The end of the year is rolling around, which means it’s high time to plan for your trips in 2025. There’s a lot to add to your bucket list, from world-best destinations in Asia to offbeat options that travellers are discovering.
Then, there are the inspiring results from Expedia Group's Unpack '25 travel trends report. The travel tech company recently dipped into first-party data and insights from 25,000 travellers to suss out what they're looking for from their vacations in 2025. From trips built around natural phenomena like the Northern Lights to Michelin-starred restaurants in hotels, these eight travel trends will dictate where Asian travellers go in 2025.
JOMO travel
FOMO? Not anymore. In 2025, Asian travellers are more than happy to miss out, instead seeking vacations that are all about the JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). That means booking that quiet seaside chalet or a secluded lodge deep in the mountains to escape it all. Expedia found that a quarter of Asians feel the need for such JOMO vacations every few months, with more than half believing that it'll increase relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
Goods getaways
Would you travel to another country just to buy an item you can't get at home? 54% of Asian travellers would. Expedia found that Asians are willing to hop on a plane for candy from Japan (31%), beauty and skincare products from South Korea (23%), Tik Tok-trending pistachio chocolate from Dubai (21%) and even butter from France (18%). Almost half make it a point to visit a grocery store to pick up local snacks, beverages, and confectioneries, too. If that's you, you already know to bring extra luggage to fit your haul.
Phenomena-list
From the cherry blossoms to the Northern Lights, 2024 has proved that Asian travellers are more than ready to chase natural phenomena. This trend is set to continue in 2025, with 87% of Asians saying they're interested in travelling specifically to witness natural marvels. Besides travelling halfway across the globe to catch the Northern Lights, there are marvellous phenomena to catch closer to home too, such as the graceful ballet of Japanese cranes in Hokkaido, Japan and awesome volcanoes and crater lakes in Indonesia.
Hotel restaurant renaissance
With so much incredible food in the region, it's no wonder that Asians expect top-notch dining while abroad too. In 2025, Asian travellers are turning to hotels to whet their appetites, with 76% interested in booking accommodations with notable dining experiences, be it a seasonal changing menu or a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you love the idea of having a top-notch restaurant where you sleep, you can consider booking in at hotel restaurants in Asia like Tin Lung Heen in The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong or JAAN by Kirk Westaway in Swissotel The Stamford Singapore.
Detour destinations
Forget Paris, Milan, or Los Angeles – Asian travellers are looking beyond these well-trodden paths to hidden gem destinations. According to Expedia, 64% of Asian travellers want to go somewhere lesser known and less crowded. If that's exactly what you're looking for, you might want to consider detours like Fukuoka, Japan (instead of Tokyo) and Krabi, Thailand (instead of Phuket). For more off-the-beaten-path inspiration, check out the top 10 trending destinations among APAC travellers right now.
Set-jetting
Much of the hit Netflix series Shogun was shot in Canada, but that's not stopping Asian travellers from wanting to go to Japan. It's one of the top destinations Asians are interested in set-jetting to, alongside South Korea (thanks to the Squid Game phenomenon) and Hawaii (of Moana fame). This trend is nothing new: more than half of Asian travellers said that TV and movies have influenced their travel decisions – but Expedia predicts that this trend will only increase in 2025.
All-inclusive era
There was a time when all-inclusive resorts were associated with large families and retirees. Well, it's cool again – at least among Asian travellers. Expedia found that more than half are likely to stay in an all-inclusive resort in 2025, and all the better if they're right on the beach. It all boils down to convenience and cost savings, with half of Asian travellers saying they prefer all-inclusive stays because it minimises stress.
One-click trips
Ever seen an influencer on your dream trip and wished you could book their whole itinerary? You're not alone. More than half of Asians say that they have wanted to book an entire trip they saw on social media – yes, down to the activities, restaurants, and flights. You can imagine that it's a hassle to track down and book everything though, so look out for updates from Expedia – they've launched Travel Shops, a one-click booking service that will soon come to Asia.