Travel: Top 10 Active Travel Trends for Hiking & Cycling in 2025

Why it is the topic trending:

• Post-Pandemic Boom in Outdoor Activities: The trend builds on the significant increase in outdoor pursuits like walking, hiking, and biking that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued.

• Record Bookings in Active Travel: Most top active travel companies are reporting ongoing record bookings, indicating sustained high demand.

• Expansion of Offerings: Active travel operators are adding new trips, activities, and destinations to meet the growing interest.

• Luxury Active Travel Segment: The author focuses particularly on trends within the luxury end of the active travel market.

• Diverse Range of Trends: The article covers a wide spectrum of trends, from boat-based trips to e-bikes and culinary focus.

• Personal Experience and Expert Insights: The author draws on extensive personal experience in active travel and interviews with industry leaders to identify these trends.

• Focus on Hiking and Cycling: The article specifically highlights trends relevant to vacations centered around hiking and cycling.

• Evolution of Trip Styles: The trends show an evolution in how active travel vacations are structured, such as the rise of single hotel stays and self-guided options.

• Catering to Different Needs and Preferences: The trends address various traveler needs, including multi-generational groups, women-only trips, and culinary enthusiasts.

• Emphasis on Iconic and Pilgrimage Routes: The increasing interest in completing parts or all of famous long-distance trails is a notable trend.

Overview:

The article outlines the top 10 active travel trends for hiking and cycling vacations in 2025, based on the author's extensive experience and insights from industry leaders. The active travel sector has been booming, and these trends highlight the evolving preferences of travelers seeking adventurous and engaging holidays. The trends include a rise in boat-based active trips, more vacations centered around single hotels, the increasing popularity of high-end self-guided adventures, a surge in cross-country or border-to-border journeys, growing interest in iconic and pilgrimage routes, the rise of gravel and trail riding, the widespread adoption of e-bikes (along with a niche for e-bike-free trips), the growth of women-only and family-focused active travel, more hut-to-hut or lodge-to-lodge itineraries, and a significant focus on active culinary travel.

Detailed Findings:

1. More Boat-Based Active Trips: Luxury river and ocean cruises, as well as chartered boats, are being used to avoid daily packing and unpacking during active itineraries.

2. More Single Hotel Trips: Staying at a single desirable lodging for the duration of the trip, with daily excursions, is gaining popularity for ease and comfort.

3. More Self-Guided Active Travel: Travelers are opting for detailed itineraries and luggage transfers without a guide, offering flexibility and privacy at a lower cost.

4. Crossing An Entire Country Under Your Own Power: Demand is increasing for challenging border-to-border hiking or cycling trips across countries or regions.

5. More Iconic and Pilgrimage Routes: Travelers are seeking to complete parts or all of famous multi-day routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Camino de Santiago.

6. More Gravel & Trails: "Gravel grinding" (riding road bikes on gravel roads) and light mountain biking are rapidly growing segments, offering a wilderness aesthetic away from traffic.

7. More E-Bikes (And Less E-Bikes): E-bikes have become a standard option for most operators, allowing less avid cyclists to join more challenging trips. However, a niche market for e-bike-free trips is also emerging.

8. Women’s Only and Family: Women-only active trips are significantly growing, and operators are also offering more trips specifically designed for families with children of different ages.

9. Hut to Hut or Lodge to Lodge: Multi-day trips staying in mountain huts or rustic lodges are expanding beyond traditional areas like the Dolomites to other regions worldwide.

10. More Active Culinary Travel: Combining exercise with guilt-free indulgence in great food and drink is a major focus, with many operators offering food-centric itineraries, including chef-led tours and cooking classes.

Key success factors of product (trend):

• Catering to Diverse Preferences: Offering a wide range of trip styles and activities to suit different interests and abilities.

• Balancing Activity with Comfort and Luxury: Providing high-quality accommodations, meals, and support services.

• Focusing on Unique and Memorable Experiences: Offering itineraries that go beyond standard sightseeing.

• Providing Flexibility and Choice: Offering options for guided or self-guided travel.

• Incorporating Special Interests: Catering to niche interests like culinary travel or women-only groups.

• Leveraging the Appeal of Iconic Destinations and Routes: Featuring well-known and desirable locations.

• Embracing New Trends in Cycling and Hiking: Incorporating activities like gravel grinding and e-biking.

Key Takeaway:

Active travel for hiking and cycling in 2025 is characterized by a diverse range of trends catering to various preferences, from luxurious boat-based adventures to challenging self-guided cross-country trips, with a significant emphasis on culinary experiences and the growing popularity of e-bikes, while also recognizing a niche for traditional, unassisted cycling.

