Canada’s 2025 Travel Trends: Astro-adventures & Gami-vacations

Today, Skyscanner released its Travel Trends 2025 report, which delves into the industry’s future based on Canadian traveller interest and behavior.

Using data collected from over 18,000 travellers and trusted industry insights, the report identifies the top destinations Canadians are searching for and predicts emerging travel trends. Skyscanner experts presented the findings at an industry dinner last night in Toronto.  

According to the report, Canadians want to travel more in 2025. Based on the data, 83% plan to travel as much or more in the next year.

“In 2025, we’re seeing Canadian travellers looking to embark on more communal and immersive adventures,” said Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner travel expert. “This shift highlights a growing desire for shared, meaningful moments that create lasting connections and foster a sense of belonging within a global community.”

The high cost of airfare in Canada continues to be a major concern among consumers: of those surveyed, 62% said airfare prices are a top concern when choosing where to travel, and 37% have budgeted to spend more on flights in 2025.

“Despite the economic climate, travel remains a priority,” said Naomi Hahn, vice president strategy, operations, and data at Skyscanner. “Some Canadian travellers have told us they’re planning to spend more on their vacations next year than in 2024, demonstrating the love of travel is as strong as ever.”

Emerging destinations in 2025

The Travel Trends 2025 report’s “Trending Destinations” section lists destinations based on increased search traffic for flights in 2024 compared to 2023. 

Turks and Caicos saw the biggest increase, with a significant jump up 713%. Secondary cities in popular countries like  Krabi, Thailand and Okinawa, Japan also saw a jump in traffic (158% and 145% respectively).  

The top 10 destinations:

1. Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos, +713% search increase

2. Cusco, Peru: +163% search increase

3. Krabi, Thailand: +158% search increase

4. Madeira, Portugal: +153% search increase

5. Okinawa, Japan: +145% search increase

6. Tromsø, Norway: +127% search increase

7. Marrakesh, Morocco: +123% search increase

8. Florence, Italy: +115% search increase

9. San Antonio, USA: +99% search increase

10. Colorado Springs, USA: +94% search increase 

Key travel trends and future outlook

Skyscanner’s report suggests that travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that can be shared with others; travellers in 2025 are searching for a sense of community. 

The report identified seven trends for 2025, fueled by the desire to find and build community: sports (participating in an athletic activity like cycling or watching sporting events); “astro-adventures” (traveling to see the Northern Lights or a solar eclipse); “reset-jetters” (traveling for health and wellness); “art-venture” (art and culture destinations); “cowboy core” (farm stays, camping, and horseback riding); horti-culture (visiting gardens); and, “gami-vacation” (locations from video games).

Looking at the industry as a whole, the report predicts 2025 will be a “transformative era of travel” thanks to AI technology and increased interest in alternative destinations.  

“2025 sees travellers make far more conscious decisions about how their travel behaviors impact their lives and the lives of others,” said Martin Nolan, chief legal officer and Skyscanner sustainability expert. 

“This trend will only continue to grow, as over a quarter of global respondents surveyed for this report told us that their travel will change in the future, seeking to visit less touristed areas or ensuring they have a more positive impact on the communities they visit,” he added.