Skip to main content

Top 5 adventure travel trends for 2025: From friendtrips to purposeful parenting

Intrepid shares which trends will be dominating in 2025

Camera and accessories scattered around backpack
Brevitē / Unsplash

Intrepid Travel has unveiled its “Five for 2025: Travel Trend Predictions,” spotlighting the biggest adventure travel trends set to shape the coming year. With nearly 1,000 small-group adventures spanning all seven continents, Intrepid has tapped into evolving traveler desires, revealing a fresh set of top trends that emphasize new ways of exploring the world. From “friendtrips” and family-oriented “purposeful parenting” experiences to the growing appeal of rail travel, here’s a look at what’s predicted to capture the hearts of travelers in 2025.

1. Women-only adventures

Images taken by Annapurna Mellor on the Turkey Women's Expedition Global press trip in June 2023.
Annapurna Mellor / Intrepid Travel

All-women group adventures are surging in popularity, with Intrepid Travel’s Women’s Expeditions experiencing a 37% growth in 2024. These all-female tours, led by local women, attract solo female travelers eager to explore new destinations with like-minded travelers.

Recommended Videos

2. ‘Not-Hot’ destinations

Intrepid Travel

In response to over-tourism frustrations, travelers are turning to “not-hot” destinations, seeking hidden gems over more crowded spots. In 2024, over 70% of Americans opted for lesser-known “dupe” destinations to escape the crowds. This trend is expected to grow, with travelers prioritizing cultural immersion and authentic experiences over tourist-heavy locations.

3. Friendtrips

Intrepid Travel

Friendtrips are on the rise among Zillenials, who are embracing group travel as a way to foster real-life connections. “Younger generations are really embracing group travel right now.” said Matt Berna, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, “they’re craving face to face connection in an increasingly digital world where it’s becoming harder to meet friends organically.”

4. Purposeful parenting

A collection of images taken by Siena Nisavic on the 18-35's South Korea Press trip in March 2024.
Siena Nisavic / Intrepid Travel

Purposeful parenting is driving family travel, with parents seeking meaningful, culturally immersive experiences for their children. Intrepid Travel’s family tours saw a 20% global increase in 2024, reflecting families’ desire to connect with local communities and learn from new and different cultures.

5. Back on track

Train in Mongolia
Intrepid Travel

Rail travel is making a comeback as travelers seek slower, more sustainable journeys. Embracing this trend, Intrepid Travel has introduced three new rail trips and extended over 50 tours by an extra day for 2025, allowing travelers to savor destinations at a relaxed pace while reducing their carbon footprint.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
The most expensive vacation destination of 2025 isn’t where you think
Traveling to Rwanda will set you back about $18,000
Rwanda

New research from Faye Travel Insurance reveals where Americans are traveling in 2025, and how much they’re spending. While Europe remains the most popular destination overall, the priciest vacations are taking Americans much farther from home.

Topping the list is Rwanda, where the average trip runs an eye-popping $18,417. The East African country is best known for its once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking, but travelers are also booking luxury safari getaways and bespoke itineraries through high-end companies like Black Tomato. Their “Ultimate Rwanda” trip takes guests deep into the jungle for a nine-night adventure with endangered wildlife. 

Read more
From yellow penguins to midnight art strolls: My stay at 21c Cincinnati
Part hotel, part interactive museum
21c Museum Hotel

If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in the middle of an art gallery, Cincinnati’s 21c Museum Hotel makes that dream come true. On my recent trip to the Queen City, I checked in and quickly realized this wasn’t your average boutique hotel. 

Housed in the historic Metropole building, 21c is equal parts contemporary art museum and chic 156-room hotel, complete with a gallery, larger-than-life installations, and even interactive pieces tucked into hallways and elevators. From the moment you walk in, it feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a living art experience.

Read more
Travelers to Thailand could score free flights starting this September
Now might be the time to travel to Thailand
temple in Thailand

Thailand is gearing up to give international tourism a major lift this fall by offering 200,000 free domestic flights to visitors arriving between September and November. The initiative, led by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, is designed to encourage travelers to explore beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai during the country’s traditionally slower season.

The details

Read more