Travel Trends 2025: A Fresh Outlook for Travel Agencies

A man taking a selfie with a group of people behind him.

2025 is shaping up to be another great year for the leisure travel industry, as more and more people look to explore the world and discover new horizons. Despite the uncertainty and shakeups of the year, most Americans include travel as one of their spending priorities for the year. According to The Harris Poll, 77% of Americans plan to travel in 2025. 

For many, travel is a form of escape and relaxation – and has become a necessity, rather than a luxury, for millions of consumers. This year looks exciting for the travel industry, with a shift in some surprising directions. So, let’s explore Travel Trends, 2025 edition! 

Top Travels Trends for 2025 

Although the travel industry is changing, certain types of trips remain popular. Here are some of the standout trends that are shaping travel in 2025: 

  • Adults-only vacations. In the quest to find peace and solitude, more adults are opting for kid-free vacations, with bookings for this type of accommodation multiplying 3 times compared to recent years, with most people booking them being between 30 and 50 years old. 
  • Sustainable travel. France is the most visited country in the world, in part because of its efforts to ensure that visitors are able to visit its sights for many years to come. 
  • Domestic travel. The United States is the world’s largest aviation market, according to the 2024 World Air Transport Statistics report – and with much of the world’s greatest parks, beaches, cultural sites, and more, it’s easy to see why people are enjoying vacations right here in America. 
  • Event travel. Many millennials and Gen-Z’ers are using concerts, sports, and other events as top reasons to travel. Think the Oasis reunion, Taylor Swift, and the Super Bowl! 
  • Unique experiences. Many people are looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences and places that excite them – often finding a niche perfect for them.  

Future of the Cruise Industry 

The cruise industry is at the forefront of the new travel boom, as it can easily capitalize on these shifting trends. For instance, adult-only cruise lines are booming, as are cruises departing from US ports, as travelers fly domestically.  

The cruise industry is taking their ships into the 2020s and beyond, with technology designed to make each vacation even more seamless. Wearable tech allows passengers to access cabins, order room service and even track their travel companions on board – all with the wave of a bracelet. 

For younger passengers, as well as an increasing number of digital nomads, high-speed internet access is a must. Cruise lines are using satellite internet services to increase speed and reliability while at sea.  

Plus, the cruise industry is going greener. Cleaner wastewater treatment systems, exhaust filtration and more environmentally friendly fuels are all part of the newest ships setting sail. 

All of these new innovations make cruise travel agents indispensable to people looking to plan a cruise vacation. Travelers want to work with someone who understands the ever-changing needs of a dynamic travel sector. A travel agency owner can help a client plan a trip seamlessly – allowing their vacation to be enjoyable at every step of the way.  

How to Get Into the Travel Industry 

If you’re a person who prefers working on your own schedule, you might investigate becoming your own boss and starting a travel business of your own. A travel agency franchise combines the best elements of entrepreneurship with the support and community of an established brand. 

Now is the greatest time to get into the travel industry, with the demand making one franchisor – Dream Vacations – one of the fastest growing franchises. Entrepreneur Magazine currently lists Dream Vacations as the fourth fastest-growing franchise in 2025!  

The right franchise will prepare you to own a business. It will help you navigate a business plan and provide tourism training courses to help you customize your business. Look for a franchise that helps you network with other agents and teaches you how to build a client base. Dream Vacations fits that perfectly. 

Travel Agent Perks 

Selling travel means you need to know first-hand what it’s like. One of the best travel agent perks is getting to travel yourself!  

A major benefit of being a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner is access to free or significantly discounted travel experiences. You’ll get to discover the most popular destinations, a variety of cruise lines and new resorts so you can give the best information to your clients. Sharing your own travel tips shows your clients that you want to give them the best trip possible. You’ll be the first to know about new destinations and exclusive opportunities – all of which can be passed on to your clients. 

Why Dream Vacations Is the Best Tourism Franchise 

To stay ahead of the competition, travel agencies are already adapting their offerings to align with the key travel trends 2025 has to offer.  It has already proven to be a year full of promise for travel business owners, as people are looking for more personalization and deeper connections during their travels. Helping to make this a reality is the best part of being a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner.  

Dream Vacations provides franchise owners with the flexibility to develop businesses that work for them while still supporting their growth. As an award-winning travel franchise – the #1 travel agency franchise – Dream Vacations offers the training and education you need to run a successful business. We’ll be with you at every mile and every milestone – ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive. Take your next steps to make this life a reality and sign up to begin your Dream Vacations journey. We’re here to support you!