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The 15 Best Trending Travel Destinations in 2025

Woman in red dress in front of blue tiled building, Porto, Portugal

By Hannah Douch

Last updated: 1st November 2024

So many destinations, so little time! We know the struggle. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide to the 15 best travel destinations in 2025, designed with every traveller in mind. Whether you’re after mini getaways, gap year inspiration or budget trips, read on for the best adventures below. Here’s how you can keep on top of the travel trends for 2025!

Albanian Riviera

Albania Riviera with mountain view

Best for a beachy getaway 🏖️

All anyone can talk about is the Albanian Riviera! Last year, it became one of the hottest TikTok destinations, and the travel trends for 2025 prove that its popularity will only continue to skyrocket. Once you catch a glimpse of the golden sandy stretches, the vivid turquoise waters and sunkissed coast, you won’t be able to resist either. Dive into the sleepy beachside towns, hidden bays and swimming holes on our Albania tours for the most unforgettable Euro summer. And the best part? Albania is also one of the cheapest European travel destinations for 2025.

Bergen, Norway

Street in Bergen, Norway

Best for fjords and train journeys 🚞

Bergen is the dream destination for any season: cool summers and cosy winters! Nicknamed the “city between the seven mountains”, Bergen is nestled between two of Norway’s most majestic fjords: Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. This idyllic mountain town is the ideal base for exhilarating days out hiking or biking through the nature trails, and kayaking through the lakes; in the evenings, you can get to know Bergen’s vibrant waterfront and dive into all the hidden alleyways home to cosy bars and restaurants.

There are a few different ways to reach this city, but nothing beats the Bergen Railway: regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the entire world. Departing from Oslo, this scenic train glides you through the Norwegian countryside and into idyllic forests and rolling valleys. And the Bergen Railway is just as magical in the colder months, - making it the perfect winter break destination in Europe. Especially if you’re planning a festive trip to Norway to see the northern lights!

Botswana & Namibia

Sunrise over the water in Etosha National Park in Namibia

Best for wild natural landscapes 🌄

Red deserts, sweeping canyons, emerald rivers, vast salt pans and extraordinary wildlife sightings. Botswana and Namibia are some of the best travel destinations in 2025 for an adventure that’s once in a lifetime! It’s not every day that you get to climb the world’s tallest sand dunes, sail the Okavango Delta’s winding rivers in a traditional canoe or watch the sunrise over otherworldly landscapes.

Our Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland trip promises all these experiences, and so much more, in just three weeks. On this trip, you’ll even be able to tick South Africa and Zimbabwe off your travel bucket list as you start in Cape Town and finish at Victoria Falls!

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Group traveller at Chiang Rai White Temple in Thailand

Best for exquisite temples 🐉

If you’re interested in discovering one of Thailand’s greatest hidden gems, consider a trip to Chiang Rai. What gives this idyllic mountain city an edge is that you’ll find some of the most awe-inspiring temples on Earth here. These stunning cultural attractions belong in a fairytale, from the White Temple’s ornate dragon statues to the Blue Temple adorned in luxurious shades of deep twilight. It’s an unmissable destination for anyone looking to experience more culture.

Guatemala

Traveller stood with view of volcano in Guatemala

Best for Mayan ruins and volcano hikes 🌋

Once you’ve visited Guatemala for the first time, it’s impossible to forget this enchanting destination. From discovering the lost paradise ruins of Tikal to trekking to the top of Acatenango Volcano, our Guatemala tours are filled with once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Finish your days of adventure exploring Guatemala’s pastel-coloured cities, stepping back in time as you stroll the picturesque cobblestone streets.

Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

Two travellers by view of Ha Giang Loop

Best for bucket-list journeys 🗺️

The Ha Giang Loop is one of Southeast Asia's most legendary road trips, making it one of the best places to travel in 2025. Escape into the emerald valleys and discover towering mountains, winding roads and timelessly charming villages. It’s a slice of countryside paradise!

Southeast Asia Adventure is the most popular of our South East Asia tours, where all of your driving is taken care of; all you need to do is come along for the journey, with overnight village stays and gorgeous nature spots along the way. It’s on every backpacker’s bucket list, so tick it off yours!

Kenya

Elephant walking through landscape in Kenya

Best for African safaris 🐘

Whether it’s your first time visiting Africa or looking to explore more of this stunning continent, there’s a reason why we’re naming Kenya as one of the best travel destinations for 2025. Kenya’s natural beauty is extraordinary! Only here can you escape to a national park in the heart of the capital city, spot elephant herds against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania, or see wildlife in its purest state at the Maasai Mara reserve.

And the good news is that you don’t need a big budget or weeks' worth of travelling to really discover Kenya either. On our Kenya Calling trip, you’ll be able to immerse yourself inside all these incredible locations in just 6 days. East Africa’s top safari destination is waiting for you!

Laos

View of mountains and rooftops in laos

Best for lagoons and countryside views ⛰️

Lonely Planet recently named this next destination a Best in Travel 2025 country, so all eyes are on Laos! Nestled between Thailand and Vietnam, this secluded destination is home to breathtaking landscapes. As one of the trending destinations in Southeast Asia, travellers cannot get enough of Laos’ natural beauty. Hike to the Nam Xay Viewpoint for incredible views of Vang Vieng’s emerald countryside, before cooling off in the Blue Lagoons. Laos is calling your name! 

