2025 Travel Trends: The Rise of Extended Getaways and Slow Travel

Travel habits are shifting, and 2025 is poised to be the year of extended vacations. Dubbed the “stay away longer” trend, this movement reflects a growing desire for deeper, more immersive travel experiences rather than rushed sightseeing.

According to the BBC, “While the urge to get away doesn’t seem to be dwindling, industry experts say travelers in 2025 are plotting longer stays and finding ways to stretch their time away from home and work to be as long as possible and further immerse themselves in a single destination.”

A report by Skift Research predicts a 24% increase in planned trips for 2025 compared to the previous year, with long leisure vacations becoming the top preference for global travelers. The report names 2025 “the year of long getaways,” with the trend especially prominent in countries like China, India, and Germany.

What’s Driving the Trend?

D.K. Ghatani, travel consultant at Sikkim Expedition, attributes this shift to changing traveler priorities post-pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized mindfulness and quality time, encouraging people to seek meaningful experiences over packed itineraries. Extended trips also make travel more cost-effective, as longer stays often lower per-day expenses for accommodations and transport. Additionally, this approach supports sustainability by reducing frequent flights and fostering deeper engagement with local communities.”

Industry experts also point to the rise of “bleisure” travel—blending business and leisure—remote work flexibility, and a growing eco-conscious mindset as key factors fueling the demand for slow travel.

How the Travel Industry Is Adapting

The industry is evolving to cater to long-term travelers through flexible services and tailored experiences. “Airlines and hotels are introducing more flexible rescheduling policies to accommodate extended trips. Homestay platforms are promoting long-term stays with discounts, targeting digital nomads and families seeking immersive vacations. Travel companies are curating cultural experiences, such as cooking classes and language lessons, to enhance extended stays,” says Ghatani.

Sustainability is also playing a key role, with destinations and accommodations emphasizing green initiatives, including public transport promotion and support for local businesses to attract slow travelers.

The Role of Remote Work in Extended Travel

Remote work has fundamentally changed travel patterns, allowing professionals to combine work with exploration. “Flexible work policies have enabled people to travel without compromising their careers, creating a balanced routine where they work during weekdays and explore on weekends,” explains Ghatani. Many remote workers now prioritize accommodations with strong Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and access to coworking hubs.

However, maintaining productivity while traveling can be challenging. “Distractions, inconsistent routines, and inadequate setups can affect performance. To overcome this, remote workers are adopting structured schedules, ergonomic workspaces, and mindful breaks to ensure work doesn’t overshadow leisure,” he adds.

With longer vacations and immersive experiences becoming the new norm, 2025 is shaping up to redefine the way we travel.