As 2025 approaches, we’re predicting travel and wellness with evolve with a focus on mindful, meaningful, and restorative experiences. From saunas to mountain travel, these are our 9 key wellness and travel trends we predict will shape the way we explore and rejuvenate in 2025.
1. The Rise of Saunas and Heat Therapy
Saunas are no longer reserved for spontaneous spa days. We’ve seen saunaing increase this year already, so 2025 will see saunas trending as a wellness staple. As well as traditional saunas, infrared saunas are proving popular in urban centres and even homes. Studies show heat therapy improves circulation, reduces stress, and supports muscle recovery. This aligns with the growing demand for immersive wellness experiences.
2. Nature Breaks over City Breaks
The shift toward reconnecting with nature continues. Travellers will be swapping city breaks for nature breaks as more people are wanting to escape the city for ‘quiet weekends’ in nature. As the benefits of being in nature are becoming more talked about, people are following the unquestionable research and spending more time recharging away from the hustle and bustle to combat digital fatigue and urban burnout. With ‘quiet travel destinations’ seeing 530% increase in search, expect more eco-friendly accommodations, forest bathing trips, and off-grid escapes in peoples travel planners.
3. Nostalgic Travel
Booking.com reports a spike in searches for "nostalgic trips," as travellers look to relive childhood holidays or simpler times. From an offline cabin in the woods to seaside towns, the nostalgia trend taps into emotional well-being by feeling like going back in time.
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4. Phone-Free Travel and Digital Detox
With screen fatigue at an all-time high, unplugging on holiday is a trend that isn’t going away in 2025. People are increasingly taking social media breaks and switching their phones off on weekends and during annual leave, with searches for ‘digital detox’ more than tripled so far in 2024 compared to 2023. Not only are people seeking specific digital detox breaks like Unplugged, but we’re seeing more and more people do their own digital detoxes whilst on holiday to switch off from work and disconnect from technology. Digital detox trips help reset attention spans and reduce stress.
💡 Try: Unplugged cabins perfect for phone-free travel.
5. JOMO and Soft Travel
The post-pandemic traveler craves authenticity and simplicity—think local markets, cultural immersion and simple itineraries that support rest and development. Slow travel or ‘JOMO’ travel prioritises quality over quantity, giving visitors a chance to truly connect with destinations and slow down. ‘Soft Travel’ is also something growing in popularity, which is taking breaks that encourages simplicity or spontaneity. So expect more low-maintenance holidays which help people immerse in their surroundings and better themselves.
💡 Try taking an Intelligent Change Journal on a 3 night stay at Unplugged
6. Sleep Travel
Sleep tourism is continuing to gain momentum as people are becoming increasingly dedicated to up-keeping good sleep hygiene. With hotels and retreats offering programs to improve rest, from soundproofed rooms to guided meditations to off-grid locations with low light pollution.
7. Hiking and Mountain Trips
As travellers seek active yet restorative experiences, hiking trips are booming. People are more aware than ever of the benefits of nature, and hiking trips are the perfect blend of physical activity and nature for a wellbeing super-boost. We have seen an increase in popularity of cabins with great hiking trails and an abundance of nature nearby and Pinterest has seen a rise in searches for “scenic mountain hikes” and “best hiking destinations” where people are looking to the peaks for fresh air and nature.
💡 Try: Unplugged’s epic mountain cabin near Barcelona called Nala.
8. Traveling with Family (and Dogs!)
Family travel is on the rise with people looking to spend more time with their loved ones. This is also shifting to include pets, with dog-friendly stays seeing a surge. Travellers are prioritising bonding experiences, from countryside holidays to multi-generational trips.
9. Wellness Micro-Trips
With busy schedules, wellness seekers are opting for short getaways that pack a punch—weekend retreats, sound baths, or 48-hour nature escapes. To make the most of annual leave limits, shorter stays that rejuvenate mind and body will be front-of-mind for lots of travellers in 2025.