Lares Trek, Peru

Machu picchu in Peru

Best for seeing a world wonder 🌎

Completing the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, however, there is an alternative route to Machu Picchu which fewer travellers have heard of! The Lares Trek takes you fully off the beaten path and immerses you in the Andes. As you climb to unbelievable heights, you’ll discover peaceful local villages and remote wilderness along the way. And because the Lares Trek finishes one day earlier, you’ll have some time to rest and unwind in hot springs before exploring the magical ruins of Machu Picchu ahead of anyone else.

Want to find out more about the differences between the Lares Trek vs Inca Trail? Check out our guidebook to see which adventure is the right choice for you.

Mackay, Australia

Face of cute wallaby in Australia

Best for wildlife interactions 🦘

The Australian East Coast is high on most travellers’ bucket lists, and Mackay is its best-kept secret destination! It’s home to pristine beaches and Australia’s longest stretch of subtropical rainforest, where you can see platypuses swimming in the rivers! And that’s not even the best part. Because just a short distance from Mackay, at dawn you can share the sunrise with adorable wallabies. Seeing these little animals hopping along the beach and dipping into the ocean, while the sky transforms into vivid shades of orange and pink, is a view to remember.

Our Australia Adventure trip is filled with special inclusions like these to make your time here even more magical. In 30 days you’ll discover the best of Melbourne and complete the Great Ocean Road, before taking an included flight to Cairns and exploring all the Aussie East Coast highlights!

Patagonia, Argentina & Chile

Beautiful view of mountains and lake at Patagonia

Best for hiking 🏞️

South America is blessed with so many landmarks worth travelling for, and Patagonia is one of them! Shared between Argentina and Chile, this rugged region is where you can experience the extremes of nature: frosted mountains that reach the sky, dramatic glaciers and gigantic lakes! Patagonia is a dream come true for trekkers, as you’re spoiled for choice in national parks and scenic hiking trails. If you’re craving the adventure of a lifetime into the wilderness, then Patagonia is the place for you in 2025!

Philippines

Bangka boat on water in the Philippines

Best for island-hopping bliss 🏝️

Home to heavenly white-sand islands, turquoise waters filled with tropical sea creatures and stunning secret bays, the Philippines is paradise! If you’ve ever wanted to go island-hopping or snorkelling with sea turtles, you seriously need to add the Philippines to your travel 2025 bucket list!

If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to stay on your own private island, then Pure Philippines is the trip for you. Starting and finishing in Manila, the Philippines’ vibrant capital, this island adventure also features iconic travel moments like canyoneering through Kawasan Falls, snorkelling in the Moalboal Sardine Run and so much more. So, dive in!

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Gorgeous view of sandy beach at Santa Teresa

Best for surfer breaks and beaches 🏄

While most people come to Costa Rica for the wildlife, it’s the sleepy beachside towns like Santa Teresa that make you want to spend a lifetime here. Between the golden sandy stretches backed by palm trees, the divine sunsets, the amazing selection of foodie hotspots, the surfing swells and the “pura vida” lifestyle, Santa Teresa is a dream destination for unwinding or catching a couple of waves. Find your inner zen with yoga on the beach, go kayaking nearby to see the bright blue glow of bioluminescent plankton fish or simply kick back and relax. With views like these, it’s never been easier!

👉 Check out our full range of Costa Rica trips

Slovenia

Boat in Lake Bled in Slovenia

Best for European escapes 🚂

For your next European adventure, head to Slovenia. From the history-rich cities and spellbinding lakes to snowy mountains, medieval castles and tiny coastal villages, this country is a real-life fairytale. It’s one of the most idyllic travel destinations for 2025, and great to explore either as part of a short break or epic Europe tours. And while Lake Bled is the country’s biggest draw, there is so much to see beyond this. Ljubljana, Predjama Castle, Piran… add it all to your list!

Seoul, South Korea

Bustling street in Seoul, South Korea

Best for culture and city life 🌃

South Korean culture has made an unforgettable impression around the world, and this vibrant destination’s wave of popularity is only rising higher in 2025! South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, is one of the few places in the world where you can experience the glorious contrasts of traditional and modern life. It’s easy to find yourself wandering around timeless attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Hanok Village in the morning, followed by an afternoon of dancing to K-pop, going for shopping sprees or feasting on Korean BBQ. No matter what your idea of fun looks like, Seoul has an experience for you!

On our 10-day South Korea Express trip, we’ve included plenty of free time in Seoul for you to build an itinerary of activities that best suits your budget. You’ll also have the chance to discover more incredible locations like Jeonju, Gyeongju and Busan - plus spend the night at a temple stay!

Still can’t decide?

With so many fascinating countries and regions around the globe, it’s only natural that you might need some extra assistance to choose where to travel in 2025. That’s where we come in! Our passionate team of travel advisors are more than happy to chat through any questions you have before travelling. We offer over 250 trips across 50+ destinations, so your dream trip is just one conversation away.

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Now that you know the best travel destinations for 2025, let’s make it your year and start planning your travels!

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