Ever wondered what really matters to fellow travellers when planning their dream holidays? We have the scoop!

For the second year running, Sabre went straight to the source, surveying their globetrotting team members to uncover the top priorities for travel industry insiders when booking their own vacations. Combined with the company’s rich industry data, the results reveal 10 key trends shaping how we travel this year:

1. Multi-tripping

Why settle for just one vacation, when you can squeeze two into the year…or even five?

Travel is a top priority in 2025, with a significant increase in planned leisure trips. Most respondents aim to take at least two trips, a 6% rise from 2024, while nearly a quarter plan four or more trips, up from 20% last year. Only 3% intend to skip vacations entirely, a substantial drop from 9.4% in 2024. These findings are supported by Sabre’s global travel insights, which show a 9% increase in air bookings for 2025 (when looking at bookings made from January through September 2024 for travel in 2025) compared to the same period last year.

2. Asia Pacific setting the pace

According to Sabre’s global travel data, there is 34% increase in bookings made by APAC travellers year-on-year (looking at bookings made from January to September 2024 for travel in 2025), outpacing other regions, with lower airfares in the region being one factor driving this growth. Increased air capacity in the region has resulted in fare price reductions of 10% in the first quarter and 5% in the second quarter of 2025, making travel more accessible and helping to fuel demand. A growing middle class in key APAC markets such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, is also leading to increased travel.

3. Hey, big spenders

In 2025, the majority of travellers (over 90%) plan to maintain or increase their travel spending, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for exploration. However, age plays a significant role in shaping travel budgets. Gen Z travellers tend to prioritise affordability, opting for budget-friendly options to stretch their travel dollars. In contrast, Baby Boomers are more inclined to splurge, with a higher proportion of respondents indicating they will spend significantly more on travel in 2025 compared to the previous year.

4. Looking for adventure 

Travellers are embracing a sense of adventure in 2025, with a notable shift towards exploring the great outdoors and engaging in sporting activities during their leisure trips. While cultural experiences remain a staple, with 46% of respondents ranking visits to landmarks, monuments, and museums as their top holiday activity, adventure travel is gaining significant traction. Nearly 30% of travellers now prioritise outdoor pursuits and sports, with this trend being particularly popular among Gen Z travellers, 73% of whom cite sports and outdoor activities as their preferred vacation pastime. Interestingly, Baby Boomers also exhibit a strong affinity for adventure travel, with 45% emphasizing the importance of outdoor and sporting experiences in their travel itineraries.

5. Building up an appetite

The old saying that the “way to a person’s heart is through their stomach” holds true too for travellers, with food set to play a central role in the travel experience for 2025, according to the survey. Culinary experiences are especially important to Baby Boomers, with 27% identifying food as their top vacation priority. This focus on food isn’t unique to Sabre’s findings, with research from the IMARC Group highlighting the booming culinary tourism market, which is projected to reach $4.2bn by 2033 – growing at an impressive rate of over 14% annually from 2025 to 2033. Hilton’s 2025 trends report also shows that more travellers are focused on food.

6. Airline quality matters to younger generations 

When it comes to booking a trip, it’s no surprise that cost, destination, and activities rank as the top priorities for travelers. However, an interesting trend on placeing high importance on airline quality among younger travellers has emerged – eventhough budgets don’t quite match. Nearly 10% of Gen Z respondents identified the quality of the airline as a key factor in their decision-making, with a notable portion of Gen Y travellers echoing this sentiment. This emphasis on airline quality presents an opportunity for carriers focused on enhancing service and fleet standards.

7. Booking ease  

The survey indicates that booking ease is particularly important to Gen X and Gen Y, indicating a strong opportunity for the travel industry to create a more seamless, tailored way to book travel. Those travelling with children responded that they are also more likely to book a tour package than other types of traveller; likely valuing the convenience and structure these packages provide.

8. Early bird bookings 

Travellers are exhibiting increased confidence in their plans by booking flights further in advance. According to Sabre’s research, 52% of survey respondents are purchasing tickets three to six months before departure, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. In addition, 14% of travellers are booking at least six months in advance, marking a 4% uptick. This trend is also reflected in Sabre’s global booking data, which shows the most significant growth in bookings made well in advance, particularly for travel in October 2025. Notably, travelers from the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) are driving this trend, with many planning trips around China’s Golden Week holiday, a week-long break that combines several public holidays.

9. Family first – travelling with extended family 

Most survey respondents are travelling with children or as couples, but a notable trend is emerging in Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America, where a significant proportion of travellers are planning trips with extended family. This trend is supported by industry research, which reveals that travellers are prioritising quality time with grandparents and extended family on holiday. In fact, a survey by Beaches Resorts found that 69% of parents would like grandparents to join them for more vacation time. Similarly, research by (link unavailable) in Asia showed that 47% of families value bonding time as the top benefit of intergenerational travel. Sabre’s global booking data also reflects this trend, with a year-on-year increase in multi-person bookings, including a 14% rise in bookings for seven people and a 23% increase in bookings for eight or more people.

10. Sustainability counts – when it’s visible 

Sabre’s survey reveals that sustainability is becoming a key consideration for travellers, particularly when they are provided with clear information. While cost and convenience remain top priorities, awareness of sustainable options is driving change. Over half of respondents (54%) considered carbon emissions when making travel decisions, with 5% willing to pay more for eco-friendly flights and 49% opting for lower-emission flights when prices were comparable. As travellers increasingly prioritise meaningful experiences, family time, and sustainability, the industry must adapt to meet these expectations. By leveraging intelligent, modular, and scalable technology, travel companies can deliver tailored, seamless experiences that make trips memorable and fulfilling.