Transformations in Sustainable & Digital Rail Travel

• Rail Europe forecasts sustainability, digitization, bleisure travel, enhanced rail connectivity, and the continued popularity of the Eurail Pass as dominant trends in European travel in 2025.
• The Tour Guy predicts that major monuments will remain popular, secondary cities will rise in popularity, day trips will increase, event-based travel will continue to trend, and culinary experiences will continue to trend.

As the year draws to a close, Scott Hartbeck of Travel Pulse looks ahead to the travel trends shaping Europe in 2025, based on insights from Björn Bender, President & CEO of Rail Europe, and Brandon Shaw, co-founder and COO at The Tour Guy.

Rail Europe, a major player in the European travel industry, foresees five major trends shaping the future of European rail travel. Firstly, sustainability is expected to be a primary driver, with eco-conscious travelers increasingly opting for rail over other modes of transport. European rail operators are investing in green initiatives, like hydrogen-powered and hybrid trains, to further reduce emissions.

Secondly, increased digitization and personalization are expected in 2025. Real-time updates, dynamic pricing, and personalized trip recommendations will revolutionize the rail travel experience, ensuring seamless travel across Europe.

Thirdly, the concept of workations and bleisure (combining work and leisure) is anticipated to rise. With their high-speed connections and onboard Wi-Fi, trains are well-suited for remote workers, digital nomads, and professionals seeking to combine business and leisure travel.

Fourthly, the Eurail Pass, a ticket to explore Europe’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and history, will continue to be a popular choice. Lastly, Rail Europe predicts significant growth in rail connectivity, with new high-speed and direct routes making cross-border travel easier and faster.

On the other hand, The Tour Guy anticipates major monuments will remain popular tourist attractions. Despite the trend of exploring alternative destinations, travelers are still drawn to iconic sites like the Vatican, Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, and Sagrada Familia.

Additionally, secondary cities such as Dublin, Lisbon, and southern Spain are expected to rise in popularity. As an alternative to visiting new locations, travelers prefer shorter day trips, such as the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii from Rome, Tuscany from Florence, and Prosecco from Venice.

Travel trends also indicate a continued interest in event-based travel, with tourists planning trips around big events and concerts. Culinary experiences are also rising, with many travelers booking food tours and cooking classes.

While new trends are emerging, the appeal of major monuments seems to be enduring. Despite talks about “swaps and dupes,” people are still drawn towards well-known destinations. However, the increased interest in so-called “second-tier” cities could become a new trend in European travel. Unfortunately, this also means that over-tourism in Europe could continue to be challenging. Other potential trends include increased Christmas-themed travel and sports tourism, which could help disperse crowds during the off-season.

Discover more at Travel Pulse.