The Future of Travel - Emerging Trends Shaping the Way We Explore

Published in the Sunday Mumbai Samachar on 09 March 2025

Last week, we discussed Tea Tourism in India and how it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. This led me to reflect on how travel is evolving with new concepts reshaping the way people plan and experience their journeys. 

While traditional vacations remain popular, many travellers now seek immersive and flexible experiences that align with their lifestyles. Travel today is about deeper connections, self-exploration, and meaningful memories. People are not only rethinking how they travel but also why they travel. Is it for relaxation? To learn a skill? To experience life like a local? Or simply to take a break from routine? 

Let’s explore some of the most exciting new-age travel trends redefining the industry—from solo honeymoons to digital detoxes and hush trips. The future of travel is dynamic, diverse, and more innovative than ever before. 

MeMooning: The Solo Honeymoon Experience 

Who says honeymoons are only for couples? The concept of ‘MeMooning’—taking a solo honeymoon—is gaining popularity. Travellers celebrate themselves by indulging in luxury retreats, exploring new destinations alone, and embracing independent travel. 

MeMooning isn’t just about luxury. It’s about creating space for personal growth, reflection, and recharging. Whether lounging on the beaches of the Maldives, diving into Kyoto’s cultural depth, or enjoying a wellness retreat in Bali, these solo journeys allow travellers to experience life at their own pace. 

Beyond relaxation, a MeMoon is often transformational. Many solo honeymooners use the opportunity to learn new skills—scuba diving, cooking with local chefs, or joining mindfulness retreats. Travel companies and luxury resorts have recognized this trend and now offer curated solo packages with personalised itineraries, spa treatments, gourmet dining, and activities designed for mindfulness. Resorts are even introducing community experiences where solo travellers can meet like-minded individuals while still enjoying autonomy. 

No-Phone Getaways: Disconnect to Reconnect 

In a world dominated by screens, many travellers are choosing No-Phone Getaways—trips designed to disconnect from digital distractions. These vacations encourage immersion in the present moment through activities like hiking in remote mountains, staying in off-grid cabins, or joining digital detox retreats. Hotels and resorts now offer ‘lock-up-your-phone’ packages, ensuring guests focus on relaxation, nature, and human connections. 

On a recent episode of our podcast, Travel Explore Celebrate Life, Sunila and I discussed No-Phone Holidays and their benefits. We explored how stepping away from digital screens enhances mindfulness, strengthens interpersonal connections, and allows travellers to experience destinations with fresh eyes. 

Destinations like Bhutan, where television was introduced only in 1999, have long promoted an environment where slowing down and immersing in nature is the norm. Retreats in Costa Rica, the Swiss Alps, and the Australian Outback offer structured no-phone programs with mindfulness exercises, outdoor adventures, and communal activities. 

No-Phone Getaways are about rediscovering the joy of uninterrupted conversation, the magic of watching a sunset without a screen, and the fulfilment of being truly present. 

Taking Status Flights: Chasing Loyalty Rewards 

Frequent flyers know the value of elite status in airline loyalty programs, leading to the rise of ‘Status Flights’—booking flights solely to retain premium membership. Lounge access, free upgrades, and priority boarding make these programs appealing, and many travellers consider extra miles worth securing elite status. 

With Air India and IndiGo introducing revamped frequent flyer programs, this trend is expected to grow. Many status-conscious travellers plan mileage runs by selecting routes that offer maximum points at the lowest cost. Some leverage airline partnerships to earn miles across carriers, ensuring elite status across multiple programs. As airlines enhance loyalty offerings, taking status flights will remain integral to frequent travellers' strategies. 

Hush Trips: The Secret Getaway While Working Remotely 

With remote work becoming more common, professionals are blending business with leisure through ‘Hush Trips.’ This involves secretly travelling to vacation destinations while maintaining the appearance of working from home. Imagine answering emails from a beachside café in Thailand or joining Zoom calls from a cosy Swiss chalet. As long as the work gets done, why not make the most of the flexibility? 

Hush Trips break the monotony of working from home, boost productivity through a refreshed environment, and allow extended travel without exhausting leave balances. 

Set-Jetting: Following in the Footsteps of Films and TV Shows 

Movies and TV shows have long inspired travel, but the trend of ‘Set-Jetting’—visiting destinations featured in popular productions—is now booming. Thanks to Emily in Paris, travellers are flocking to Montmartre, while The White Lotus has boosted interest in luxury resorts in Sicily and Hawaii. 

At Veena World, we are curating special itineraries centred around famous filming locations. Game of Thrones fans visit Dubrovnik, Croatia, to walk through King’s Landing, while Lord of the Rings enthusiasts continue to explore New Zealand’s rolling hills and dramatic landscapes. 

Set-Jetting allows travellers to engage deeply with destinations—dining in the same cafés, staying at the same hotels, and taking guided tours led by locals involved in the filming. Many locations capitalize on their fame by offering behind-the-scenes experiences like visiting studio sets or meeting extras. With production companies continuing to scout visually stunning locations, this trend is set to grow. 

Al Desko Dining Tourism: Exploring a City Through Its Work Lunches 

Food tourism has always been popular, but now travellers are exploring destinations through their workday culinary culture. ‘Al Desko Dining Tourism’ focuses on experiencing a city’s office lunch scene—sampling food carts in New York, ramen lunches in Tokyo, or Mediterranean office lunches in Barcelona. 

This trend offers a fresh perspective on a city’s culinary scene beyond fine dining. It uncovers hidden culinary gems that fuel a city’s workforce, from Singapore’s bustling food courts to London’s quick yet delicious sandwich shops. 

Al Desko Dining Tourism isn’t just about food; it’s about the entire experience—how people order, where they eat, and the rituals around their breaks. This type of tourism is also sustainable and affordable, offering an authentic yet budget-friendly alternative to high-end restaurants. 

Embracing the Future of Travel 

These trends highlight how travellers are redefining exploration. As the travel industry adapts, these emerging concepts will continue shaping the future. 

Travel has always been more than just reaching a destination. So, what’s your next adventure? Will it be a secret Hush Trip, a whirlwind MeMoon, or a journey to your favourite film set? Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll end up Celebrating Life! See you next week.