In 2025, there will be a significant change in travel behavior, according to two new reports.

In 2022, the largest travel trend was to splurge on grand trips to destinations such as Bali, Rome, London, and Paris.

But two new reports show travelers are now in a very different headspace.

According to reports from Expedia and Booking.com, travelers are opting for low-key vacations to lesser-known destinations with fewer crowds, rather than expensive trips to popular tourist spots.

According to Expedia's "Unpack '25," 63% of travelers are likely to visit an off-the-beaten-track destination on their next trip, as surveyed from 25,000 respondents from 19 countries.

Rising interest in flight searches from Expedia from Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024, was observed.

1. Reims, France
2. Brescia, Italy
3. Cozumel, Mexico
4. Santa Barbara, California
5. Waikato, New Zealand
6. Girona, Spain
7. Fukuoka, Japan
8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
9. Krabi, Thailand
10. Canmore, Canada

"James Marshall, vice president of global air accounts at Expedia, stated that many destinations are becoming overcrowded and travelers are seeking alternative, unexplored locations."

This month, United Airlines announced its plans to expand international services to Senegal, Greenland, and Mongolia next year in an effort to attract travelers to the next popular destination.

United's senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, Patrick Quayle, stated that experienced travelers have frequently visited Paris, Rome, and Madrid.

"They're looking for something different," he said.

Cheaper and more relaxing

According to Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer of Expedia Group, there are other reasons why travelers are seeking the road less traveled.

According to Schulze, these destinations are typically more affordable and less stressful.

""Traveling to detour destinations can be more economical and provide a superior experience for less money," he said."

Travelers are increasingly seeking "authentic" experiences, and lesser-known spots are meeting their demand, according to Schulze.

Marshall added that travel influencers are driving interest to new places too.

"Trendsetters are often the ones who do a lot of research and find alternatives because they feel they need to," he said. "Social media amplifies a lot."

'Authentic, off-the-beaten path'

Booking.com released a trend report on Wednesday, revealing that travelers are increasingly interested in discovering lesser-known destinations.

"According to Booking.com's "2025 Travel Predictions," there will be a greater demand for unique, off-the-mainstream travel experiences."

A survey by Booking.com of over 27,700 respondents from 33 countries and territories found that 67% of adult travelers prefer to visit less crowded destinations.

The company has released a report detailing 10 "trending destinations" that have experienced a year-on-year increase in interest.

1. Sanya, China
2. Trieste, Italy
3. Joao Pessoa, Brazil
4. Tromso, Norway
5. Willemstad, Curaçao
6. Tignes, France
7. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
8. Naha, Okinawa, Japan
9. Villajoyosa, Spain
10. Houston, United States

The 'missing out' mindset

Expedia named 2022 the "year of the GOAT," signifying the greatest of all trips.

More travelers are adopting the mindset of embracing JOMO, which stands for the "joy of missing out."

According to Marshall, 62% of surveyed travelers believe that "JOMO travel" decreases stress and anxiety, while nearly half of them claim it helps them reconnect with their loved ones.

He observed that vacation home renters near beaches, lakes, and mountains prefer amenities that suggest they plan to spend a lot of time in the house, such as pools, gardens, and "porches with a view," according to him.

"He stated, "You go there with your loved ones, away from the masses, and you're content with missing out on everything else.""

— CNBC's Leslie Josephs contributed to this report.