ZAPWATER'S MID-YEAR TRAVEL TRENDS CHECK-IN

As we reach the halfway point of 2025, it’s a perfect time to check in on the travel landscape and see which trends predicted for this year have taken off, and which ones have yet to gain momentum. From sought-after destination dupes to the growing popularity of workcations, evolving traveler preferences continue to reshape the way we experience travel.

At Zapwater Communications, we have been keeping track of this year's travel trends to inform and inspire the strategies we build for our travel, tourism and hospitality clients.

Trends That Are Thriving:

●      Destination Dupes: This year, travelers are seeking alternatives to traditionally popular destinations. This is a trend that's not only born out of budget consciousness but also a desire to discover less crowded, more unique experiences.

●      Wander Women: Solo female travel continues to thrive, with women of all ages seeking experiences that blend empowerment, exploration and connection.

Trends That Haven’t Taken Off (Yet):

●      Luxury Trains: Despite the early buzz this year around luxury rail travel, particularly in Europe and Asia, it hasn’t gained much traction in North America. High costs, limited routes and accessibility challenges have slowed its momentum.

●      Memoirs in Motion: The idea of travel designed around personal storytelling hasn’t broken through in a major way as was predicted earlier this year. While these experiences sound like a good idea, they still may feel too abstract for today’s travelers.

Emerging Trends to Watch:

●      Workcations: In the second half of 2025, we can expect to see more fusion between work and travel. With “bleisure” offerings on the rise, there will be an increase in extended-stay packages following work conferences and curated coworking amenities.

●      Hyper-Local Experiences: In 2025, travelers want to feel like insiders, not just observers. Whether it is connecting with local artisans, chefs or creators, travelers are craving these immersive, cultural experiences during their travel.

Zapwater Communication understands that the travel industry is constantly evolving, so we are always exploring what’s next and embracing new mindsets.  While some anticipated trends have been slower to launch, travelers’ desires for meaningful, authentic and personalized experiences continue to guide the industry forward.