9 Travel Trends You Have to Pay Attention to in 2025

In 2025, travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you connect with the experience. The emerging trends shaping the way we travel in the year to come celebrate creativity, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature. Here are the movements shaping how and where we explore, all with a signature Western flair.

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1. Extraterrestrial Adventures

Astrotourism has been growing in popularity over the years, but 2025 is taking it to new heights—literally. With the public’s recent fascination with drones, UFO sightings in places like New Jersey have fueled curiosity about the skies above. Night sky tourism is flourishing in Western destinations where dark skies dominate. Some standout spots to visit include Sedona, Arizona, known for its vortexes and celestial energy, Sedona offers stargazing tours with a mystical twist. And of course there’s Joshua Tree, California, home to the annual Night Sky Festival and wide open dark skies that are perfect for UFO spotting. But the apex of it all is undoubtedly Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway. This iconic stretch near Area 51 continues to attract enthusiasts and night sky photographers.

Courtesy of Modern Elder Academy

2. Longevity Tourism

No longer is health simply skin deep. There’s been an industry-wide shift in what consumers expect from wellness, and that trickles down to travel. Gone are the days of a spa treatment or a simple juice cleanse detox retreat being sufficient. The new luxury is longevity, as embodied by stays at Sensei and the Modern Elder Academy, where guests pay a premium for bonafide biohacks that provide a longer, healthier, and more fulfilled life.

3. Destination Dupes

With inflation on the rise, travelers are seeking budget-friendly alternatives to international hotspots. Fortunately, the West boasts destinations that rival the charm and beauty of Europe and beyond—without the hefty price tag. Skip Tuscany and head to Sonoma County where rolling vineyards and farm-to-table cuisine deliver Italian vibes. Or, instead of Alberta’s Lake Louise, explore Lake Chelan, Washington, offering crystal-clear waters and Mediterranean-like breezes. Or if snow is more your vibe, swap the alpine charm of Switzerland for our favorite Western gold rush towns, Ouray, Colorado, where mountain views and quaint vibes abound.

Carmel Valley Ranch

4. Burnout Retreats

After years of hustle culture, travelers are prioritizing rest and rejuvenation. Burnout retreats are cropping up, especially in the tech-heavy corridors of Silicon Valley, offering a chance to unplug and recharge. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that there are tons of places to do this in NorCal, where the burnout ratio is incredibly high. Think spots like 1440 Multiversity in Scotts Valley, which offers wellness workshops, forest bathing, and mindfulness programs. Or Carmel Valley Ranch, known for its stunning scenery and tailored relaxation experiences.

Courtesy of Alyeska Spa

5. Nordic Spas

Cold plunges, long revered for their health benefits, are continuing to make waves in the world of wellness. And countless modern hotels are tapping into this traditional medicine, like the new Cascada Hotel in Portland, a boutique property with underground thermal springs spa for soaks. There’s also the incredible retreats at Eleven Experience in Crested Butte, which we tried out this year, worth checking into. And the Alyeska Resort outside Anchorage, a new hotel that’s top of our bucket list.

6. Psychedelic Journeys

As the conversation around mental health evolves, psychedelic tourism is continuing to gain traction. Destinations across the West are becoming hubs for guided journeys, with legal frameworks supporting the responsible use of substances like psilocybin and ayahuasca. Leading locations include Ashland, Oregon, with its growing center for psilocybin-assisted therapy and retreats; British Columbia, Canada, which is known for its progressive policies, offers serene environments for transformative experiences; and Santa Fe, New Mexico, whose spiritual undercurrent is attracting wellness seekers to psychedelic workshops.

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7. Nomadic Work Retreats

Falling in line with the idea of hybrid work models and quiet quitting, “workcations” have transformed into curated retreats designed for professionals to balance productivity with rejuvenation. Hot spots in the West include tech-friendly Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Santa Cruz, California, and Bend, Oregon, all of which are hubs for digital nomads, offering co-working spaces and endless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Thomas J. Story

8. Carbon-Conscious Road Trips

As eco-consciousness grows, road trippers are mapping their journeys around electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The Western U.S. is ideal for EV travel, with scenic routes and robust infrastructure. Some of the best for electric drivers include PCH, Highway 395, and Oregon’s many electric byways.

Thomas J. Story

9. Extreme Glamping

Camping has gone high-end, with travelers seeking unique accommodations that offer the perfect blend of luxury and the great outdoors. Think stilted treehouses, high-tech pods, and safari-style tents. With the onslaught of more openings from the folks behind Under Canvas, as well as new curated programming from Few & Far, this trend is far from over.