Time travel tourism: the rise of nostalgic getaways
Smart tourism
In 2024, “smart tourism” emerged as the game-changing travel trend, harnessing the power of technology and data to craft personalized, efficient, and sustainable travel experiences like never before.
The rise of nostalgic getaways
A growing number of travelers are returning to places that hold personal significance, such as childhood vacation spots or locations tied to major life events. This phenomenon, known as "rosy retrospection," reflects a longing for a perceived simpler past.
The experts weigh in
According to travel analysts, nostalgia-driven travel is especially appealing to those worn down by the turbulence of contemporary political, economic, and social instability.
Campspot survey results
According to a survey by Campspot, 88% of participants expressed a desire to escape the complexities of modern life, with 72% stating that this longing will significantly influence their travel plans.
Eurocamp
European holiday company Eurocamp has reported a huge uptick in bookings, suggesting 2025 could be the “most significant” in its 50-year history, as this nostalgic demographic seeks to relive the holidays of their youth, this time with their own kids.
Crystal Ski Holidays data
According to a 2024 survey by Crystal Ski Holidays, 60% of Brits have tried to recreate their favorite childhood trips with their own offspring, with 90% taking their kids to the same places they went to when they were young.
Train experiences
Iconic journeys like the Orient Express and La Dolce Vita train experiences are capturing the imagination of travelers looking to step back in time. With vintage charm and luxury touches, these rail adventures offer a stylish escape into the past.
A journey back in time
The 2025 revival will travel routes that retrace the train’s historic journeys, including the storied Paris to Istanbul route. This 3,000-kilometer (1,864-mile) adventure will take passengers through some of Europe’s most enchanting cities, including Venice, Vienna, and Budapest.
Authentic and immersive
This shift signals a collective yearning for experiences that feel authentic and immersive rather than hyper-curated and digital. From sunrise hikes to starlit storytelling with s’mores around a fire, travelers are seeking simpler joys that reconnect them with nature and nostalgia.
Sleepy seaside towns
Sleepy seaside towns are also making a comeback, often going hand in hand with another travel trend, “slow tourism.” Slow tourism focuses on taking time to fully immerse oneself in a destination, savoring local culture, cuisine, and experiences at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
From leisurely beach walks to enjoying candyfloss from run-down arcades, sipping coffee at a local café then retreating to your independent B&B or beach hut for a game of cards, these simple activities foster a deeper sense of belonging and tranquility.
Time travel weekends
From Victorian-themed escapes to a '50s-themed festival with swing bands and classic jitterbug moves, or a roaring 1920s murder mystery weekend, these experiences offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty, allowing people to temporarily live out their historical fantasies without breaking the bank.
Leaning into the past
As uncertainty looms in the modern world, travelers are gravitating toward the familiar, seeking comfort in memories of a more carefree past. In a world full of unpredictability, these nostalgic escapes offer a welcome reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to look back.
Nostalgia tourism in 2025
Nostalgia tourism stands out as a dominant theme, reshaping the industry’s approach to trip planning and travel experiences.
