The travel industry is constantly changing, and with rapid developments in technology, society and consumer behavior, it is crucial to pay attention to the trends that will shape travel habits of the future.
The global travel booking platform Omio has now published its first annual report "NowNext", which provides a comprehensive overview of the trends and factors that will determine travel in 2024 and beyond. In collaboration with the renowned research institute Ripple Effect, a comprehensive survey was conducted among travelers from Europe and the USA. The results of the report show exciting developments and changing needs of travelers that will influence booking decisions in the coming years.
Increase in city trips and solo travelers
A notable trend highlighted in the NowNext 2024 report is the renaissance of city breaks. In recent years, remote destinations have experienced greater popularity, but now travelers are increasingly returning to classic big cities. Around 60 percent of travelers surveyed said they want to visit big cities in 2025. Cultural capitals such as Paris, London and Rome are particularly popular. Interestingly, it is not just classic sightseeing that draws travelers to cities, but also the desire for culinary experiences, cultural events such as concerts and sporting events. City breaks are thus experiencing a remarkable revival and are seen as one of the most popular types of travel in the coming years.
Another notable trend is the increasing number of solo travellers, especially men. Solo travel has so far been popular with women, but the report shows that more and more men are also expressing a desire to travel alone. The number of men travelling alone is expected to rise to 2025 percent in 30, an increase of seven percent compared to 2024. Men are also willing to spend more on their travels. 28 percent of men travelling alone plan to spend more than £2.000 (around €2.400) on their trips, reflecting a higher budget compared to women. The growing importance of solo travel is seen as a trend linked to changes in lifestyle and growing opportunities for self-discovery and independence.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Focus
Another key theme of the report is the increased use of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in travel planning. In 2025, a significant increase in the use of AI to assist with travel planning and booking is expected. 44 percent of respondents said they would use AI for travel bookings, a significant increase compared to 27 percent in 2024. This development underscores the growing influence of digital technologies on the travel industry. Travelers are increasingly using apps and social media to get inspiration and find the best travel destinations. In fact, 45 percent of travelers get their travel inspiration from social media, showing how much visual and digital communication influences travelers' decisions.
Technology not only helps with planning and inspiration, but also with overcoming challenges such as language barriers and navigating unfamiliar transportation systems abroad. Almost a third of travelers surveyed said that language barriers and navigating foreign cities are the biggest stressors when traveling. In the future, an increasing use of technology is expected to solve these problems. For example, travelers could increasingly rely on translation apps and digital maps to make their lives easier during their trip.
Sustainability and Conscious Travel
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in travel behavior. According to the NowNext report, it is increasingly important for travelers to visit places that promote sustainable travel. More than half of respondents (58 percent) said they are more likely to book at destinations that support ecological and sustainable practices.
The trend towards conscious travel is also reflected in the growing interest in supporting local businesses and restaurants: 44 percent of travelers make sure that their spending benefits local communities. This development reflects the increasing awareness of the environmental footprint of travel and represents an important step towards more responsible tourism practices.
The digital traveler of tomorrow
The digital traveler of tomorrow will increasingly be shaped by AI, social media and mobile apps. Omio has found that travelers' needs and expectations are constantly changing and the industry must adapt to meet these demands. Veronica Diquattro, President of Omio B2C Europe, emphasizes: "We are experiencing a dynamic change in travel behavior, driven by digitalization and the increased use of social media and AI." Omio itself is at the forefront when it comes to providing a user-friendly platform that helps travelers master the complexities of travel. The integration of intelligent features and digital tools will play an even greater role in the future to meet travelers' individual needs.
Omio's NowNext 2024 report shows that travel habits and decisions will continue to change in the coming years. City breaks are making a comeback, solo male travellers are becoming more common, and technology and sustainability are playing a crucial role in travel planning. These trends highlight the increasing importance of flexibility and adaptability in the travel industry, which must continuously evolve to meet the needs of the modern traveller. The use of artificial intelligence and social media to assist with travel planning shows a clear direction towards an increasingly digitalised and technology-driven industry.
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