What Is Noctourism?
Noctourism, short for nocturnal tourism, is all about exploring the world after dark. Instead of chasing sunshine, travelers are now chasing moonlight, stars, and nighttime wonders. This trend includes everything from watching the northern lights to kayaking under the stars, attending midnight festivals, and even going on night safaris.(SUCCESS, Time Out Worldwide)
According to Booking.com, 62% of travelers are planning trips centered around nighttime experiences in 2025. Reasons include avoiding daytime heat, escaping crowds, and seeking unique, peaceful adventures .(VICE, Condé Nast Traveler)
Why Is Noctourism Booming in 2025?
Several factors are fueling the rise of noctourism:
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Cooler Temperatures: With global temperatures rising, many prefer exploring during the cooler nighttime hours.(SUCCESS)
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Avoiding Crowds: Nighttime adventures often mean fewer tourists and a more intimate experience.
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Cosmic Curiosity: Interest in astronomy and space is growing, leading travelers to seek out dark skies for stargazing and aurora watching.
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Unique Experiences: Nighttime offers a different perspective, turning familiar places into mysterious and magical landscapes.
Top Noctourism Experiences Around the World
1. Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is one of the best places to witness the aurora borealis. With the sun reaching its solar maximum, 2025 is expected to offer some of the most spectacular displays in years .(New York Post, Time Out Worldwide)
2. Stargazing in Utah’s Dark Sky Parks
Utah boasts several International Dark Sky Parks, including Arches and Bryce Canyon National Parks. These areas offer some of the clearest night skies in the U.S., perfect for stargazing and astrophotography .(Axios)
3. Night Safaris in South Africa
Experience the thrill of observing nocturnal wildlife on a night safari. Parks like Kruger National Park offer guided tours where you can spot animals like leopards and hyenas in their natural nighttime habitat.
4. Midnight Sun in Iceland
During summer, Iceland experiences the midnight sun, where the sun barely sets. This unique phenomenon allows for extended evening adventures, from hiking to hot spring bathing under a glowing sky.(Time Out Worldwide)
5. Firefly Watching in Japan
In early summer, Japan's countryside comes alive with fireflies. Places like the Genji Firefly Village offer enchanting night walks illuminated by these glowing insects.
Tips for Your Noctourism Adventure
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Plan Ahead: Some nighttime activities require bookings or are seasonal.
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Dress Appropriately: Even in summer, nights can be chilly.
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Use Red Light: Red flashlights preserve night vision, essential for stargazing.
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Stay Safe: Always inform someone of your plans and consider guided tours for unfamiliar areas.(Faye blog)
Embrace the Night
Noctourism offers a fresh perspective on travel, turning the world's natural and cultural wonders into nighttime spectacles. Whether you're gazing at stars in a desert, watching wildlife in the dark, or dancing under the northern lights, 2025 is the perfect year to explore the world after sunset.(Faye blog)
About Entropy Survival:
Entropy Survival is a leading disaster prep & survival products company serving the $174B disaster prep & survival industry. Entropy Survival is also the first portfolio company out of Prismatic Labs, a hybrid accelerator / venture studio focused on building & investing in companies serving The Great Outdoors.
