As we step into the new year, we’re shaking off the Christmas cobwebs, setting our travel resolutions and dreaming up our travel plans for 2025. Most of us are looking to travel more mindfully this year, with a focus on sustainability; some want to uncover hidden gems and tick off places they’ve never been.
But there’s one thing we all have in common – we’re ready for a year full of exploration and new discoveries. Here are all our top destinations for 2025…
The Directors
Nikki
Director of Research & Content
Greece
It’s hard to believe I’ve never been to Greece, especially since it’s been on my wish list for years. In 2025, I’m hoping to visit the charming harbour town of Fiskardo on Kefalonia’s north coast, and explore the nearby unspoilt beaches and surrounding hills and mountains. Fiskardo Cottages is just a short drive or walk from town and their newest addition, Butterfly Cottage, looks absolutely dreamy. With its stylish rustic design, private pool, and peaceful vibe, it seems like the ideal spot to unwind while still being close to some great cafes and tavernas.
Travel Resolution
“Taking a digital detox while being away – I’d love to avoid looking at emails, social media and news, and instead take in my surroundings and live in the moment with friends and family.“
Aidan
Director of Operations
Sicily, Italy
I’ve never been to Sicily and some friends who recently visited haven’t stopped raving about it. I want to soak up the Italian culture and the buzz of Cefalu, take in some fine fish restaurants and crisp local wines, then kick back and take in the views from Cefalu Boutique Villas, maybe retreat into my own space to read some books and catch up on some zzzs. Surely that’s not too much to ask for? Besides, I’m also learning Italian.
Travel Resolution
“Travel lighter – so I’ll need to travel to warm places that don’t need heavy clothes. When I arrive, if I don’t have what I need, I can get it there. And I’d love to try going screen free for a few days to give my eyes a rest from anything too removed from where I am so I can truly soak up the sense of place and present.“
Michael
Director of Hotel Partnerships
Far North of Scotland
I’d like to head to a far-flung corner in the remote northwest of Scotland: to the Durness peninsula, to land’s end at wild Cape Wrath*, and to the amazing eco-luxe Wild North Crofts. In a no doubt over-ambitious (and possibly wine-enhanced) session of Google mappery, I hatched a scheme to cycle with a friend from Inverness up the east coast, staying for a week at the croft, and then back via Ullapool. *with acknowledgements to Bill Bryson for his wonderful ‘Bryson Line’ concept (read ‘The Road to Little Dribbling’ and you’ll see).
Travel Resolution
“I hope this doesn’t sound pretentious, but having visited so many exotic countries over 3 decades of my travel career, I now feel a yearning to discover places which are closer to home – but no less exotic in their own way. And to travel overland, where possible under my own steam.“
The Hotel Specialists
Kate
Head of Reservations
Istanbul & Cappadocia
In 2025 I am hoping to go to Istanbul and Cappadocia to stay in stunning cave hotels like Serinn House, explore the Unesco World Heritage site of Goreme and possibly go hot air ballooning. It’s a really unique place with some of the most intriguing natural scenery on the planet. However, my kids have a hankering to explore all that Thailand has to offer, thanks to Race Across the World. We may just have to do both!
Travel Resolution
“My aim is to do fewer trips, but really immerse myself into one or two meaningful adventures that deliver some really life altering memories for my family. We’re all getting older, and I know trips all together will not last forever, so now is the time to give my kids a love for travel and meeting new people over material things.“
Ben
Bookings Consultant
Vietnam
I’m itching to get back to Vietnam – an intriguing country that always leaves me wanting more. Incredible food, jaw-dropping scenery and I find a strange comfort in the chaos. There’s so much to see it’s impossible to cram into a single trip, so I would love to return, jump on a motorbike and explore more of the less-travelled north.
Travel Resolution
“I probably need to chill out a bit – I have a tendency to want to see everything a destination has to offer and end up bouncing around a lot (and needing a holiday to recover from the holiday). Less is more? Relax and immerse? I’m not fully convinced, but I’m going to try…“
Leah
Bookings Consultant
Malaysia
I’d like to go to Malaysia as there is so much to explore! Starting off in the city of Kuala Lumpur at Villa Samadh Kuala Lumpur and seeing the Petronos Twin Towers. Then heading to the island of Tioman to their sister hotel Japamala Resort to get some guaranteed sunshine and undisturbed serenity. There’s a private beach, exciting sea life and treks nearby to see wildlife. My idea of heaven!
