The what and where in the world of 2025 travel!
The travel industry is fast-paced, with consumer trends that fluctuate with many external factors; but also, sometimes it's just hard for your clients to pin down where exactly they want to go! So to help you navigate the next twelve months, and to help you exceed your clients’ expectations, we’ve compiled a list of key dates and events from around the world that are key to remember.
Make sure to bookmark this page and revisit it any time your clients want to book an unforgettable, eventful escape.
Plus, you can also download a PDF calendar view of many of 2025’s must-book travel events and dates at the bottom of the page, with even more dates and observances to consider!
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So, here are some key 2025 travel event dates we think you should keep in mind...
2025 has already begun, but that doesn’t mean that you should disregard the power of the New Year – your clients may be still basking in the afterglow of fireworks, champagne and the sense of celebration that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
With a reported 79% of travellers planning to book at least two leisure trips this year, now is the perfect time to capitalise on those new year’s resolutions to ‘travel more’ – check out our guide to the top travel trends for 2025 to see where your clients are looking to head next, and which motivations will take them even further around the world in 2025.
Speaking of key sporting events to capitalise on, the 2025 Six Nations Championship will be the 131st of its kind and is set to be an exciting and incentivizing event as ever! Extending from January to March and encompassing the men’s national teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, the Six Nations will draw massive crowds with the promise of epic matches and talented teams going toe-to-toe!
As for the tournament’s impact, during the 2019 tournament each Six Nations match brought in around £52 million for the host country’s economy, a figure which is only increasing as sports tourism continues to be a key trend for 2025 and beyond. Not only this, but the influx of visitors creates a surge in demand for hotels, restaurants, bars, and other local businesses.
A prime example of key events which don’t always fall at the same time each year, the start of Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival) is typically dictated by the second new moon after the winter solstice. This year, the event falls on January 29th. 2025 is the year of the snake!
Of course, Chinese New Year isn’t just celebrated in China; as one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture, these celebrations occur worldwide, especially in regions and countries with significant overseas Chinese populations including Singapore, Malaysia and even Australia. New Year festivities offer an experience to remember for any locals and travellers alike who come together to celebrate this occasion.
There are plenty of local traditions to enjoy, from the telling of fortunes to a sky full of fireworks, and festive fare such as golden spring rolls to symbolise wealth and prosperity, traditional two-foot-long noodles called Changshou mian, to represent the hope for a long and healthy life; oysters, whole fish and more!
This is an unmissable occasion for those with Chinese heritage or those with an appreciation for the culture, and one which many international travellers will be eager to experience...
Set this year in New Orleans, the NFL Super Bowl is an annual spectacle hotly anticipated in the USA, but also an unmissable opportunity for travel sellers. The 2024 NFL Super Bowl generated around $1billion for Las Vegas’ economy, with visitors spending approximately $2,660 each, which is twice the amount of a standard visitor at $1,260.
Not only this, but the ever-popular Super Bowl half-time performance is Kendrick Lamar for 2025, which is a huge draw for music enthusiasts and Super Bowl fans alike! Music tourism, alongside sports tourism, is drawing huge crowds (literally) for international travellers, and the global music tourism market is expected to be worth between $12.58 billion and $14 billion by 2032 or 2033! It’s a perfect combination of two major motivators for travel.
It’s common knowledge that accommodation during this time is inflated due to demand, but travellers are more than willing to spend extra in order to experience the thrill of the NFL Super Bowl first-hand. So, while you’re selling your travellers their perfect hotel, consider the benefits of also offering them a transfer to and from the airport, and any additional in-destination experiences they may want for any time outside of the match.
Lengthening their stay in New Orleans is a great way to ensure they make the most of this time in destination, and you boost your revenue by providing comprehensive travel options that cater to their needs.
As one of the most widely celebrated days of love, Valentine’s Day takes on different meanings around the world and is an incredible opportunity for travel sellers to capitalise on increased demand for romantic getaways.
Of course, there are a few destinations that immediately spring to mind when Valentine’s Day is mentioned, and experiences that all travellers looking for something a little special could be enticed into booking.
Whether it's a lantern-lit boat ride in Hoi An’s canals, an evening in awe over the Northern Lights in Finland, an Italian romance minus the crowds in the Dolomites, or even a cherry-blossom-filled stay in Okinawa, where Japan’s iconic blooms begin to decorate the scenery from February.
