From tried-and-true destinations to first-time cruisers, South African Airways Center's Dr Ewan McNeill takes a closer look at some of 2025's biggest travel trends.
unauthorized travel
Contiki's 2025 Travel Report refers to spontaneous travel with a much shorter booking period as “fraudulent travel.”
Short-term vacation rentals around the world are also reporting shorter booking periods, and while uncertainty due to the pandemic initially drove this trend, the increased flexibility of remote work and increased self-motivation (as travelers) It's on the rise again thanks to an increase in general travel. (becoming a “rogue'' to escape everyday life).
We are returning to the six- to 12-week booking windows first seen post-COVID-19, but while the spontaneity may be appealing to some, it often comes with higher travel costs .
Spontaneous or “fraudulent” travel actually sees people planning, booking, and departing within 10 days of the initial decision. However, this is not the cheapest way to travel, especially during peak seasons.
maiden voyager
Cruise travel continues to intrigue South African travelers, with international cruises consistently ranking as the most searched travel category.
This increased interest is particularly evident among first-time cruisers, with domestic MSC Cruises remaining a firm favorite alongside NCL and Royal Caribbean.
The appeal of cruises lies primarily in their all-inclusive vacation nature, with cruise packages offering cruise newbies, veterans, and families alike a vast array of dining options, experiences, and excursions. Masu.
Looking at Google Analytics, the most improved search in the travel category remains international cruises.
strength in numbers
There is still a noticeable increase in multi-generational travel, where large families travel together to maximize value, not only for the experience, but also to take advantage of group discounts.
This trend extends beyond the traditional family unit to groups of friends and smaller, specialized tour groups that focus on more meaningful experiences rather than rushed itineraries.
While traditional “tour groups” have not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, exciting new trends are emerging in group travel. Families and friends are choosing to travel together in small groups, take time to explore, and truly travel. Instead of rushing from place to place, focus on one destination. It's a more relaxing and meaningful way to travel. What's even better is that grandparents can babysit if needed.
quality over quantity
Despite global economic pressures, we are seeing an interesting shift towards more premium travel experiences. Travelers prioritize quality experiences over quantity.
In other words, rather than forgo international travel altogether, consumers are choosing to travel less frequently and invest more in their travel experiences.
For example, destinations like Mauritius are seeing a decline in demand for three-star accommodation and an increase in interest in four- and five-star accommodation. This suggests that while travelers are waiting longer between trips, they are upgrading their experience level when they do travel.
This trend toward luxury travel experiences is reflected in our transaction numbers. Although the number of transactions is not increasing, the revenue per booking is definitely increasing. People are spending more on quality. They save money every time they travel to make sure they enjoy it.
tried and tested
South Africans love their favorite places and continue to support familiar and proven destinations.
The top 10 list of preferred Flight Center locations has remained surprisingly consistent post-pandemic. This preference is influenced by several factors, including visa-free access, affordability of the destination, and familiarity with the experience.
Popular choices continue to include Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Islands, Thailand, the United States, and certain areas of Turkey (primarily Istanbul and coastal resorts). This pattern suggests that South African travelers value certainty, consistency and value over the unknown.
Our top destinations are much the same as they were pre-coronavirus. People spend money on vacation, but they want to trust the destination. they know what works. But it also depends on visa requirements. If a family of four needs to obtain visas for a long-distance destination, the cost can be overwhelming.
comprehensive appeal
In the face of rand fluctuations, the need for predictable vacation costs continues to increase the popularity of all-inclusive packages. This preference extends to a variety of destinations and travel types, from beach resorts to cruise packages.
All-inclusive packages are popular with families and are one of Flight Center's largest segments. People are traveling around the land and are on a tight budget, but an all-inclusive package provides good value without any unpleasant surprises.
good news awaits
One promising development for 2025 is the predicted increase in flight capabilities. Major airlines such as Emirates, Virgin, Air France and Lufthansa have announced increased flights, especially during the season, and seat availability is slowly returning across routes.
While global constraints on aircraft availability and staffing remain a challenge, this trend suggests a potential relief from the soaring airfares that have characterized the past few years.
Another exciting development is the arrival of Club Med in South Africa, with bookings expected to open sometime in 2025 (the resort itself will open in 2026).
Club Med Tinley Manor offers a beach and woodland experience that is very different from other Club Med offerings around the world. This will provide international visitors with a South African Club Med experience, while also offering South Africans a Mauritius-type experience on the KZN coastline without having to hop on a plane.
South African travelers have long favored reliable destinations like Mauritius. But 2025 promises refreshing changes.
The arrival of Club Med brings a new dimension and brings exciting adventures closer to home. This, combined with an increase in last-minute travel and the potential for lower airfares, creates attractive opportunities for South Africans to expand their travel horizons.
While familiar destinations retain their appeal, 2025 calls for a more adventurous and thoughtful approach to travel. Whether you embrace a spontaneous escape or strategically plan a premium experience, the year ahead will offer discerning South African travelers a wide range of travel options.