adapt

• Offer steep discounts for 2-week+ or 30-day stays

• Provide remote work-friendly amenities (Wi-Fi speed, desks, office chairs)

• Allow flexible check-in and checkout dates

• List properties on platforms that cater to mid-to-long-term rentals

  
  

Final Thoughts: Travelers Want Purpose, Comfort, and Freedom

If there’s one overarching theme to 2024’s travel trends, it’s intention.

Travelers aren’t rushing through cities. They’re staying longer. They're bringing their pets. They're seeking wellness, connection, and autonomy.

For short-term rental operators and hosts, the opportunity lies in adapting to meet those deeper needs—offering thoughtful spaces, flexible policies, and experiences that align with how and why people travel today.

Whether it's catering to the solo traveler looking for a peaceful place to reset, the pet owner in search of a cozy escape, or the digital nomad booking a month-long seaside stay, success in 2024 will come from designing for depth, not just demand.