With a new year comes new travel plans! We’ve rounded up our picks of the best travel destinations for 2025 to get you fantasising about your next trip!
There’s loads of inspiration on our list, whether you prefer a long weekend away or an epic adventure. From lush rainforests and historic ruins to captivating cultures and incredible food, you can find it all below.
No matter where you visit, early planning and smart booking will make your money go further – read our top tips for booking a holiday to maximise your travel funds.
And before you book any trip, remember to check the government’s travel advice pages to make sure you’re staying safe and have what you need to enter – things like a visa or vaccinations.
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The Best Travel Destinations for 2025
1. Georgia
Georgia is a country that has it all – impressive mountain landscapes, a hip and happening capital city, beachy coastal resorts and a thriving food, beer and wine scene. And now it’s even easier to get to, as easyJet is launching a new route from London Luton to the capital Tbilisi in April 2025.
Georgia is in the Caucasus region, where Eastern Europe meets Western Asia., and there’s a lot of culture and a complex history here. Attractions include ancient monasteries, old Soviet architecture and even Art Nouveau buildings. Head up to the mountains (the highest range in Europe), out to the Black Sea coast or to the Kakheti region for a wine tasting. If you hadn’t heard, Georgian wine is globally celebrated and the tradition dates back many thousands of years.
Buzzing Tbilisi is a great destination for a city break too. The city has a growing tech industry – cryptocurrency is even accepted for many transactions here!’ Roam around the old town and take the cable car up to the Mother of Georgia monument for panoramic views. When it’s time for a bite to eat, chow down on delicious khinkali (dumplings in broth) or khachapuri (a flatbread topped with cheese).
The best Tblisi hotels
Hostel:
Elia Boutique Hostel & Apart-Hotel
Mid-range:
Hotel Opinion
Treat:
Stamba Hotel
1. Tromsø, Norway
2025 is going to be another bumper year for the magical Northern Lights, thanks to a period of solar activity that is due to last until 2026.
Tromsø is a popular spot for Aurora chasers, so it’s set to be a hot destination this year. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable places in Norway to enjoy this phenomenon, and is an incredible city to visit, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and the exhilarating winter sports on offer like snowmobiling and husky sledding.
Plus EasyJet recently launched new routes to Tromsø from London Gatwick and Manchester, making it even more accessible to UK travellers.
Now, the best time of year to see the Aurora Borealis is between September and April, when the days are shortest. Probably the best location for panoramic views is Mount Storsteinen, 421 metres above sea level. Catch the cable car up or – if you fancy a workout – climb the 1200 stone steps. If you’re not fussed about the Aurora, then visiting during the midnight sun period between May and July is a cool experience, as the sun doesn’t set.
When you’re here, be sure to check out the stunning Arctic Cathedral, dine on a fresh seafood meal and learn about the indigenous Sami people.
The best Tromsø hotels
Hostel:
Tromso Activities Hostel
Mid-range:
Tromsø Lodge & Camping
Treat:
Clarion Hotel The Edge
2. Egypt
Warm and sunny Egypt is always a favourite with holidaymakers, so we had to give it a spot on our list of the best travel destinations for 2025. With a new world-class museum set to open at Giza this year, it’s a great time to visit and marvel at ancient treasures on display in their homeland.
Sun worshippers will want to flock to a Red Sea resort, where you can swim, sunbathe and scuba dive in gorgeous clear blue waters. Hotels here are pretty well-priced compared to their European counterparts, and have the benefit of better weather for more months of the year.
As for culture buffs, they’ll want to head to Giza and see the Pyramids, and visit Cairo for the historic sites, a taste of city living and glimpses of the Nile.
Speaking of which, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) next to the Giza Pyramids will formally open in 2025. It’s had a long period of development and is currently in a soft opening phase – there’s access to several areas already so if you find yourself here before the grand opening, you can still visit.
Eventually, Tutenkamun’s treasures will be moved here too, including some that have never been displayed before. Until then, they’ll be in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, so you can still see them in all their glory!
