Sports, astronomical events, and wellness retreats top the list for Spanish travelers in the coming year, as they prioritize alternative destinations and shared experiences.
In 2025, Spaniards are expected to increase their vacation spending, prioritizing group and immersive experiences. According to Skyscanner’s annual travel trends report, Spanish travelers now seek deeper connections and a sense of community in their destinations, favoring trips that include sports events, stargazing adventures, and wellness escapes.
Despite economic uncertainty, Spaniards have no plans to reduce their travel budgets. In fact, the report shows that 33% plan to spend more on flights, 29% on accommodations, and 15% on car rentals. However, price remains a decisive factor when choosing a destination: 56% of travelers say flight costs are a priority, followed closely by accommodation costs at 55%.
Beyond costs, culinary experiences, weather, and culture are key factors for Spaniards when choosing a destination. Food is the most influential aspect for 60% of travelers, followed by climate at 56%, and culture at 53%. For travel inspiration, guidebooks and social media (45%) and word of mouth (44%) are top sources for Spanish travelers.
A Year of Shared Experiences
Demand for shared experiences continues to rise: 2025 is set to be the year of group and immersive travel. As Lore Treviño, Skyscanner’s spokesperson, explains, “Spanish travelers are increasingly looking to share experiences and seek unique activities to enjoy together.” In line with this trend, major focuses for 2025 include attending live sports events, stargazing escapes, and wellness retreats.
Among travelers aged 25-34, 38% plan to travel to watch a sports event live, driving a preference for physical activities like cycling or running at their destinations. Nature-focused experiences are also on the rise: 56% of travelers dream of witnessing astronomical phenomena like the Northern Lights, and 41% are keen to spend a night under the stars. Destinations related to these activities, like Tromso in Norway, have seen a notable increase in searches, especially among Gen Z travelers who are also drawn to astrology.
Wellness travel is also gaining momentum, with 57% of Spaniards prioritizing health when planning their vacations. Retreats focused on nutrition, exercise, and relaxation attract those looking to ease daily stress. In fact, 79% of travelers feel that vacations help develop the resilience needed to better manage stress.
New Ways to Experience Art and Culture
Interest in immersive art experiences is also growing: 35% of travelers plan to include an immersive artistic experience in their vacations, a figure that rises to 56% for travelers aged 18-24. Nature continues to be an important point of interest, with 76% of travelers keen to visit gardens and flower fields. Notable seasonal attractions include cherry blossoms (52%), lavender fields (46%), and tulip blooms (45%).
There is also a trend toward rural experiences and ‘cowboy’ aesthetics, with increasing interest in activities like horseback riding and ranch stays. Video games are also influencing travel decisions, with 44% of travelers inspired by their favorite games when choosing destinations, along with a rise in the use of Skyscanner’s filter for ‘hotels with gaming consoles.’
Alternative Destinations and Accessible Prices
For 2025, non-traditional destinations are capturing Spanish travelers’ attention. Akureyri in Iceland tops the list of flight searches with a 764% increase, followed by Tulum (Mexico) with a 753% increase. Other trending destinations include Okinawa (Japan), Brasov (Romania), and Gan (Maldives), which have piqued Spanish travelers’ interest.
In terms of affordability, destinations like Cairo and Verona have become more accessible, with a 33% decrease in flight prices thanks to new routes and an increased number of low-cost flights. Skyscanner data shows that Spanish travelers seek experiences that combine economic accessibility with authenticity and less crowded destinations.
The Skyscanner report highlights a shift towards a more participatory and connected form of tourism, with travelers eager to explore new ways of experiencing art, nature, and culture, while affordability and savings also play a crucial role in destination choices for the coming year.