From immersive experiences to multigenerational getaways, Irish holidaymakers are booking a mix of classic favourites and emerging hot spots for 2025.
While classic destinations including Italy and Austria remain popular, emerging destinations such as Tanzania and South America are gaining traction, with a focus on creating memorable, meaningful travel. Experts also see trends such as earlier bookings and stress-free planning as people prioritise quality time and hassle-free escapes.
Anita Thomas, Emirates’ country manager in Ireland, highlights Dubai as a key destination, a fully-fledged holiday spot and an extended stopover for those en route from further afield. “Not only does this add an extra dimension to their holiday, but it also allows travellers to break up long journeys, easing the effects of jet lag when returning home,” she says.
Closer to home, Aisling O’Carroll, sales manager at Oroko Travel says that Greece and Italy are perennial favourites with her clients, but there is also a rise in bookings to Scandinavian countries.
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Meanwhile, classic ski destinations like Austria and France remain firm favourites for winter travellers, according to Michelle Anderson, marketing manager with Topflight.
Caroline O’Toole, head of cruises and luxury travel at JWT Travel, says on the cruise front: “The Mediterranean, Alaska, Norwegian Fjords and Caribbean remain the all-time favourites for cruises. Exotic destinations, particularly Japan, India and Asia, are also very hot now. For those looking for something a little more boutique, river cruises along the Rhine or Douro Valley are also growing in popularity. Long-haul river cruises, such as the Nile in Egypt or the Mekong in Vietnam, also capture attention for their blend of luxury and cultural immersion.”
From a pilgrimage point of view, Lourdes remains a beloved destination for those booking with Joe Walsh Tours. However, Rome is expected to attract significant numbers in 2025 due to the Holy Year Jubilee, and Medjugorje is another pilgrimage site gaining interest following a devotion from the Vatican recognising the sanctuary’s spiritual benefits.
People increasingly prioritise immersive experiences, seeking ways to truly engage with the culture, history and people of the places they visit.
Oroko Travel is seeing families lean into this trend, with destinations in Africa and South America topping the list for those looking for unforgettable adventures. O’Carroll notes: “There’s a real appetite for more memory-making holidays in recent years. Families are looking at destinations like Tanzania for its incredible wildlife and Argentina and Chile for the rich culture and adventure opportunities. We’re seeing a lot of interest in just being outdoors and making time for family bonding.”
Topflight is also seeing this trend, especially with its escorted tours in Italy, Austria and Croatia. Topflight’s escorted tours are growing in popularity so much that it has launched new tours for 2025 that include Tuscany and Umbria by steam train, and an exclusive tour to Sorrento, Naples and Herculaneum which includes a pizza-making experience that Michelle Anderson says “perfectly balances culture, history, and authentic Italian cuisine”.
Multigenerational trips are also popular. Anderson says that a skiing holiday is an excellent option for multigenerational families, even if not everyone skis. “Non-skiing grandparents often enjoy joining a ski holiday, standing by the nursery slopes to watch their grandchildren make daily progress or joining the holiday to look after very young children”. Destinations like Zell am See in Austria offer a variety of non-ski activities, while Andorra provides access to its vibrant capital, Andorra la Vella, combining city experiences with skiing.
Thinking ahead pays off more than ever. Anderson adds: “We’ve experienced an exceptionally busy October and November as customers are eager to finalise their holiday plans early. For instance, our Andrea Bocelli Summer Experience sold out within weeks of its launch.”
For families and groups, early booking isn’t just about peace of mind; it’s the best way to snag those sought-after interconnecting rooms and high-season spots.
O’Carroll says: “Believe it or not, I’m already taking bookings for peak season in 2026. By booking earlier, you avail of early bird discounts, you have your choice of rooms, and you have better airfares.”