Travel trends come and go, but the memories last forever. That being said, it’s important to stay ahead of the game and lock in your dream holiday for 2025 before the rest of Australia beats you to it. So, where should you go? And what activities should be on your radar?
The travel gurus at Expedia Group have tapped into both first-party travel data and a survey of 25,000 global travellers to predict the top trends set to take the world by storm in 2025. From ‘detour destinations’ and ‘season swapping’ to trips that celebrate the joy of missing out (JOMO), here’s the low down on how our holiday habits are expected to evolve in 2025.
Detour destinations
What’s that saying about the road less travelled? Well, in 2025, it’s all about veering off the beaten track to discover ‘detour destinations’. According to Expedia, majority of Aussie travellers (78 per cent) are likely to extend their next trip with a night or two at lesser-known, less crowded destinations – or even make them the main event. Need some inspiration? Check out Newcastle, Mount Gambier, Coffs Harbour and Busselton.
Season swapping
Peak season? Gag! If you can avoid it, join the latest travel trend of ‘seasonal swapping’. By travelling in the off-season, you’ll not only save big bucks, but you’ll get to experience Australia’s most dreamy destinations without the crowds. Wotif uncovered the best value-for-money destinations for Aussies who are ready to season swap in 2025: you could save more than 100 per cent on accommodation by travelling to the Snowy Mountains, Falls Creek or Darwin in summer, or score big savings by visiting Byron Bay, Torquay or Glenelg in winter.
Dine-inn
Australia is a country of foodies. We’ll go to great lengths to dine at a world-class restaurant, to attend a seasonal food festival or to try a limited-edition street food snack. In 2025, Expedia predicts that exceptional hotel dining experiences will play a major role in choosing where to stay on domestic trips. The data revealed that 63 per cent of Aussies are interested in booking a hotel with a notable dining experience, with 32 per cent saying hotel restaurants with a changing seasonal menu would be their number one reason to book. If trendy hotel dining tickles your fancy, check out the spectacular Sydney Common at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hype Park or the intimate Peppina restaurant at The Tasman in Hobart.
JOMO travel
We all know FOMO, but have you ever experienced JOMO (the joy of missing out)? Instead of curating an Instagram-worthy getaway in 2025, travellers are ready to unplug from social media and enjoy some genuine, offline moments in a coastal or countryside holiday house. The Expedia data revealed that two-thirds of Aussies plan to take a JOMO trip to reduce stress and anxiety, with nearly half craving quality time with loved ones.
The phenomena list
If the Aurora Australis is anything to go by, it’s clear that Australians will go to great lengths to witness natural phenomena in 2025. From the bioluminescent plankton in Jervis Bay to the adorable penguin parade in Melbourne and the mesmerising Staircase to the Moon in Broome, here’s our round-up of the rarest natural wonders to experience in Australia.
