Nostalgic travel is gaining momentum in 2025 as travelers revisit places and experiences from their past to create new memories in familiar settings. According to Hilton’s Annual Trends Report, 58% of travelers want to return to childhood destinations, with Americans expected to lead what the company calls “time travel.” This movement reflects a desire for joy, stability, and comfort in a fast-paced world. From retracing childhood road trips to exploring historic destinations, travelers are embracing experiences that blend the past with the present. Blogger Orlagh Claire noted, “Nostalgic travel reminds us of who we were and what brought us joy. In a fast-paced world, where we’re constantly moving on to the next thing, it’s refreshing to take a moment to look back and reconnect with the things that shaped us.”
Destinations that evoke earlier eras are regaining popularity, from Route 66 and classic theme parks to U.K. seaside towns and Kyoto. Luxury train journeys like the Belmond British Pullman and La Dolce Vita Orient Express revive vintage travel glamour, while retro-style stays such as Hotel Valley Ho and The Dive Motel add nostalgic charm. Resorts like Cedar Lakes Estate in New York bring back summer camp experiences with upgraded comforts. Insight Trends World stated, “Nostalgification is about the desire to revisit the past not just for the sake of memory, but to actively engage with it in the present, sharing experiences with loved ones and creating new layers of meaning in familiar places.”