Nearly half of Canadian travellers are inclined to forget about their kids and spend their savings on travel, a new study from Booking.com suggests. Male travellers also are looking to take men-only trips, which Booking.com calls “Boyz II Zen.”
“Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research reveals that travellers are ‘rewriting their playbook’ in 2025, defying the norms of age, gender, or simply what society thinks travel should look like for them,” the company said in releasing its 2025 Travel Trends Survey.
Booking.com commissioned research among more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories (including roughly 1,000 Canadians) to present nine travel predictions that foresee 2025 ushering in new ways of experiencing the world.
“Canadians, like most of the world, are feeling the stresses of accelerating change,” said Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com. “Global elections, rapid AI advancements, and increased costs of living, to name a few, have us feeling fatigued, needing to withdraw, pick a side, or simply disconnect.”
SKI Trips: Boomers will throw caution to the wind in favour of multigenerational megatrips
‘SKI’ vacations will be on the rise - but not on the slopes - as parents flip priorities by Spending Kids’ Inheritance (SKI) instead of squirreling their savings. Nearly half of Canadian travellers (42%) would rather spend money on the trip of a lifetime in 2025 than leave inheritance to their children.
But next year, this trend will take on an increasingly altruistic approach, as older relatives look to splash the cash among their families, helping the younger generations through the cost of living crisis by paying for their next vacation.
Prepare for more multi-generational trips courtesy of the Bank of Mom & Dad, as grandparents, parents and grandchildren pack their bags together for the ultimate bonding experiences.
Not only will boomers be opening their wallets in 2025, but an emerging cohort are also expected to defy their years and conventional expectations in favor of thrill seeking in 2025. 37% of this generation within Canada are interested in adventure vacations (up from 20% in 2024**). Easing their way into an era of adrenaline, nearly a third (41%) are interested in horseback riding and 23% are interested in letting go of their inhibitions at a wine rave.
Boyz II Zen: Male travellers will abandon bravado and embrace more fulfilling group travel
Nearly half (43%) of Canadian travellers agreed that they would encourage one of the men in their life to go on a men-only trip, jumping to 61% for Gen Z, and 56% for millennials. 24% of Canada’s male travellers are abandoning societal expectations and ‘bro culture’ cliches to switch off from the stresses of everyday life, 30% to rest and rejuvenate, 26% in pursuit of mental health benefits, 23% personal growth.
And further defying expectations, it’s women persuading the men in their lives to go on a men-only trip, with 58% encouraging their partner, 31% their friends, 24% their brother, and 17% their father to put their personal wellbeing first.
Passport to Longevity: Next level health and wellness experiences may replace the longstanding vacation popularity of booze and food indulgence
Driven by the desire to cultivate better lifestyle choices, 54% of Canadian travellers are interested in a longevity retreat - a super-charged flex on traditional wellbeing itineraries where temporary fixes are replaced in the pursuit of a longer, healthier life.
And with 55% of Canadian travellers revealing they would pay for a vacation that's sole purpose was to extend their lifespan and wellbeing, 2025 could mark the first year of the rest of their longer lives.
NocTourism: Travellers have their head in the clouds as they look towards celestial happenings, cooler climates, and midnight magic
Ditching the daylight crowds for midnight magic, over half (58%)of Canadian travellers are considering visiting darker sky destinations with starbathing experiences (58%), star guides (53%), once in a lifetime cosmic events (54%), and constellation tracking (52%) top of their stellar adventure lists.
Protection from UV rays is important for 61% of Canadian travellers who say they plan to reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun, while more than half (54%) will be planning activities in the evenings and early mornings when the sun is at its lowest.
Vintage Voyaging: Unique, second-hand finds are set to become the new destination-branded coffee mug
Almost half (43%) of Canadian travellers said they would be interested in buying their vacation wardrobe during their trip rather than before, jumping to 63% of Gen Z. 58% would visit thrift stores during vacation and nearly three quarters (71%) have already bought vintage or second-hand products on their travels.
No doubt influenced by both cost and climate awareness, this shift isn’t just about style - it’s about stretching our dollars further.
The Gate Escape: Travellers will be on board with airports stepping up their appeal
More than half (59%) of Canadian travellers are curious about airports with more unique experiences or facilities, and a quarter (27%) express an interest in visiting somewhere because of its airport.
But it’s Canada’s Gen Z and millennials who look set to fuel this trend. Among both, 41% are keen to consider destinations based on their airport, rejecting stressed-out stereotypes in favor of indulgent experiences, like sleep pods, spas, and Michelin star restaurants.
Neuroinclusive navigation will herald in a new era of comfort and ease
There is growing momentum around the need for less conventional and more inclusive approaches to travel experiences that better connect with the needs of neurodivergent travellers. Nearly half of Canadian travellers who consider themselves neurodivergent have had a negative experience while travelling due to their neurodivergence.
Half of Canadians are keen on AI tools that would provide up-to-date travel information, reports of delays and suggestions on quieter, less busy spaces in airports and hotels. Sensory rooms in airports, hotels and other locations are sought after by 72%, while 66% would like to see more ‘block out noise’ options across the travel experience.
In fact, the call for progress in 2025 is loud and clear with 66% wanting an industry-wide initiative or program that shares their needs and preferences seamlessly with airlines and accommodation providers, providing a closer connection between travellers, platforms and operators.
For more information about Booking.com’s 2025 Travel Predictions, please visit https://www.booking.com/articles/travelpredictions2025.html.
