Here are some more suggestions for destinations for holidays next year.
FOR FAMILIES
You may be thinking that 2025 is the year to try somewhere different for your main family summer holiday. If you feel that you’ve done it, been there in Spain, Greece and Turkey, I’d heartily recommend Sardinia as an alternative. With beautiful beaches around the island, it’s an ideal destination for a summer break in the sun. The North of the island is where you’ll find the jet set resorts of the Costa Smeralda and dramatic shorelines, but the South of the island has fabulous stretches of golden sand, is less crowded than the North and is more family friendly. It’s worth considering a visit here for Whitsun or October Half Term when prices will be lower than peak season and there will be fewer visitors. But even if you have to come in July and August, Sardinia really won’t disappoint.
FOR FOODIES
Thai food may be the most heralded of all the Southeast Asian cuisines, but true connoisseurs would go for Vietnamese food every time. Light, subtle in flavour and hugely varied, dishes are boiled or steamed rather than stir-fried, with an emphasis on herbs and seasoning – no great surprise in this land of diverse climates. Vietnamese food is so much more than bowls of pho noodle soup and banh mi sandwiches. Each region has its own specialties based on local produce and local cooking techniques. And apart from its delicious cuisine, Vietnam has a huge amount to offer the visitor – with fabulous scenery, historic towns and cities and lovely, friendly people. Plus, you can end your trip on any of the wonderful beaches that can be found here. Although weather patterns vary across the different regions, the best time to visit is from November to March.
EXPLORERS
Japan’s distinct culture, futuristic cities and striking natural landscapes make it one of the world’s most rewarding destinations. Add to that the extensive and amazingly efficient rail network, and travelling around the country really is a piece of cake. As well as the well-visited places on Honshu such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji, it’s relatively simple to get off the beaten track to discover ancient monasteries and temples and spectacular landscapes in any of the less-visited islands such as Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu. The Japanese rail pass is excellent value, and you can travel around the country using a combination of iconic shinkansen bullet trains and local services. It just needs a bit of forward-planning so that all the logistics hold water. My 3-week trip to Japan last year was epic – and an amazing experience. It was my second time in Japan, and I liked it as much as on my first visit. Cherry blossom season at the end of March/April is the most expensive time to travel here. My suggestion would be to travel later in May or to visit for the autumn leaves as I did in November.
FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
Australia is a popular destination for solo travellers, thanks to its impressive landscapes, a wide range of adventures and relaxed culture. Australians are a friendly bunch, and you'll find it easy to connect with the locals on your travels. Although it's a continent-sized country, the infrastructure means it's largely easy to travel around. The main challenge is to limit your aspirations so that you're not spending all your time travelling and don't have the time to explore in depth. As a solo traveller myself I found Australia a very comfortable place to be on my own - I had no fears on safety, and of course the fact that everyone speaks English is a big bonus. I flew between cities, hired a car and drove to the Blue Mountains from Sydney and did a few group day tours. There’s definitely no need to feel that you should join a group tour for the duration of your trip.
FOR LUXURY TRAVELLERS
If what’s important to you is to be able to relax in beautiful surroundings in a bells & whistles resort with impeccable service, then there are numerous destinations around the globe where you’ll find what you’re looking for. But if you’ve “done” the Maldives, the Seychelles and the Caribbean and are looking for somewhere new, then you should consider French Polynesia and specifically Bora Bora. Its lagoon resembles an artist's palette of blues and greens. And you’ll discover perfect white-sand beaches and the castle-like Mount Otemanu piercing the sky. And there are a handful of fabulous resorts here which tick all the luxury boxes such as The Four Seasons and the Conrad where you can stay in an Overwater Villa. Granted, it’s not easy to get here – it’s another flight once you’ve reached Tahiti – but I’m confident that you’ll feel the journey’s been worth it. The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season between May and October.
Get in touch to discuss your holiday plans for 2025.
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