Slow travel is a new trend that is catching on in a society that is always moving. In 2025, tourists from the UAE are increasingly selecting long, relaxing vacations. They often choose quiet communities over bustling metropolises, and long stays are becoming the new luxury. This rising trend, known as “townsizing,” is changing how people in the UAE look for culture, rest, and purpose on vacation. This is why this movement is getting stronger.
1. The Rise of “Townsizing”: Slow Rhythms, Richer Experiences
Musafir.com’s 2025 Summer Travel Trends say that 35% of tourists from the UAE are now choosing to spend a month or more in small, beautiful communities instead of busy cities. This choice comes from a desire for real, culturally rich experiences that provide a break from the fast pace of everyday life. This is exactly what small communities in Europe and Southeast Asia, which are full of local traditions and have gentler rhythms, offer.
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2. Detour Destinations: The Charm of the Unseen
Almost 49% of travelers are selecting “detour destinations” like Salalah, Abha, Georgia, Armenia, and Morocco because they are cheap, unique, and tranquil. These places are real and peaceful, which is great for tourists who want to connect with people instead of just checking things off a list.
3. Slow + Soulful: How Intentionality Is Shaping Travel
Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir, said, “Travel is now very personal, intentional, and often slower.” People in the UAE are choosing “calmcations,” which are vacations focused on wellness and relaxation, as well as other mindful getaways that put a premium on planning with value in mind, seclusion, and customisation.
4. Wellness, Privacy & the Allure of Stillness
The new travel saying is easy: quality above quantity. Travelers choose places that help them relax, whether it’s by taking their time, going to a spa, or being in a place with a lot of culture. This slow pace lets you really relax and have deeper experiences.
5. Nostalgia, Family, and the Homegrown Appeal
Wellness isn’t the only reason people go back; nostalgia and family ties are also quite important. The Hilton 2025 Trends Report says that 75% of families in the UAE are going to places they dreamed of going to as kids, and 38% of travelers spend whole days just resting. These ideas argue that long stays give people the emotional luxury of making memories together and spending quality time with family.
6. Smart Planning & Tech Integration
Planning is changing. Travelers desire all-in-one, easy-to-use features, such as reserving online and getting help in real time. More than half of travelers from the UAE want to take more vacations, and 85% want to arrange their whole trip online. 87% also want to be able to talk to a real person while booking. This shows a smart mix of independence and security while arranging a trip.
7. Multi-Generational & “Soft Summering” Travel
Seven generations can now travel together, not just the lone traveler. People in the area are falling in love with the idea of “soft summering,” which means taking family outings that are slow-paced and focused on quality. In fact, 45% of people in the UAE put family vacations that are all about relaxing at the top of their list of priorities. Additionally, 58% of younger parents plan travels with their extended family, citing “quality time” as the key reason.
Why It Matters: What This Trend Indicates
- Shift in Values: Travelers are putting purpose, wellbeing, and making memories ahead of quick checklists and too much luxury.
- Experience Over Extravagance: Now, emotional richness, not social media attractiveness, is what makes a trip worth doing.
- Cultural Connection: Authenticity is the new luxury. Local food, customs, and eco-friendly practices are important.
- New Markets & Services: More people are looking for boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and places to stay that are far away.
- Empowered Booking Experience: Travelers want planning to go smoothly, with technology that helps them.
Also read: Abu Dhabi’s AI Traffic Lights: How the Capital Is Easing Congestion and Shortening Commutes.
Final Thoughts
This is a great chance for travel brands and content makers to change their messages and what they offer. Today’s UAE audience will really connect with articles, blog posts, or marketing efforts like “townsizing destinations,” “calmcation retreats,” or “multi-generational slow travel.” People from the UAE who travel in 2025 will clearly choose to stop, connect, and discover on their own terms and at their own leisure.