As an unsolved mysteries, cats, and Horrible Histories lover I’ve had Egypt on my bucket list for the longest time. I’d love to see the pyramids up close, and with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, 2025 is the perfect time! There’s an abundance of affordable resorts too so you can relax after a day of culture and sightseeing.
The best Giza hotels
Hostel:
Life Pyramids Inn
Mid-range:
New Scarab Pyramids View
Treat:
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
3. Guatemala
Guatemala might not be on your bucket list yet… but it should be! In fact, it’s already made the National Geographic‘s list of the best places to travel to in 2025.
This central American nation is pure paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The country has a huge variety of landscapes, from rainforests to volcanoes, as well as ancient Mayan ruins and fascinating traditions.
The country’s Volcán de Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Trek up the Acatenango Volcano next door to see the exhilarating eruptions, weaving through the cloud forest and coffee plantations as you go. There’s also the attractive former capital Antigua, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site with inviting plazas and cobbled streets.
Spectacular Lake Atitlán is where you can paddle board, paraglide and cliff jump to your heart’s content. Or if spirituality is more your vibe, do a Mayan cacao ceremony – Guatemala is generally thought to be the birthplace of chocolate. The country also has a strong weaving tradition and you can pick up colourful textiles as a gift for yourself or someone back home.
The best Lake Atitlán hotels
Hostel:
La Iguana Perdita
Mid-range:
Hotel La Casa del Mundo
Treat:
EL PICNIC ATITLÁN
4. Madeira
As small but mighty destinations go, Madeira packs a punch. This subtropical island off Africa’s North West coast (although it’s a Portuguese territory) has a tempting average temperature of 21°C.
There’s something for everyone here: epic hiking trails, lush gardens, beach resorts, mountain villages and delicious food and wine. And you’ll want to spend at least a night or two in the capital Funchal. Take the cable car up to the stunning Botanical Gardens, swing by the lively food market Mercado dos Lavradores and dine on espetada, skewers of tasty marinated, grilled beef.
It’s a good idea to hire a car when you’re in Madeira, to really explore your surroundings and see the variety of the different parts of the island. Get the blood flowing by hiking a levada – once a channel for carrying water – such as the Levada do Caldeirao Verde. Take a dip in the inviting natural pools in Seixal or go to a tasting of Madeira wine or poncha, a rum-based drink made with citrus and honey.
I’d like to spend a week in Madeira in the spring and see the incredible gardens in bloom. Then I can see some amazing subtropical species without going all the way to Thailand or South Africa! When I’ve finished clogging up my camera roll with all the flowers, I’m keen to visit some traditional quinta houses, savour a few Madeira wines and bob around in a sea swimming pool.
The best Funchal hotels
Hostel:
29 Madeira Hostel
Mid-range:
Sé Boutique Hotel
Treat:
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel
5. South Africa
Stunning South Africa is on two of our team’s bucket-lists this year, thanks to its warm climate, incredible scenery and delicious food. South Africa will host the G20 political summit in 2025, and so the country will be readying itself to be seen on the world stage, much like it was for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Now it might take around 12 hours to fly there from the UK, but this country is more than worth the trip. Visit Table Mountain and Cape Point for incredible scenery and amazing photos. Say hello to the penguins on Boulders Beach, drive the Garden Route for epic coastal views or splash out on a safari in Kruger National Park. The bustling V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has great views along with popular shopping and dining spots and attractions like museums and an aquarium.
Now if you like a wine or two, then you’ll want to try the local offerings. Head to Stellenbosch for a wider choice or Franschhoek for a more intimate experience.
And don’t forget to explore this country’s powerful history. Catch a boat to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner before the fall of apartheid, and take a trip to the Cederburg mountains to see the rock art of the San people which is many thousands of years old.
