17: What’s Next in Hotels, Culture, and Travel in 2025

From anticipated hotel openings to shifting hospitality trends, here’s what will shape your travels next year.

Author

Jason Bass
December 23, 2024

The hottest luxury hotels of 2025, Gen Z’s alcohol-free lifestyle, and TSA’s holiday travel surge—this week’s newsletter dives into the travel trends shaping the future. From Forbes’ picks for the most exciting hotel openings to the rising demand for wellness-focused stays, we’ve got the inside scoop. Plus, learn how Gen Z’s evolving habits are challenging hospitality norms and what the TSA’s record-breaking travel predictions mean for your upcoming holiday plans. It’s everything you need to stay ahead in travel, culture, and lifestyle.

  • Hottest Hotel Openings of 2025: The Forbes Edition

  • Gen Z, Alcohol-Free Living, and Hotel Revenues

  • Travel Trends 2025: “Destination Dupes” and More

  • TSA Gears Up for Record-Breaking Holiday Travel

  • Spotlight: Shantell Martin’s Art in Motion

Hottest Hotel Openings of 2025: The Forbes Edition

Montana’s rugged beauty or Melbourne’s city charm? The 25 most anticipated luxury hotel openings of 2025, as curated by Forbes Travel Guide, will have you rethinking your travel bucket list. This year, it’s all about wellness escapes, urban retreats, and remote sanctuaries—from a desert oasis in Arizona to a winter wonderland in Italy. Get ready to check in before everyone else.

Gen Z, Alcohol-Free Living, and Hotel Revenues

With Gen Z drinking less than any generation before them, hotels are facing a new challenge: maintaining profits from food and beverage sales. Gallup reports a significant drop in alcohol consumption among young adults, with only 62% indulging—down 10 points from 20 years ago. Health-conscious lifestyles and rising cannabis use are shifting the landscape, forcing hotels to innovate beyond the bottle. What’s next for their menus?

Expedia’s 2025 travel report is a treasure trove of insights, blending booking data and survey responses from 25,000 travelers. The headline trend? “Destination dupes”—budget-friendly locales that look and feel like pricier counterparts. It’s a year for experiences over destinations, according to Expedia’s trend tracker Melanie Fish. Ready to explore 2025’s travel landscape?

TSA Gears Up for Record-Breaking Holiday Travel

TSA is bracing for a 6.2% increase in holiday travelers this season, expecting to screen 40 million passengers from December 19 to January 2. The busiest days? December 22, 29, and January 2. With Thanksgiving already setting records, it’s clear we’re heading for another historic travel surge. Plan accordingly—and pack your patience!

Spotlight: Shantell Martin’s Art in Motion

British artist Shantell Martin turns black-and-white line drawings into live performances that feel as dynamic as they are thought-provoking. Her art spans visual storytelling, choreography, and cultural commentary. Whether she’s drawing for a crowd or teaching the next wave of creators, Martin’s work is as bold as it is magnetic.

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