With 2025 just around the corner, it's time to start planning your travel for the year — and flight comparison website Skyscanner has just made things easier by revealing a list of the top trending destinations for Saudi travellers.
The Travel Trends 2025 report unveils the key travel vibes, budget-friendly destinations and emerging trends, from the revival of cowboy culture to digital detox holidays.
According to the research, Saudi travellers are increasingly prioritising destinations that offer cultural, social and communal experiences over simple relaxation or sightseeing — with a third of 25-34 year-olds even travelling specifically to attend sporting events around the world.
Skyscanner’s Travel Expert Ayoub El Mamoun said: “The 2025 travel trends report highlights a growing focus on collective experiences among Saudi travellers.
"Whether it’s sharing a campfire in the Wild West or enjoying local delicacies in a bustling European city, Saudi travellers are showing a clear desire to connect with others.
"As we move into 2025, travel remains a priority, with many planning to spend more on their trips next year than ever before.”
The three trends shaping Saudi travel in 2025
According to Skyscanner, several distinct travel vibes will shape trips for travellers from the Kingdom in the coming year:
• Gami-vacation: Saudi gaming enthusiasts are embracing a new form of travel that merges their love for video games with vacations. Whether attending global gaming conventions or visiting interactive gaming hubs, this trend is capturing the attention of tech-savvy travellers. With gaming hubs in cities like Tokyo and New York attracting a global audience, this is set to become a prominent travel trend in 2025.
• Reset Jetters: Luxury travellers are increasingly prioritising rejuvenation and wellness, seeking serene, high-end escapes to reset and recharge. With wellness retreats offering tailored experiences focusing on relaxation and mental well-being, this trend appeals to those looking for opulence paired with mindfulness. Whether through spa resorts or secluded nature retreats, the rise of Reset Jetters highlights the growing demand for trips that offer restoration and luxury in equal measure.
• Astro-ventures: For culturally curious travellers, astrology and astronomy-based trips are rising in popularity. Astro-ventures provide a deeper connection to the cosmos, especially in the GCC's desert landscapes — for example in AlUla, which was recently officially recognised as one of the world's Dark Sky Parks. This trend attracts those looking for a meaningful and awe-inspiring journey, tapping into a sense of wonder and exploration through the lens of the stars.
Trending destinations for Saudi travellers in 2025
Skyscanner’s report also reveals where Saudi travellers have their sights set next year, tracking the destinations with the biggest spike in search interest.
Some of the most popular spots include European gems like the Italian capital of Rome and Poland's Krakow, offering a mix of history, culture and world-class dining.
Further afield, Montreal captivates with its blend of European charm and North American cool, while closer to home, Gan in the Maldives promises a local island experience without compromising on the beautiful beaches.
While not all these hotspots have direct flights from Saudi Arabia, they’re still easy to reach with quick stopovers.
1. Rize, Turkey (+529%)
Endless tea plantations, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls that crash into misty valleys make Rize in Turkey a breath of fresh air for nature lovers. Whether you're hiking through the stunning Kaçkar Mountains, sipping fresh Turkish tea in a hilltop village or soaking in a natural hot spring, this is a destination that's full of raw, untouched beauty.
How to get there: Connect with one stop from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam or Madinah on Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.
2. Gan, Maldives (+400%)
Forget the overwater bungalows — Gan, in the Addu Atoll in the southern Maldives, is one of the country's inhabited islands where you can get an authentic feel for local life. Here, you can wander past mosques, learn about the island’s military history and explore busy markets where locals sell fresh fish and handmade crafts. Plus, you'll still find plenty of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters waiting to sweep you away into paradise.
How to get there: Take a direct flight from Riyadh on Saudia Airlines to the Maldivian capital Malé, then a short local connection to Gan.
3. Krakow, Poland (+365%)
Once the royal capital of Poland in Central Europe, Krakow boasts a spectacular UNESCO-listed Old Town where you'll find cosy cafés tucked between buzzing art galleries, plus local markets brimming with steaming piles of pierogi dumplings and freshly baked obwarzanek pretzels. A must-see is the majestic Wawel Castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, where Polish royalty lived for centuries.
How to get there: Connect with one stop from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam or Madinah via Dubai on Flydubai.
4. Montreal, Canada (+310%)
Montreal in Canada is a city of contrasts — begin your journey in the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, where 17th-century buildings frame charming French heritage squares and lead to the intricate Notre-Dame Basilica. Beyond the historic district, this Québécois city comes alive with a vibrant arts scene and bohemian neighbourhoods like Mile End, known for its creative energy and multicultural vibe. For breathtaking views, make your way up Mount Royal, where the city’s sprawling skyline stretches out before you.
How to get there: Connect with one stop from Riyadh or Jeddah via London on British Airways.
5. Rome, Italy (+240%)
With history and culture at every turn, Rome is a city you have to visit at least once in your life. Explore the ancient Colosseum, toss a coin into the shimmering waters of the Trevi Fountain and stand in awe beneath the dome of the Pantheon — all before lunchtime. When it comes to food, Rome’s culinary scene rivals its monuments in fame. Dig into a plate of silky cacio e pepe, fresh pizza straight from a wood-fired oven or scoops of gelato so creamy it’s practically an art form. Whether you're uncovering ancient ruins or enjoying the best pasta of your life, Rome’s rich history and vibrant flavours promise an experience – and taste of La Dolce Vita – you’ll never forget.
How to get there: Take a direct flight from Riyadh on Saudia Airlines, ITA Airways or Wizz Air, or on ITA Airways from Jeddah.
