Travel trends: The new ways people are travelling

Slow travel: Embrace immersive and mindful travel

Slow travel encourages you to slow down and truly take in every aspect of a destination. Rather than rushing from one tourist attraction to the next, slow travel is about living the journey, embracing spontaneity, and prioritizing meaningful connections.

It’s about staying in one place longer—savouring local cuisine or taking a cooking class, wandering through markets, and experiencing life like local people. 

By slowing your pace, you reconnect with the joy of the present moment. Say goodbye to tight schedules and checklist tourism—say hello to authentic experiences. 

Why it feels good 

Slow tourism also promotes a more relaxing way to travel. You get time to rest, reflect, and appreciate your surroundings—no packed itineraries or strict plans. 

It sparks creativity, too. Many slow travellers take the opportunity to write, paint, or photograph their surroundings with a fresh perspective. 

In practice: 

• Ideal for digital nomads, retirees, or anyone taking a sabbatical. 

• Choose extended stays in each location for deeper immersion. 

• Seek out local experiences, market-fresh food, and regional traditions. 

• This way of travelling also inspires our “local discoveries” and “long stays” explore tours. 

Whether in a mountain village or a vibrant city neighbourhood, slow travel makes every trip truly one-of-a-kind. 

Sustainable tourism: Conscious travel that cares for the planet

Eco-conscious travel is more popular than ever. Conscious travel focuses on understanding the social and environmental impacts of your trip and making responsible travel choices to support local communities and protect the natural environment. 

It’s about more than bringing home souvenirs—sustainable tourism leaves a positive impact on the places you visit. 

In practice: Eco-friendly travel promotes concrete actions: 

• Choose eco-certified accommodations and opt for public transport options like trains, bikes, or carpooling to reduce your carbon footprint. 

• Book direct flights instead of multi-leg trips whenever possible. 

• Minimize air travel when you can. 

Every decision helps create a more balanced and eco-friendly travel experience, far from the pitfalls of overtourism. Want to go further? Check out these 12 tips for responsible travel. 

Detour destinations: Discover lesser-known cities and towns

Tired of crowds? Detour destinations take you off the beaten path to lesser-known but culturally rich places. Instead of major capitals or over-touristed hotspots, more travellers are choosing secondary cities full of history and local charm. 

If you’re headed to France, why not try Lyon, Avignon, or Grenoble instead of Paris? In Spain, consider Seville, Valencia, or Cordoba over Madrid or Barcelona. 

By choosing alternative destinations, you’ll enjoy more authentic travel experiences while supporting local economies. 

In practice: 

• Explore off-the-radar cities and small towns as alternatives to major tourist hubs. 

• Look for places with rich cultural heritage, like a lesser-known historic site, but fewer crowds. 

• Help fight overtourism by spreading your impact and choosing local travel experiences. 

Similar to detour destinations, dupe destinations offer the same vibe as popular cities but are more affordable and peaceful. 

JOMO travel: The joy of missing out

Need a break from the pressure to “see it all?” The JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) travel trend invites you to disconnect, slow down, and savour the moment—no FOMO, no stress. 

Unlike FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), JOMO is about enjoying digital detox vacations, unstructured travel, and time for yourself. 

In practice: 

• Cut down on screen time and social media use while on vacation. 

• Choose longer, immersive stays with no fixed schedule. 

• Wander, improvise, relax—let your trip unfold naturally for a more peaceful and mindful experience. 

Set-jetting: Travel inspired by film and TV

Movies and series are now major drivers of destination choice. The set-jetting trend lets you visit the real-life filming locations of your favourite productions. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Crave, and Disney+ have made pop culture travel easier than ever. 

Some destinations have become icons thanks to the big screen: 

• Croatia and Iceland, featured in Game of Thrones 

• The United Kingdom, home to the Harry Potter universe 

• New Zealand, the setting of The Lord of the Rings 

• New York, where you can visit scenes from Friends and Sex and the City 

• Paris, spotlighted in Emily in Paris 

In practice: 

• Plan your trip around famous TV and movie filming locations. 

• Join guided tours for a deeper dive into your favourite shows. 

• Visit film studios, museums, or neighbourhoods linked to iconic productions. 

• Balance screen-worthy moments with local cultural experiences. 

Nature travel: Chasing the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders

Nature is a huge draw for travellers seeking bucket list adventures and awe-inspiring landscapes. From Northern Lights to active volcanoes, epic deserts to rare wildlife, the natural world is now a destination in itself. 

Top natural wonders to see: 

• Aurora Borealis in Iceland or Norway 

• Active volcanoes in Hawaii or Costa Rica 

• The Grand Canyon for jaw-dropping views 

• The Sahara and Atacama deserts for vast, surreal landscapes 

Wildlife ecotourism is another growing interest. These unforgettable experiences are must-sees for many: 

• Safari adventures in Kenya to spot the (elephant, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard) 

• Turtle sanctuaries in the Galápagos 

• Penguins and seals in Antarctica 

• Kangaroos and koalas in Australia 

In practice 

• Time your trip to align with natural phenomena (e.g., migrations, blooms, aurora seasons). 

• Choose eco-friendly excursions and tours that respect animal welfare. 

• Observe wildlife ethically—visit reserves, marine parks, and sanctuaries. 

• Follow eco-conscious travel practises to reduce your footprint on both the environment and local communities. 

Nature has endless wonders to offer—but it’s up to us to protect them. 

Tourism is changing—for the better

Driven by a desire for authenticity, purposeful travel, and new forms of discovery, modern tourism is constantly evolving. These emerging travel trends are shaping the future of exploration—whether you’re slowing down, finding hidden gems, or connecting with nature. 

Whatever inspires your next journey, planning ahead is key. And don’t forget to pack the essentials—including travel insurance—so you can explore with peace of mind while supporting a more sustainable travel industry. 

So … when’s your next trip?