I like my travels with a big dollop of sports and adventure, so for me there’s no better bucket-list destination in 2025 than South Africa. From hiking up the iconic Table Mountain to riding the waves in Jeffrey’s Bay, and even giving bungee jumping a go at Bloukrans Bridge, this country stands out at the perfect spot to get the adrenaline pumping! I’d love to see the amazing landscapes of Cape Town and soak up the energy of Johannesburg on the holiday of a lifetime.
The best Cape Town hotels
Hostel:
Sweet Orange Guest House
Mid-range:
One Kensington Boutique Hotel
Treat:
Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town
6. Greenland
Unspoilt Greenland is fast rising up the list of popular destinations, and 2025 is a great year to visit. This is thanks to a new international airport opening up in the capital, Nuuk – and another is planned for Illulissat, the country’s most popular tourist destination, in 2026. So here’s a way to get ahead of the crowds!
It’s all about the jaw-dropping landscapes here: you’ve got epic glaciers, sparkling fjords and the biggest ice sheet in the world. There are plenty of hikes to try that vary in difficulty; start off easy with a hike from Illulissat to Sermermiut, an old Inuit settlement that dates back many thousands of years. The route is mostly along a wooden walkway, so it’s easy underfoot, and you get fab views of the Ice Fjord and Disko Bay. Book onto a tour to spot whales or polar bears, or hop aboard a cruise to take in the highlights of the whole country.
The tiny capital Nuuk is one of the world’s smallest with just over 19,000 people. While you’re there, try to visit their cultural centre, Katuaq, to watch a traditional mask dance.
Oh, and for those who don’t know, Greenland is actually a territory of Denmark, and their currency is the same – the Danish Kroner.
The best Nuuk hotels
Hostel:
Kulukis Downtown Hostel
Mid-range:
Hotel Aurora
Treat:
HOTEL SØMA Nuuk
7. South Korea
Chelsea and James went to Korea for the first time in 2024, and following their trip it’s firmly on our list of top destinations for 2025!
Korea has long been quite an underrated destination, although thanks to its K-Pop bands, epic K-dramas and delicious food, it’s broken through into the mainstream. It’s also really affordable, with decent food and drink prices and well-priced transport and accommodation. The cherry on top has to be the affordable flights you can bag from the UK to Seoul – Chelsea and James snapped up theirs for just £364 per person!
The country has an interesting blend of old and new, with the latest tech and super-modern buildings contrasting with traditional architecture and ancient temples.
It’s a really beautiful place, with lots of lush scenery that captures the best bits of each season. Enjoy delicious street food in the capital Seoul, ride the cable car to N Seoul Tower and visit one of the traditional Hanok villages for a taste of local culture. Outside of the capital, Busan holds a great coffee and nightlife too, and Jeju Island ticks off nature and hiking routes with its impressive volcanic landscape and enticing beaches.
Whilst political tensions caused the world to turn its eyes to Korea after its president called for martial law at the end of 2024, this was quickly overturned and travel continued to the country. As with all destinations, we recommend you check out the FCDO pages to keep across official travel advice.
The best Seoul hotels
Hostel:
HOTEL DRIP&DROP, Myeongdong
Mid-range:
Local Stitch Creator Town Seogyo
Treat:
Park Hyatt Seoul
8. Bosnia & Herzegovina
If you’re looking for an affordable trip where the people are warm, the history is rich, the scenery is gorgeous and the food is delicious, then don’t miss Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Fly into the vibrant capital Sarajevo, where you can admire beautiful architecture (dating back to the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires), stroll through the buzzing bazaar and find a spot to sip a traditional Bosnian coffee.
This country went through a terrible conflict during the break up of Yugoslavia, and there are memorials throughout the country. You can learn about what happened at the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum and the Srebrenica Memorial Centre.
Stop in Mostar and visit its famous bridge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel there by train from Sarajevo to admire some epic scenery. There are beautiful landscapes here – be sure to add the Kravice Waterfalls and Sutjeska National Park to your itinerary.
Find a spot to enjoy Sevdah music, a soulful style of music with cross-cultural roots going back hundreds of years, and sample the local speciality ćevapi , delicious minced beef and lamb sausages in a flatbread.
