Scrolling through glossy travel blogs or TikToks might get you hyped for your next trip, but if you really want to unlock the vibe of a destination, you’ve gotta go local. Local travel tips are the secret sauce—the kind of stuff you don’t find on your basic “Top 10 Things to Do in Paris” list.
Destination experts (like us, naturally) know the backstreets, the low-key gems, and the unmissable bites that make your trip unforgettable. Plus, relying on local insights is also the eco-friendly move—supporting small businesses and getting off the beaten path is better for the planet than crowding into tourist traps.
So, if you’re planning your 2025 bucket list, start by thinking smaller, smarter, and with a dash of local charm. Ready? Let’s get into the trends shaping how we’ll all be traveling this year.
Hottest Travel Trends Shaping 2025
1. Slow Travel: Because Nobody Wants to Rush a Good Thing
Perfect Experience: Spend a Month in the Italian Countryside
Picture this: a quaint farmhouse in Tuscany, surrounded by olive trees and rolling hills. Spend your mornings biking to local markets, afternoons sipping Chianti, and evenings perfecting your pasta-making skills. Slow travel isn’t just a trip—it’s a lifestyle.
Slow travel isn’t just good for your sanity; it’s kinder to the environment. By staying longer in one place and opting for local transportation (hello, trains!), you cut down on your carbon footprint while getting to know a place in ways that quick trips can’t offer.
2. Eco-Friendly Travel: Green Is the New Black
Perfect Place: Costa Rica’s Eco-Lodges
Costa Rica is basically the poster child for eco-friendly travel. Stay at an eco-lodge like Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula, where solar power, sustainable dining, and wildlife conservation are the norm. Plus, you’ll be falling asleep to the sounds of the rainforest—how’s that for zen?
With more hotels going solar and tours focusing on sustainability, eco-travel isn’t just trendy—it’s essential. Look for accommodations with certifications like Green Key, pack reusable essentials like bamboo cutlery, and always support local businesses to reduce your environmental impact.
3. Digital Detox Vacations: Let’s Log Off, Folks
Perfect Experience: Disconnect in the Scottish Highlands
Trade your screen time for stargazing in Scotland. Head to Knoydart, one of Europe’s most remote regions, where there’s no cell service. Hike rugged mountains, kayak through crystal-clear lochs, and embrace life off the grid.
Digital detox vacations are booming because, let’s face it, we all need a break from endless notifications. Whether it’s swapping your phone for a good book or just reconnecting with nature, these trips are all about being present.
4. Bleisure Travel: Mixing Business with Pleasure
Perfect Place: Lisbon, Portugal
With trendy co-working spaces like Second Home and plenty of rooftop bars, Lisbon is the ultimate bleisure destination. Work in the morning, explore cobblestone streets in the afternoon, and end your day with pastel de nata and a sunset overlooking the Tagus River.
Destinations with reliable Wi-Fi, great weather, and vibrant cultures are becoming hotspots for those blending work and play. Add Lisbon to your list—it’s got everything from hip cafes to jaw-dropping views.
5. Regenerative Travel: Giving Back Is the New Goal
Perfect Experience: Volunteer with Coral Restoration in the Maldives
Stay at a resort like Six Senses Laamu, which partners with marine biologists to restore coral reefs. Spend your mornings snorkeling among vibrant fish and your afternoons helping rebuild underwater ecosystems.
Regenerative travel focuses on improving the places we visit. From volunteering to choosing accommodations that reinvest in their communities, it’s a trend that benefits both travelers and destinations alike.
6. Traveling by Train: All Aboard for Adventure
Perfect Route: The Glacier Express in Switzerland
Dubbed the “slowest express train in the world,” this iconic journey takes you through the Swiss Alps’ jaw-dropping landscapes. Think snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy shots.
Trains are the unsung heroes of sustainable travel. They’re greener than flying and infinitely more scenic. Plus, there’s nothing like the romance of watching the world roll by from a comfy train seat.
7. Hyper-Personalized Travel: Because You’re Not Basic
Perfect Experience: A Custom Whiskey Tour in Scotland
Hire a local guide to craft your dream whiskey tour through Scotland. Visit legendary distilleries like Glenfiddich or Laphroaig, paired with boutique stays and private tastings. You’ll come back with stories (and maybe a bottle or two).
2025 is all about tailoring trips to your passions, whether it’s food, history, or adrenaline-filled adventures. Let local experts build a bespoke itinerary just for you.
8. Off-Season Travel: Outsmart the Crowds
Perfect Place: Iceland in Spring
Swap crowded summers for Iceland’s off-season charm. In spring, you’ll catch waterfalls at their fullest, adorable lambs frolicking in green fields, and—bonus—fewer tourists. Hit the Blue Lagoon when it’s practically empty.
Off-season travel saves you money, reduces over-tourism, and makes for a much more peaceful experience. Why battle crowds when you can have a destination (almost) to yourself?
9. Foodie Travel: Because Calories Don’t Count on Vacation
Perfect Experience: Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam’s street food scene is legendary, and Ho Chi Minh City is where it’s at. Take a guided tour to sample bánh mì, phở, and bánh xèo while zipping through the streets on a motorbike. Your taste buds will thank you.
Foodie travel is about more than just eating—it’s about experiencing a culture through its flavors. Make 2025 the year you eat your way around the world.
10. Wellness Travel: Namaste Your Way to Nirvana
Perfect Place: Yoga Retreat in Ubud, Bali
Find your flow in Bali, the global hub for wellness retreats. Ubud offers everything from sunrise yoga overlooking rice paddies to sound baths in lush jungles. Pro tip: stay at The Yoga Barn for an immersive wellness experience.
Wellness travel is on the rise as we all prioritize self-care. Whether it’s soaking in hot springs or meditating in serene settings, these trips will leave you refreshed and inspired.
How Cerca Helps You Travel Smarter in 2025
Want to make 2025 your best travel year yet? Cerca has your back. Our team of destination experts and local guides will help you uncover those hidden gems and eco-friendly options that make a trip truly unforgettable.
With Cerca’s immersive travel podcasts and insider tips, you’ll go beyond the surface to experience the heart and soul of every destination. Whether you’re looking for the best tapas in Barcelona, the coziest train rides through Europe, or the greenest places to stay, Cerca is your go-to guide.
So, ditch the cookie-cutter travel guides and level up with Cerca. Ready to explore? Check out Cerca now.
