Solo travel is officially out for 2025! According to recent data from Flight Centre Travel Group, instead, Canadians are now looking to connect with others during their travels. The travel agency has noted that bookings for solo trips have decreased by six per cent over the past year, while bookings for family and couples’ trips have increased by six per cent and 10 per cent. This craving for connection aligns with a recent YouGov survey, which reported that 48 per cent of Canadians value deeper personal connections while travelling abroad.
The shift in Canadian’s travel behavior isn’t too surprising, as solo travel and independent trips were popular in 2024 and it’s only natural for humans to seek connection. It seems that Canadians, during a time of high inflation and uncertainty in the world, are favouring what truly matters in life — their relationships with loved ones.
If sharing experiences with loved ones is on your bucket list for 2025, we’ve uncovered the top destinations that offer entertainment and flexibility for all ages. Whether you’re travelling with kids, grandparents, a friend or a romantic partner, these are the five best places to connect in 2025:
New York City
When it comes to travel that aligns with connection, New York City is an obvious choice, given how populated the city is and the number of attractions it offers. Whether you’re visiting Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, a renowned museum or catching a show on Broadway, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in NYC. Plus, NYC has some of the best accommodations in the world. For those wanting to check out a trendy part of the city, we suggest staying at The Ludlow Hotel in the Lower East Side. The decor is cozy, the staff are incredibly friendly and best of all, you can walk to countless bars, music venues and restaurants. There’s even a restaurant on-site, Dirty French, offering bistro-style dishes like chicken and crepes and tuna tartare (be sure to ask for the bread basket – it’s one of the best in the city!)
If NYC is a little too busy for your liking, we suggest staying just outside the city in Brooklyn. There, you’ll find another great place to stay – The Ace Hotel Brooklyn. Opened in 2021, the design-forward hotel boasts a breathtaking lobby featuring loads of natural light, inspiring artwork and unique vintage furniture. There’s also a number of food and beverage options on-site, allowing guests to fully take in the art and people-watch at the same time. Rooms at the Ace Brooklyn are thoughtfully-designed with the hotel’s signature aesthetic in mind – think: lots of exposed concrete, oversized windows, plywood furniture and deep green accents.
Related: The Best Hotels for Solo Travelling in 2024
Vietnam
For those looking for a more affordable option in 2025, Vietnam is a great culturally-rich choice. It’s also a good option for those who want to experience connection abroad but are planning to travel solo, as countless group tours are available here. Tour operators like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel are two companies that make it easy to meet others while abroad, offering everything from wellness tours to local living tours. They even have tours designed exclusively for those travelling alone who crave connection – dubbed ‘Solo-ish Adventures,’ the itineraries on these tours are packed with experiences that turn strangers into a close-knit community. For younger travellers (hello, Gen Z!), there’s also Topdeck Travel, a company that specializes in vibrant, social tours for solo adventurers. They offer 330 different tours in 65 countries so the options are truly plentiful.
France
While Paris may be synonymous with romance, it’s also an ideal choice for friends looking to explore a new city together. Endless fine dining options, charming cobblestone streets, one-of-a-kind shops and a lively night scene make it the perfect destination for friends travelling together. For those looking for something a little quieter, Club Med Opio en Provence is a great place to experience the French countryside. Situated along the French Riviera, this upscale all-inclusive resort offers guests exclusive amenities like golfing, a luxurious spa, an oversized outdoor pool and various cooking classes. There’s even a circus school for those seeking a little more adventure during their stay.
Related: The Most Spectacular Spas in Canada, by Province
New Zealand
If distance isn’t an obstacle, New Zealand is a great choice for travel in 2025. Known for its stunning landscapes, New Zealand caters to adventurous solo travellers looking to join group hiking tours and guided road trips. It’s the perfect destination for making new connections while exploring breathtaking fjords and rugged terrain.
Plus, New Zealand hits another travel trend that we’ve predicted to be big in 2025 – JOMO travel. JOMO is all about the “joy of missing out,” meaning travellers are aiming to escape the fast pace of everyday life by doing less on vacation. So, whether that means staying in a secluded cabin in the New Zealand wilderness or a country estate in the French countryside, travellers will be able to rest and recharge by following this trend.
Florida
Florida is a great option for those travelling with younger children and teenagers alike. In terms of popular attractions, there’s Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, the latter of which is set to open their latest buzz-worthy experience in 2025, Epic Universe. Thanks to such attractions that skew towards a younger demographic, Florida boasts countless hotels and resorts geared towards multi-generational families and larger groups in general. Two such hotels that are currently trending online are the Legoland Florida Resort in Cypress Gardens and the guitar-shaped Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood. Both are incredibly unique and fun in their own right and worth checking out if you happen to be in the area.
For those travelling with friends or a significant other, Miami is always a good option, too. In addition to design-worthy hotels, there’s lots to do – think beautiful beaches, art deco museums, luxurious spas, fine dining and a variety of festivals happening at any given time.
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