Where will you go in 2025? We’ve tallied up the most booked destinations (so far) to reveal next year’s hottest spots. From slow-it-down island time in the Seychelles to safari wonders in Tanzania, here’s what’s trending with our travellers.
Roundup: The Top 20
- 20. The UAE
- 19. Australia
- 18. Seychelles
- 17. Tanzania
- 16. Italy
- 15. USA
- 14. Greece
- 13. St Lucia
- 12. Barbados
- 11. Kenya
- 10. India
- 9. South Africa
- 8. Malaysia
- 7. Antigua
- 6. Vietnam
- 5. Indonesia
- 4. Sri Lanka
- 3. Mauritius
- 2. Thailand
- 1. Maldives
20. The UAE: winter Sun and Desert Escapes
The UAE is a magnet for winter sun seekers and serves as a smart stopover for journeys to further-flung destinations. While glitzy Dubai takes centre stage, the quieter emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is gaining momentum for its off-grid desert experiences and luxe beachfront resorts.
Make it your holiday: Stay under the stars at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert then retreat to the beachfront Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort.
“Ras Al Khaimah offers a quieter, more immersive side of the UAE – it’s all about luxury with a laid-back twist.” – Tracy Martin, Senior Product Executive
19. Australia: go west
2025 is shaping up to be the year of the big adventure and travellers are setting their sights on Down Under. Fly non-stop to Perth on Qantas and explore Western Australia’s breathtaking southwest – vast beaches, towering forests and boutique wineries – before heading east to big-hitters like Sydney, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.
Make it your holiday: Rev up for Australia’s Classic Southwest Self-drive – expect forest hikes, dolphin-spotting and sensational sips of wine.
18. Seychelles: slow it down
As more travellers opt for unhurried, go-with-the-flow getaways, the Seychelles is setting the bar for laid-back luxury at its best. On Mahé, hike the trails of Morne Seychellois National Park and sip cocktails on the shores of Beau Vallon. Over on Silhouette Island, quiet coves set the scene for uninterrupted relaxation.
Make it your holiday: Combine Mahé’s laid-back island charm with Silhouette’s secluded beauty.
17. Tanzania: nature’s greatest show
Tanzania is our third most in-demand safari destination. Few natural events compare to the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacle that beckons travellers year after year. There’s more wildlife drama beyond the famed Serengeti – see huge herds of elephants roaming Tarangire’s baobab-dotted plains and track elusive black rhinos deep in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Make it your holiday: Follow the thunder of hooves on our Tanzania Great Migration safari then unwind on Zanzibar’s pearly-white beaches.
16. Italy: always in the spotlight
Europe’s ‘boot’ is a real-life Insta highlight reel, whether you’re strolling through history in the posterchild cities, basking on Sardinia’s beaches or road trippin’ through Tuscany’s cypress-lined hills. While Lake Garda and Sorrento remain traveller favourites, lesser-known locales like Ischia and the Aeolian Islands are climbing the must-visit list.
Make it your holiday: Pair a lively stay in Sorrento with soothing spa days on Ischia for a dream Italian duo.
15. USA: the road trip renaissance
Nothing beats hitting the open road, and the USA is the place to do it. Our enhanced Florida collection, including theme park, beach, city and road trip holidays, is pulling families and couples to holidays in the Sunshine State. California is steering its way to the top of must-do drives in 2025; two standout routes are our California National Parks and California’s Winelands road trips.
Make it your holiday: Treat the kids to a trip they’ll never forget with a family holiday to Orlando. There's endless family friendly entertainment and in 2025, Universal Orlando’s shiny new theme park is set to be, well, Epic!
“California is a road trip jackpot – killer views, unexpected surprises around every turn and great food and drink everywhere you go. Plus, there's nowhere better to rent a convertible – the must-have road trip accessory.” – Tom Waite, Regional Product Manager
14. Greece: Europe’s number one
Greece still takes the crown as our top European destination. Upscale all-inclusive sanctuaries like Sani Dunes have become family favourites, which is why we’re expanding our line-up with even more Sani Resorts in Halkidiki. Go island-hopping in the Sporades, stand in awe of the acropolis in Athens or check into a relaxing Rhodes retreat – these are exactly the kind of trips being planned for 2025.
