2025 Travel Trends! Embracing "Bravecations"

Happy New Year to all our readers! We wish you all the best in the coming year! So, what’s ahead for top 2025 travel trends?

For a few fun, factoids, The Meandering Traveler looks at one of the top results from Marriott Bonvoy’s 2025 “Ticket to Travel” research survey.

(In the photo above, Rose, a personal travel planner for Pavlus Travel, explores via zip line.)

The Rise of “Bravecations”

Conducted globally among more than 21,000 adults, the Marriott Bonvoy survey revealed that 67 percent of travelers expect to be “braver” on vacation in 2025 and beyond.

Thus, the study suggests a rising trend of “bravecations.” But what does that mean? It simply means that travelers are hoping to step out of their comfort zone a bit — and to experience things they wouldn’t at home.

For example, on a National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions eight-day “Costa Rica and the Panama Canal” itinerary in 2025, guests — even those who’ve never taken an expedition in the past — might venture into remote wilderness on guided eco-activities.

During this expedition cruise, travelers will build a sense of pure adventure. But no, they won’t be climbing Mount Everest. Instead, they’ll travel in comfort on the ship yet also explore ashore safely, accompanied by an experienced expedition team.

Monkeys, Sloths and Birds, Oh My!

“‘Bravecation’ travelers can venture into Central America’s jungles on National Geographic-Lindblad’s many eco-focused shore excursions,” emphasizes Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “They’ll look for monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and often explore far from any inhabited places.”

She suggests readers check out that “Costa Rica and The Panama Canal” itinerary. At press time, prices started at $6,812 per person, double occupancy.

“Those interested should contact one of our skilled personal travel planners who will assist in answering all your questions and making the booking,” Steudle says. “We’ll smooth the process, reserve you a spot at the absolute best price and provide great customer service.”

Other “Bravecation” Outings

On a land tour or non-expedition cruise, other “bravecation” moments might include a guest’s first-ever zip line excursion or snorkeling outing.

Alternatively, travelers exploring Egypt on a river cruise might choose an optional camel ride across the desert sands near the Pyramids of Giza. It’s an easy, quick, fun option, yet one that delivers a “bravecation” sense of adventure!

In fact, The Meandering Traveler experienced the latter in early December on a Viking Nile cruise. During our “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary, guests enjoyed a robust, Viking-guide-led tour around and inside the pyramids.

But toward the end of that tour, the Viking tour guide proactively assisted all cruise guests who desired the experience of a camel ride. Let’s just say that a skilled tour guide can be a fabulous advocate and resource for travelers.

Most notably, our Viking guide didn’t put up with any back talk from assertive vendors. She also secured the camel rides at a fair price including the tip.

Guests who ride a camel at the Pyramids of Giza can feel they've had a "bravecation" experience -- doing something different from their normal comfort zone. Photo by Susan J. Young. — *(Guests who ride a camel at the Pyramids of Giza can feel they’ve had a “bravecation” experience — doing something different from their normal comfort zone. Photo by Susan J. Young.)*

Thus, guests avoided the haggling of dealing with individual camel operators. At the same time, the brief camel ride was clearly a “bravecation” experience.

Given the comments we heard on the motorcoach after the tour, the guests truly loved riding a camel. They felt akin to ancient Egyptian pharaohs as they rode across the desert landscape.

2025 Travel Trends: Sampling Foods

But “bravecation” leanings aren’t simply about looking for soft adventure activities. For many travelers who took that survey, being braver on vacation in 2025 and beyond is wrapped up in a deep “food dive”!

Simply put, it’s all about tasting or sampling unusual cuisine or dishes they wouldn’t typically order or have opportunities to experience.

For instance, Tauck offers “A Week…in Venice, Florence and Rome” itinerary. During a one-day trip to Badia di Passignano, guests will travel through the Chianti hills in the heart of the Chianti Classico region.

Tauck’s guests will enjoy a special cellar tour and wine-pairing lunch featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine and local wines. Plus, they’ll receive an olive-oil tasting at the osteria of a famed monastery.

New seafood dishes are now available at the one-Michelin-starred CUT by Wolfgang Puck at the Marina Bay Sands. Photo by Marina Bay Sands. — *(Local seafood is served by the Michelin-starred CUT by Wolfgang Puck in Singapore. Photo by Marina Bay Sands.)*

While exploring independently in Singapore, perhaps after a tour or cruise, guests might make a reservation for dinner at the renowned CUT by Wolfgang Puck. This Michelin-starred restaurant at the Marina Bay Sands serves up delectable local seafood dishes.

That’s a wonderful experience. Yet, on the opposite end of the seafood spectrum, an enticing, “use your fingers” option in New Orleans or farther north on the Mississippi River in Louisiana involves chowing down on crayfish at either a local fish camp or casual cafe.

In the Caribbean, travelers might, for example, delve into Martinique’s multifaceted heritage with dishes that reflect African, European, Indian and Creole influences. For instance, Oceania Cruises is one upscale line with multiple voyages that call at Martinique.

2025 Travel Trends: Greater Interaction

A totally different “bravecation” activity cited by travelers in the Marriott Bonvoy survey is engaging more in conversations with strangers while traveling.

That develops in many ways. In one way, it’s about sharing the same adventures, such as being strangers but traveling together on a tour, shore excursion or city stay.

“Another way to elevate that contact is by booking a themed voyage or tour, one that brings you together with other like-minded travelers,” says Pavlus Travel‘s Steudle.

“For example, themed vacations or those with special VIP guests might allow you to share your love of golf, art, music or cuisine,” she says. In general, though, people on vacation love meeting new people.

One happening announced this week? Cunard Line will set the tempo for music collaborations in 2025 with famed jazz musicians Jools Holland OBE and Jamie Cullum.

These renowned artists will perform on Queen Victoria’s eight-night “Spain and Italy” voyage on May 4, 2025. The ship’s itinerary is from Southampton, U.K., to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

One fun thing to do in Belfast is combine good Irish music with good brews by taking a Music Trail Tour. Credit Line: Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland © 2023 Rob Durston — *(Themed outings allow travelers to easily chat with like-minded strangers. Above, some jointly enjoy a Music Trail Tour in Northern Ireland. Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland © 2023 Rob Durston.)*

Also striking up conversations with strangers — both fellow guests and “the locals” — on vacation is often facilitated by supplier-initiated travel outings. Special receptions or programs ashore are a terrific way to do so.