It’s never too early to start planning your next trip. Accommodation in tourist hotspots can fill up months in advance, and flight prices rise over time. Save money and stress by planning travel for next year as early as possible. From newly-built airports to newly-named UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one-off events, here’s a guide to 15 unmissable travel destinations for 2025.
The 15 Best Holiday Destinations for 2025
1. Greenland
As one of the most sparsely populated areas of the planet, travelling to Greenland has previously presented something of a challenge for international visitors. This is set to change in 2025, with the introduction of the island's first-ever commercial transatlantic. These new routes are possible due to the recent overhaul of Greenland's largest airport, Nuuk, signifying a major investment in tourism over 2025. New runways will allow Nuuk to welcome more and longer international flights, while two new airports in the southern regions of Ilulissat and Qaqortoq are set to open between 2025 and 2026. For the first time, visitors can cross the entirety of the island in under two hours and discover the provinces of South Greenland. As an autonomous territory of Denmark, EU visitors can even travel to the island without a visa.
2. Georgia
The Eurasian nation of Georgia is another fascinating travel destination with a recent airport overhaul. The nation's capital, Tbilisi, and the Black Sea resort of Batumi have long been tourist mainstays. Now, the renovation of Kutaisi airport has made the inland city an attractive destination for a new generation of visitors. Passengers can fly directly to Western Georgia from several new cities, making it more accessible than ever. As well as the Orthodox, Neoclassical and Soviet architecture of Kutaisi itself, the surrounding mountains and Black Sea coastline make it a year-round vacation option.
3. Bologna, Italy
El Grasso ('the Fat One') is the local nickname for the walled city of Bologna. Once there, it's easy to understand why. The central Italian university town is renowned for the quality and decadence of its food. As well as the ubiquitous ragù alla bolognese, the region is known as the birthplace of the mortadella sandwich and the Piadina flatbread. In short, it's a foodie's dream destination. The rich local cuisine makes it one of the best places in Italy to visit during the winter off-season, while the number of listed buildings (including the oldest university in the world) and renaissance-era covered walkways make Bologna a top travel destination even in cold weather. Whenever you travel, it's a good idea to download an eSIM for Italy to access low-cost mobile internet while there.
4. Osaka, Japan
2024 saw an increase in international visitors to Japan as the Yen slumped against foreign currencies, making a previously unaffordable trip to Japan a viable option for many. While the Japanese economy has recovered slightly, 2025 is still set to be a great-value year for international visitors to Japan. By searching around for low-price flights and using a Japan eSIM during their trip, visitors can save even more money. Travellers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience should consider heading to the port city of Osaka in 2025 when it hosts the World Expo. From April to October 2025, the bustling city will welcome an array of art installations, temporary architecture, cultural exchanges and events organized by dozens of countries around the globe. Of course, there’s more to Osaka than the Expo. Japan’s third-largest city is one of the safest in the world and one of the best places to discover traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. As a major port, Osaka is known within Japan for its excellent seafood, laid-back lifestyle and friendly atmosphere.
Related: The best places to visit in Japan
5. Iceland
For a nation of fewer than 400,000 inhabitants, Iceland has a wealth of world-famous tourist sites: the island's hot springs, wild ponies and glacier-covered steppes have made it one if Europe's best travel destinations. One of Iceland's most famous attractions, though, is in the skies above: the Northern Lights. In February 2025, Iceland's capital Reykjavík will capitalize on its reputation as one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis by hosting the Winter Lights Festival - a citywide art installation where buildings and streets will be illuminated by hundreds of large-scale lighting installations to mirror the Northern Lights above.
6. The Hebrides, Scotland
Like Iceland and Greenland, Scotland’s Hebridean Islands provide a spectacular viewing point for the Northern Lights. Visiting the Hebrides in January or December 2025 will provide the best opportunities to see the lights, as the northerly regions experience 17 hours of darkness a day. Going to the Hebrides in springtime and early summer offers the best opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting, including scaling natural wonders like the Old Man of Storr or the Fairy Pools of Skye. Travellers to the Highlands and Islands in 2025 should try to skip midge season – these tiny, bloodsucking insects come out in droves during late summer and are best avoided entirely.
7. Sarawak, Malaysia
2024 saw the announcement of 24 new UNESCO World Heritage sites – as well as renewed international attention and legal protection, UNESCO recognition provides financial assistance, ensuring the sites remain accessible, sustainable and protected. One of the most spectacular new initiates is the caves system of Niah National Park, Malaysia, including 40,000-year-old traces of humanity. As a recent addition the the list of World Heritage Sites, visitor numbers to Niah are expected to rise in the coming years. Visiting in 2025 presents an unprecedented chance to see Sarawak's prehistoric cave paintings up close before the predicted spike in visitor numbers. Contrasting with the human legacy of Niah, the neighboring national Park and fellow World Heritage Site of Gunung Mulu is known for its otherworldy rock formations and wild orang-utan population.
