Global online travel platform Expedia has identified ‘Detour Destinations’, ‘Goods Getaways’ and ‘Set-Jetting’ as the leading travel trends in 2025.
“Next year, travellers from the UAE and beyond, are not only visiting the tried-and-true tourist destinations – they are adding detours, Expedia said in its first ‘Unpack’ report that includes data from UAE residents following its expansion plans to the region.
The report is based on analysis of first-party travel data, insights from 25,000 travellers, and the latest industry innovation to “unpack” the six noteworthy travel trends for 2025, it said.
Expedia’s destinations of the year are near popular hotspots, making them ideal day trips while also being attractive as main attractions.
Expedia said 49 per cent of UAE travellers said they are likely to visit a ‘Detour Destination’ on their next trip, in what is seen as a hunt for the less crowded and less well-known places.
Its top 10 trending ‘Detour Destinations’ for 2025 include Reims, France (detour from Paris), Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan), Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancun), and Santa Barbara, California, USA (detour from Los Angeles).
The other detour destinations are Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland), Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona), Fukuoka, Japan (detour from Tokyo), Abu Dhabi, UAE (detour from Dubai), Krabi, Thailand (detour from Phuket), and Canmore, Alberta, Canada (detour from Calgary).
“Expedia continuously works to blend technology with travel, making journeys simpler and more enjoyable.
“The Unpack report is our opportunity to reflect on what travellers are seeking and how our partners are innovating,” said Rehan Asad, Vice President of Global Markets at Expedia.
As for the ‘Goods Getaways’ trend, the platform said TikTok has inspired travellers to take trips in search of craveable (and share-worthy) speciality goods.
Whether they are viral skincare products from Korea, butter from France, or Japanese candy, travellers are making extra space in their carry-ons for unique treasures, even creating entire trips around getting the goods, Expedia said.
“When going on vacation, 78 per cent of UAE travellers chose a holiday destination based on getting an item they cannot find locally.
“They also opted for more organic and homegrown essentials such as coffee from Costa Rica or sweet honey from New Zealand,” it said.
The report also showed that UAE women (60 per cent) seek out small mementoes to reminisce on their trips later on.
“UAE travellers have become wiser and more conscious of the time spent on their trips.
“The upcoming year is no different with more travel trends tied directly to prioritizing ease with maximum relaxation during their trips,” the Expedia report said.
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