Main trend:

The main trend is the Continued Diversification and Personalization of Active Travel Experiences, catering to a wider range of interests, abilities, and preferences within the hiking and cycling vacation sector.

Description of the trend:

Active Adventures Tailored to the Individual: This trend describes the ongoing evolution of active travel beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Travelers are increasingly seeking specialized experiences that align with their specific interests, fitness levels, and travel styles. This includes a growing demand for options like boat-based trips for convenience, single-hotel stays for comfort, self-guided tours for flexibility, challenging long-distance routes for adventure seekers, themed trips focusing on culinary experiences or women-only groups, and the integration of e-bikes to broaden accessibility, alongside a recognition of the desire for traditional, unassisted cycling experiences. This personalization allows individuals to curate active vacations that perfectly match their desires and goals.

What is consumer motivation:

• Seeking Specific Experiences: Travelers want vacations tailored to their unique interests (e.g., culinary, pilgrimage).

• Prioritizing Comfort and Convenience: Options like boat-based and single-hotel trips cater to this.

• Desire for Flexibility and Independence: Self-guided tours offer this autonomy.

• Challenging Themselves Physically: Cross-country and iconic routes appeal to this motivation.

• Accessibility for Varied Fitness Levels: E-bikes allow a wider range of people to participate.

• Connecting with Like-Minded Individuals: Women-only and family trips foster community.

What is driving trend:

• Increased Maturity of the Active Travel Market: The industry has grown and diversified to meet varied demands.

• Greater Consumer Awareness of Options: Travelers are more aware of the different types of active travel available.

• Technological Advancements: E-bikes and sophisticated apps for self-guided tours have expanded possibilities.

• Demand for More Than Just Exercise: Active travel is increasingly seen as a way to experience culture, nature, and personal growth.

What is motivation beyond the trend:

• Creating Lasting Memories: Active and engaging trips often lead to more memorable experiences.

• Achieving Personal Goals: Completing a challenging hike or bike ride can be very rewarding.

Description of consumers article is referring to:

Based on the article, the consumers this trend refers to are:

• Active Travelers: Individuals who prioritize physical activity during their vacations.

• Hikers and Cyclists: Those specifically interested in hiking or cycling-focused trips.

• Luxury Travelers: Many of the highlighted trends are within the high-end active travel segment.

• Diverse Age Groups: The trends cater to a wide range of ages, from families to solo adventurers and seniors using e-bikes.

• Travelers with Specific Interests: Culinary enthusiasts, those interested in pilgrimage, women seeking group experiences, and families.

• Those Seeking Convenience: Individuals who prefer not to pack and unpack frequently.

• Those Seeking Independence: Travelers who prefer the flexibility of self-guided tours.

• What is their age? Ranges from families with young children to seniors, as evidenced by the mention of multi-generational trips and the appeal of e-bikes.

• What is their gender? Includes both men and women, with a specific trend noted for women-only trips.

• What is their income? The article leans towards the luxury and higher-end of active travel, suggesting a higher disposable income for many of these travelers.

• What is their lifestyle: Active individuals who prioritize experiences and are willing to invest in quality travel.

• What are their shopping preferences in the category article is referring to? They likely look for specialized tour operators, high-quality gear, and unique itineraries that align with their specific interests.

• Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers? Likely a mix, from those taking one major active trip per year to more frequent participants.

• What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop products, shopping motivations? Value quality, expertise, and potentially sustainability. They are likely motivated by the desire for unique and fulfilling travel experiences.

• What kind of products they like: Guided or self-guided active tours, high-quality hiking and cycling gear, comfortable and durable travel clothing, and potentially travel insurance.

Conclusion: The active travel market for hiking and cycling is becoming increasingly diverse, offering a wide array of personalized experiences to cater to the specific preferences and needs of different travelers.

Conclusions:

The 10 trends highlighted in the article demonstrate a significant evolution in the active travel sector, moving towards greater diversification and personalization of hiking and cycling vacations. Travelers are no longer content with generic active holidays and are instead seeking experiences that are tailored to their specific interests, abilities, and preferences. From the convenience of boat-based and single-hotel trips to the independence of self-guided adventures and the accessibility offered by e-bikes, the market is responding to the varied needs of active travelers. The increasing focus on iconic routes, culinary experiences, and specialized groups further underscores this trend towards personalized and fulfilling active travel experiences.

