Travel Experts Share The Top Destinations To Visit In 2025
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FOR A TRIP TO THE MED:
Sardinia, Italy
Josh Peacock, regional destination manager at luxury travel tour operator Scott Dunn has Sardinia on his radar for 2025: “The island has beauty in every direction, with some exciting new luxury hotel openings, including Cheval Blanc’s new Pitrizza, and Rocco Forte’s Porto Cervo, set to open next year”. Though Sardinia is Italy’s second largest island, it’s far quieter than popular nearby spots like Capri and Sicily. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the Med, with 1,800km of picturesque coastline to explore, and plenty of pretty towns with incredible food, rolling hills and ancient ruins.
FOR FAMILY SKIING:
Andorra
“Andorra is currently our most-booked destination for February half term, up 212% compared to last year,” explains Marcus Blunt, co-founder of ski travel agent Heidi. “Whether it's a first-ever family ski holiday or your kids are mini mountain goats in the making, resorts in Andorra offer affordable fun for all ages. There are heaps of wide, mellow pistes, easy access to the slopes and kid-friendly amenities, plus reasonably priced ski schools and equipment hire. There are also plenty of blue runs and tree-lined reds to keep seasoned parents entertained while the kids are off mastering their snow ploughs.”
FOR AN ADVENTURE HOLIDAY:
Cartagena, Colombia
“One of my top destinations for 2025 is Cartagena on the Caribbean coast,” says Amanda Cupples, general manager of Airbnb Northern Europe. “It’s home to pristine beaches and the waters are teeming with wildlife. But there’s more here than just natural beauty – it’s also known for its vibrant festivals, famous nightlife and local seafood.” Co-founder of Nemo Travel Tom Harding agrees: “I love Colombia for an adventure and beach trip in one. Huge efforts have gone into boosting its tourism over the last couple of years. Casa San Agustin in Cartagena is one of South America’s top hotels – it has to be experienced for the authenticity to be felt.” Plus, if you need any more of a reason to visit, Four Seasons will open a property there later in the year with two rooftop pools and a destination spa.
FOR A CITY BREAK:
Gothenburg, Sweden
Set on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is the second-largest city in the country. According to Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Expedia, “Gothenburg is rapidly emerging as a popular alternative to Stockholm, with an impressive 660% increase in searches in recent months.” With the North Sea on its doorstep, it offers the best of both if you can’t decide between a city break and coastal retreat. Famed for its blue and white trams, the transport links are excellent, plus the city offers an interesting mix of historic and industrial architecture, and the food scene is seriously exciting – with numerous food halls and small restaurants serving inventive seafood dishes.
FOR A SAFARI:
Botswana
You could plan endless trips around this southern African country, but one of the main reasons to visit Botswana is to experience the magic of its safaris. For Tom, it’s in his top three destinations to visit this year: “I think Botswana is the world’s best safari destination, and new flight connections will make it even more accessible in 2025. When you get there, you’ll want to check out the new Singita Elela Lodge, as well as Atzaro Botswana, a luxury camp in its own league.”
FOR A ROAD TRIP:
Big Sky, Montana
“In a recent survey, two-thirds of Expedia travellers said that films, streaming services and TV shows have influenced their travel choices,” explains Melanie. “That’s what we’ve seen with the Yellowstone series, which has undoubtedly boosted tourism to Montana and Wyoming.” If you’re after spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking and skiing, Montana has it all. This summer One&Only will open its first resort in the US in Big Sky. At Moonlight Basin, summer activities on offer will include hiking, horse riding, kayaking and relaxing at the private lakeside beach, while winter offers access to 5,800 acres of pistes.
FOR A BUCKET LIST TRIP:
Australia's North West
First-time visitors to Australia tend to head to New South Wales to explore the country’s most famous coastline and buzzy cities, but the North West is just as exciting for a trip off the beaten track, says Ellen Fraser, one of Scott Dunn’s senior travel specialists. “The Kimberley and Northern Territories are redefining Australia’s tourism landscape. Isolated yet beautiful, these special regions offer a new perspective on the classic trip ‘down under’. Here, you’ll find untouched landscapes with evocative scenery, dramatic rock formations and waterfalls. Visitors can also learn from the region’s Aboriginal communities; the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.”
