10 Travel Trends Worth Trying for a More Memorable Holiday
Travel has always been about discovering new places, but the way we choose to explore them is constantly evolving. While some people still love a traditional beach holiday or a weekend in a familiar European city, others are looking for experiences that offer something a little different.
Perhaps it’s the appeal of discovering somewhere that hasn’t been photographed a million times on Instagram, spending longer getting to know a destination or swapping a flight for a spectacular train journey.
Personally, I think one of the most exciting things about travelling is that there’s no single right way to do it. Some of my favourite holiday memories have come from unexpected discoveries rather than carefully organised excursions.
And although social media continues to introduce us to beautiful destinations, there’s something to be said for looking beyond the obvious attractions and exploring somewhere on your own terms.
From slow travel and scenic railway adventures to culinary experiences and quieter destinations, these ten travel trends offer plenty of inspiration for your next holiday.
1. Slow Travel: Spending More Time in One Place
If you’ve ever returned from a holiday feeling as though you need another week to recover, slow travel might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Rather than trying to squeeze several cities or destinations into one trip, the idea is to spend more time in fewer places.
It means enjoying leisurely breakfasts, exploring neighbourhoods without a strict schedule and giving yourself the freedom to discover places you might otherwise rush past.
Instead of visiting Rome, Florence and Venice in five days, for example, you might choose one city and explore it properly.
You could visit local markets, spend afternoons in independent cafés and discover restaurants away from the busiest tourist areas.
The benefits aren’t limited to having a more relaxing holiday. Staying in one location for longer can reduce transport costs, make packing easier and give you a better understanding of everyday life in your chosen destination.
How to Try Slow Travel
- Choose one destination as your base.
- Stay for several nights rather than moving accommodation frequently.
- Explore different neighbourhoods on foot.
- Visit local markets and independent businesses.
- Leave some days completely free of scheduled activities.
Slow travel is particularly appealing for couples, solo travellers and anyone who prefers a relaxed holiday without constantly checking the time.
2. Rail Adventures: Making the Journey Part of the Holiday
There’s something wonderfully romantic about travelling by train, particularly when the scenery outside your window is spectacular.
While flying is often the quickest way to reach a destination, travelling by rail offers a completely different experience.
You can watch landscapes change, travel through picturesque towns and enjoy the journey without having to navigate unfamiliar roads.
European rail travel is particularly appealing because so many destinations are connected by established railway networks.
Imagine travelling through the Swiss Alps, following the coastline of southern France or exploring several Italian cities without hiring a car.
For those planning a longer adventure, railway passes can make it possible to visit several countries on one journey, although some high-speed and overnight trains require additional reservations.
Sleeper trains also offer an interesting alternative to conventional travel, allowing passengers to cover longer distances overnight while enjoying a completely different kind of travel experience.
Rail Holidays Worth Considering
- Explore Switzerland’s spectacular mountain railway routes.
- Travel between Rome, Florence and Venice by train.
- Discover Germany’s historic cities using regional rail services.
- Combine Paris with smaller French towns.
- Explore Austria’s Alpine landscapes by rail.
- Experience Norway’s dramatic mountain and fjord scenery.
Before booking, compare the cost of individual tickets, rail passes and seat reservations. Not every journey will be cheaper by train, but the experience itself can become one of the highlights of your holiday.
3. Destination Dupes: Discovering Alternatives to Famous Holiday Hotspots
We’ve all seen those photographs of famous holiday destinations that make us want to book a flight immediately.
Unfortunately, when thousands of other people have the same idea, popular locations can become crowded and expensive.
That’s where the idea of destination dupes comes in.
Rather than visiting the most famous destination in a particular region, travellers look for alternatives offering some of the same attractions.
For example, someone dreaming of the Greek islands might consider Paros or Naxos instead of automatically booking Santorini.
Likewise, travellers drawn to Italy’s historic cities could explore Bologna rather than heading straight to Florence.
The idea isn’t necessarily to find a cheaper imitation of somewhere famous. It’s about discovering places that deserve attention in their own right.
Alternative Destinations Worth Exploring
Instead of Santorini, try Paros or Naxos. Both Greek islands offer beautiful beaches, traditional villages and wonderful opportunities to experience island life.
Instead of Florence, try Bologna. With its historic architecture, beautiful covered walkways and exceptional food culture, Bologna makes an excellent Italian city break.
Instead of Dubrovnik, try Šibenik. This Croatian coastal city offers atmospheric streets, historic architecture and access to beautiful Adriatic scenery.
