(ANN/THE STAR/DPA) – With popular tourist destinations becoming increasingly crowded and locals protesting overtourism and unruly visitors, travelers are now seeking out less-traveled routes. According to recent data, 2025’s tourists are setting their sights on “detour destinations” like Reims in France, Brescia in Italy, and Waikato in New Zealand (Expedia), while Booking.com suggests rising interest in Trieste (Italy), Houston (US), and Sanya (China).
More than half of respondents in a Booking.com survey expressed a desire to avoid “tourist traps” and opt for cooler, less congested locations. Expedia noted that the pursuit of quieter, lesser-known places is influencing travel plans for 2025.
Nocturnal tourism is also gaining traction, with travelers showing interest in destinations that offer activities beyond nightlife. This trend follows captivating aurora borealis displays in regions of Europe and North America that don’t typically experience them.
Expedia predicts that 2025 will bring increased interest in destinations featuring natural phenomena, such as eclipses and volcanic events. Popular choices include Utah (US), Iceland, and Somerset in England, known for its autumn starling murmurations.
Younger travelers, driven by the “JOMO” (joy of missing out) mindset, are looking to escape overcrowded spots and discover hidden gems. This is a counter-trend to the more familiar “FOMO” (fear of missing out). More than 40 per cent of respondents in the Booking.com survey indicated they would refrain from sharing their travel experiences on social media to avoid drawing attention to their peaceful retreats.
However, the concept of JOMO does have its limits. Most of Expedia’s suggested detour destinations remain close to established tourist spots—Reims is less than 150 km from Paris, while Brescia is about a 90-minute drive from Milan.