FOR A FAMILY ADVENTURE:
La Serena, Chile
Stretching along the western edge of South America with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes mountains to the east, Chile is incredibly diverse. Rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, it's the perfect destination for outdoor lovers and families. In the north you’ll find La Serena, a vibrant city that’s perfect for family holidays, suggests Amanda. “Like its name implies, La Serena offers a peaceful retreat with its long beaches and numerous attractions. Families can explore the forests of Fray Jorge National Park and spot sea lions, bottlenose dolphins and Humboldt penguins in the wild at the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.”
FOR A GLIMPSE OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS:
Levi & Ylläs, Finland
“If visiting the Nordic region to see the Northern Lights has been on your bucket list for a while, this winter is the time to go, when the Aurora Borealis are expected to be more frequent and intense due to a solar activity peak,” explains Marcus. “This rare event occurs as the sun's 11-year cycle approaches its peak, known as the solar maximum – and Levi or Ylläs in Finnish Lapland are two of the best places to see them during a ski holiday.”
FOR LONG-HAUL SUN:
Baja Peninsula, Mexico
According to Google Flights, searches for trips to Mexico are higher than ever – and thanks to increased flight routes and a flurry of new hotel openings, there’s never been a better time to visit. Skip Cancun altogether and head straight to the Baja Peninsula, where some of the world’s best hotel brands are putting down roots. This Peninsula is a wild and rugged strip of land between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez with deserts, mile-long beaches and clear waters with vibrant marine ecosystems. Ultra-luxe hotel group Aman will open Amanvari here later in the year (a property to rival Utah’s impressive Amangiri), while Chablé Hotels is set to open Chablé Sea of Cortéz. Down in Los Cabos at the tip of the peninsula, Four Seasons and Park Hyatt will open five-star resorts in the summer.
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FOR A CARIBBEAN GETAWAY:
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago, the twin-island paradise in the Caribbean, offers the perfect blend of vibrant culture and rich natural beauty. Known for its lively Carnival celebrations (which will take place from 3rd to 4th March this year) the islands are also home to lush rainforests, diverse wildlife and crystal-clear waters. Plus, Tobago's ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB) is set to open a revamped £100m international airport by March, with increased flight routes set to follow.
FOR ISLAND LIFE:
Langkawi, Malaysia
“Over the last year we’ve seen a 230% increase in searches for Langkawi, an archipelago located northwest of the Malaysian coast,” explains Melanie. “This unique region is known for its stunning natural landscapes, beaches and relaxing wellness experiences.” Much like most of Malaysia, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a luxury holiday – some of the region’s best hotels, like The Bayou Hotel, offer affordable stays with unique cultural experiences.
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FOR SCENERY & CULTURE:
Southwest China
Nature lovers, adventures and adrenaline junkies might want to consider southwest China. Travellers looking for alternatives to Japan are increasingly exploring the region, which is home to vast mountain ranges. Simon Lynch, Scott Dunn’s global product and strategy director adds: “China appears to be turning a corner, attracting visitors who want to get under the skin of its recent transformation. The province of Yunnan, with its capital city Kunming and the winding Yangtze River, is leading the trend here, bolstered by new infrastructure and investment in high-speed rail routes along the Yunnan-Tibet Railway, which significantly cuts down regional travel times.”
FOR A SLICE OF HISTORY:
Jordan
Jordan is famous for its history and ancient wonders. From the iconic Petra, the Lost City carved into rose-red rock, to the Roman ruins in Jerash and the mosaics in Madaba, there's so much to explore. You can even float in the Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water on earth. "Jordan’s food scene is unbelievably good,” adds Marcus. “Expect flavours like you’ve never tasted, from fresh mezze to tender lamb cooked to perfection. And the hiking? Whether you're trekking through Petra or along the Jordan Trail (which only opened ten years ago), the views are incredible.” WizzAir now offers direct flights to Amman, while Ryanair recently added new routes connecting the country to 12 other European destinations.
For more information and inspiration to book your next trip, visit EXPEDIA.COM, SCOTTDUNN.COM, HEIDI.COM, AIRBNB.CO.UK and NEMO-TRAVEL.COM.
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