Expedia releases new insights into the future of travel

Expedia Group’s latest research reveals significant shifts in how travellers plan and book travel compared to previous years, including a surge in social media influence and the impact of trust.

Drawing on insights from more than 11,000 consumers across 11 global markets, the 2025 Traveller Value Index offers a valuable roadmap for travel brands seeking to meet evolving expectations. Those entering the industry can also take note of where future opportunities may lie.

2025 Traveller Value Index key findings:

Travel importance remains high.
- With 50% of consumers saying it is more vital now than five years ago – highlighting travel’s essential role in personal fulfillment.
- Despite ongoing uncertainties, 88% plan to take a leisure trip in the next 12 months, and two-thirds (68%) are likely to book international travel – a 19% increase since 2022.
- Additionally, travellers are increasingly embracing flexcations and bleisure trips, blending work and leisure to meet their evolving needs.
Price is critical, but trust is essential too:
- Price remains a key factor, with 58% of consumers expecting to be more price-conscious in the next 12 months.
- However, trust is just as vital – three-quarters of travellers are willing to pay more for lodging with better reviews, underscoring the importance of confidence and reliability in their choices.
Travellers are increasingly turning to social media for trip inspiration:
- Over half (61%) now find trip ideas on platforms, up from 35% in 2022.
- Additionally, 73% say influencer recommendations have influenced their decision to book a trip or travel component, emphasizing the growing importance of trustworthy, peer-driven insights.
The desire to book travel through loyalty programs continues to grow:
- 83% of travellers consider travel their top category for redeeming loyalty points, while 82% are interested in booking travel through loyalty programs outside of the travel industry, such as credit cards or retailers, highlighting the expanding influence of non-travel loyalty rewards.