(Corporate communication)
As 2025 approaches, travel trends are shifting, and the desire for adventure is stronger than ever. According to recent data from ibis, nearly a third of surveyed travelers (31%) plan to travel more in 2025 than in 2024, while 22% intend to increase their travel budget. To inspire these eager explorers, ibis, in collaboration with trend forecasting firm Globetrender, has compiled a list of the year’s must-see global events—from legendary music festivals to world-class sporting competitions and iconic TV show filming locations.
The Go Get It: How Gen Z and Millennials Will Travel in 2025 report by ibis highlights a key trend—young travelers are prioritizing experiences over material possessions. In fact, 58% of respondents believe that “experiences are more valuable than things.” This shift explains why cultural, sporting, and artistic events are becoming focal points for travel. Whether it’s the electrifying energy of Rio’s Carnival or the thrill of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, ibis offers travelers prime locations to stay close to the action.
25 must-experience events in 2025
If you’re looking for reasons to pack your bags next year, here are the top 25 experiences recommended by ibis:
Art & culture
- Yayoi Kusama Exhibition – Melbourne (Until April 21)
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Scotland (August 1-25)
- Filming of Kaos – Andalusia
- Squid Game Season 2 Filming – Seoul
- The White Lotus Season 3 Filming – Thailand
Sports & competitions
- Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (February 16 – March 1)
- Women’s Rugby World Cup – England (August 22 – September 27)
- World Athletics Championships – Tokyo (September 13-21)
Festivals & celebrations
- Rio Carnival – Brazil (February 28 – March 8)
- Holi Festival – Mumbai (March 15)
- Oktoberfest – Munich (September 20 – October 5)
- Water Festival – Cambodia (November 4-6)
- Loy Krathong Festival – Thailand (November 6)
- ZoukOut Music Festival – Singapore (December 7)
Concerts & music festivals
- Usher Live in Paris (April 15-16)
- Primavera Sound Porto – Portugal (June 12-14)
- Lollapalooza Berlin – 10th Anniversary (July 12-13)
- Sziget Festival – Budapest (August 6-11)
- Oasis Reunion Tour – Manchester (July 11-20)
- Ed Sheeran World Tour – Hamburg (July 4-6)
Food & drink experiences
- Food Zurich – Switzerland (June 12-22)
- Bordeaux Wine Festival – France (June 19-22)
- Culinary Experience at Taquería El Califa de León – Mexico City
With over 2,000 ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget hotels worldwide, travelers can find the perfect accommodation near these unforgettable events. Whether you’re a festival-goer, a sports fan, or a cultural enthusiast, 2025 promises plenty of reasons to explore the world. So, where will your next adventure take you?