Make it your holiday: Start with a hit of culture in Athens then head to Santorini for caldera sunsets and clifftop dining.
13. St Lucia: beauty with a wild side
St Lucia’s appeal goes beyond its jaw-dropping Pitons and romantic resorts – though those certainly help. Those pursuing wellness can soak in volcanic mud baths or practice sunrise yoga, while chocolate lovers will love crafting their own bars at a cocoa plantation. Don't miss a trip into Sulphur Springs Park for a tour of the world’s only drive-in volcano.
Make it your holiday: Start by the beach at Secrets St.Lucia Resort & Spa, then end on a sweet note at Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat.
12. Barbados: classic Caribbean cool
Barbados is catching attention this year, jumping eight spots since our 2024 review. Some come for a taste of the celeb lifestyle (hello, Sandy Lane), but that’s just one side of the story. Boutique adults-only boltholes, family-friendly resorts and home-from-home hideaways like Rockley by Ocean Hotels – ideal for independent explorers – mean there’s something for every type of traveller.
Make it your holiday: Indulge in all-inclusive luxury with a wellness twist at Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels, where up to four complimentary spa treatments are included.
11. Kenya: from bush to beach
Kenya is where safaris began, and it’s still a trailblazer. Coming face-to-face with the Big Five in the Maasai Mara or floating over the savannah in a hot air balloon never loses its magic. More visitors are rounding off their safari with a tranquil beach stay along Kenya’s coast; Malindi and Watamu have emerged as the go-to Swahili-style hideaways for a serene post-safari getaway.
Make it your holiday: On our Kenya Beach and Bush itinerary, stay in a Maasai Mara tented camp once reserved for colonial governors then swap to the soft sands of Malindi, Kenya’s ‘Little Italy’.
10. India: offbeat exploration
Travellers are craving immersive holidays that take them out of their comfort zones, and India’s endless variety delivers every time. While first-timers flock to The Golden Triangle, return visitors are uncovering India’s lesser-known treasures like Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama, and Chennai, the vibrant gateway to the South.
Make it your holiday: On our Tale of Two cities and Andaman Islands, explore vibrant Kolkata and Chennai, before relaxing on the untouched shores of Havelock Island.
“In India, it’s the human connections – the smiling faces, fascinating stories and heartfelt hospitality – that linger with you long after the trip ends.” – Dagmar Marrocco, Senior Regional Product Manager
9. South Africa: more bang for your buck
The pound still holds strong against the rand, making it a great time to explore South Africa to the fullest. Drive the scenic Garden Route, sip your way through the Winelands and explore cosmopolitan Cape Town, alongside the thrill of tracking wildlife in iconic safari heartlands. Our family itineraries are landing a big thumbs-up for an escape that ticks all the boxes.
Make it your holiday: On our South Africa Family Safari, kids’ can learn about Nelson Mandela’s unyielding fight for freedom and bring The Lion King to life in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.
8. Malaysia: mix it up in Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, more travellers are adding mini adventures for a taste of something different. Malaysia is a standout destination; we offer a three-day Cameron Highlands escape, a refreshing tea-themed pause between a city break in Kuala Lumpur and downtime on Langkawi or Penang’s beaches. For a wilder edge, our Borneo Rainforest Experience takes you deep into the Danum Valley where you can encounter rare and remarkable wildlife from a rustic jungle lodge.
Make it your holiday: Our Highlights of Kuala Lumpur & Borneo itinerary includes an off-radar rainforest experience for the chance to see pygmy elephants, red leaf monkeys and orangutans in the wild.
7. Antigua: sun, sea and easy living
Rising 10 places, Antigua is landing just right for travellers wanting sun, sand and the chance to switch off. With 365 beaches – yes, one for every day of the year – the hardest decision is which one to choose. For those who venture out, there’s sailing, snorkelling and fun-filled nights on Shirley Heights.
