Where to Travel in 2025: Top Destinations You Can’t Miss

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. Check out tour amazing new South Korean tours here - most of which will take you to Busan!

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. Interested? Check out this Ba Be National Park trekking & caving expedition. 

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. Start planning your Japan trip here! 

Off-the-Beaten-Path 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. Want to see more abour Sri Lanka? Check out our favourite Sri Lanka tours here. 

Chapada Diamantina NP - 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 traveling 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. Explore our adventures in Queenstown, New Zealand here. 

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. 

Where Will You Go in 2025?

Whether it’s thrill-seeking in Queenstown, chasing sunsets in Chapada Diamantina, or finding peace on Stewart Island, 2025 is shaping up to be the year for unforgettable trips. The only question is: which one are you booking first?

Reach out to start travel planning!