Hilton unveils its 2025 Trends Report, lifting the lid on the new and surprising global travel trends for the year ahead. Supported by UK research, Hilton also reveals what’s influencing British traveller behaviour. From ‘The Great Sleep Split’, to the rise of ‘Flexiscapes’ and the popularity of ‘Ex-cursions’, pack your bags and prepare for a whole new way of holidaying.
2025 UK Travel Trends
- The Great Sleep Split – Booking separate rooms or beds on a holiday, so you and your partner can get a better night’s sleep
- Me-Mooning – Going on a solo trip that is all about YOU
- Nostalgication – Going on a holiday with your family that you went on when you were a child
- Kidcation – When your little one shapes your holiday and its adventures
- DINKury Destinations – Dual-income-no-kids, happily spending more when it comes to holidays
- Ex-cursions – Going on a trip after a breakup to unwind and let your hair down
- Spontanitrip – When travellers embrace the thrill of the unknown, setting off on holiday with no plans – just pure spontaneity
- Flexiscape – When you mix and match different holiday styles—balancing relaxation with adventure to create the perfect all-in-one getaway
THE GREAT SLEEP SPLIT
As the world increasingly prioritises a good night’s sleep, Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report found that 51% of UK travellers avoid setting an alarm on holiday to catch up on those much-needed Zzzs. However, this isn’t the only measure people are taking to secure quality slumber…
‘Sleep divorce’ – the act of confidently gaining independence of your bed from a loved one – is proving popular. In fact, Hilton’s research reveals that 59% say they sleep better alone and 33% prefer to sleep in a separate bed to their partner when travelling! This results in 19% booking separate beds, while 11% even go as far as to book different rooms. Nearly half (47%) do this to make sure they have a better night’s kip and 28% claim they have different sleep preferences.
ME-MOONING
Solo travel has shown no sign of slowing down, with Hilton’s latest research showing that 34% are yearning to go on a solo adventure before the end of 2025.
With social media feeds feeling increasingly flooded with honeymoon and babymoon posts—#honeymoon racking up over 9 billion views on TikTok and #babymoon pulling in over 571 million views—a fresh trend is on the rise in response: the ‘Me-Moon’. Instead of following the crowd, 23% are embracing their own ‘main character energy’ with a solo Me-Moon.
This solo journey is about more than just getting away; it’s also a chance to make meaningful connections. In fact, 21% are out to meet new friends, while 12% are looking for a little romance along the way.
NOSTALGICATION
Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report reveals 45% of Brits take their kids to destinations they visited as children. Meanwhile, 47% actively return to their childhood holiday spots with their little ones to reminisce and pass down shared experiences. Additionally, 51% of adults are now choosing to take their children away based on the places they always dreamed of exploring when they were young.
KIDCATION
Welcome to the era of the Kidcation, where children are the ultimate travel planners. Family holidays are increasingly shaped by the interests and preferences of the youngest members, who are not only influencing where Brits go, but what activities they do. Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report found that 60% of UK travellers actively pick a holiday based on their kid’s needs and interests, while 58% plan an itinerary around what their children love. 52% even let their little ones choose the restaurants!
DINK-URY DESTINATIONS
Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report has revealed that 64% of UK Zillennials want to enjoy the finest things on holiday. In fact, 51% between 18 and 34 don’t even want to think about how much money they are spending when they are on their hard-earned holiday. Not to mention that 79% will spend more to make sure they have the best time. The research found 45% of travellers are willing to splurge on a room upgrade, which jumps up to 51% of DINKS.
Savvy travellers are also utilising loyalty schemes like Hilton Honors to earn and redeem points for rewards, according to the report, with 20% of Brits banking points with every hotel stay and 52% using loyalty benefits to get the best hotel rate.
EX-CURSIONS
Hilton’s UK research shows that relationship breakups are increasingly driving new travel opportunities. In fact, 34% of Brits are likely to book a holiday with friends after a relationship ends. What’s more, 19% have jetted off on a ‘YOLO’ trip after a breakup to unwind and let their hair down – this number jumps up to 52% among Zillennials. The top reasons people whisk themselves off on Ex-cursions include to unwind (60%), to feel better from heartache (47%) and to reconnect with friends (42%).
SPONTANITRIP
In a world where schedules and routines often rule, Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report reveals a refreshing new trend – 76% of Brits are embracing spontaneity on their travels. Delving deeper, the research found that 17% have arrived at their destination with accommodation booked for just their first night, while 14% have even landed without booking any accommodation at all!
But the spontaneity doesn’t stop there— 52% have headed off on holiday without pre-booking any experiences or restaurants. Instead, 64% of UK travellers prefer to get invaluable intel and recommendations from the locals when they get there, according to the report.
FLEXISCAPE
The ongoing debate between lounging in pure relaxation and diving into action-packed adventures is real. The 2025 Trends Report from Hilton found that while 71% of Brits don’t want to miss anything when travelling, opinions are split on the right balance. 48% of UK travellers love to lie on the beach or by the pool all day long and when asked about being active on holidays, 59% enjoy being on the move.
Interestingly, the research found that 36% don’t want to settle for a holiday which is either all action or all chill, which jumps up to 45% of Zillennials. In fact, 74% of Brits travel for ‘bleisure’; a combination of business and leisure in one trip. To strike the ideal balance, travellers are turning to flexible itineraries (49%), alternating different daily experiences (for example, a spa day followed by a hike the following day) (42%), and choosing hotels that offer both experiences (38%).
“As a leading global hospitality brand, we know that a great stay is what matters most to customers,” said Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president of Europe Middle East and Africa. Our 2025 Trends Report shows that resting and recharging continue to be primary motivators to travel, and exploring nostalgic destinations with family and friends is on the rise. Hilton is committed to providing great stays for any occasion, anywhere our guests want to travel. Of course, all underpinned by friendly and reliable service that guests have come to expect at any of our 8,000 hotels around the world.”
If a ‘Me-Moon,’ ‘Ex-cursion,’ or ‘Kidcation’ sounds like your ideal getaway—or if you’re intrigued by any of these exciting new travel trends—visit Hilton.com to book your next adventure.
