TGM Global Travel Insights 2025

The popularity of DIY planning

Globally, travelers are becoming their own travel agents.

As travelers grow more confident and digitally empowered, the preference for do-it-yourself (DIY) travel planning is becoming increasingly prominent. TGM Global Travel Insights 2025 report founds that over half of global tourists prefer to arrange their own travel.

This trend is most pronounced in Europe, where 62% of travelers opt for self-planning. The Netherlands leads the region, with the share of DIY travelers nearly seven times higher than those relying solely on travel agencies.

Still, the desire for flexibility doesn’t mean travelers are abandoning professional guidance. Around 30% prefer a hybrid model, blending self-planning with support from travel agencies.

Download TGM Global Travel Insights 2025 for free to access detailed data on traveler behaviors and preferences, from destination interest to booking trends.

Budget Is Still King in APAC

Affordability continues to be the leading factor for leisure lodging choices across the Asia-Pacific region. In APAC, 43% of respondents prefer budget accommodation, which is higher than the global average.

Choosing lower-cost options doesn’t mean travelers are compromising on experience. Instead, it reflects a practical mindset, one shaped by careful spending and smart, online trip planning. This trend is strongest among the youngest (18–24) and older (55+) age groups, who are more than twice as likely to pick budget stays over premium ones.

Similar to Latin America, where budget stays are also popular, APAC travelers focus heavily on cost. However, they show less interest in alternative stays like villas or condos. This may suggest that APAC travel is more urban-focused, with a preference for hotels and hostels rather than private rentals.

Download APAC Travel Insights Report 2025 for free to explore key trends, preferences, and expectations, clearly segmented by age and gender.

Travel Websites Remain Europe’s Go-To Resource

European travelers continue to favor trusted, information-rich sources for travel inspiration, prioritizing substance over speed. According to our data, 26% turn to travel websites first when planning trips. A travel website isn’t just a tool. It’s a source of clarity, confidence, and inspiration, helping turn travel ideas into action with reliable information and guidance.

While Facebook and YouTube are still popular, they play a secondary role. In contrast, social media leads travel discovery in MENA and LATAM, with Facebook and YouTube often outpacing websites.

Download the free Europe Travel Insights Report 2025 to uncover how European consumers seek, plan, and get inspired

The Rise of Tech-Savvy Travelers in LATAM

Latin Americans favor online booking over traditional travel agencies, with 74% booking trips via internet or website, and the figure surpassing 80% among younger travelers.

In contrast, Europe, while also digitally active, shows more variation among older travelers. In LATAM, 57% of travelers aged 55+ still book online, while in Europe, this group is more likely to turn to traditional travel agencies, pointing to a slower shift toward digital independence.

This shift signals a need to prioritize digital accessibility and ease of use. With the majority of LATAM travelers booking online, especially younger segments, investing in mobile-friendly interfaces, smooth checkout flows, and locally relevant features (like regional payment methods) can directly support how consumers are already booking.

Download the free LATAM Travel Insights Report 2025 to explore destination intent, digital trends, and traveler expectations.

MENA Travelers Are Staying Closer to Home This Summer

This summer, intra-regional travel is taking center stage across the MENA region. 34% of respondents plan to travel within the Middle East, with intent rising to 40% among older travelers (55+). This signals a shift toward regional loyalty and home-grown travel confidence.

Key drivers include familiarity, convenience, and cultural connection, but also the rising appeal of local destinations powered by infrastructure upgrades and bold destination marketing, particularly in the Gulf. MENA travelers are no longer just outbound explorers. They’re increasingly proud advocates of their region’s own travel offerings.

Download the free MENA Travel Insights Report 2025 to uncover strategic insights into travel planning, regional intent, and audience segmentation, designed to help you better target and engage MENA consumers this season.