As the new year begins, travel trends for Irish holidaymakers have landed, thanks to new research from Aer Lingus released alongside its January Sale offer.
The trends show a growing interest in exploring new destinations, the rising influence of airline loyalty programmes, the importance of value for money, and the increasing role of AI in trip planning.
The research reveals that two-thirds (62%) of travel lovers plan to explore a new destination in 2025. Gen Z are driving this trend, with 72% of 18-24s and 69% of 25-34s planning to explore new locations this year.
Aer Lingus has responded to this demand with the introduction of several new routes recently including Marrakesh, Malta, Seville and Las Vegas, offering even more opportunities for travellers hoping to expand their horizons in 2025.
These new routes, as well as other top North American and European destinations, are included in the Aer Lingus January sale, which is live now, until January 20th. Fly to North America from €179 each way or enjoy up to 25% off flights to Europe and the UK (including Aer Lingus Regional flights, operated by Emerald Airlines).
2025 Trends:
AI powered planning:
The way we plan holidays is evolving, with AI-powered travel planning emerging as a key trend for the industry. According to the research, 1 in 5 (21%) respondents reveal that they have used AI tools like ChatGPT to help plan their holidays and a further 11% are planning to do so in 2025. Perhaps unsurprisingly the younger generation are early adopters of this technology, with 29% of 18-24s and 33% of 25-34s saying that they are already using AI as a travel planning resource.
TikTok trips:
Recommendations from friends and family (59%) is the most influential factor when it comes to inspiring travel. Review sites are next most popular source at 24%, closely followed by Instagram (22%).
For younger Gen Z travellers, social media is playing a more significant role. Over half of Irish 18-24s (53%) are using TikTok as a key source for travel inspiration, that’s compared with 39% in 2024 – demonstrating rising in the importance of the platform for the travel industry when targeting this younger age cohort.
The power of points:
The research also reveals that airline loyalty schemes are going to be a higher priority for Irish travellers in 2025. Over half (53%) say that airline loyalty programs influence their booking decisions, a significant increase from 20% in 2024 research. This increase is led by younger people, with 76% of 18-24s and 64% of 25-34s saying that their travel decisions are influenced by airline loyalty programs.
Decision drivers:
When choosing where to travel, value for money is the most important consideration for Irish travellers, with 67% ranking it as their top priority. Closely followed by the availability of good food in the destination (55%) and the cost of getting there (47%). Other key factors influencing where to travel include access to a beach (42%), the quality of accommodations (41%), and the cultural appeal (32%).
When it comes to motivations for 2025 travel, leisure is the main reason for two thirds of respondents (63%), while family events (16%) and adventure (11%) round out the top three.
Sustainability has also emerged as an important factor for Irish travellers when it comes to making travel choices. The research reveals that 77% of respondents consider sustainability important, with 93% of 18-24s ranking it as a top consideration.
Trending Locations:
Europe remains the leading travel destination for Irish holidaymakers, with 82% planning to visit in 2025. Aligning with results from similar research carried out by Aer Lingus last year, Spain maintains its position as the most popular European destination for 57% of Irish travellers. Portugal (27%) France (24%), the UK (22%) and Italy (21%) round out the top five most popular European destinations.
Further afield, North America is a key draw for Irish people, with New York (34%) maintaining its position as the most popular city for 2025. Florida (17%) and new Aer Lingus route, Las Vegas (12%) follow as the most popular North American destinations for travel.
