As another year of European exploration draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead to 2025 and the travel trends poised to shape the continent.
I’ve gathered insights from key players in two distinct sectors of the European travel world – rail travel and guided tours – to see what they’re forecasting. Read on to discover what awaits you (or your clients) on your European adventures in 2025.
Riding the Rails of Change:
Rail travel is synonymous with Europe, and Rail Europe, a leading provider of rail tickets and services, shared some exciting developments on the horizon for 2025.
Björn Bender, President & CEO of Rail Europe, summed it up perfectly: "At Rail Europe, we’re dedicated to driving the future of rail travel, and these trends both reflect traveler demands and ongoing innovations within the rail industry."
He added, "Looking toward 2025, the future of European rail travel is marked by rapid innovation and growing demand. As rail connectivity expands, travelers will benefit from faster, more efficient cross-border travel and enhanced digital tools that streamline planning and booking.Sustainability will continue to drive the industry as eco-conscious travelers choose greener travel options. At Rail Europe, we’re excited to support this conversion by providing flexible, convenient, and sustainable travel solutions, ensuring that rail remains the preferred way to explore the diverse and vibrant continent of europe."
According to Rail Europe, five key factors will shape European rail travel next year:
- Sustainability: The Driving Force:
Eco-conscious travelers increasingly see rail as the most sustainable mode of transportation. With escalating awareness of climate change, especially among Gen Z and Millennials, Rail Europe predicts a surge in demand for rail journeys.European rail operators are actively investing in green initiatives, such as hydrogen-powered and hybrid trains, to further reduce emissions.
- Digitization and Personalization:
In 2025, expect digital advancements to radically transform rail travel.
Features such as real-time updates, dynamic pricing, and personalized trip recommendations will make planning and booking easier and more tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Europe.
The Rise of workations and Bleisure:
Rail Europe anticipates a growing trend of combining work and leisure (bleisure) in 2025. Trains, with their high-speed connections and onboard Wi-Fi, are ideal for remote workers, digital nomads, and professionals seeking to stay productive while enjoying their travels. The flexibility of rail travel, coupled with the convenience of working from the comfort of a train, will make it an increasingly popular choice for those blending business and pleasure.- The Enduring Popularity of Eurail:
The Eurail Pass has long been the key to unlocking europe’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and history, offering unmatched flexibility. Since its inception 65 years ago, the Eurail Pass has expanded to cover 33 countries and over 33,000 destinations. In 2025, Rail Europe expects the Eurail pass to continue evolving as the go-to solution for travelers looking to maximize their European exploration with flexibility.
- Enhanced Rail Connectivity: Rail Europe foresees meaningful growth in rail connectivity, spurred by new high-speed and direct routes that will enhance cross-border travel.
New high-speed services, such as the Paris-Berlin route, with an anticipated travel time of around eight hours, will allow passengers to explore multiple destinations swiftly.
A Guide to what’s Hot:
Brandon Shaw, co-founder and COO of The Tour Guy, shared his 2025 predictions for European travel, drawing from his own industry knowledge and The Tour guy’s booking data.
- Monumental Stays:
Despite the emergence of the "destination dupe" trend in 2024, travelers won’t shy away from iconic landmarks.The Tour Guy continues to see high demand for attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, Sagrada Familia, and more. London and Paris remain top destinations based on global search trends, followed closely by Rome and Barcelona, with search volume up 7% year-over-year.
- Rise of the "Second Tier" Cities:
The Tour Guy has observed a growing interest in cities like Dublin, Lisbon, and southern Spain (Granada & Seville). This trend is confirmed by search data, which shows these three areas experiencing a 14% surge in search volume over the last year.
- Day Trips Triumph:
Instead of opting for alternative destinations, travelers are increasingly embracing shorter day trips. Popular day trip options The Tour guy customers are booking include the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii from Rome, Tuscany from Florence, Prosecco from Venice, Champagne & Normandy from Paris, Windsor, Bath & stonehenge from London, Montserrat from Barcelona, and Sintra from Lisbon.
Event-Cations Endure:
This past year saw a significant rise in people planning trips around major events and concerts, a trend expected to continue strong in 2025. Global search trends data shows that "shows/concerts/events" rank just below "sightseeing" in terms of travel experiences tourists seek. One notable event next year likely to draw millions to Europe is the jubilee in Rome.
