Expedia unpacks top travel trends for...

Detour Destinations, Goods Getaways and Set-Jetting are trending

Global travel platform Expedia has unveiled Unpack ’25, a data-driven report on what’s motivating travellers and where they will go next year.

Expedia analysed first-party travel data, insights from 25,000 travellers, and the latest industry innovation to ‘unpack’ the travel trends for 2025, and for the first time, the annual report includes insights from UAE residents.

'Detour Destinations', 'Goods Getaways' and 'Set-Jetting' are the leading trends for the coming year.

“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.

Detour Destinations
Next year, travellers from the UAE and beyond, are not only visiting the tried-and-true tourist destinations, they're also adding detours. The detour destinations of the year are near popular hotspots, making them ideal for day trips. In the hunt for the less crowded and less well-known places, 49% of UAE travellers say they are likely to visit a Detour Destination on their next trip, which include destinations such as:

Reims, France (detour from Paris)
Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan)
Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancun)
Santa Barbara, California, US (detour from Los Angeles)
Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland)

Goods Getaways
TikTok has inspired travellers to take trips in search of specialty goods, such as skincare products from Korea, butter from France, or candy from Japan. Travellers are making extra space in their carry-ons for unique treasures, and creating entire trips around getting the goods.

When going on vacation, 78% 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, and the report also shows that 60% of UAE women seek out small mementos to remind them of their trips.

Set-Jetting
From binge-worthy streaming shows to thrilling movies, travellers keep turning to the screen for trip inspiration. Since Expedia identified Set-Jetting as a travel behaviour in 2022, the trend continues to grow. Three-quarters of UAE travellers say movies, streaming services and TV shows have influenced their travel choices. Documentaries about competitive sports and nature lead the way, with 27% of UAE travellers taking travel inspiration from them.

Paris

For the first time in the UAE, Expedia compiled the Set-Jetting Forecast to reveal what entertainment-inspired destinations travellers will head to in 2025. Paris, inspired by Emily in Paris and John Wick: Chapter 4 – spanning New York and Morocco – was a standout for UAE travellers. Local productions in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with shows such as Real Housewives of Dubai, were also flagged in the list on inspiring shows featuring destinations.

Paris inspired by “Emily in Paris”
Dubai inspired by “The Real Housewives of Dubai”
Japan inspired by “Shogun”
Thailand inspired by “The White Lotus”
Madrid inspired by “Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)'

All-Inclusive Era
Today’s all-inclusive resorts are attracting Gen-Zers from across the world, including UAE residents who are looking for stress-free stays and a good deal. In the UAE, more than 90% of travellers are likely to stay in an all-inclusive resort in 2025. Almost half say their perception of all-inclusive hotels has changed for the better, and more than half agree that an all-inclusive resort would be their preferred hotel choice. The top three reasons Gen Z globally is embracing their All-Inclusive Era are minimal stress (41%), ease of booking (39%) and staying at all-inclusive hotels feels luxurious (38%).

Hotel Restaurant Renaissance
When booking hotels, travellers are not just making room reservations — they are making dinner reservations, too. Hotels around the world have opened critically acclaimed restaurants featuring Michelin-starred venues and tasting menus to attract guests. More than half of UAE travellers to global destinations prefer hotels with room service from a famous restaurant in their hotel.

For more information, www.expedia.ae

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