Top five destinations for 2025
Rediscover your wanderlust and live your travel dreams in 2025 with a trip to one of these unforgettable locations.
As the year draws to a close and the festive season edges ever closer, it can be tempting to look ahead to the exciting opportunities that await in January and beyond. From taking the path less trodden to exploring familiar favourites, a new year of wish-list experiences is just a click away – and we’re excited to help you find yours!
Our team has been busy tracking the trends, crunching the numbers and listening to your feedback to figure out the very best destinations for 2025 so that you don’t have to. With that in mind, here are our top five places to visit in the new year.
Spain
While the Costa del Sol welcomes droves of tourists year after year, the rest of Spain’s south coast stretches are a great alternative with fewer crowds, impressive cultural highlights and just as much sunshine. Enter Seville, the vibrant home of the Flamenco, which promises unforgettable sights, scents and sounds around its lively tapas bars. Take in the city’s dance culture as you spot impromptu performances in the streets, marvel at the magnificent Renaissance architecture of its most impressive landmarks or perhaps embrace life in the slow lane on one of its golden beaches. Whether you’re after a warm-weather break in the summer or some winter sun later in the year, a holiday to Seville is the perfect choice.
A wish-list moment: Marvel at Seville’s spectacular cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world, and take in the neighbouring Royal Alcazar complex.
Our recommended tour – Seville, Granada & Classic Spain
Albania
Another destination, which is often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours is Albania – but that’s not to say it isn’t just as impressive in its own right! With rich heritage sites outlining the country’s colourful past, from its earliest settlements to its defiant opposition to the Ottoman Empire, history buffs will feel right at home across the country’s lesser-explored Mediterranean vistas. Particularly impressive, though, are Albania’s wildlife-rich natural stretches with unique sights such as the azure ‘Blue Eye’ springs. Recharge between excursions with stays in the country’s delightful city centres for a charming blend of modern comfort and traditional Albanian hospitality. While in the capital, be sure to embrace its creative flair with visits to Tirana’s newly emerging, post-communist art installations.
A wish-list moment: Immerse yourself in the folkloric story of Skanderbeg, one of Albania’s national heroes, with a visit to Krujë Castle, where he successfully staged his rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.
Our recommended tour – Classic Albania – Land of the Eagle
Turkey
Nestled amongst Turkey’s eastern stretches, Cappadocia is a region of magical ‘fairy chimneys’, magnificent subterranean cities and charming rural towns. Whether you’re taking in the region’s spectacular rock features on the road – or perhaps from the skies aboard one of its popular hot air balloons – unforgettable sights await with a break to this Anatolian gem. With unobstructed views and famously clear skies, the region is also a must-see for stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike, making it one of our favourite choices for a Turkish holiday with a difference.
A wish-list moment: Delve beneath the surface of Cappadocia’s rugged natural landscapes and explore the winding tunnels and magnificent rock-carved chambers of Kaymakli Underground City.
Our recommended tour – Istanbul & Cappadocia – Turkey’s Historic Gems
Japan
Known for its timeless traditions, unique architectural styles and hyper-modern metropolises, Japan is a nation of rich contrasts and is quickly becoming one of our favourite travel destinations. Whether you’d prefer to embrace the country’s serene natural stretches or take part in a tasting tour of Osaka’s favourite street foods, Japan promises enthralling wish-list experiences in abundance. For those who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to East Asia after a week’s exploration, ferry crossings to glorious South Korea offer a whole host of unforgettable sights.
A wish-list moment: Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the historic downtown district of Tokyo as an expert guide leads you through the intricate rituals of preparing and savouring matcha tea.
Our recommended tour - Japan Unveiled
Botswana
Sustainability has always been at the front of our minds when putting together our tour packages, and that’s especially true of our safari offerings – as you take in the world’s finest natural landscapes, it’s hard not to think this way! With that in mind, few countries embody sustainable tourism quite like Botswana. With a clear focus on conservation to help preserve its impressive local wildlife for future generations and numerous opportunities to engage with local communities, the country is one of the most responsible travel destinations in the world.
A wish-list moment: Glide across the calm waters of the Chobe River as the sun goes down and marvel as its banks come alive with native game, from wallowing hippos to herds of elephants.
Our recommended tour - Ultimate Safari – Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe
Discover the world with Newmarket Holidays in 2025
The best part about this list – besides allowing us to fanaticise about our own travel plans – is that it barely scratches the surface. Whether you’d prefer to stay within reach of your home comforts or are ready to dive into a world a discovery further afield, there are a whole host of exciting new experiences to discover no matter where you look. Give one of our friendly holiday planners a call, or visit our website, to get the ball rolling on your next dream getaway.
