Travel Journal

Tips & Trends

What’s trending for 2025?

As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the year that we celebrated our 25th birthday!

 

A lot of our clients returned to Europe, especially in September and October for the Americas Cup in Barcelona, so Spain & Portugal proved especially popular, but so were the Scandinavian countries.

Interest in Vietnam, Bali & Japan was high, reflecting a notable surge in popularity in ‘value for money’ destinations within Asia. The biggest winners though were the 5 ‘Stans’, with unprecedented numbers keen to explore these countries on the fabled “Silk Road”. We’re expecting these same destinations to be just as popular in 2025.

We’ve also been sifting the travelling tea leaves to see which other destinations are likely to be attracting the most interest in 2025. Perennial favourites in Western Europe, North America, South & East Africa, Vietnam & the Pacific Islands are always popular, but we often joke that a dinner party or barbeque is held somewhere in Canterbury every December where it’s decided where everyone is going to travel to the following year, so from what we’ve gleaned so far, and in no particular order, here’s our top 15 ‘hot’ list of resurgent or emerging destinations.

  1. Sri Lanka
    Sunny palm-tree beaches and steamy jungles to freshly brewed tea and spicy curries, it offers great value for money for private touring.
  2. Malta
    3 tiny islands with a beguiling mash-up of Arabic and European languages, architecture, cuisine and traditions.
  3. China
    Now visa free for Kiwis for the first time! Remarkable landscapes, impressive modern architecture and a cuisine that’ll surprise and delight.
  4. India
    An immersive experience like no other in the ultimate land of contrasts. Southern India combines beautifully with Sri Lanka!
  5. Philippines
    Often celebrated as a backpacker haven, incredible nature, jungles, people and culture make this an incredible destination for everyone.
  6. Morocco
    An adventure with beach, desert and mountains all in one and sunshine in the European winter.
  7. Albania
    For those who’ve ‘done’ Croatia, Albania has one of the least known and most beautiful coastlines in all of Europe.
  8. Mexico
    Colourful festivals, palm-fringed beaches, buzzing metropolitan cities and great food!
  9. South Korea
    For those who’ve ‘done’ Japan; incredible street food and a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and neon cities in Asia’s trendiest country and it’s a direct flight from NZ.
  10. Peru
    We’re picking that 2025 will be the year South America makes its comeback, and it’ll start with Peru, which is so much more than Machu Picchu.
  11. Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
    Ancient monasteries, medieval history and Soviet influence but also some very futuristic architecture.
  12. The Maldives
    Not just for honeymooners – a diverse archipelago with abundant marine life and traditions that run deeper than its amazing waters.
  13. Greenland
    Last month opened a new international airport in Nuuk with flights to North America and Europe. “Winter wonderland” on a whole new level.
  14. Hokkaido, Japan
    Known for its snow and ski scene, but actually a year-round treat for active travellers. Think you’ve ‘done’ Japan? Think again!
  15. Turkey
    An old favourite making a comeback, with ancient Greek ruins, Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches, Turkey is impossible to characterise.

Where will you travel to in 2025? Contact your favourite Discover Travel consultant now and let’s find out!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy (travel-filled!) New Year.

The Discover Travel Team

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