2025 Travel Trends vs. 2024 Travel Trends: What’s Changing in Educational Travel?

2024 Travel Trends: What We Learned and How It Shaped Educational Travel

Travel trends in 2024 touched upon a variety of new traveler preferences not seen in years prior, which are shaping travel trends moving forward. Some 2024 travel trends included:

• Roots travel: Roots travel refers to travel that explores destinations tied to the traveler’s ancestry and family history. Popular spots included Italy, Scotland and other European destinations.
• Experiential travel: Last year, travelers were looking for more immersive, authentic experiences rather than simply sightseeing. This is causing many travel programs to engage in local culture, food and traditions compared to tourist-heavy attractions.
• Health and wellness: Travelers are putting a stronger emphasis on health and wellness, seeking trips that include activities like yoga, hiking, guided meditation and spas, to rejuvenate and focus on mental and physical health.
• Event travel: Last year, many travelers booked vacations centered around notable events, from music festivals to athletic events, to witness and engage in person.
• Solo travel: More individuals, including Gen Z, millennials and baby boomers alike, are opting for solo adventures due to the independence and flexibility they offer.

Key Differences in Travel Trends for 2025: What to Expect

Last year marked a significant shift in the travel industry. Whether influenced by the global shutdown from the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020 or other influences like technology and societal shifts, understanding the travel trends and values for 2025 is important. Here’s what you can expect:

Focus on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Travel

Sustainable and eco-friendly travel is a primary concern for many travelers seeking to explore the world in 2025 while leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint. Travel this year will focus on carbon-offset travel options and destinations committed to environmental preservation due to the growing awareness of climate change.

Technological Advancements in Educational Travel

Various technological advancements are making changes to the travel industry in 2025. AI-powered travel planning tools are helping educators and travel groups plan more customized and efficient itineraries, while also recommending destinations based on criteria like interests, curriculum and subject focus. Other tech advancements include online and hybrid education models that combine in-person educational travel with online courses, interactive learning apps and smart devices for real-time learning.

Rise in Solo and Group Travel for Lifelong Learners

Solo travel is still on the rise, with a significant number of travelers planning solo trips due to a desire for self-care, flexibility, and the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers while discovering new areas of the world. Group travel is also popular among all demographics, as multigenerational families can enjoy discovery opportunities together. More travelers are also looking for accessible adventure opportunities that accommodate those with disabilities or limited mobility. This way, friends and family can experience the world together without worrying about barriers taking away from their travel experience.

The Role of Learning Adventures: A Shift in Educational Travel Priorities

As more travelers seek authentic travel experiences, learning programs and destinations must shift priorities to meet these needs. Here’s how they’re making it happen:

Immersive Experiences vs. Traditional Learning

Travelers are shifting away from overcrowded tourist spots and turning toward more authentic, immersive travel experiences that allow them to connect with local cultures. This trend involves supporting local communities, dining at local eateries, and partaking in local customs and traditions like festivals and parades.

How Destinations are Evolving to Meet Educational Needs

Destinations are also making changes to how they accommodate travelers in 2025. Across the world, destinations are evolving to meet the educational needs by offering tailored programs that align with specific educational curriculum and subject-specific tours, such as those focused on art, ancient ruins, nature, history, or geography. Destinations are also offering immersive experiences that blend education with entertainment, along with eco-tourism and conservation programs centered around environmental stewardship.

Why You Should Care: The Importance of Staying Ahead of the Curve in Educational Travel

Staying ahead of the curve is crucial to meeting the needs of travelers in 2025 and beyond. From changes in travel preferences and needs to building a stronger educational strategy, here’s why you should care about staying ahead:

Preparing for Changes in Travel Preferences and Needs

Travel programs and destinations need to accommodate changes in travel preferences and needs. This includes offering versatile dining options to adhere to specific diets, such as vegan, gluten-free or low-fat, as well as providing accommodations for varying activity and mobility levels to maintain inclusivity.

Building a Stronger, More Adaptive Educational Travel Strategy

Looking ahead, there are several ways to build a stronger, more adaptive educational travel strategy. This includes embracing technology, such as AI-powered solutions, digital tools that offer interactive learning opportunities and personalized experiences tailored to specific subjects or skill levels. Additionally, collaborating with local experts and planning for flexibility allows the option to go off the beaten path and offer authentic learning.

Looking Ahead to the Future of Educational Travel

As we near the busy season of 2025 travel, maintaining a sharp focus on educational learning experiences is vital. At Road Scholar, we offer a wide range of experiential learning programs led by professional guides well-versed in each destination’s history, culture, geography and more. Find an adventure to check off items on your 2025 must-do list today.