Booking.com’s latest Travel Predictions for 2025 reveal a groundbreaking shift in how Australians approach travel. This year, Australians are redefining vacations by trading traditional getaways for experiences that foster connection—not only with nature and loved ones but also with their inner selves and the universe.
The Rise of Noctourism
Travel by day? That’s yesterday’s news. Australians are embracing the magic of the night with a trend Booking.com calls “Noctourism.” An impressive 57% of travelers are eager to explore dark-sky destinations, where the absence of city lights lets the stars take center stage. Whether it’s lying under a canopy of constellations or soaking in “star baths,” Australians are finding serenity and wonder in the cosmos.
Dark-sky parks, guided stargazing tours, and rare celestial events are high on the bucket list for 2025. With 59% seeking cosmic phenomena like meteor showers and eclipses and 49% keen on constellation tracking, Aussies are turning their gaze upward—finding a deeper connection with the universe and their place within it.
AI-Powered Adventures
Gone are the days of rigid travel itineraries. In 2025, technology is empowering travelers to design trips that are as unique as they are. Sixty-one percent of Australians plan to use AI tools, such as Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner, to uncover hidden gems and craft authentic experiences.
What’s interesting is the shift in purpose: nearly a third (29%) are turning to AI to create journeys that respect local cultures while avoiding overcrowded tourist traps. This means discovering quieter, lesser-known destinations where connections with local communities can flourish—proving that AI isn’t just about convenience; it’s about thoughtful exploration.
Men Redefine Getaways
Say goodbye to the cliché beer-and-banter boys’ trips. In 2025, Aussie men are seeking trips that feed their souls, not just their Instagram feeds. About 24% are prioritizing wellness-focused escapes, while 25% are looking for vacations that encourage personal growth.
These trips aren’t just about unwinding—they’re about fostering emotional connections. Men-only wellness retreats are becoming a space to combat loneliness and strengthen friendships, with many men embracing vulnerability and shared growth over bravado. It’s a trend that not only reshapes male travel but redefines masculinity itself.
Ageless Adventures and Family Bonds
Adventure knows no age limit in 2025. Baby boomers are defying expectations of slow, restful retirements, with 29% opting for adrenaline-packed vacations. From trekking mountain ranges to canoeing vast rivers, older Australians are proving they can keep up with younger thrill-seekers.
Meanwhile, families are prioritizing experiences over inheritance. Multigenerational trips—where parents, kids, and grandparents bond over shared adventures—are booming. A striking 53% of Australians would rather spend their savings on unforgettable family trips than pass it down. For many, the value lies in memories, not material wealth.
Sustainable and Inclusive Travel
Sustainability is taking center stage as 59% of Aussie travelers embrace thrift shopping while abroad. Vintage voyaging, as it’s called, blends eco-consciousness with savvy spending. Travelers are seeking out secondhand gems not just to save money, but to reduce their environmental footprint.
Inclusivity is also gaining ground. Neurodivergent travelers are championing tech-based solutions to make their journeys more accessible. Features like sensory-friendly airport spaces and noise-canceling options are helping ensure that every traveler can experience the world on their terms.
The Gate Escape
Airports are no longer a means to an end—they’re the beginning of the adventure. Sixty percent of travelers are now choosing destinations based on the airport experience. From luxurious spas to Michelin-star dining and even sleep pods, the airport is becoming a destination in its own right.
Millennials and Gen Z travelers, in particular, are embracing this trend. For them, the journey starts before takeoff, transforming the waiting game into a memorable part of the trip.
Trending Aussie Destinations
Closer to home, Australians are discovering local treasures. King Valley, VIC, and Amity Point, QLD, top Booking.com’s list of trending destinations, offering a mix of natural beauty and small-town charm. Internationally, places like Tromsø, Norway, and Trieste, Italy, are capturing travelers’ imaginations with their unique allure and untapped potential.
2025: A Year of Redefining Travel
Travel in 2025 is more than an escape—it’s an evolution. Australians are prioritizing meaningful experiences, cultural respect, and deeper connections over traditional tourist traps. Whether it’s under the stars, guided by AI, or in the embrace of family, the future of travel is as personal as it is transformative.