Expedia’s bold predictions for UAE & beyond

Expedia unveiled Unpack ’25, the annual data-driven outlook for what is motivating travellers and where will they go next year. This is Expedia’s first Unpack report that includes data from UAE residents following its expansion plans to the region. Expedia analysed first-party travel data, insights from 25,000 travellers, and the latest industry innovation to “unpack” the six noteworthy travel trends for 2025.

TT Bureau

Expedia has identified Detour Destinations, Goods Getaways and Set-Jetting as the leading travel trends for the coming year, with additional trends also expected to impact the way we travel in 2025. “Expedia continuously works to blend technology with travel, making journeys simpler and more enjoyable. The Unpack report is our opportunity to reflect on what travellers are seeking and how our partners are innovating,” said Rehan Asad, Vice President of Global Markets at Expedia. “From this year’s trends, I’m eager to visit some Detour Destinations for my next vacation,” Asad added.

Detour Destinations: Next year, travellers from the UAE and beyond, are not only visiting the tried-and-true tourist destinations – they are adding detours. Expedia’s destinations of the year are near popular hotspots, making them ideal day trips while also being attractive as main attractions. In the hunt for the less crowded and less well-known, 49 per cent of UAE travellers say they are likely to visit a Detour Destination on their next trip (See Box 1).

Goods Getaways: TikTok has inspired travellers to take trips in search of craveable (and share-worthy) specialty goods. Whether they are viral skincare products from Korea, butter from France, or Japanese candy, travellers are making extra space in their carry-ons for unique treasures, even creating entire trips around getting the goods. When going on vacation, 78 per cent of UAE travellers chose a holiday destination based on getting an item they cannot find locally. They also opted for more organic and homegrown essentials, such as coffee from Costa Rica or sweet honey from New Zealand. While the report also shows that UAE women (60 per cent) seek out small mementos to reminisce on their trips later on.

2025 Set-Jetting Forecast: From binge-worthy streaming shows to thrilling movies, travellers keep turning to the screen for trip inspiration. Three-quarters of UAE travellers say movies, streaming services and TV shows have influenced their travel choices. Documentaries about competitive sports and nature lead the way, with 27 per cent of UAE travellers taking travel inspiration from them. Paris, inspired by Emily in Paris and John Wick: Chapter 4 was a standout for UAE travellers. (See Box 2).

Box 1: 10 Trending Detour Destinations for 2025

• Reims, France (detour from Paris)
• Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan)
• Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancun)
• Santa Barbara, California, USA (detour from Los Angeles)
• Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland)
• Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona)
• Fukuoka, Japan (detour from Tokyo)
• Abu Dhabi, UAE (detour from Dubai)
• Krabi, Thailand (detour from Phuket)
• Canmore, Alberta, Canada (detour from Calgary)

Box 2: 8 set-jetting locations in 2025

• Paris inspired by “Emily in Paris”
• Dubai inspired by “The Real Housewives of Dubai”
• Japan inspired by “Shogun”
• Thailand inspired by “The White Lotus”
• Madrid inspired by “Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)”
• Egypt inspired by “Tomb Raider”
• New York inspired by “And Just Like That (Sex and the City)”
• South Korea inspired by “Squid Game”