From food and film-inspired trips, this is what’s in, on and updated for 2025 travel in Ireland & Scotland

It’s official, we hit the quarter century mark and as milestones go, it’s a big year for travel trends, especially in Ireland and Scotland. Here’s what people have been asking about, and what I’ve seen trending in travel news. 

2025 Travel Trend Style: Women-Only Travel in Ireland & Scotland 

Did somebody say Girls Trip? Women-Only groups and tours have been growing in popularity and is still trending into 2025. Whether booking a custom travel with your besties or joining a full tour on an all women coach, it’s safe to say that this is a trend that is literally going places – specifically to Scotland. For 2025 and 2026, Brendan Vacations is offering a premium, small group tour of Scenic Scotland that is women-only. 

2025 Travel Trend Destination: Edinburgh, Scotland 

Scotland is one to watch in 2025, and this year marks the 75th anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with the theme being “The Heroes Who Made Us,” running nearly the whole month of August from the 1-23.  

“We’re celebrating the 75-year history of the global cultural phenomenon that is the Tattoo and all the talented and dedicated heroes who have made the Show what it is over the decades,” said Alan Lane, the Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, in a recent press release.   

2025 Travel Trend Inspo: Local Led & “Only Here” Foodie Travel 

Some of the top trends in travel for 2025 look like: “If You Like That, You’ll Love This,” and “You can only get this here,” according to Travel+Leisure Magazine. They published a survey that found 2025 travelers are frequently looking to visit lesser-known locations that are “city duplicates,” and are also seeking local-led and local-fed experiences on trips. 

 This trend has gained momentum from the public’s scrolling habits on social media, which has led to a greater awareness and conscious response to overtourism trends. Combined with increasing curiosity about experiencing the real side of destinations, there is a sector of travelers who are consistently looking to visit beyond the large cities, spend time smaller towns and opting for shorter stays (sounds like they might enjoy tours). 

Speaking of social media and travel, influencers have also been showing off a very unique kind of haul: The Food. Specifically, what’s in the shopping bag. 

From markets to grocers, remote gas stations to walk-the-city food tours, it’s the getting of the goods and ticking off an ingredients list that is becoming a bigger part of the return home packing list. If it’s “You can only get this here” level of hard-to-find, foodie travelers are just, well, eating it up.  

What comes to mind is the Burren Smokehouse, take-home mixes from Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, treats purchased from shops and markets on a Galway Food Tour, the delicate and delicious chocolates from Iain Burnett and of course – so very many of the world-class whiskies and spirits across Ireland and Scotland.  

2025 Travel Trend Theme: Set- jetting travel in Ireland & Scotland 

Cinematic works filmed or set in Ireland and Scotland like Star Wars, James Bond Skyfall, the Banshees of Inisherin, Braveheart, The Secret of Kells and critically popular shows like Outlander and Game of Thrones continue to play starring roles in people’s travel experiences – and for good reason. They often showcase the regions, the features and histories of places through deeply emotional narratives. This ever-growing demand to dive into the cinematic universes is behind our deeply popular tours and itineraries centered on cinema: 

• Self-Drive:  Outland Adventure 

• Self-Drive: Movie Magic on the Emerald Isle 

• Guided Vacation: Highland Trail Inspired by Outlander 

Personally, we think that on your vacation, you should feel like the main character – especially when you’ve been inspired to travel by film and TV.