Unpack ‘25: The Trends in Travel
Detour Destinations, a new All-Inclusive Era and JOMO Travel are driving next year’s travel plans
In Oct 2024, Expedia Group unveiled Unpack ’25, the annual data-driven outlook for what’s motivating travellers and where they will go next year.
Expedia Group analyzed first-party travel data, insights from 25,000 travellers, and the latest industry innovation to “unpack” the eight noteworthy travel trends for 2025 that include Detour Destinations, JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) Travel and One-Click Trips, which will take travellers from looking at their next trip on Instagram to booking it.
For the first time ever, New Zealand has made it to this report. But more excitingly, the region that ticked all the keywords for the 2025 travel trend, and put New Zealand into this report, is Waikato, the region Te Karaka Station & Lodge proudly belongs to.
Detour Destinations
Detour Destinations are less well-known and crowded than tourist hotspots, but these rising stars are well worth putting on an itinerary, either as an add-on or the new, final destination.
Just like the Mighty Waikato, Te Karaka Station & Lodge is a textbook example of a detour destination. We are not too far from either Hamilton or Auckland (both under 2hrs drive) but you do need to make a conscious decision to turn west from State Highway 1 and venture onto our windy country road; and drive through the iconic rolling hills, stunning limestone formations or scenic Waikato River to find us. Trust us, it’s worth the trip, or, the detour!
Once you are in our region, there are so many hidden gems which are waiting for you. From our neighbour Nikau Caves and Cafe, where their stunning raw original glowworm caves offer unforgettable authentic 2-hr walking tours; to Port Waikato, a black sand surfing beach town with plenty of fishing opportunities, to other less known hiking tracks and scenic spots.
We are also a lovely detour destination en route to/from Raglan, Matamata/Hobbiton Movie Set, or Hamilton Gardens (We are thrilled by the news of International Flights coming back to Hamilton Airport in June 2025! )
You can get some inspiration from the small list that we have put together here https://www.tekarakalodge.co.nz/mightywaikato , or visit the Mighty Waikato’s Official Website to find more attracts that’s worth the detour!
JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) Travel
We have all heard of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) but since our conceptual stage, we have always wanted to be a place for people to unwind and forget about what they might have missed out in the city. Now we have learnt about this new word: JOMO! Te Karaka Station & Lodge has been an advocator of JOMO all along!
We believe it is important for everyone to step away from their mundane life and slow down to reconnect with themselves and their loved ones. We have been working towards providing a safe and relaxing environment with non-negotiable premium services so our guests can thoroughly enjoy the JOMO when staying with us.
Whether it is reading a book curled up on one of our comfy couches; drinking a cup of Zealong Tea looking into the memorising landscape; doing cross-stitching while listening to the songs of the birds or the lambs; having a competitive board game or lawn game with your loved ones; soaking in our outdoor spa pools under the Milkyway; or a cozy heart-to-heart over a glass of wine by our fireplace, Te Karaka Station & Lodge is the place for you to slow down, be present, and savour the moment with yourself and your loved ones.
We do have activities that our guests can enjoy, but we always encourage our guests to plan for breaks and pace them out. There is healing magic in focusing on Rest and Relax at your own pace. Once you have tried it, there is no going back!
Can’t wait to share some delicious JOMO moments with you!
All-Inclusive: Did you know we have an all-inclusive Explore Package that takes care of everything?
2 nights stay
3 Gourmet Dinners for 2 Guests (we guarantee the variety and excitement for each meal)
2 Breakfasts for 2 Guests
Private Farm Tour for 2 Guests
2 Lunches for 2 Guests
and much more…
Email us at stay@tekarakalodge.co.nz or give us a call at +64 9 242 9229 to discuss this amazing package. Kick back and let us spoil you and your loved ones.