A Look Ahead:
Rail Europe’s prediction of a digitized railway experience is spot-on,as my recent travels with mobile Eurail and BritRail passes served as living proof. the iconic ticket punch system has given way to a digital scanner, a move I expect to see embraced even further due its convenience and personalized input potential.
I fully agree with Brandon Shaw regarding the enduring appeal of major monuments. despite the "swaps and dupes" discussions,personal anecdotes point to travelers still craving visits to the places they’ve seen in media,especially on their first few European trips.
While "swaps and dupes" might sound appealing in theory, I believe they will ultimately coexist with, rather than entirely replace, established destinations.
The increase in interest in "second-tier" cities observed by The Tour Guy could be the true embodiment of the "swaps and dupes" trend—adding to rather than replacing the magnetism of major cities.
Regrettably, overtourism in Europe seems likely to persist.
Looking ahead, I predict an increase in Christmas-themed travel, given the surge in popularity of Christmas markets. This trend, combined with the continued growth of sports tourism, especially European soccer, could help disperse crowds by attracting travelers to different seasons.
What are the expected benefits of using green technology in European rail travel by 2025?
time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a engaging discussion lined up about the future of travel in Europe, specifically focusing on rail travel and guided tours for 2025. Joining me is björn Bender, the President and CEO of Rail Europe. Björn, thank you for being with us!
Björn Bender: Thanks for having me! I’m excited to share our insights into what travelers can expect in the coming years.
Time.news Editor: As we approach the end of another year of exploration in Europe, what key trends do you foresee affecting rail travel in 2025?
Björn Bender: Great question! We’re observing several critical developments. first and foremost is the emphasis on sustainability. Eco-conscious travel is no longer just a trend; it’s becoming a decisive factor for many. Younger travelers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly advocating for greener options, and rail is leading the charge in this arena with innovative steps such as hydrogen-powered trains.
Time.news Editor: That’s an exciting shift! Could you elaborate on how rail companies are enhancing their sustainability efforts?
Björn Bender: Absolutely. European rail operators are investing substantially in green initiatives. You’ll see more hybrid and hydrogen-powered trains on the tracks, which aim to lower emissions. Sustainability is not just rhetoric—it’s an ongoing commitment to create a travel experience that protects our surroundings while making it enjoyable and efficient for travelers.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating! Another aspect you mentioned was digitization and personalization. How do you envision these advancements transforming the rail travel experience?
Björn Bender: We’re heading into an era where technology will be pivotal in shaping travel. by 2025, we expect features like real-time updates, dynamic pricing, and personalized trip itineraries that cater to individual needs. This means travelers can expect a more seamless experience when planning and booking their journeys. Imagine being able to receive personalized recommendations based on your travel habits right at your fingertips!
Time.news Editor: That sounds very convenient! But I also read about a trend called “bleisure,” where people mix business with leisure. how does rail travel fit into this?
Björn Bender: The rise of bleisure is a remarkable phenomenon. Trains are perfectly suited for this lifestyle. With high-speed connections and onboard Wi-Fi,professionals can maintain productivity while traveling. People are increasingly taking workations, where thay can blend the necessary with the enjoyable—working during the day and exploring vibrant cities in their downtime. Rail travel provides that unique flexibility and comfort.
Time.news Editor: It seems the Eurail Pass remains a cornerstone of European exploration. How do you see it evolving in the future?
Björn Bender: The Eurail Pass is indeed iconic and has adapted over the past 65 years. We anticipate that it will continue to be the go-to solution for travelers looking for flexibility. As we expand coverage, including more countries and destinations, the pass will remain relevant for those wanting to experience Europe’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Travelers can expect more options and better value then ever.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, can you tell us about the expected growth in rail connectivity for 2025?
Björn Bender: certainly! We are anticipating a meaningful increase in rail connectivity with new high-speed and direct routes. As European countries continue to collaborate, travelers will benefit from faster, more efficient travel options, making it easier than ever to explore multiple destinations within a short timeframe. We’re committed to ensuring that rail travel remains the preferred mode of exploring Europe.
Time.news Editor: Björn, it’s been enlightening to hear your insights on the exciting future of rail travel in europe.Thank you for joining us today!
Björn Bender: Thank you! It’s been great discussing the future of travel with you. I look forward to seeing how these trends will unfold in 2025 and beyond!