By 
February 4th, 2025
Image credit: ESO/P. Horálek
It is labeled “noctourism” or nocturnal tourism, the hunger to experience first-hand, along with eyes-on, the nighttime sky in order to soak up the enveloping splendor.
Noctourism is a top travel trend for 2025, one that has been flagged by Booking.com, a leading digital travel firm headquartered in Amsterdam with local support offices around the globe. They underscore that voyage dictum, “It’s not the destination, it is the journey,” with looking up and outward as one trend that’s shaping the future of travel.
Image credit: Booking.com/Svalbard Hotel The Vault
Starbathing experiences
“With space tourism edging ever closer to reality, travelers will be focused on building connections with the universe as they turn to more attainable astro-pursuits in 2025,” observes Booking.com. Their research indicates nearly two thirds (62%) of those polled are considering visiting darker sky destinations with “starbathing” experiences (72%), star guides (59%), viewing once in a lifetime cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (57%) high on the stellar adventure to-do list.
“An appreciation for the nocturnal world,” Booking.com adds, “is also deepening travelers’ connections with nature, as the majority of travelers (54%) would book an accommodation without lights to encourage less light pollution and preserve flora and fauna.”
Capturing the constellation Orion and bright star Sirius taken from Mojave National Preserve.
Image credit: NASA/Preston Dyches
Key takeaways
According to the group, their travel predictions 2025 commissioned research surveyed a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents from 33 countries and territories were polled.
Along with trips around nocturnal, nature-based activities, other key takeaways from the research include:
- There will be an increased desire for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Sustainability will be an even bigger priority
- A blend of wellness and adventure will drive travel choices
- Family values will hold more importance
- Trips and experiences will need to cater for diversity
Dark-sky zones
Booking.com points out that noctourism will see travelers seeking out dark-sky zones intent on marveling at the solar system and engaging in activities involving stargazing activities.
“And it’s not a handful of us, either – over 60% of the people we asked said they were considering visiting destinations with limited light pollution as a way to inch closer to the cosmos,” the online travel platform explains.
Interestingly, the trend in noctourism is being fueled by concerns around climate change here on Earth.
Over half of those surveyed plan to elevate their nighttime viewing sojourns to avoid rising daytime temperatures, with 42% of travelers preferring to vacation in cooler locations.
“Protection from UV rays is important for 61% of travelers who say they plan to reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun, while more than half (57%) expect to plan activities in the evenings and early mornings when the sun is at its lowest,” Booking.com states.
It’s a big Universe – any other skywatchers out there?
Credit: Space Telescope Science Institute
Night markets
Across both city and rural destinations, the digital travel firm said, noctourism will see existing attractions extending their opening hours to cater for changing visitor preferences, “alongside a host of new experiences springing up to meet demand (organized stargazing tours, night markets, and opportunities to witness once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events).”
Taking a longer look into future years, Booking.com suggests technology to further revolutionize how travelers plan and experience their excursions.
“AI-driven tools and neuro-inclusive innovations will make holidays more adaptable, ensuring all travelers feel catered to. Additionally, the growing focus on wellness suggests that travel will increasingly be seen as a tool for long-term self-care rather than just a brief escape,” they conclude.
For more information on Booking.com and their predictions for travel in 2025, go to:
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