Instead of Amsterdam, try Utrecht. Picturesque canals, independent cafés and historic buildings make Utrecht an appealing alternative.
Instead of Barcelona, try Valencia. This Spanish city combines impressive architecture, beaches and a fantastic food scene.
Of course, lesser-known doesn’t automatically mean cheaper or quieter. Prices and visitor numbers depend on the season, accommodation and local events.
However, being open to alternatives can introduce you to places you might otherwise overlook.
4. Culinary Travel: Exploring Destinations Through Food
For me, food is one of the best parts of travelling.
I love discovering local restaurants, trying regional specialities and finding dishes that you simply don’t experience in quite the same way at home.
Culinary travel involves choosing destinations partly or entirely for their food culture.
That might mean visiting a famous food market, taking a cooking class or travelling somewhere known for a particular regional cuisine.
Italy, Thailand, Japan, Spain and Greece are obvious choices, but almost every destination has something interesting to offer.
Imagine learning how to prepare fresh pasta in Italy, exploring Bangkok’s street-food markets or spending an afternoon discovering the food stalls of a Spanish market hall.
You don’t have to book an expensive organised food tour, either.
Some of the most enjoyable culinary experiences happen when you wander into a neighbourhood restaurant and order something you’ve never tried before.
How to Plan a Food-Focused Holiday
- Research traditional regional dishes before travelling.
- Visit local food markets.
- Book a small-group cooking class.
- Try independent restaurants beyond the main tourist areas.
- Look for seasonal food festivals.
- Ask local people about their favourite restaurants and specialities.
Food-focused holidays also provide an opportunity to learn about a destination’s history and traditions.
Regional ingredients, traditional cooking methods and local dining customs can reveal a great deal about the culture of a place.
Just remember to communicate any food allergies or dietary requirements clearly, particularly when travelling somewhere with an unfamiliar language.
5. Off-Season Travel: Enjoying Popular Destinations Without the Crowds
Some destinations are wonderful during the height of summer, but others can be even more enjoyable when visitor numbers begin to fall.
Off-season travel involves visiting destinations outside their busiest holiday periods.
For example, exploring a Mediterranean island in September or October might offer a more relaxed atmosphere than visiting in August.
Similarly, a city break in November can feel completely different from one taken during a busy summer weekend.
There can also be financial advantages.
Accommodation and flights may be more affordable outside popular travel periods, although prices vary considerably depending on demand.
The trick is understanding the difference between travelling during the quieter shoulder season and visiting somewhere when much of the tourist infrastructure has closed.
A Greek island in late September might still have plenty of restaurants and attractions operating, whereas some seasonal resorts become much quieter during winter.
Things to Check Before Booking
- Typical temperatures and rainfall.
- Seasonal hotel and restaurant closures.
- Public transport schedules.
- Availability of attractions and excursions.
- Local festivals and major events.
- Whether swimming or outdoor activities will be practical.
Off-season travel is particularly appealing for couples, flexible travellers and anyone who enjoys exploring popular destinations at a gentler pace.
6. Cultural Immersion: Experiencing Everyday Life Abroad
There’s a difference between visiting a destination and feeling as though you’ve genuinely experienced it.
Cultural immersion is about looking beyond the main attractions and discovering the traditions, customs and everyday experiences that make somewhere unique.
Rather than spending your entire holiday moving between famous landmarks, you might attend a local workshop, visit a community market or learn about traditional crafts.
These experiences can offer a fascinating insight into a destination.
For example, you could join a pottery workshop in Japan, learn about regional cooking techniques in Thailand or explore artisan workshops in Morocco.
You might attend a traditional music performance in Ireland or discover how local produce is grown and prepared in rural Italy.
The most rewarding experiences tend to be those where local people are actively involved in sharing their knowledge and skills.
Travel With Curiosity and Respect
Before visiting, familiarise yourself with local customs.
Learn a few words of the language, ask permission before photographing people and respect rules around religious or culturally significant sites.
If you’re booking an organised experience, consider whether local residents are fairly compensated for their participation.
Cultural immersion doesn’t mean treating someone’s everyday life as a tourist attraction. It’s about approaching new experiences with genuine curiosity and respect.
And sometimes, simply taking the time to have a conversation with someone can be more memorable than visiting another famous landmark.
7. Nature Escapes: Swapping Busy Cities for Beautiful Landscapes
Sometimes the most appealing holiday is one that takes you away from busy streets, crowded attractions and an endless list of things to do.
Nature-focused holidays offer an opportunity to explore mountains, forests, lakes and coastal landscapes.
