There are so many places in the world to discover that it can be difficult to choose your next destination. In this blog, I have chosen my top 10 holiday destinations for 2025 which will hopefully help you with your decision.
1. Bora Bora
Where is Bora Bora you may ask? Well, it is in French Polynesia in the south-central Pacific Ocean. It is a tiny island, just 6 miles (9.65 km) long and 2 miles (3.21 km) wide, but this is irrelevant. Bora Bora is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, flourishing jungles, and resplendent resorts. It isn’t cheap to go there, but it is well worth every penny.
At the centre of the island rises a dormant volcano, Mount Otemanu, which beckons hikers seeking a challenge. At the base of the volcano lies the tropical jungle, which leads to a welcoming blue-green lagoon where you can cool off after enjoying the hike.
The main industry on the island is tourism, and you will find the locals very friendly. Take an off-road trip to explore the island, enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving amongst the coral reefs, or explore the shops and markets in the main port, Vaitape.
Enjoy world-class service at the St Regis Bora Bora resort, which has a restaurant suspended over the crystal-clear waters. It offers a fusion of Asian and French cuisine and an unforgettable view of Mount Otemanu. The sunset is perfect from here, so be sure not to miss it.
2. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu in Peru is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has to be seen to be believed. It was built in the 15th century by the Inca civilization and embraces a mix of agricultural, residential, and religious buildings, most of have been well-preserved.
It is said that Machu Picchu will change your outlook on life, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted as it is a challenging 4-day hike along the Inca Trail to get there. You climb to a height of about 8,000 feet (2,438 metres), so you do need to be fit and healthy. As long as you are, it is well worth the climb, especially as it is arranged so that you arrive at sunrise. However, don’t be put off if you don’t think you can make the hike. There is a train which goes to the base of the mountain from where the route to the top is easier.
One of the best hotels in the area is Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel, which has spectacular views of the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
3. Tokyo
If you are looking for an energetic and animated city, you won’t go far wrong choosing Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. The streets are bustling both day and night, and you cannot help but be caught up in the city’s energy. It is a haven for foodies with sushi and ramen on offer and more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other capital city. If you like to shop ’til you drop, you will be in heaven in Tokyo with its plethora of designer stores.
Tokyo is home to the Tokyo Skytree, which is the world’s tallest tower at 2080 feet (634 metres). Get the lift to the top for panoramic views of the city and sometimes, if it is clear, Mount Fuji.
For a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit Shinjuku Gyoen, a 144-acre natural garden in the centre of Tokyo, which is filled with Japanese gardens, trees, and unusual plants. If you are lucky enough to be there in the spring, you will see over 900 cherry trees in blossom, an amazing sight.
There are also plenty of temples and shrines to visit in Tokyo. Be sure to go to Senso-ji, the most visited temple in the country. It houses a spectacular five-storey pagoda.
4. Maui
Maui is a tropical paradise and, although it is not the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, it is one of the most beautiful. There is plenty to keep you occupied if you don’t want to spend all your days lounging on the beach. Enjoy the excitement of a zip-line, snorkel with sea turtles, or visit Haleakala National Park, which is where you will find one of the largest dormant volcanoes in the world. The sunrises from here are to die for.
If you are looking for thrills and spills, take the road to Hana, which has more than 600 hairpin bends. It certainly isn’t for the fainthearted driver! It takes you to the remotest corner of Maui, passing by red and black volcanic sands and waterfalls.
Try to get to Maui between December and April, as then you will be able to see over 12,000 humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed. It is one of the largest migrations in the world and is an amazing sight.
Finally, immerse yourself in local culture by attending a traditional luau, a Hawaiian party and feast serving delicacies such as kalua pig.
5. Maldives
The Maldives is another tropical paradise, which is situated in the Indian Ocean, 600 miles (965.6 km) southwest of Sri Lanka. It is made up of over 1,100 islands, but only 200 are inhabited.
Here you can kick back and take it easy. It is a great place for honeymooners who are looking for a romantic location as well as those looking for a bit of adventure. You can take both scuba diving and snorkelling excursions to discover the secrets of the sea. There are also wellness retreats which promise the visitor happiness and wellbeing through holistic treatments and mindful exercises such as yoga.
The islands offer white sandy beaches, an aquamarine ocean, and even underwater hotels. The sunsets are particularly spectacular, so make sure that you don’t miss them.
6. Tanzania
Tanzania in East Africa is one of the best safari destinations in the world. It is more expensive than Kenya, but it isn’t as crowded, so you get a real feel for the bush.
There are 22 national parks to explore, including the famous Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcano crater which you can visit in a four-wheel drive. You have a good chance of seeing the ‘Big Five’ in Tanzania: elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, and lions, as well as many other species of wildlife.
The excitement doesn’t stop with taking a safari on land. You can see the Serengeti from a hot air balloon as well. If you are an accomplished hiker, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. It takes approximately 5 days to conquer the peak.
Finally, if you want to relax at the end of a busy trip, head to one of the nearby islands, such as Zanzibar, with its white sandy beaches.
7. South Island, New Zealand
South Island, New Zealand, covers 58,084 sq. miles (150,436 sq. km) and is the southernmost part of Australasia. It is bigger than the North Island but has a smaller population. You will find dramatic landscapes with not a soul in sight, majestic mountains, and beautiful fjords. Hike in the Fiordland National Park, visit the glaciers, Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier on the west coast, and explore Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries on the island. South Island is also a favourite destination with bungee jumpers, and you can even swim with wild dolphins in Kaikoura or Akaroa.
If you want a more relaxing time, head to one of the many wine regions and sample a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir with beautiful views. New Zealand produces some of the best wines in the world.
8. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the most spectacular parks in the USA. The landscape is breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes and rivers. In the summer, you can enjoy white water rafting on Flathead River and swimming in Lake McDonald, while the winter brings the snow and opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.
If you are looking for a relaxing trip, you can drive around the park and just enjoy the scenery. Take the Going-To-The-Sun Road which is 50 miles (80.5 km) long and is a National Historic Landmark. It offers spectacular views for the whole journey. However, if you are feeling more energetic, there are 700 miles (102.65 km) of hiking trails ranging from the easy to the challenging. The Grinnell Glacier trail offers fantastic views but is not for the faint of heart. If you want to stay the night in the park, there are 13 designated camping areas.
9. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a hidden gem in Central America. It is a small country, but filled with exciting and varied scenery, including volcanic mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning beaches, meaning that everybody is catered for. If you want a relaxing time, head to the shore, but if you want a rush of adrenaline, zipline in the rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park or swim next to one of the many waterfalls in the country. Hike around the base of Arenal Volcano or explore Tortuguero National Park. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you may be rewarded by sightings of river turtles, monkeys, sloths, and if you are really lucky, a jaguar.
10. Barcelona
Barcelona in Spain is fast becoming popular so visit in the winter if you can, when you can explore the city at leisure. It is a beautiful old city with Medieval architecture and a stunning old town, which is made up of narrow streets and alleyways dating back hundreds of years. Now, however, they are full of cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Barcelona was the home of the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi and here you can see much of his work, such as Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and the famous La Sagrada Familia, which is a Catholic Church, the largest unfinished church in the world. They are all built in the Catalan Art Nouveau style. For a relaxing afternoon, visit Parc Guell which was also designed by Gaudi.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading about my top 10 destinations for 2025 and that it has inspired you to visit one or more of them.
