Starry Night Journeys: Tourism Trend Set to Illuminate 2025 Skies

After the sun dips below the horizon, the real adventure begins! The world of nighttime travel, or noctourism, is about to dominate in 2025, with a whopping 60% of travelers planning to embark on cosmic-themed trips. Noctourism lets you rediscover familiar landscapes at night, making them feel like completely new experiences. Whether you're camping under the Milky Way or watching a total lunar eclipse, 2025 is calling all adventure seekers to explore the world under the cover of darkness.

So, what exactly is noctourism? It's all about visiting destinations and attractions after sundown, with a particular focus on starry-eyed experiences. This could entail photographing the full moon or observing a meteor shower, or even daring activities like midnight museum visits, nighttime wildlife watching, and moonlit kayaking.

Now you might be wondering why noctourism is trending in 2025. Here are the top reasons:

Escape the heat and crowds: Adventure seekers beat the tourist rush and scorching temperatures by exploring popular attractions after dark. Picture a peaceful Sydney Opera House under the moonlight or a tranquil moonlit hike through serene national trails all to yourself.
Connect with the cosmos: With space travel edging ever closer to reality, our curiosity about the universe has never been greater. Iconic spots like Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles attract more than a million stargazers each year, proving that the allure of the stars is real.
Go green: Stargazing, nocturnal safaris, and eco-lodging are low-impact ways to immerse yourself in nature while minimizing your carbon footprint.
Experience serenity: The hushed silence of nighttime travel brings a new level of adventure and tranquility. Imagine standing alone in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, with only the stars for company.

Ready to embark on your cosmic journey? Here's the scoop on top travel destinations for noctourism:

Certified dark sky locations:

These secluded getaways offer some of the most breathtaking night skies on the planet.

Desengano State Park | Brazil

Best time to visit: May to August
The stars of the show: Surrounded by dense forests, valleys, and vegetation, the enchanting atmosphere makes for an unforgettable viewing experience of the Milky Way.
Where to stay: Take your stargazing experience to the next level with The Hotel Girassol da Serra, where telescopes are available to enhance your night-sky exploration.

Kozushima Dark Sky Island | Japan

Best time to visit: Year-round
The stars of the show: With only one tiny town and minimal streetlights, the stars really shine on this island. Explore by foot, indulge in delicious Japanese bakery treats, and marvel at thousands of shooting stars.
Where to stay: Cozy up in a family-run bed and breakfast for a truly authentic experience.

National parks for stargazing:

Teide National Park | Canary Islands, Spain

Best time to visit: December to March
The stars of the show: On this island, 83 out of 88 constellations can be observed, and you can witness awe-inspiring phenomena like Saturn's rings, nebulae, and the Moon’s craters.
Where to stay: Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is a prime location, nestled in the heart of the park, giving you easy access to lush tropical scenery during the day and celestial wonders at night.

Kejimkujik National Park | Canada

Best time to visit: May to October
The stars of the show: The twinkling stars of this certified dark sky location have shaped thousands of years of stories in indigenous Mi'kmaw culture. Canoe under a blanket of stars and listen to traditional tales from a skillful guide.
Where to stay: Escape to a secluded chalet along the Mersey River for ultimate relaxation.

The best deserts for stargazing:

The Atacama Desert | Chile

Best time to visit: Year-round
The stars of the show: With some of the clearest skies on earth, this is a must-visit destination. Its Mars-like landscape provides the perfect backdrop for astrophotography enthusiasts.
Where to stay: Tierra Atacama Resort & Spa blends chic architecture with breathtaking mountain views and ample opportunities to spot llamas, flamingos, and more in the surrounding area.

Sahara Desert | North Africa

Best time to visit: March to May
The stars of the show: Go on a majestic camel riding trek across Morocco's rolling dunes, then camp out under a swath of stars.
Where to stay: The remote location of the Sahara Desert Luxury Camp ensures minimum light pollution, making it perfect for chasing the stars.

Observatories for a front-row seat to the cosmos:

Gornergrat Observatory | Switzerland

Best time to visit: January to April
The stars of the show: Dine at the observatory's gourmet restaurant and enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the stars set against the majestic Matterhorn mountain.
Where to stay: Gornergrat Kulm Hotel offers unparalleled views of the stars and the Swiss Alps, just steps away from the observatory.

Perth Observatory | Australia

Best time to visit: Year-round
The stars of the show: Kids and adults alike can enjoy educational, family-friendly tours that showcase impressive telescopes and offer opportunities for astrophotography.
Where to stay: Camp out in luxurious eco-tents for uninterrupted views of the Milky Way and the soothing sounds of the ocean to lull you to sleep.

Mark your calendar: 2025's biggest astronomical events

2025 is shaping up to be a year full of astronomical wonders. Don't miss these key dates:

Meteor showers and where to watch

Lyrid: April 16 to April 25 | Atacama Desert, Chile
Perseids: Aug. 12 | La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
Orionids: October 20-21 | Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain and Atacama Desert, Chile
Geminids: Dec. 13-14 | Equi Valley, Chile

Total lunar eclipses

March 14: Visible from North & South America
September 7: Visible from Australia, Asia, Africa, & Europe

Northern lights

July: Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Churchill, Canada, Alaska, USA

Gear up for your stargazing adventure

Red light flashlight: Protects your night vision and won't scare away wildlife.
Warm layers & a thermos of something hot: Nights can get chilly, even in the desert.
Cozy blanket & reclining chair: Comfort is key when waiting for the perfect celestial moment.
Astronomy app: Stay informed about solar activity and upcoming celestial events.

Connect with the universe!

There's nothing like witnessing the northern lights dance across the sky or watching a meteor shower with your own eyes. Your next extraordinary journey may be written among the stars-make sure it's protected with our website.

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Noctourism, a growing trend in 2025, involves planning to travel and explore travel destinations under the cover of darkness, with a focus on starry-eyed experiences such as photographing the full moon, observing meteor showers, or participating in daring activities like midnight museum visits or moonlit kayaking.
Stars play a significant role in noctourism, as they attract a large number of travelers to destinations like Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, where over a million people visit each year to stargaze.
Noctourism offers unique opportunities for connection with the cosmos and the environment, such as experiencing serenity by standing alone in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert under the starry sky or going green by stargazing, nocturnal safaris, and eco-lodging.
For those interested in noctourism, there are various top travel destinations, including certified dark sky locations like Desengano State Park in Brazil and Kozushima Dark Sky Island in Japan, and national parks like Teide National Park in the Canary Islands and Kejimkujik National Park in Canada, which are ideal for stargazing.

Starry Night Journeys: Tourism Trend Set to Illuminate 2025 Skies