Like most industries, travel is shaped by trends. Some are slow-burning whilst others seemingly emerge overnights thanks to tech breakthroughs and the latest social media trends. This year, 2025, it’s seemingly no longer just about where people want to travel, but why they are travelling in the first place. From deeper personal meaning to bolder, more creative itineraries, wanderlust is certainly evolving…
At Waybird, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the trends shaping the 2025–2026 travel season and beyond. If you’re an independent travel advisor or running your own travel business, understanding what’s next is key to staying competitive.
Waybird gives you the smart tech and time-saving tools to thrive in the digital age and turn these trends into seamless, bookable journeys. Because let’s face it: the best trips don’t just get posted on Instagram, they become the kind of stories talked about at dinner parties for years to come – and ensure a steady flow of repeat guests!
Emerging travel trends for 2025/2026 and beyond
1. Cultural immersion and community-driven connections
Travellers are increasingly looking for more than just a destination to visit and a pretty picture to take. Instead, connection and meaningful, immersive experiences that offer personal growth and a deep connection and understanding of different destinations are the name of the game. Think learning ancient tracking techniques from the San bushmen in Botswana, learning how to make a spicy bánh xèo in a Vietnamese cooking class, or trying your hand at a traditional paper-making workshop in Madagascar. Cultural deep dives like these are an incredible way to engage with a destination’s history, heritage and culture, far beyond what the guidebooks will tell you…
2. Ecotourism escapes and the rise of conscious travel
Far from being simply a ‘nice to have’, sustainability is fast becoming a non-negotiable when it comes to travel. Travellers are actively looking for trips that will minimise their footprints on the land (and in the air) and make a positive impact, whether that’s staying in a carbon-conscious hotel or choosing a safari lodge with electric vehicles. And there’s conservation projects and vetted voluntourism opportunities for those who really want to get their hands dirty and give back in the most powerful way possible. And, alongside this, is a conscious move towards slower travel with many choosing deeper immersion and more gentle experiences over jam-packed checklists.
As a travel advisor, there’s a real opportunity to stand out by curating conscious, eco-adventures that matter, including tacking cheetah in Namibia, paddling through the Amazon, or mountain biking in Costa Rica’s jungles. With Waybird, you’ve got access to our vetted, planet-friendly itineraries and partners that will make it happen.
3. Spiritual journeys are on the rise
Sometimes the most unforgettable journeys are the ones we take inward, rather than to a physical destination and Waybird travel advisors have seen a real increase in getaways that support mind, body and soul – spiritual journeys in search of inner peace, if you like. Where it’s descending into the rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia’s Lalibela, walking a pilgrimage path to Chimi lhakhang Temple in Bhutan, or following Holy Week processions in the Colombian city of Popayán, more and more people are seeking transformative travel experiences with heart.
These kinds of trips require sensitivity, local insight and thoughtful planning, all things that Waybird advisors are uniquely equipped to offer. When done well, these journeys create moments of awe and clarity that will remain with travellers long after their return home.
4. In search of wellness and rejuvenation
Beyond traditional R&R (because a holidays should always include a dose!), wellness travel is evolving. From functional nutrition and forest-bathing to mindfulness practices and digital detoxes, travellers are desperate to escape our modern, beeping lives for journeys that restore, reset and prioritise mental wellbeing. We’re talking yoga and meditation retreats in India, forest bathing in Japan, star gazing in the Atacama Desert or simply switching off in style in the wilds of Africa.
At the same time, mid-career sabbaticals are on the rise, with many travellers booking trips and time off to reflect and reprioritise careers, life – or both! And then of course, there’s the “workation” with destinations like Cape Town, Bali and Buenos Aires top of the list for those chasing fast Wi-Fi by day and vibrant explorations by night.
5. Specialisation is the new status symbol
Today’s travellers are often looking for something specific when it comes to travel – something personal, perhaps, or something wildly niche in a lesser-known gem. For some, that means escaping the Insta-crowds and heading off the beaten path where no-one has ventured before them but for others, it’s all about chasing the latest in pop culture: think “set-jetters” booking trips to Sicily or Thailand to visit the iconic The White Lotus locales, or heading to the Scottish Highlands to walk in Outlander’s footsteps.
There’s also a renewed fascination with nature-centric adventures, witnessing the Northern Lights, for example, or timing a trip around a solar eclipse or a wildlife migration. These travel experiences often require seasonal planning, but also make up a good portion of spontaneous last-minute trips.
Why travel advisors are using Waybird to grow their business
Waybird is all about helping you turn these travel trends into business wins. Our platform is built to make your life easier, streamlining business operations, enhancing your client experiences, and keeping overheads low (without any of the spreadsheet headaches or cash flow issues).
Here’s how we’ll help you stay ahead of the curve:
Travel proposals in minutes
Create stunning, up-to-date itineraries based on your clients’ interests. There’s no more waiting for DMCs to get back to you or digging through dog-eared, outdated brochures here.
Real-time pricing
Access accurate pricing and live availability in real time, so you can quote confidently, answer faster and seal the deal.
Integrated payments
Accept client payments securely, manage multiple currencies, and automate your invoicing, all from one place.
Your back office, handled
Show us someone who likes doing admin. We take care of supplier payments, licensing and liability insurance, so you can focus on the fun stuff – like building unforgettable trips.
A vetted travel network
Work with Waybird’s vetted DMCs and suppliers at a preferential rate and set your own pricing. With Waybird, you’re always in control.
A travel community that gets it
Join our growing global network of travel advisors and suppliers and enjoy the perks of product training, travel shows, and fam trips that actually help you sell better and faster.
From eco-conscious escapes and cultural deep-dives to wellness retreats and remote-work adventures, the future of travel is all about personalisation and purpose. And Waybird is built to help you deliver exactly that. The platform turns complex, multi-stop dreams into bookable itineraries in minutes – saving you hours, keeping your overheads low, and helping you turn “just browsing” daydreams into confirmed bookings. To find out more or try Waybird for free, visit the website.
