Discover the top destinations, best-value spots, and emerging travel trends set to shape the year
Dubai, 11 October 2024 – Global travel app Skyscanner has revealed its much-anticipated Travel Trends 2025 report, shedding light on the latest trends set to define the travel industry and traveller behaviour in the coming year. While cultural exploration dominated travel in 2024, the new year will emphasize shared travel experiences, highlighting the power of collective exploration and discovery.
The report, developed using Skyscanner’s exclusive search data, commissioned traveller surveys, and trusted industry insights, spotlights the top 10 trending destinations, 10 best-value destinations, and key future travel trends.
Best Budget-Friendly Destinations for UAE Travellers in 2025
Cost remains the most critical factor when choosing a travel destination. Recent reductions in airfare make traveling from the UAE to top global locations more accessible. Airfares to Bucharest, Romania, have dropped by 35%, opening up its rich history and contemporary culture to more visitors. Trabzon, Turkey, has seen a 31% price reduction, enhancing its appeal for its stunning landscapes and historical depth. Beijing, China, now offers a 23% fare drop, making visits to landmarks like the Great Wall more affordable. Tokyo, Japan, has seen a 22% reduction, blending tradition and modernity for an unforgettable experience. Baku, Azerbaijan, with a 20% decrease in airfare, offers a unique mix of futuristic architecture and cultural heritage. These reductions stem from expanded flight routes and increased airline competition, making these destinations more attractive to budget-conscious travellers.
Top Travel Trends for 2025: Collective Exploration and Discovery
According to Skyscanner’s report, travellers are increasingly gravitating towards experiences that foster community and group exploration, seeking to create deeper connections and shared adventures. Key trends emerging among UAE travellers include:
- Astro-Tourism: A growing number of UAE travellers, particularly Gen X, are turning to astro-tourism, blending celestial exploration with astrology insights. 61% of UAE travellers say that planetary and lunar events, such as full moons and Mercury retrograde, influence their emotions and can impact travel plans.
- Gami-Vacation: 2025 is set to be a big year for gaming, and this trend will extend to travel as well. Video game enthusiasts are translating their love for gaming into real-world travel adventures, with 81% of UAE travellers expressing interest in booking trips inspired by locations featured in their favourite video games.
- Sports Mode: The surge in popularity of behind-the-scenes sports documentaries, such as Drive to Survive and Full Swing, is fueling sports travel. In 2025, 45% of UAE travellers, including 43% of 25-34-year-olds, plan to travel to attend sporting events, driven by the thrill of the games (65%), the excitement of live sports (58%), and the chance to see their favourite athletes in action (44%).
Trending Destinations for UAE Travellers in 2025
UAE travellers are showing increasing interest in destinations that offer unique experiences, cultural diversity, and affordability. Below are the top five trending destinations with the highest year-on-year search growth:
- Siem Reap, Cambodia: +226%
- Nassau, Bahamas: +180%
- Langkawi, Malaysia: +150%
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: +127%
- Abidjan, Ivory Coast: +102%
Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, said, “2025 is poised to be the year of shared travel experiences, where collective exploration and deeper connections will reshape how we travel. Whether exploring new destinations, attending sporting events, or connecting with fellow gamers and astro-enthusiasts, collective exploration is redefining travel. These shared experiences enrich our lives and strengthen the sense of global community and understanding.”
