This tourism trend is giving nightlife a new meaning.
“Noctourism” — the desire to “ditch the daylight crowds for midnight magic” — has been named a top travel trend for 2025, according to Booking.com.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of travelers are seeking “darker sky destinations” with “star-bathing” experiences (72%), star guides (59%), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (57%).
The trend burst on the travel scene this year as people splashed out on special hotel rooms and private flights to get the best view of the solar eclipse.
However, pilgrimages to see the Northern Lights, truffle hunting and starlit picnics by the sea are expected to surge in popularity.
“Noctotourism is set to transform travel in 2025 as night owl travelers are increasingly seeking unique after-dark experiences,” the company’s CEO Jay Stevens told CNBC.
Many people (54%) would schedule a trip without lights to reduce light pollution and preserve the environment.
Climate change anxiety is also partially responsible for this trend with 54% of travelers hoping to avoid rising daytime temperatures and 42% preferring to vacation in cooler locations.
About 61% of travelers want to reduce the amount of time they spend under the sun’s rays, while more than half (57%) are set to schedule their activities in the evenings and early mornings to avoid the sun.
“Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research reveals that instead of retreating, many travelers want to redefine how they experience and engage with the world around them,” the Booking.com report reads.
For example, the travel site noted a spike in interest for trips in Tromso, Norway — a popular spot for Arctic trips to view the Northern Lights and go whale watching.
Bookings in the city doubled in the three months to the end of October compared with the same period last year and several airlines have added more flights to the remote location.
“We’ve seen a growing appetite for unique destinations like Tromso, with travelers eager to experience something new and unforgettable with their next holiday,” Ryan Pearson, UK and Ireland regional manager at Booking.com, told the Independent.
“Norway’s tourism industry continues to thrive, driven by the country’s commitment to showcasing its natural wonders and an increase in accessible flight routes from across Europe, particularly to Tromso.”
People’s climate change concerns and interest in the environment are also pushing them to book “coolcations,” as they try to beat the heat — a trend that often overlaps with “noctourism.”