And you don’t necessarily need to travel halfway around the world to enjoy them.
The Lake District, Scottish Highlands and Welsh national parks offer spectacular scenery, while destinations such as Norway, Slovenia and Austria provide wonderful opportunities for exploring natural landscapes further afield.
Nature travel can be as adventurous or relaxing as you choose.
Some people enjoy challenging mountain hikes, while others prefer scenic drives, lakeside hotels and leisurely walks.
Ideas for a Nature-Focused Holiday
- Stay in a secluded lakeside hotel.
- Explore a national park.
- Book a guided wildlife-watching experience.
- Take a scenic mountain railway.
- Enjoy a walking holiday through picturesque countryside.
- Spend time discovering coastal paths and quiet beaches.
- Visit a destination known for its forests, waterfalls or mountain scenery.
If you’re planning activities in remote environments, research the terrain, weather conditions and necessary equipment.
It’s also important to respect wildlife, follow designated paths where required and avoid activities that could damage natural habitats.
For me, there’s something particularly appealing about being somewhere with spectacular views and very little pressure to do anything other than enjoy them.
8. Wellness Travel: Holidays That Help You Switch Off
Holidays should give us an opportunity to step away from everyday responsibilities, but sometimes we return home feeling just as exhausted as when we left.
Wellness travel places relaxation and personal wellbeing at the centre of the holiday.
That might involve staying at a spa hotel, enjoying a yoga retreat or simply booking somewhere peaceful enough to spend a few days doing very little.
Although wellness holidays are sometimes associated with expensive luxury resorts, the idea can be surprisingly simple.
A weekend in a countryside hotel, long walks followed by leisurely dinners or a few days beside the sea can provide a welcome change of pace.
You don’t have to book a programme of treatments or follow a strict wellness schedule.
In fact, for some people, the greatest luxury is having absolutely nothing planned.
How to Create a Relaxing Holiday
- Choose accommodation in a peaceful location.
- Avoid creating an overly ambitious itinerary.
- Make time for walking or gentle outdoor activities.
- Consider reducing your social media use.
- Prioritise sleep and relaxation.
- Leave space for spontaneous experiences.
- Choose activities you genuinely enjoy rather than those you feel you ought to try.
Wellness travel doesn’t need to involve dramatic lifestyle changes.
Sometimes a few days away from your usual routine is enough to make a holiday feel particularly rewarding.
9. Hobby Holidays: Planning a Trip Around Something You Love
Why not build your next holiday around something you already enjoy?
Hobby holidays combine travel with a particular interest, allowing you to discover destinations while developing a skill or spending time doing something you love.
These trips can be wonderfully varied.
A keen photographer might choose a destination known for dramatic landscapes, while someone interested in art could book a painting course in Provence.
Food enthusiasts might arrange a cooking holiday, and gardeners could visit famous botanical gardens or horticultural festivals.
Hobby Holiday Ideas
- Photography breaks in Iceland or Scotland.
- Painting holidays in Italy or France.
- Cooking courses in Tuscany.
- Gardening holidays featuring historic gardens.
- Cycling adventures through European wine regions.
- Writing retreats in peaceful countryside locations.
- Walking holidays in the Austrian Alps.
- Wildlife photography holidays in scenic national parks.
You don’t need to be particularly experienced to enjoy a hobby-focused holiday.
Many workshops and organised activities welcome complete beginners.
And because you’re travelling with a shared interest, these experiences can also provide an enjoyable opportunity to meet other people.
For solo travellers in particular, joining a small-group activity can make exploring an unfamiliar destination feel more sociable.
10. Digital Discovery: Using Social Media to Find Unusual Places
It’s difficult to imagine planning a holiday without using the internet for inspiration.
Social media, travel blogs, digital maps and online communities have transformed how we discover destinations.
A short video can introduce you to a restaurant in Tokyo, a hidden beach in Greece or a mountain village you’ve never previously heard of.
And while there’s nothing wrong with finding inspiration online, it’s worth remembering that beautiful photographs don’t always tell the whole story.
A secluded beach might be difficult to reach. A picturesque restaurant could require reservations weeks in advance. Somewhere described as a hidden gem might already be attracting substantial visitor numbers.
The key is using social media as a starting point rather than allowing it to dictate your entire itinerary.
How to Use Social Media for Smarter Travel Planning
Start by saving places that genuinely interest you.
Then investigate them independently.
Check their location, accessibility, opening arrangements and recent visitor information.
Look at maps to see whether an attraction fits naturally into your itinerary rather than travelling several hours simply to recreate a photograph.