Implications for brands:

• Offer a Wide Range of Trip Styles: Cater to diverse preferences with options like guided, self-guided, boat-based, and single-hotel stays.

• Specialize in Niche Interests: Consider offering trips focused on culinary themes, pilgrimage, women-only groups, or family adventures.

• Incorporate E-Bikes to Increase Accessibility: Provide e-bike options to allow a broader range of fitness levels to participate.

• Develop Detailed Self-Guided Itineraries: Invest in creating well-planned routes and support for independent travelers.

• Highlight Unique Destinations and Experiences: Showcase off-the-beaten-path locations and memorable activities.

Implication for society:

• Increased Participation in Outdoor Activities: The growth of active travel encourages more people to engage in healthy outdoor pursuits.

• Support for Local Economies in Tourist Destinations: Active travel can bring economic benefits to regions with natural attractions.

Implications for consumers:

• More Choice and Flexibility in Active Travel: Travelers have a wider array of options to find trips that suit their specific needs.

• Opportunity to Combine Activity with Other Interests: It's easier to find trips that integrate passions like food and culture with hiking or cycling.

Implication for Future:

• Continued Specialization in Active Travel: Expect to see even more niche offerings emerge in the market.

• Further Integration of Technology to Enhance the Experience: Apps and devices will likely play an increasing role in both guided and self-guided trips.

Consumer Trend:

Personalized Active Adventures: Consumers are increasingly seeking active travel experiences that are highly tailored to their specific interests, fitness levels, and travel preferences.

Consumer Sub Trend:

Demand for Diverse Trip Formats in Active Travel: Travelers want options beyond traditional guided, multi-hotel hiking or cycling tours.

Big Social Trend:

Emphasis on Experiential Travel and Personal Fulfillment: People are prioritizing travel that offers meaningful experiences and aligns with their individual passions.

Worldwide Social Trend:

Global Growth in Adventure and Wellness Tourism: Active travel sits at the intersection of these two major trends.

Social Drive:

Seeking Challenge, Connection with Nature, and Personal Enrichment Through Travel: Individuals are motivated by the desire to be active, explore the outdoors, and have fulfilling experiences.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025:

• Conduct Thorough Customer Research: Understand the specific needs and desires of your target audience within the active travel sector.

• Offer a Variety of Trip Formats and Themes: Don't limit your offerings to just one type of active vacation.

• Embrace Flexibility and Customization: Allow travelers to tailor their trips to their individual preferences.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:

• Develop a Diverse Portfolio of Active Travel Options: Include boat-based, single-hotel, self-guided, and cross-country itineraries.

• Create Themed Trips Catering to Niche Interests: Offer culinary, cultural, or women-only focused active vacations.

• Invest in Technology to Support Self-Guided Tours: Develop user-friendly apps with detailed routes and navigation tools.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified), and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:

The pervasive consumer trend of personalized active adventures necessitates that brands and companies in 2025 offer a diverse range of highly tailored hiking and cycling vacation options, catering to specific interests, abilities, and preferences through various trip formats and themes, leveraging technology to enhance the experience and provide flexibility.

Final Note:

• Core Trend: Personalized Active Adventures: Travelers seeking highly tailored active travel experiences.

• Core Strategy: Offer a Diverse Portfolio of Trip Formats and Themes: Cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.

• Core Industry Trend: Growth of Adventure and Wellness Tourism: Active travel aligns with these major trends.

• Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Challenge, Connection with Nature, and Personal Enrichment Through Travel, Tailored to Individual Preferences.

Final Conclusion:

The active travel market for hiking and cycling is thriving and evolving, with a clear trend towards greater personalization. Tour operators and destinations that recognize and cater to the diverse needs and desires of active travelers, offering a wide array of trip styles, themes, and levels of support, will be best positioned for continued success in this dynamic and growing sector. The key is to provide options that allow individuals to create their ideal active adventure.

Core Trend Detailed:

The core trend of Continued Diversification and Personalization of Active Travel Experiences signifies a significant maturation of the adventure tourism market, particularly within the realms of hiking and cycling vacations. This trend reflects a move beyond standardized, group-oriented tours towards a landscape where travelers are increasingly empowered to curate their own unique and fulfilling active holidays. This involves a demand for a wider variety of trip formats, such as the convenience of boat-based or single-hotel itineraries, the independence of self-guided adventures, and the challenge of cross-country expeditions. Furthermore, it highlights the growing importance of catering to specific interests and demographics through themed trips focused on culinary delights, cultural immersion, women-only groups, or multi-generational families. The integration of technology also plays a crucial role in enabling this personalization, with sophisticated apps and e-bikes enhancing accessibility and flexibility. Ultimately, this trend underscores a desire among active travelers for experiences that resonate deeply with their individual preferences, fitness levels, and travel goals, moving towards a more bespoke and tailored approach to adventure travel.