Travel Resolution
“In 2024, I stepped out of my comfort zone, venturing to two new continents and embracing the thrill of exploration. For 2025, my travel resolution is to shift focus closer to home; I want to find hidden gems off the beaten path and immerse myself fully in local cultures. Here’s to authentic adventures in the year ahead!“
The Creatives
Nadine
Kids Collection & New Hotels
Namibia
Namibia offers incredible other-worldly scenery, a chance to connect with nature and oneself under star-spangled skies. There’s great wildlife to spot, no jetlag, and some spectacular places to stay – like Zannier Omaanda. I’ve never been to this part of the world and it would be a real bucket list adventure, perhaps just with my husband and leave the kids behind!
Travel Resolution
“I’m conscious that a bucket list trip with my husband may sound counter to this, but, I’d like to make as many travel memories with my teens as possible, whether a big trip, a side trip, a weekend away, even visiting family in Ireland. We are in the last few years of school holidays – they’ll be outta here making their own travel memories before we know it. “
Evelyn
Editor
Tanzania
Ever since I was a kid obsessed with National Geographic’s Really Wild Animals Swinging Safari on VHS (showing my age here, I know), travelling to Africa has been a dream that fills every corner and crevice of my brain, yet somehow, I still haven’t been. So this year, I’m making it my mission to go on a safari trip of a lifetime in Tanzania – and finally immerse myself in the culture, landscapes and wildlife that’s fascinated me since I was in Oshkosh B’Gosh dungarees.
Travel Resolution
“My travel resolution for 2025 is to be a more mindful traveller – thinking about how I’m supporting local businesses and ecosystems. There’s no way around the environmental toll travel can take – and yet exploration is so important in so many ways – so how can we make our footprint smaller and our impact positive?“
Ben
Head of Digital Marketing
Amalfi Coast, Italy
I know the Amalfi Coast is a very popular location, but I’ve not visited much of Italy before so I want to see what all the fuss is about. Sleepy fishing villages, gorgeous coastal views, Italian food and architecture are but a few reasons I’d love to visit. If it can be at the end of a long but scenic train adventure, all the better. The Positano Hideaways is always very popular with i-escapers and it ticks a lot of boxes, like panoramic sea views and even a secret beach.
Travel Resolution
“After travelling into and around Europe a few times by train this year, I’d love to extend my flight-free journeys which are more enjoyable when travelling with a young family. It’s a cliché but we all need to be more conscious of how we travel, especially those of us that work in the industry and should be leading by example!“
Imogen
Digital Marketing Executive
San Sebastian, Spain
I’ve always wanted to go to San Sebastian, and Hotel Villa Soro seems like the perfect destination for a foodie weekend break. Culture, beaches, museums, Pinxos bars and bags of Basque character. And with rail connections to Barcelona, Lisbon and Paris I fancy making a stop or two along the way. Breakfast in Paris then dinner in San Sebastian, why not?
Travel Resolution
“Aside from this city break, my resolution is to travel to places I’ve not visited before. I’m on a mission to experience 30 countries by the time I turn 30, 2 years and 4 countries left to go!“
Alice
Editorial & Marketing Assistant
Corsica, France
For me, 2024 was the year of city breaks and a top-to-tail backpacking trip through Vietnam. Now I’m craving a holiday that lets me put my feet up… for a while, anyway. Corsica’s white-sand beaches, lapped by enticingly turquoise waters, would be the perfect place to do just that. When I tire of lazing about, the rugged island has lots to explore; La Dimora looks well-placed for a balance of beach-hopping and inland wandering.
Travel Resolution
“I want to learn some simple phrases in the language of wherever I’m visiting. I find myself relying on English being universally spoken and understood, but it’s important (and rewarding) to communicate with local people in their own language. The effort is always appreciated!“
The Rates Experts
Katya
Rates & Distribution Manager
St Lucia, Caribbean
There is so much to see on the small, eastern Caribbean island of St Lucia – volcanos, rainforests, and black-sand beaches are just part of it. I’d like to stay at Cap Maison – a fun and funky resort with great food and stunning views over the water.
Travel Resolution
“Our young son is starting to really enjoy travel and is always asking when our next holiday is. I’m looking forward to a year packed with thrilling adventures, unforgettable road trips, and magical weekend escapes with our little explorer!“
Mariia Maslokh
Rates & Distribution Executive
Croatia
Living by the coast for most of my life, I’ve developed a deep craving for the sea. Now that I’m living abroad, I make it a point to visit the seaside at least once a year to breathe in the salty air. While I love a good beach day, I can’t sit still for too long. That’s why I look for destinations that offer more than just sunbathing—somewhere with culture, historic sights, and plenty of bistros to indulge in the local cuisine. St Joseph’s in Dubrovnik looks perfect!
Travel Resolution
“I really want to get better at planning my sightseeing in advance so I’m not wasting time at the hotel Googling where to go. I want to see more than just the popular Instagram spots and really experience the local culture.“