Discover some of the best alternative destinations for Valentine’s Day here!
Top tip: South Korea took the idea of Valentine’s Day and really ran with it, celebrating the 14th of each month with a different kind of love or friendship-themed holiday! So for any clients looking to escape the crowds on Valentine’s Day but still celebrate, there’s plenty of opportunity here...
With Japan rocketing to the top of many global travel lists in the last couple of years, pronounced one of the best places to visit worldwide by the likes of National Geographic and Lonely Planet, the Land of the Rising Sun is sure to benefit from an influx of bookings in 2024, especially around Hana Matsuri. Otherwise referred to as ‘cherry blossom season’, Hana Matsuri celebrates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and his death; the Sakura's own fleeting presence also reflects this transience.
Cities like Kyoto, Himeji and Tokyo are top choices for tourists wishing to view cherry blossoms, although other locations from Kawaguchiko to Kushiro are equally as gorgeous, and offer cheaper, off-the-beaten-path experiences for those looking to save a little money or to battle fewer crowds.
Top tip: keep an eye on the Japanese Weather Association for a forecast of when and where blossoms will bloom, as sakura season actually runs all the way from March until May!
However, Japan is not the only place to see the world-famous cherry blossoms.
Take a look at our article on some of the best places to see cherry blossoms around the world that aren’t Japan – including South Korea, Thailand, Brazil, Paris, Vancouver, Auckland and more!
Although the month-long religious observance of Ramadan may not seem like an obvious opportunity for travel marketing (this is a time where Muslims abstain from food, drink and other physical pleasures during daylight hours), there is still some potential for bookings to be made.
Eid-ul-Fitr also marks the end of Ramadan, falling this year on March 30th and across the three-day festivities, it’s likely that members of the Muslim community will be on the move as they look to be with their families.
Prepare any offers that you might have well in advance and market them well, as flights and hotels are sure to book out!
The Rio Carnival, held annually in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a major attraction that draws millions of guests and participants, including hundreds of thousands of international visitors!
This spectacular festival features colourful parades, intricate costumes, upbeat music, and energetic dancing, offering a unique cultural experience for locals and guests alike to fully immerse in Brazilian culture.
Rio Carnival is a prime opportunity for travel sellers to offer comprehensive travel plans so they can maximise their time in-destination, arriving before the festivities begin, or staying for an extended period to truly explore and enjoy the city.
Alternative Carnival celebrations are also held globally in destinations including New Orleans, the Dominican Republic, and other areas with Latin communities.
Why not arrange and book a local tour that fits your customers’ interests, or offer an in-destination experience that introduces travellers to traditional Brazilian customs, food and drinks? Promote the vibrant atmosphere of this destination by connecting travellers to the place, not just the carnival!
The Hindu ‘festival of colours’ is a unique cultural experience with undeniable allure: while Holi is rooted in ancient, meaningful traditions and beliefs (it is said to be a celebration of the victory of good over evil), it is also a fun and festive event.
Host countries such as India and Nepal burst into life around the beginning of March as coloured powder and water is thrown between attendees in a joyful and lively atmosphere. Marking the beginning of Spring, Holi is also an opportunity for those of the Hindu faith (or respectful observers) to let go of any long-held grudges, instead choosing to forgive, forget, and indulge in food such as dahi vada and ladoos.
Thailand is endlessly popular with tourists from around the world, and it’s easy to see why: the ‘land of smiles’ is blessed with natural beauty ripe for exploration; additionally, the country has introduced the world to a myriad of amazing things, ranging from delicious cuisine to Muay Thai, the popular (and sometimes brutal) national sport. But it’s Thailand’s culture which most captures the imagination – just look at the dazzling Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The three-day event involves cleansing rituals and an enormous water fight that is sure to be a memorable experience! The biggest celebrations take place in Bangkok, and you can suggest a tour of the capital's major sights to round out the trip.
Golden Week is a term which refers to consecutive holidays in its host country: for example, in China, the occasion may fall in January, February, September or October. However, over in Japan, Golden Week takes place across numerous fixed dates, beginning with Showa Day on April 29th, which marks the birthday of former Emperor Showa.
However, due to the close succession of other public holidays (Constitution Memorial Day; Greenery Day; Children’s Day), the whole period – and indeed, the days either side – is an opportune time for Japanese travellers to be on the move. Domestic travel is incredibly popular during this time, but for international visitors, this is also a key time to make the most of Hana Matsuri (Sakura season) as long as they’re mindful of any local business closures.