Key Characteristics of the Core trend:

• Variety of Trip Formats: Beyond traditional guided tours.

• Themed Itineraries: Catering to specific interests (culinary, cultural, etc.).

• Self-Guided Options: Providing flexibility and independence.

• Inclusion of E-Bikes: Enhancing accessibility for different fitness levels.

• Focus on Comfort and Convenience: Options like boat-based and single-hotel stays.

• Catering to Specific Demographics: Women-only and family-focused trips.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend:

• The active travel sector's sustained growth indicates a strong consumer demand for diverse experiences.

• The proliferation of specialized tour operators catering to niche interests.

• The increasing availability and sophistication of technology supporting self-guided travel and e-biking.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior:

• Travelers are more likely to research and select trips based on specific preferences rather than settling for standard offerings.

• There is a greater willingness to try different styles of active travel (e.g., self-guided).

• Consumers are seeking trips that combine activity with other interests.

Implications Across the Ecosystem:

• Tour operators need to offer a wider and more specialized range of itineraries.

• Destinations should support diverse types of active travel infrastructure (e.g., well-marked self-guided routes, e-bike charging stations).

• Retailers should stock a variety of gear and resources to support different active travel styles.

Strategic Forecast:

The trend of personalized active adventures will continue to shape the market, with even greater specialization and customization expected in the future, driven by consumer demand and technological advancements.

Areas of innovation:

• AI-Powered Custom Itinerary Generation: Developing sophisticated AI tools that allow travelers to input their preferences (difficulty level, desired scenery, specific interests like bird watching or historical sites, dietary requirements, budget, etc.) and generate highly personalized hiking or cycling itineraries, including route suggestions, accommodation options, and points of interest.

  • Detail: This goes beyond pre-designed tours, enabling travelers to create unique adventures tailored to their exact needs and desires, with the AI considering terrain, elevation profiles, and even weather patterns to optimize the experience.

• Integration of Wearable Technology for Real-Time Customization: Utilizing data from wearable devices (smartwatches, fitness trackers) to adapt the active travel experience in real-time based on the traveler's physical condition and preferences.

  • Detail: This could involve adjusting the difficulty of a self-guided route based on the traveler's heart rate or fatigue levels, providing personalized recommendations for rest stops or alternative activities, or even offering real-time feedback and encouragement through connected devices.

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for Pre-Trip Exploration and On-Trail Enhancement: Creating VR experiences that allow travelers to virtually explore potential routes and destinations before booking, and AR applications that enhance the on-trail experience with interactive maps, historical information about landmarks, or identification of local flora and fauna.

  • Detail: VR could help travelers make more informed decisions by giving them a realistic preview of the terrain and scenery, while AR could enrich the actual journey by providing contextual information and interactive elements without detracting from the physical activity.

• Hyper-Local and Niche Themed Active Trips: Expanding the range of active travel options to cater to very specific interests and connect travelers with unique local experiences.

  • Detail: This could include cycling tours focused on specific craft breweries or vineyards, hiking trips centered around foraging and wild cooking, or itineraries that explore the cultural heritage of a region through its lesser-known trails and local artisans.

• Subscription-Based Active Travel Platforms: Developing membership platforms that offer access to a curated library of self-guided routes, discounted rates on guided tours, personalized itinerary planning tools, and a community of like-minded active travelers.

  • Detail: This model could provide a more flexible and cost-effective way for individuals to engage in regular active travel, with various membership tiers catering to different levels of participation and support.

• Intergenerational and Ability-Inclusive Active Travel: Designing itineraries and providing adaptive equipment (like specialized e-bikes or accessible hiking aids) to enable people of all ages and physical abilities to enjoy active travel experiences together.

  • Detail: This focuses on breaking down barriers to participation and creating opportunities for families and groups with diverse needs to share the joys of hiking and cycling vacations.

Final Thought:

The active travel market is clearly evolving to meet the demands of increasingly discerning and individualistic travelers. By embracing diversification and personalization, tour operators and destinations can create truly memorable and fulfilling hiking and cycling vacations that cater to the unique desires of each adventurer.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2025/06/17/top-10-active-travel-trends-for-your-next-great-hiking-or-cycling-vacation/