The best Sarajevo hotels
Hostel:
Pigeon Square Rooms
Mid-range:
Isa Begov Hammam Hotel
Treat:
Hotel Europe
9. Orlando, Florida
You know where you are with Florida. It’s great for a warmer getaway (although there is a risk of hurricanes in late summer and early autumn) and there’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family – and ever-popular resort Orlando just gets better and better.
A brand new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, is set to open in May next year, which will have four themed lands: Super Nintendo World, Classic Monsters, Harry Potter and How To Train Your Dragon. So this spot is certain to be a top destination for 2025!
@cheapholidayexpert How good are YOUR hotel judging skills?! 🕵️♀️ Let’s find out! 🏨 AD PR Trip 💾 Save this for future reference if you’re ever planning to go to @universalorlando 📣 AND LET ME KNOW… what you guessed! Did you get them all right?!! Right… on with the info… There are 7 official resort hotels at Universal Orlando (soon to be 9 in 2025!) and so I asked to take a look around 3 from 3 different tiers to see what the difference was actually like 👀 🏨 VALUE HOTELS 🏨 These are the cheapest tier and whilst it’s classed as one resort - Universal’s Endless Summer - it’s split between 2 hotels: Surfside Inn and Suites (⭐️ in this video!) Dockside Inn and Suites 🏨 PRIME VALUE HOTELS 🏨 This is the next step up meaning they have slightly better facilities and are closer to the park. Aventura Hotel Cabana Bay (⭐️ in this video!) Stella Nova Resort (opening 21st Jan 2025) Terra Luna Resort (opening 25th Feb 2025) 🏨 PREFERRED HOTELS 🏨 There’s just one of these and again it’s slightly closer to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and this one is also served by water taxis (though you can use them even if you’re not staying there!) Loews Sapphire Falls (⭐️ in this video!) 🎉 WHAT PERKS DO THESE HOTELS GET YOU? 🎉 - Early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Complimentary transport to the parks (and some are in walking distance to Volcano Bay) - Room key charging privileges - Get purchases at select Universal stores delivered to your hotel I should also mention that there’s one more tier… 🏩 PREMIER HOTEL 🏩 Whilst I didn’t visit any of these, this is the top bracket! The main perk of these ones is that you get a free express pass for your own family. Loews Royal Pacific Hard Rock Hotel Loews Portofino Bay Hotel ⚠️ WHAT’S AN AD PR TRIP CHELSEA HUN? ⚠️ I was invited to check out Universal at Orlando by their PR team (ta bbz) so I didn’t pay for my stay, but I also wasn’t paid to go, or paid to post. They also have no sign off on any content. How can I prove it? Well, I called the toilet the shitter didn’t I?! 😂😂😂 #universalorlando #universalorlandoresort #sapphirefalls #cabanabay #endlesssummerresort #universalorlandohotels ♬ original sound - Cheap Holiday Expert
All this is in addition to existing Universal Resorts including Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and their waterpark, Volcano Bay. Plus, you’re not too far from all the Disney Parks including Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, as well as Legoland and more!
If space is more your jam, hit up the nearby Kennedy Space Centre, where you can try their Astronaut Training Experience and see a real space shuttle. For a break from the resorts, take an airboat tour through the Everglades to spot wildlife including alligators, turtles and birds like herons and eagles.
I only went to Orlando for the first time this year and I didn’t expect to be so keen to go back. The rollercoasters are on another level – and with the opening of the brand new Epic Universe park, I think I’ll need to head back to the queues. I mean who doesn’t want to reach speeds of 62mph in a ‘celestial spin’?
The best Orlando hotels
Visit One of the Best Travel Destinations for 2025!
We hope our list of the top destinations for 2025 helps you stop dreaming and start booking!
When you’re choosing where to go, don’t forget to consider the overall cost of a trip – some places are super affordable once you’re there which can balance out the price of costlier flights.
And because we don’t want anything to come between you and your trip, make sure you sort travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked. And check your passport’s in date!
Safe travels!