Cinco de Mayo is a day of Mexican pride and heritage and is steeped in history, as a celebration which commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French empire on May 5th 1862. Many communities celebrate this event on a grand scale, with parades, battle re-enactments, mariachi music, traditional foods, piñatas pinatas and fireworks to mark the celebration.
Cinco de Mayo is one of the most popular times for travellers to Mexico, to witness the heart of this occasion at its most traditional – so be prepared to promote activities and hotels in Mexico, as well as popular US destinations that celebrate to the fullest such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, Denver, New York City, Chicago, Albuquerque, San Francisco and San Diego!
Widely celebrated in the United States, Spring Break is one of the most popular times for US-based travellers to pack their bags and head out in search of memorable experiences.
During 2023, studies by AAA Travel suggested that interest and intent to travel during this period was up 30% compared to the same period in 2022, so it makes sense to anticipate that for many Americans, Spring Break this year will be just as popular. High-demand destinations include the expected warm weather and beach destinations such as Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean and more, but last year’s travellers were more comfortable and eager to travel internationally with popular cities like Paris and Tokyo seeing increased demand.
Be sure to capture this opportunity early, as many travellers are increasingly booking in advance and this high travel intent period will sell fast!
The FIA Formula One World Championship is undoubtedly the highest class of international racing! The prestigious motorsport event generates millions of dollars from ticket sales, hospitality packages, sponsorship, and merchandise.
But more than that, Formula One (F1) has seen exponential growth among new audiences, including women, the Middle East, and younger demographics! The sport reaches a global audience of 750 million, making it the most popular yearling sporting series – 50 million of these fans are since 2021!
Women now make up 41% of the F1 fan base, with the fastest-growing demographic between 16-24. This is a whole new segment of interested and dedicated audiences you can reach with tailored recommendations for travellers to experience the thrill of the race first-hand.
The glamorous lifestyle associated with F1, renowned for its luxury and extravagance, makes Monaco's Grand Prix one of the best venues for hosting F1. Offer an experience like no other by providing full package travel options, from the perfect accommodation to rest and relax after the thrill of the qualifying races and the big day, to in-destination activities and experiences that enrich your customers’ time away! What about providing them with car hire to see the incredible coastline scenery surrounding the French Riviera?
You can accomplish all of this with the Bedsonline Booking Engine. And if the luxury segment is one you’re looking to accommodate, discover more about the popularity of luxury culinary tourism!
Alternatively, there are 24 races throughout the year in locations all around the world, from China to Australia, Canada, Spain, the UK, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Brazil and more! So depending on your customers’ location you can find a trip that suits their needs.
The UEFA European Football Championship, commonly known as UEFA Euro 2025 or Euro 2025, is a quadrennial international football tournament organised by UEFA for the men’s national teams of its member associations!
As one of the biggest football tournaments in the sporting calendar, Euro 2025 is set to be a key event for sporting tourism, with hundreds of thousands of fans all descending upon Munich, Germany, domestic or international travellers alike!
June is the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and with hotter weather comes the desire to spend as much time outdoors as possible!
One way of making the most of warmer climes is to attend a music festival, and with world-renowned events such as Primavera Sound (Barcelona), Glastonbury (Somerset) and Rock am Ring (Nürburgring) attracting fans from around the globe, this is a fantastic opportunity for agents to present themselves as the go-to for travel arrangements.
Similarly, attendees travelling from outside of the festival’s host country will likely want to make the most of their time, so consider recommending hotels and upselling activities via our Booking Engine.
World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972, to keep important issues impacting our planet and people, and while it’s not a specific reason to travel, the discourse surrounding sustainable and eco-friendly travel is broader and louder than ever before, especially within valuable audience segments such as Millennials and Gen Z.
Around 82% of Millennial and Gen Z travellers are choosing to travel more sustainably, and World Environment Day encourages people to make conscious choices that benefit the planet. Therefore, this is an important date to consider how you’re accommodating sustainability, and to advocate for this to your prospective customers to secure those bookings!
Discover why focusing on human-centric tourism for World Environment Day can help boost your business!
Celebrated globally as the longest day of the year, this date is ideal for outdoor experiences, cultural tourism, and wellness retreats!
