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Smart tourism -

In 2024, “smart tourism” emerged as the game-changing travel trend, harnessing the power of technology and data to craft personalized, efficient, and sustainable travel experiences like never before.

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The future of travel -

“The future of travel and holidays” proclaimed holiday agents and those in the travel and tourism industry. A mere few months later, "smart" seems to be on its way out with "nostalgia" on the way in.

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The rise of nostalgic getaways -

A growing number of travelers are returning to places that hold personal significance, such as childhood vacation spots or locations tied to major life events. This phenomenon, known as "rosy retrospection," reflects a longing for a perceived simpler past.

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Sentimental locations -

Whether it's revisiting the site of a first honeymoon, reliving a gap year adventure, or embracing the joys of childhood camping trips, the longing for sentimental locations, perhaps tied to memories of a simpler time, are driving 2025's travel choices.

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The experts weigh in -

According to travel analysts, nostalgia-driven travel is especially appealing to those worn down by the turbulence of contemporary political, economic, and social instability.

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A break from the present -

Following a year of over 80 national elections worldwide, many are turning to the past for solace, fueling the rise in retro-inspired travel choices.

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Campspot survey results -

According to a survey by Campspot, 88% of participants expressed a desire to escape the complexities of modern life, with 72% stating that this longing will significantly influence their travel plans.

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The camping comeback -

As millennials enter middle age, classic caravan and camping holidays are making a strong comeback, and in the US, adult summer camps are booming. Once seen as a childhood pastime, these retreats are now a sought-after escape.

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Eurocamp -

European holiday company Eurocamp has reported a huge uptick in bookings, suggesting 2025 could be the “most significant” in its 50-year history, as this nostalgic demographic seeks to relive the holidays of their youth, this time with their own kids.

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Eurocamp -

In fact, little has changed: the waterslides, sunset discos, and furnished tents are all still there. Eurocamp works with third-party partner campsites and holiday villages to offer beach, city, and countryside holidays at approximately 180 parks in Europe.

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Crystal Ski Holidays data -

According to a 2024 survey by Crystal Ski Holidays, 60% of Brits have tried to recreate their favorite childhood trips with their own offspring, with 90% taking their kids to the same places they went to when they were young.

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Vintage travel experiences are making a comeback too -

Nostalgic travel isn’t just about destinations, it’s also about how we get there. A revival of vintage transport is underway, with steamers, sleeper trains, and camper vans gaining popularity. 

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Train experiences -

Iconic journeys like the Orient Express and La Dolce Vita train experiences are capturing the imagination of travelers looking to step back in time. With vintage charm and luxury touches, these rail adventures offer a stylish escape into the past.

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Orient Express -

In 2025, after a 15-year hiatus, the Orient Express, one of the most legendary luxury trains in the world, will return to the railway under the Orient Express brand. Seventeen carriages, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s and formerly known as the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, have been meticulously restored and redesigned. 

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A journey back in time -

The 2025 revival will travel routes that retrace the train’s historic journeys, including the storied Paris to Istanbul route. This 3,000-kilometer (1,864-mile) adventure will take passengers through some of Europe’s most enchanting cities, including Venice, Vienna, and Budapest.

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Recreation vacations -

Recreation vacations, where travelers embrace old-fashioned leisure activities, are also surging in popularity. People are ditching high-tech resorts for hands-on experiences like fishing trips, bonfires, and road trips in retro camper vans.

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Authentic and immersive -

This shift signals a collective yearning for experiences that feel authentic and immersive rather than hyper-curated and digital. From sunrise hikes to starlit storytelling with s’mores around a fire, travelers are seeking simpler joys that reconnect them with nature and nostalgia.

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Cruises -

Cruises often evoke a sense of nostalgia, as they blend the timeless romance of sea travel with classic onboard experiences. From elegant dining to evening shows and the lure of the open ocean, cruises transport passengers back to a bygone era of luxury and old-fashioned travel.

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Sleepy seaside towns -

Sleepy seaside towns are also making a comeback, often going hand in hand with another travel trend, “slow tourism.” Slow tourism focuses on taking time to fully immerse oneself in a destination, savoring local culture, cuisine, and experiences at a relaxed, unhurried pace.

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Sleepy seaside towns -

For many, these charming towns evoke a sense of wistful fond memories and heritage. The slower pace invites travelers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the timeless pleasures of coastal life.

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Sleepy seaside towns -

From leisurely beach walks to enjoying candyfloss from run-down arcades, sipping coffee at a local café then retreating to your independent B&B or beach hut for a game of cards, these simple activities foster a deeper sense of belonging and tranquility.

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Time travel weekends -

For those on a budget or unable to take too much time away from their routines, another option gaining traction is time travel weekends. These short, immersive getaways allow travelers to step into a different era without the need for a lengthy vacation.

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Time travel weekends -

From Victorian-themed escapes to a '50s-themed festival with swing bands and classic jitterbug moves, or a roaring 1920s murder mystery weekend, these experiences offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty, allowing people to temporarily live out their historical fantasies without breaking the bank.

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Clever marketing or a genuine demand? -

With the travel industry quick to capitalize on trends, it's worth asking: is nostalgia-driven tourism a natural evolution or a clever marketing strategy? While companies are certainly leveraging this sentiment to sell curated retro experiences, the demand appears real.

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Leaning into the past -

As uncertainty looms in the modern world, travelers are gravitating toward the familiar, seeking comfort in memories of a more carefree past. In a world full of unpredictability, these nostalgic escapes offer a welcome reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to look back.

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Nostalgia tourism in 2025 -

Travel technology provider Amadeus and trend forecasting agency Globetrender recently released a report outlining key travel trends for 2025. 

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Nostalgia tourism in 2025 -

Nostalgia tourism stands out as a dominant theme, reshaping the industry’s approach to trip planning and travel experiences.

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Nostalgia tourism in 2025 -

In this year, expect more destinations and businesses to tap into this movement, offering travel experiences that allow people to relive the past, reconnect with their roots, and escape the hyper-digital present.

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Nostalgia and simplicity in 2025 -

Whether it's a return to childhood holiday spots, a revival of classic travel modes, or a yearning for simplicity in a fast-paced world, 2025 is a year of time travel tourism—no time machine required.

Sources: (Country Living) (Travel And Tour World) (Hindustan Times)

See also: Family-friendly vacation ideas: making travel fun for kids

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