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8. Oaxaca, Mexico
While digital nomads have initiated a sharp rise in accommodation prices in Mexico City, the southern city of Oaxaca offers a more laid-back alternative.The surrounding state (also called Oaxaca) is one of the finest places to discover Mexico's natural and man-made attractions. From the colourful city of Oaxaca itself to the Pacific coastline, rainforests and mountain ranges, Oaxaca offers a lifetime of potential travel experiences.
9. Vienna, Austria
In 2024, the Austrian capital topped the Economist's rankings of the world’s most liveable cities. This status could continue into 2025: Vienna’s unique mixture of baroque architecture, world-class cuisine and youthful, progressive outlook (for now) make it an attractive prospect for visitors and residents alike.
10. Karnataka, India
With the opening of Bangalore Airport’s second terminal in 2024, it’s never been easier for international visitors to reach the Southern Indian state of Karnataka. While Delhi and Mumbai receive the bulk of India's international arrivals (Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport processed 74 million passengers last year) the new routes to Bangalore offer international visitors the opportunity to discover the less-visited but equally scenic state of Karnataka. As one of India’s most geographically diverse regions, there are countless potential holiday ideas in Karnataka: from the Gorkana's beaches to the palaces of Mysore and Hampi. Further inland, Karnataka's hill stations offer cooler weather and countless opportunities for hiking and cross-country rail travel along some of India's most scenic routes. Travel with an eSIM for India to stay connected throughout Karnataka and beyond.
11. Saxony, Germany
Every year, the European Capital of Culture initiative shines a light on some of the continent's smaller cities that nevertheless hold areas of architectural, historic or cultural importance. In 2025, the East German city of Chemnitz and its surroundings have claimed the title. As well as showcasing Chemnitz's 18th-century Palaces, medieval Old Town and vast landscaped park, the city will host a regular timetable of free public events to mark the occasion. Chemnitz’s province, Saxony, is also home to Sächsische Schweiz National Park and the Baroque city of Dresden, two of Germany’s most notable visitor attractions. Visiting during summer is the best time to go hiking and swimming in the hundreds of lakes scattered throughout, while a Germany eSIM will make the journey easier and save money.
12. Mombasa, Kenya
Equally celebrated for its 18th-century townhouses as it is for its beaches and waterfront, Kenya’s second-largest city contains a charming mixture of bustling port life and palm-lined beaches. The hillside city offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, and is the perfect entry point to Kenyan culture and cuisine. From Mombasa, the turquoise waters and secluded bays of Kenya’s eastern beach towns are easily reachable by car. The waterfront communities of Watamu, Diani and Malindi are less than a day’s travel from central Mombasa. Another nearby site that demands a visit is the abandoned city of Gedi. This walled town and former trading hub was recently elevated to the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning visitor numbers are only set to rise throughout 2025 and beyond.
13. Cuba
Early 2025 sees the return of the Havana Biennale - the international Art Fair and exhibition centred on Caribbean and Latin American artists. It's a good excuse as any to visit one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world. Due to its tropical latitude and year-round sunshine, there’s never really a bad time to visit Cuba – but booking a trip in February will mean arriving in time for the Biennale. It may even yield low-cost flight tickets as airlines slash their prices during the January-March off-season.
14. Victoria, Australia
Due to its capital city, Melbourne, large port and international airport, the Southwest Australian State of Victoria is one of the most accessible regions of the country for international tourists. Melbourne is a popular visitor destination at any time of year – but start planning your trip soon if you’re looking to visit the city during the Fringe. From the 1st to the 20th of October 2025, the city will transform as venues large and small host comedy shows, live music and independent theatre productions. October is also one of the best times of year to visit Melbourne, when the temperature is warm enough to swim but avoid the heights of midsummer. Make travel there in 2025 even easier with an Australia eSIM.
15. Vilnius, Lithuania
Lithuania’s capital topped the list of the UK Royal Mail's 2024 Holiday Money Report – a detailed survey of world’s best low-cost travel destinations. Prices in the city have remained stable throughout the year, making it one of the best value destinations for 2025 too. Visit during spring or summer to explore the city's preserved medieval Old Town as well as the nearby Baltic coastline.
Related: The Best Cheap Places to Travel
Travel Tips for 2025
1. Take advantage of airline sales
For seasoned flyers, there are two essential windows of time every year: Black Friday weekend and the January Sales. During these two periods, airlines across the world slash prices on long and short-haul fares to fill seats up during less busy times of the year. If you're flexible on both destination and date, shopping for flights during these windows of time can unearth cut-rate tickets and make previously unfeasible dream holidays a reality.
In recent years, airlines, hotels and travel agents have begun to announce further deals on 'Travel Tuesday' - the day after Cyber Monday. This year, Travel Tuesday falls on the 3rd of December, so shopping for holidays then is one of the best ways to ensure low-cost travel in 2025.
2. Use a travel eSIM
After the essentials of transport, accommodation and food, one of the largest holiday expenses can be connectivity (including using mobile internet abroad). In 2025, this no longer has to be an issue. Download a travel eSIM before leaving and get online with your regular phone all over the world, without paying roaming fees. A travel eSIM lets users access mobile internet on their travels for everything from translating to navigation and sharing pictures with friends and family, without paying roaming fees.