You could consider offering travel plans that centre around ‘Solstice Escapes’, wellness programmes provided by specialist centres or hotels around the world with experiences like sunrise yoga, guided nature walks, al fresco dining, and more. What about a more specific recommendation?:
Stonehenge, England - Travellers can visit Stonehenge on the summer solstice to experience the sunrise, Druid ceremony, and festivities in a one-off event that only happens twice a year, for the summer and winter solstices respectively. Plus, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Neolithic monument, with deep cultural significance and alignment with the solstice!
Astro-tourism is set to be a key motivator for travel in 2025 and beyond, so working with a travel partner that offers unique experiences like star gazing, star bathing, silent travel or even live music performances to make the most of the extended daylight will help you appeal to travellers looking to soak up the power of the solstice this year.
Take a look at popular wellness tourism activities and experiences which you could offer to travellers looking to make the most of the summer solstice.
This federal holiday can only be described as an all-American event: from family reunions to fireworks, parades, political speeches and even sporting events, this is the day when residents of USA go big.
What’s more, 2024 saw record-breaking numbers of Americans (70.9 million) travelling during the Fourth of July holiday travel period. Flight travel was also up 11% from 2022, and car travel up 2%, with around 43 million people driving to their destinations.
So, combine this with the general intent to travel more, as it seems likely that the number of people travelling for Independence Day this year will be higher yet again. So be sure to position your services correctly to secure the sale!
From airline tickets to car rentals, accommodation and more, this is a fantastic opportunity for agents to lock in bookings from domestic travellers, or even those flying in from elsewhere to sample a taste of the American dream.
Discover how you can offer comprehensive travel with Bedsonline!
Hanabi fireworks festivals across Japan are a must for those looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture! The dazzling display of colourful fireworks and traditional Japanese music and food creates a lively and captivating atmosphere, and it’s one that culture enthusiasts from all over will love to get immersed in.
Experience-first tourism is a key trend for today’s traveller, so providing them with opportunities to take part in authentic celebrations like this is a perfect way to cater to their needs.
This is a great time for guests to visit various parts of Japan and take in the beauty of its culture and tradition, and travel sellers can appeal to guests by offering unique experiences and amenities related to the event! Plus, as with any event, it offers a key opportunity for travellers to enrich their stay with enjoyable and memorable experiences, tours, activities, and even travelling to other regions to make the most of their time in destination.
Germany’s Oktoberfest is a masterclass in how to have a good time. The world’s largest fair takes place for around two weeks each year and is the ultimate celebration of German culture: there’s delicious food, live music and, of course, plenty of beer to go around. So beloved is this atmospheric event that smaller iterations have cropped up around the globe, but tourists looking for an authentic experience should head to Munich, the true home of Oktoberfest.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of carnival rides and games, making it a fun experience for people of all ages. Plus, the atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter and camaraderie – encourage your clients to pack their bags, grab their lederhosen, and join the party!
World Tourism Day aims to cultivate and create awareness among society globally of the social, political, and economic significance and impact of tourism, and its cultural worth and value.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that thousands of travellers are going to flock to travel to their favourite or exciting new destinations because of this date – but it is an important date in the travel industry calendar. One which you can be aware of, and use to understand how travel is changing, what that means for your audience, and build awareness about the types of travel opportunities you offer, directly inspired by each year’s theme!
Mid-Autumn Festival lunar calendar is the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, but the date on the Gregorian calendar varies every year. The Mid-Autumn Day 2024 falls on October 6th.
As the second most important celebration on the Chinese calendar – after Chinese New Year – this festival began as a celebration of the moon and has a tradition of deity, but it is also a time to reconnect with family members; it’s also called Mooncake Festival, or Moon Festival. This event is normally celebrated by gathering around a meal, worshipping and giving thanks to the moon, lighting paper candles and releasing them with loved ones, friends and family, eating delicious moon cakes and more!
This celebration is also widely celebrated in other countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, America, Singapore and Malaysia, although it is not always a public holiday in these locations.
The ending of the year is an important time for many cultures, and this rings true in Korea too! Meaning ‘Autumn Eve’, Chuseok is also known as Harvest Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival and is a significant celebration within Korean culture which lasts for three days and is spent giving thanks, celebrating with lots of delicious food, and gathering with loved ones, friends and family. Chuseok is also one of the most popular events for travellers with an appreciation for Korean culture, and something special to witness!
