Proven Strategies for Finding Trending Travel Topics in 2025
Photo by Ling App on Unsplash
Introduction: Why Finding Trending Travel Topics Matters
In the fast-paced world of travel, staying ahead of the curve is essential for content creators, marketers, travel agents, and anyone looking to generate leads or sales. Identifying trending travel topics not only attracts a larger, more engaged audience but also signals authority and relevance in a highly competitive landscape. As travel preferences evolve due to cultural shifts, technology, and global events, knowing how to spot and leverage these trends can make the difference between leading the conversation and lagging behind.
Leveraging Data-Driven Tools for Travel Trends
One of the most reliable ways to uncover trending travel topics is to use data-driven research tools. Platforms like Google Trends provide real-time insights into what people are searching for worldwide. In 2025, for example, Google Trends shows a significant spike in searches for “travel hacks for long flights” (up 150%), “solo travel,” and “coolcations”-vacations to cooler climates as an answer to extreme summer heat. Other popular queries include “weekend getaways” and “travel outfits” [1] . By analyzing this search data, you can identify not just the topics with the highest volume, but those with the fastest growth, allowing you to act quickly on emerging interests.
To implement this:
- Regularly check Google Trends for rising travel-related queries.
- Use the tool’s filters to narrow results by country, time frame, and category for targeted insights.
- Monitor related queries and breakout terms to spot new trends before they peak.
Alternative approaches include using analytics from your own website or social accounts to see which travel content is resonating most with your audience, or subscribing to industry reports from reputable organizations such as Amadeus, which publishes annual overviews of travel trends [2] .
Mining Social Media for Emerging Travel Conversations
Social media is a goldmine for real-time travel inspiration and trending topics. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) allow users to share their journeys instantly, influencing others and generating viral trends. For example, the rise in solo travel has been accelerated by influencers sharing safety tips, destination guides, and personal stories, particularly empowering women to explore the world independently
[3]
. Likewise, hashtags such as
#coolcation
and
#weekendgetaway
are aggregating content around specific types of trips, giving businesses and creators easy access to what’s gaining traction.
To harness social media trends:
- Follow and engage with travel influencers and industry thought leaders to stay updated on their latest content and recommendations.
- Monitor trending hashtags and challenges related to travel on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Use built-in analytics tools (such as Instagram Insights or TikTok Analytics) to track which posts and topics are delivering the most engagement.
It is also beneficial to participate in travel forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook, where travelers share first-hand experiences and ask for recommendations-often before a trend becomes mainstream.
Utilizing Industry Reports and Expert Analyses
Authoritative industry reports are invaluable for uncovering macro-level travel trends. For example, Amadeus’ 2025 Travel Trends report highlights several emerging themes: the popularity of nostalgia-driven trips, technology-enabled personalization, and the growing significance of hotels as standalone destinations. The report also notes Asia’s resurgence as a top travel region due to relaxed visa policies, and the convergence of AI, 5G, and virtual reality in crafting immersive travel experiences [2] . Similarly, other sources point to the rise of “coolcations,” sustainable travel, and group travel as dominant trends [4] .
To leverage these insights:
- Download or subscribe to annual trend reports from reputable travel research organizations.
- Attend webinars, conferences, or virtual panels where industry experts discuss upcoming trends.
- Summarize key findings and consider how they apply to your specific market or audience segment.
Remember that while reports give a bird’s-eye view, combining these insights with real-time social and search data will provide a well-rounded understanding of what is trending now.
Spotting Trends Through Booking and Review Platforms
Travel booking and review sites offer another window into what’s hot. Platforms like TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and Expedia routinely publish their own trend analyses based on search and booking data. For instance, a surge in bookings for coastal U.S. towns or Icelandic escapes may signal the next big destination trend. User reviews and Q&A sections also reveal shifting traveler priorities-such as a desire for eco-friendly accommodations or unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Photo by Ling App on Unsplash
To make use of these resources:
- Browse the “trending destinations” or “most booked” sections on established travel sites.
- Read guest reviews to identify recurring themes such as sustainability, safety, or amenities.
- Monitor updates from the official blogs or press releases of these platforms for early indicators of new travel patterns.
When links to specific trend roundups are not available, you can typically access these features directly from the homepages of the leading travel aggregators, or by searching for “travel trends [current year]” combined with the platform name.
Implementing Trending Topics for Lead Generation and Sales
After identifying trending travel topics, the next step is to implement them to drive business results. Content creators can craft blog posts, videos, or social campaigns around these topics, using SEO strategies to capture high-intent search traffic. For hotels and travel agencies, offering specialized packages-such as “solo travel retreats” or “coolcation getaways”-can directly address current demand [3] .
Practical steps include:
- Developing targeted landing pages or product offerings that align with trending traveler interests.
- Using trend data to inform email marketing campaigns, highlighting timely deals and experiences.
- Collaborating with influencers who specialize in trending niches to expand reach and build credibility.
Consider challenges such as rapidly shifting interests and increased competition. To address this, regularly refresh your content and monitor analytics to ensure continued relevance. If a trend begins to fade, pivot quickly to the next emerging topic, using the research strategies outlined above.
Alternative and Complementary Approaches
While digital data is essential, don’t overlook on-the-ground insights. Speaking directly with customers, conducting surveys, and gathering anecdotal feedback can reveal nuanced preferences not yet reflected in search or booking data. Participating in local tourism boards or industry associations also provides early access to upcoming initiatives and regional trends.
If you’re unable to access certain analytics tools, use public resources such as Google’s Year in Search reports, industry news outlets, and official tourism organizations. For location-specific trends, follow local travel bureaus and subscribe to their newsletters for updates on popular events, new attractions, and visitation statistics.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Finding trending travel topics in 2025 requires a blend of real-time analytics, social media monitoring, expert reporting, and on-the-ground research. By combining these approaches, you can consistently identify emerging trends, craft relevant content, and develop offerings that resonate with today’s travelers. Stay adaptable, verify your data, and keep your strategies updated to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving travel landscape.