It’s also worth searching for local recommendations rather than relying exclusively on highly viewed social media content.
Independent travel publications, local tourism websites and community recommendations can help you discover places that receive less attention online.
Most importantly, don’t feel obliged to visit somewhere simply because it’s popular on TikTok or Instagram.
The best destination is the one that appeals to you, regardless of how many people have photographed it.
How to Choose the Right Travel Trend for Your Next Holiday
With so many different approaches to travel, it can be difficult to decide which one suits you.
The easiest starting point is to think about what you actually want from your next break.
If you’re looking for relaxation, slow travel or a wellness escape might be ideal.
If you enjoy discovering new destinations, a scenic rail adventure or an alternative European city break could be more appealing.
Food lovers might prefer a culinary holiday, while those who enjoy learning about different cultures could consider experiences involving local traditions and crafts.
There’s also no reason you can’t combine several travel trends into one holiday.
For example, a rail journey through northern Italy could include a few days of slow travel, regional food experiences and visits to lesser-known towns.
Similarly, a countryside wellness break might involve nature walks, a local cooking class and time spent exploring nearby villages.
The most memorable holidays often combine different experiences without trying to fit too much into one trip.
A Few Things to Consider Before Trying Something New
Being adventurous doesn’t mean abandoning sensible travel preparation.
If you’re visiting an unfamiliar destination or trying a new type of holiday, take time to research the practical arrangements.
Before booking, consider the following:
- Check passport, visa and entry requirements.
- Review local safety and travel advice.
- Arrange suitable travel insurance.
- Research transport connections and accommodation.
- Check seasonal weather conditions.
- Investigate accessibility requirements.
- Make sure organised activities are suitable for your experience and fitness level.
- Allow enough time to enjoy your chosen destination.
It’s also worth checking whether any specialist activities require additional insurance cover.
For example, certain adventure sports, mountain activities and other organised experiences may not be included in standard travel policies.
A little preparation can make it much easier to enjoy an unfamiliar experience with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Trends
What Are the Most Interesting Travel Trends to Try?
Slow travel, railway adventures, culinary holidays, cultural immersion and off-season travel are all interesting ways to explore destinations differently. Nature escapes, wellness holidays and trips built around personal hobbies can also provide memorable experiences.
What Is Slow Travel?
Slow travel involves spending more time in fewer destinations, allowing travellers to explore at a relaxed pace. Rather than rushing between attractions, the emphasis is on discovering local culture, food and everyday life.
Are Destination Dupes Cheaper Than Famous Holiday Destinations?
They can be, but not always. Alternative destinations may offer better-value accommodation or fewer crowds, although prices depend on demand, seasonality and availability. It’s important to compare costs before assuming somewhere lesser-known will be more affordable.
What Is Cultural Immersion Travel?
Cultural immersion involves experiencing local traditions, food, crafts and everyday activities rather than concentrating entirely on conventional tourist attractions. This might include attending workshops, visiting community markets or learning about regional customs.
Is Travelling by Train More Environmentally Friendly Than Flying?
Rail travel often produces lower greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than equivalent air journeys, particularly on electrified routes. However, the environmental impact depends on the specific journey, passenger numbers, electricity sources and other factors.
How Can I Find Unusual Holiday Destinations?
Explore travel publications, local tourism websites, maps and independent recommendations. Social media can provide inspiration, but it’s important to research accessibility, visitor facilities and local conditions before travelling.
Are Travel Trends Only Relevant to Younger Travellers?
Not at all. Although younger generations may influence how destinations are discovered and promoted online, slow travel, rail adventures, cultural experiences and wellness holidays can appeal to travellers of any age.
Final Thoughts: Travel Differently, Discover More
One of the things I love most about travelling is the freedom to make each holiday completely different from the last.
Sometimes you want beautiful beaches, lovely restaurants and absolutely nothing to worry about. Other times, the idea of discovering a new city, travelling through spectacular countryside or learning something completely unfamiliar is far more appealing.
And that’s what makes these travel trends so interesting.
They’re not really about following fashion or trying to visit the next destination everyone is talking about.
They’re about finding new ways to experience the world.
Whether that means spending longer in one place, travelling by train, exploring somewhere unexpected or planning a holiday around something you’re passionate about, there’s always another way to make travelling memorable.
My advice? Choose the experiences that genuinely appeal to you, leave a little room for spontaneity and don’t feel the need to follow everybody else’s itinerary.
After all, the best travel memories are often the ones you never planned to make.
Read more from Crave, the lifestyle magazine UK audiences turn to for inspiration and trends.