Make it your holiday: Soak up the sun in boutique style at Keyonna Beach Resort, a peaceful Caribbean nook perched on one of the island’s best beaches.
6. Vietnam: experience everything, miss nothing
With more travellers embracing multi-stop getaways in 2025, Vietnam’s dynamic cities, soul-stirring landscapes and tranquil shores are hard to beat. Snake north to south (or vice versa), zipping around Hanoi’s buzzing streets on a Vespa, wandering the glowing streets of Hoi An and ending with time out on the soft sands of Mui Ne.
Make it your holiday: Our Best of Vietnam itinerary takes you on a 9-night journey through Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
5. Indonesia: unplug and play
In a world that never stops scrolling, wellness escapes are skyrocketing and Bali is clearly leading the charge. Known as Asia’s spa capital, it’s also a favourite for honeymooners looking to celebrate in style after a summer wedding. Think sunsets over tiered temples, floating breakfasts in jungle-fringed private pool villas and healing Balinese massages on tap.
Make it your holiday: Pair up a duo of private pool villas on our Seminyak and Ubud twin-centre.
“Car-free and surrounded by coral reefs, the Gili Islands are a fantastic add-on to a Bali holiday, offering incredible snorkelling and a slower pace.” – Samuel Sullivan, Far East Specialist, Expert Hub
4. Sri Lanka: back on the map
Staying steady in our top 5, Sri Lanka continues to bounce back and is drawing adventurous families as well as and couples looking for wildlife safaris, beaches and cultural discoveries. On an independent chauffeur-guided tour, you’ll travel through elephant-filled national parks, misty tea plantations and ancient cities, resting your head in one-of-a-kind hotels along the way.
Make it your holiday: Our Boutique Sri Lanka suggested itinerary is designed for romance with enchanting resorts and exhilarating experiences.
3. Mauritius: easy days, happy stays
Mauritius is a tropical all-rounder and offers some of the best value in the Indian Ocean. Its pristine beaches and safe, welcoming resorts make it ideal for families ready to venture beyond Europe’s shores. For couples, it has romance and adventure in equal measure – one moment you’re sipping cocktails by the pool, the next you’re trekking to waterfalls or sampling bold Creole street food.
Make it your holiday: New to Kuoni for 2025, bijou Tropical Attitude has cosy private pool villas, Creole flavours and a ‘live like a local’ vibe.
2. Thailand: explore more for less
Thailand holds strong at number two, and it’s no surprise. The Land of Smiles has everything for an enriching, unforgettable holiday – cultural depth, wellness havens, incredible food and unbeatable value. While tailored itineraries like our wellness and positive-impact trips are a hit, classic combos never go out of style.
Make it your holiday: Bangkok and Phuket continue to reign as the powerhouse couple for city buzz and seaside bliss.
1. Maldives: the castaway island icon
Nowhere tops the Maldives for island escapism. Private overwater villas, world-class diving and beaches so flawless they could be straight out of a screensaver – it’s speaks for itself why this paradise is our number one again for 2025.
Make it your holiday: Kuramathi Maldives offers a feast for foodies, with nine à la carte options ranging from fresh seafood grills to exquisite French cuisine at the new La Belle Vie.
“The Maldives isn’t just for once-in-a-lifetime trips – there are islands that offer incredible value, especially in the low season, making this bucket list destination more achievable than you might think.” – Claire Bodie, Social Media Executive
Inspired?
Ready to plan your next adventure? Download our brochures or chat with our travel experts to make 2025 your best holiday yet.
This feature was created on 18th December 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.
_w=24_h=25.png?v=9bf2f4534d39fa63e6d9141766d6cd930099b30f)
_w=24_h=25.png?v=9bf2f4534d39fa63e6d9141766d6cd930099b30f)
_w=24_h=25.png?v=9bf2f4534d39fa63e6d9141766d6cd930099b30f)