However do consider that Chuseok is a public holiday, so for travellers wishing to truly experience South Korea during this time, it is well worth arriving a few days before this annual celebration begins, in order to prepare accordingly! Arranging some in-destination experiences, tours and activities before Chuseok begins will be key, and it’s best to plan ahead using our Bedsonline Booking Engine.
Halloween is the perfect opportunity for travel agents to showcase their creativity and offer a unique vacation experience for their clients.
If you're looking for some seasonal inspiration, then our Booking Engine is packed with perfect activities for Halloween, no matter where your clients want to go. From stays at ‘haunted’ hotels to trips to Universal or Disneyland (both theme parks switch things up in time for the season!), there’s plenty here to tempt tourists to book!
Simply register your agency to access thousands of travel products to make your clients' experience unforgettable.
Mexico's Day of the Dead is a vibrant and colourful celebration that offers a unique and authentic cultural experience for tourists. The holiday honours the dead with colourful altars, traditional food and lively parades, creating a feast for the senses. This is a great opportunity for your clients to learn about Mexican culture and traditions, and to immerse in the rich and vibrant atmosphere of the celebration!
Top tip: While traditionally celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November, other days including October 31st and November 6th may be included depending on the locality.
A feast-time for travel, Thanksgiving is a prime opportunity to tap into travel demand. This holiday sees roughly 55 million American travellers make the pilgrimage to their destination of choice, be that domestic or international.
Unsurprisingly, domestic travel is king during Thanksgiving: supported by a general preference for domestic travel year-round, the notion of togetherness is a major driver for travel over this period, presenting an opportunity for upselling via add-ons, such as car hire.
Similarly, international travel presents an alternate opportunity: owing to slashed airfares (a typical practice by airlines around this particular holiday), your clients could snatch a deal - so consider sweetening it further with offers on other parts of their itinerary, such as their hotel stay. Besides, who is to say that new Thanksgiving traditions can’t be made outside of the US?
While Black Friday isn’t strictly about travel, it’s certainly worth building offers and social media campaigns around. Like Singles Day in Asia (November 11th), Buen Fin in the Americas (November 21st – 24th) and Travel Tuesday (December 2nd), this is one commercial holiday that travel agents would be wise to mark in their calendar since tourists will be on the lookout for good deals.
Check out our quick guide to preparing for Black Friday travel marketing, to inspire your own offers!
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It always occurs between December 21 and 23, and the date changes each year! This year, it falls on Sunday 21st December.
While this event is observed in many places around the world, there are a few countries where the winter solstice is a perfect opportunity to experience them:
Inti Raymi Festival, Peru - The Inti Raymi Festival is also known as the Winter Solstice or Inca Festival of the Sun and has been celebrated as a beloved tradition for thousands of years.
Iceland – Offer a winter tour package to Iceland to experience the country's natural beauty during the colder months, and maybe travelers will welcome in the arrival of longer, warmer days with the Aurora Borealis!
Global cruises – For travelers looking to get away from it all, why not offer a cruise? There are global cruise opportunities from countless providers exploring destinations on a global scale! Book their perfect pre- and post-cruise accommodation and activities with Bedsonline in our Booking Engine, no matter where they’re going.
Unsurprisingly, the lead-up to Christmas is a significant time for tourism for countries that celebrate this date: this is a time of year when people are looking to spend time with their loved ones and create special memories.
Whether travelling home to be with loved ones or to experience different traditions, such as European Christmas markets or larger-than-life parades in destinations such as the United States, it’s highly likely that you’ll have clients who are desperate to get on the move.
Where possible, try to encourage your clients to book their December trips well in advance – hotels are likely to be in high demand, and flight prices will increase rapidly.
And so, the cycle begins again…but perhaps your clients are already planning ahead for New Year 2025? After all, what could be better than having a celebration to look forward to at the end of another year! If your customers are eager to make the most of the next 12 months of travel, consider planting the seed for a big, end-of-year blowout.
Cities like London, New York and Sydney are classic recommendations for a memorable New Year’s Eve, but speak to your clients to discover their dream destination – they’ll want to secure their flights, hotels and tickets to any events well in advance!
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Register your travel agency for free today to get started, and maximise your success in 2025, or log in to your Bedsonline account now!
And don't forget to download your free key 2025 travel dates calendar below to keep note of all these opportunities, and more!
Download your free PDF calendar today of some of 2025's most popular travel dates, cultural observances, sporting events and industry or commercial periods, to capitalise on seasonal demand all year.
