Where to go in 2025 and unmissable travel trends
If your 2025 calendar still has “plan an epic trip” on it, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a rising hotspot, a hidden gem, or the kind of experiences that make for unforgettable stories, these destinations are where you want to be.
Start planning your adventure for 2025 now
"The sooner, the better". When it comes to making travel plans, this saying couldn't be more true. A lot of people seem to think that travel agents make this up in order to secure bookings. But there are lots of real reasons why you want to book as early as possible.
It’s a move that can save you money, helps to reduce stress, and makes sure your trip doesn't get ruined by sold out ferries and campsites.
The Rising Stars
Let’s start with the destinations everyone’s buzzing about.
Busan - South Korea
Busan in South Korea is really stepping out of Seoul’s shadow. It’s a city with beaches, mountains, and street markets all rolled into one - it just has so much charm!
You can spend time soaking up the sun at Haeundae Beach, exploring the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, or tasting the freshest seafood straight from the ocean at Jagalchi Market. There’s a vibe here for every kind of traveller.
Ba Be Lake - Vietnam
Ba Be Lake is one of our new favourites in Vietnam, and it's perfect for travellers looking for a mix of amazing nature and cultural experiences. Nestled in Bac Kan province, this freshwater lake is surrounded by limestone peaks, dense forests, and tiny islands. It’s a great location for kayaking, with its calm waters leading to hidden caves like Puong Cave and stunning waterfalls like Dau Dang.
For those up for adventure, trekking routes wind through jungle paths and connect you to remote villages where you can meet the Tay people, sample their delicious grilled fish, or even try your hand at traditional weaving. Staying in a stilted homestay here feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy destinations further south in Vietnam.
Check out our 3-day Ba Be National Park Trekking and Caving Experience if we've convinced you this needs to be on your Vietnam itinerary!
Kanazawa - Japan
Over in Japan, Kanazawa and the north-west coast of Honshu are calling. Think of it as Japan’s quieter, more laid-back alternative to the big cities we know and love.
Kanazawa has old samurai districts, one of the country’s top three gardens (Kenrokuen), and plenty of great foodie spots for local seafood or even gold-leaf-covered ice cream treats (yes, the ones you've seen on TikTok).
Nearby, the Noto Peninsula offers rugged coastlines, sleepy fishing villages, and roads that seem to stretch forever. It’s rural Japan at its finest.
The best way of exploring is with our new Hokuriko Arch Rail Pass, which will give you a 14 day Japan itinerary including Kanazawa for a great price.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Ideas
If avoiding the crowds is your thing, these spots might just top your list.
Hiriketiya - Sri Lanka
Known as one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets, Hiriketiya Bay offers a chilled-out vibe perfect for beginner and experienced surfers. The small crescent-shaped bay is surrounded by palm trees, and its laid-back guesthouses and great beaches make it a haven for travellers. It’s a place to learn surfing or simply soak up the beach life without the crowds.
Chapada Diamantina National Park - Brazil
In Brazil, skip the beaches and Rio (just this once!) for a while and head to Chapada Diamantina National Park. This place is like Mother Nature showing off, with towering waterfalls, crystal-clear pools for swimming, and hikes that lead to jaw-dropping plateaus. Perfect for anyone craving an adventure far from the crowds.
Stewart Island - New Zealand
And then there’s Stewart Island in New Zealand. Ever wanted to see a kiwi bird in the wild? This is the place. Though it's still incredibly hard to spot these nocturnal birds - if you'll succeed it will be here. Even if you don't care about Kiwis at all, Stewart Island is still worth a visit. With its remote trails, incredible stargazing, and tiny population, it’s all about peace, quiet, and a deep connection with nature.
Niche Travel Trends for 2025
People aren’t just travelling for Instagram shots anymore (okay, maybe a little). The real trend? Chasing unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether that's disconnecting from the digital world while slow travelling, trying eccentric foods you've seen on TikTok, or...
Adrenaline-Fueled New Zealand – Queenstown
For thrill-seekers, Queenstown has everything. It’s not called the adventure capital of the world for nothing. You can bungy jump off Kawarau Bridge, skydive over the stunning Lake Wakatipu, or get your heart racing on the Shotover Jet as it whips through narrow canyons. It’s the kind of place where “taking it easy” means paragliding instead of jumping out of a plane.
Sri Lanka Safaris – Yala and Wilpattu National Parks
Safari in Sri Lanka? Yes, it’s a thing—and it’s spectacular. Yala and Wilpattu National Parks are where you can spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears without the crowds of Africa’s big parks. Surrounding the national parks are some of the best eco lodges in Sri Lanka, letting you support conservation while getting up close with some of nature's animal treasures.
Slow Travel in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
This one’s all about stepping away from the chaos and slowing things down. One of the best ways to experience the Mekong Delta is to stay in a family-run homestay. These provide a warm welcome, home-cooked meals, and a chance to learn about the daily rhythms of the delta.
You'll quickly find out life here revolves around the waterways, with mornings taken up by exploring the floating markets, like Cai Rang or Cai Be, where vendors sell everything from tropical fruits to freshly made noodles directly from their boats.
Afterward, you can hop in a sampan and paddle through the shaded mangrove forests or visit one of the many coconut candy workshops for a taste of local sweets. Don’t forget to visit the rice paddies, which stretch out like an endless green carpet, and try your hand at fishing Vietnamese style. It’s different, peaceful, and gives you a taste of traditional Vietnamese life in an extraordinary place.
