Zicasso Report Shows Luxury Travel to be Defined by Cultural Immersion & Authentic Experiences in 2025

As we approach the end of the year, it is clear that 2025 will mark a significant evolution in how luxury travelers experience destinations worldwide. Luxury travel company Zicasso analyzed data from approximately 100,000 trip requests, mined thousands of verified Zicasso reviews, and performed a detailed survey of its key in-country travel specialists to determine next year’s biggest trends for planning and booking travel, as well as top interests, activities, and destinations.

Tajines in a pottery shop in Morocco. Courtesy of Wikimedia. Eb0la.

The resulting 2025 luxury travel trends report shows what we can expect luxury travel to look like in 2025. 

From observing how luxury travelers are pioneering new approaches to destination immersion to seeing the transformation of traditional seasonal travel patterns globally, Zicasso has identified how sophisticated travelers are reshaping the luxury travel landscape.

Topline conclusions from Zicasso’s 2025 report include:

The Global Shift to Spring Travel 

Spring has emerged as the new peak travel season, with May leading the charge as the most requested month worldwide. Nearly half (49.3%) of 2025 bookings are now concentrated in spring, signaling a significant shift away from traditional travel timing.

Deep Cultural Immersion Defines Luxury 

Luxury travelers are fundamentally changing how they explore destinations, with single-destination immersion becoming the primary approach worldwide. This trend is evidenced by longer average stays of 13.5 days and an average booking window of 188 days. The emphasis on cultural authenticity has become a key driver of booking success, with 76.3% of travel specialists reporting it as a priority for successful trips. 

Extended Seasons and Regional Evolution

Traditional travel seasons are transforming across the globe. From Croatia extending its season through October to Thailand seeing increased bookings in September and October, and demand for year-round African safaris over the traditional seasonal behaviors, destinations are adapting to the shifting preferences of sophisticated travelers. This change demonstrates luxury travelers are increasingly seeking optimized experiences over conventional timing.

Authentic Experiences Drive Destination Choice

From private wine tastings in Europe to artisan workshops in Asia, luxury travel is increasingly defined by authentic, hands-on experiences. This trend underscores a desire for meaningful, culturally rich moments—reflected in the 76.3% of bookings prioritizing authentic experiences.

A full version of Zicasso’s luxury travel report can be found at https://www.zicasso.com/assets/2025-Zicasso-Travel-Trends-Report.pdf