As social media continues to reshape the travel landscape, new trends emerging from platforms like TikTok are prompting both excitement and caution among travelers. On May 6, 2025, travel expert Sami Lukis appeared on the morning show Today to discuss these viral travel trends, highlighting some that may not be as beneficial as they seem.
One of the most talked-about trends is the 'airport theory,' which encourages travelers to arrive at the airport just 15 minutes before their flight's boarding time. Lukis explained that this theory stands in stark contrast to the traditional advice of arriving two to three hours early. "This only works really if you've just got carry-on luggage, and you've already checked in online, you get to the airport, you zip through security, you run to your gate, they're literally calling your name, and the flight is in the last stages of boarding," she said. However, experts warn against this approach. A spokesperson from Sydney Airport advised, "We recommend domestic travellers arrive one hour before departure if they've only got carry-on luggage, and two hours if they're checking in baggage."
Another trend that has garnered attention is the aesthetic security tray, where travelers meticulously arrange their belongings in the security tray for a photo before they pass through the scanner. While this might yield a cute social media post, it can lead to frustration among fellow passengers. "Can you imagine being stuck behind an influencer who's doing an aesthetically pleasing photoshoot with their security tray?" Lukis remarked, highlighting the potential delays this could cause.
Perhaps the most controversial trend discussed was 'raw dogging,' which involves spending an entire flight—sometimes lasting ten to fifteen hours—without food, water, movies, or music. "It's meant to encourage you to be present; it's a test of endurance," Lukis explained. However, she expressed her reluctance to participate, stating, "If I am on a long-haul flight, I am watching all the movies, eating all the food, I'm drinking all of the beverages." Medical professionals caution that such practices can lead to dehydration, blood clots, or even deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
In addition to these trends, May marks the kickoff of Darwin's festival season, making it an ideal time for travelers to explore this unique destination. Another enticing location is Key West, Florida, renowned for its delectable Key lime pie, which is also gaining popularity among food enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the realm of heritage tourism is experiencing a significant surge, driven by advancements in genetic testing and a growing desire among individuals to connect with their roots. A report by MIT Technology Review noted that by 2018, the number of people purchasing consumer DNA tests equaled the total from all previous years combined. The global direct-to-consumer genetic testing market is projected to reach a staggering US$9.2 billion by 2033, reflecting a 17.30% increase from US$2.57 billion in 2025.
Heritage tourism, also known as roots tourism, involves traveling to destinations with the intent of connecting with one's ancestry. This trend has gained traction, with a 2022 survey by the Travel Industry Association revealing that 34% of respondents expressed interest in visiting locations tied to their ancestral homelands. Additionally, a 2019 Airbnb survey found a remarkable 500% increase in individuals traveling to retrace their roots within a four-year span.
Destinations such as Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Japan, and China are among the most sought-after locations for heritage tourism. Countries that have experienced significant migration, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Arab world, are also witnessing a rise in heritage tourism as individuals seek to reconnect with their past.
Tourism boards have capitalized on this trend, with campaigns themed around family history and heritage. For instance, initiatives like the “year of homecoming” and “family history year” have been launched in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Companies like Lushescapes, founded by entrepreneur Abhishek Dadlani, are also offering bespoke experiences tailored to those seeking to explore their ancestry. Lushescapes is known for organizing intricate journeys that connect travelers to their roots.
Dadlani shared a particularly poignant experience where Lushescapes designed a legacy trip for a family tracing their ancestry across Europe, Asia, and Africa over two months. This journey, which involved planning for nine months, spanned 15 cities and included visits to remote villages, heritage towns, and sacred sites. "It was one of our most emotionally enriching and logistically intricate journeys to date," Dadlani remarked, emphasizing the significance of connecting with one’s roots.
The trip included not only explorations of historical sites but also cultural experiences designed to resonate with the family's heritage. For example, in Africa, the family participated in a cleansing ceremony led by tribal elders, symbolizing generational renewal. Each aspect of the journey was crafted to deepen their connection to shared values and cultural identity.
While such trips can be costly and feel inaccessible to many, Dadlani encourages individuals to start small, suggesting that even a weekend visit to an ancestral hometown can be impactful. "The depth lies in the intention, not the duration or cost," he said. Lushescapes aims to make heritage travel accessible, believing that everyone deserves to feel connected to their roots.
Dadlani articulates the transformative power of heritage travel, stating, "It roots you in something bigger than yourself. It answers questions we didn’t know we were asking – about identity, belonging, and purpose." He believes that these journeys not only foster personal growth but also strengthen familial bonds and create shared narratives that transcend generations.
As the travel industry evolves, both social media trends and heritage tourism are shaping the way people explore the world. While some viral trends may pose risks or inconveniences, the growing interest in heritage travel highlights a deeper yearning for connection and understanding of one's past. Whether through a quick airport dash or an elaborate genealogical journey, travelers today are seeking experiences that resonate on a personal level.
