Active Travel Trends for 2025

The excitement of travel never goes out of style, and 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for active adventures. From women-only trips and epic alpine hikes to unplugged cycling and chasing dark skies, the trends shaping our year reflect a shared love of exploring the world in meaningful ways. Based on what’s already resonating with our guests, here are the top active travel trends that are inspiring us for the year ahead.

Women-Only Trips

We’re thrilled to see more women embracing exclusive adventures designed just for them. Whether traveling solo or with friends, sisters, or generations of female family members, our Women’s Adventures are all about connection and empowerment. In fact, bookings for these trips are expected to more than double in 2025. Imagine hiking Ireland’s breathtaking trails or walking a stretch of the Camino de Santiago alongside an inspiring group of women.

Trending Trips: Ireland Women’s Walking & Hiking Tour; A Taste of Camino de Santiago Women’s Walking & Hiking Tour. 

Challenging Hiking Amid Mountain Majesty

For those who hear the call of the mountains, challenging alpine hikes are at the top of the list. These trips offer more time on the trail, rewarding you with up-close exploration of some of the world’s most stunning regions. Whether it’s trekking in Patagonia or navigating the dramatic peaks of Italy’s Dolomites, these trips are for adventurers who crave the thrill of the climb.

Trending Trips: Chile’s Patagonia Walking & Hiking Tours; Italy’s Dolomites Walking & Hiking Tour; Norway’s Lofoten Islands Walking & Hiking Tour and Peru’s Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour.  

Easygoing Adventures in Stunning Locations

Not every adventure has to be a grueling trek. Some travelers prefer to soak in the beauty of the world at a more relaxed pace. These easygoing trips pair breathtaking destinations with just the right balance of activity, culture, and relaxation. Picture yourself cycling through the Canadian Rockies or exploring the Austrian Alps with plenty of time for leisure and discovery.

Trending Backroads Trips: Dolce Tempo easygoing tours in the Canadian Rockies, Peru, Lapland and the Austrian Alps.  

The Allure of Portugal’s Islands

The lush landscapes and dramatic coastlines of Madeira and the Azores are calling. These off-the-beaten-path islands have become more accessible and are now a favorite for travelers seeking something new. We launched trips here in 2024 and are doubling departure dates for 2025 thanks to your enthusiastic interest.

Trending Backroads Trips: Portugal’s Madeira Walking & Hiking Tour and Azores Multi-Adventure Tour

Discovering Under-the-Radar Destinations

For those with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore lesser-known gems, places like Belfast, Newfoundland, the Baltics, and Tasmania offer a perfect blend of unique scenery and top-tier accommodations. These destinations are ideal for travelers who feel like they’ve already been everywhere.

Trending Backroads Trips: Canada’s Gulf Islands tours; Norway’s Ålesund Multi-Adventure Tour and Australia’s Tasmania Multi-Adventure Tour

Going Unplugged

There’s something magical about traveling by bike and relying solely on pedal power. While e-bikes have opened the world to many, our new Unplugged Bike Tours celebrate the pure joy of cycling the old-fashioned way. These trips bring together like-minded cyclists who thrive on the camaraderie and challenge of unplugged adventures.

Trending Backroads Trip: Spain’s Mallorca Unplugged Bike Tour.

Chasing Dark Skies and Eclipses

The magic of the outdoors doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Stargazing, glamping, and eclipse chasing are sparking curiosity and excitement, whether it’s under the northern lights in Iceland or enjoying s’mores under the stars in Bryce Canyon.

Trending Backroads Trips: Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour and Backroads and Under Canvas collaborations in Utah, Yellowstone and South Dakota.

France—Beyond Paris

France continues to shine as a top European destination. Beyond the iconic city of Paris, there’s so much to explore—from the history of Normandy and Brittany to the gastronomic delights of the Loire Valley. These trips are perfect for immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of France.

Trending Backroads Trip: Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tour. 

The Rise of Winter Travel

More travelers are embracing winter as their go-to travel season. Whether it’s snowshoeing in Yellowstone or escaping to sunny beaches for coastal hikes, winter offers its own unique charm for adventure seekers.

Trending Backroads Trips: Chile’s Lake District Walking & Hiking Tour; California’s Palm Springs & Joshua Tree tours and Dolomites Snow Adventure Tour.

Collecting Experiences, Not Things

Active travel offers something you can’t buy in a store: unforgettable memories. Whether it’s hiking Italy’s Cinque Terre, painting oxcarts in Costa Rica, or celebrating milestones with family in California Wine Country, these trips create stories you’ll tell for a lifetime.

Trending Backroads Trips: Greenland & Iceland Walking & Hiking Tour and Bhutan Walking & Hiking Tour. 

The Year Ahead

Travel trends may come and go, but the desire to explore new places—or revisit old favorites—is timeless. Here’s to making 2025 a year filled with discovery, connection, and adventure!