Make this the year your travel dreams become a reality
If you’re keen to travel and see more of the world, then why not let 2025 be the year you make it happen! Whether you want to take to the slopes, enjoy more city breaks, or finally embark on that long-haul flight to a far away destination, let our travel experts be your guide.
Setting goals and careful planning is the key to turning your holiday dreams into a reality over the coming year ahead. Here’s how:
There’s no need to wait for a lottery win before booking your dream holiday! Although people think they need to have saved a lot of money before they can even think about going abroad, there are always deals to be done if you know where to look. Airlines and travel agencies often run offers and flash sales throughout the year. And if you sign up to our newsletter, you can be the first to hear about discounts at the airport!
Booking in advance is usually the best way to guarantee the cheapest available prices. Make a list of everything you’ll need for your holiday because that goes for everything from your flights and accommodation to car hire. Even your airport parking will be significantly cheaper when you book in advance instead of waiting until the last minute.
With a bit of careful research and planning, holidays can be organised to suit any budget. But keeping an eye on the latest travel trends will help you see which destinations are having a moment in the spotlight - which means that airlines and accommodation will be offering deals.
To give you a little travel inspiration, our industry experts have hand-picked these destinations as ‘must visits’ for 2025:
Belgium’s lively capital effortlessly blends historic charm with modern flair. At its heart lies the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ornate guildhalls and the iconic Town Hall, it’s a must-see spot for festivals and evening strolls. Food lovers will revel in the city’s iconic treats, from world-class chocolates and crispy frites to indulgent waffles paired with a refreshing Belgian beer. Art and culture thrive here too, with highlights like the Magritte Museum and the retro-futuristic Atomium, offering sweeping city views.
Quirky landmarks like the Manneken Pis and colorful street art in the Marolles district add playful touches to your visit. Whether savoring coffee in Ixelles or exploring hidden gems, Brussels’ vibrant energy makes it a must-visit destination for 2025.
Known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, Iceland is unlike anywhere else on the planet. This is a place of almost continually erupting volcanoes, geothermal hot springs billowing with white smoke, whales dancing in the deep fjords and shimmering white glaciers. It’s not hard to see why Iceland regularly hits the headlines and regularly tops people’s bucket lists.
East of Reykjavik you’ll find the Golden Circle, a roughly 185-mile-long loop that’s famous for its unforgettable sights. Highlights include Gullfoss, a spectacular waterfall and frothing canyon; and the bubbling landscape of Geysir, where the water erupts more than 100 times per day. Of course, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a northern lights tour, and Iceland’s latitude and lack of light pollution make it one of the best places in the world to witness this phenomenon.
Where imperial grandeur and vibrant culture create an unforgettable experience, Vienna is known for its opulent palaces, like the iconic Schönbrunn and the stunning Belvedere, steeped in history at every turn. Stroll along the Ringstrasse, a boulevard encircling the city’s historic core, to admire architectural gems like the State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The city’s love for art shines in world-class museums, from the Albertina to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, while the MuseumsQuartier buzzes with modern creativity.
Sip a melange (a specialty coffee drink similar to a cappuccino) at a classic coffee house or sample fine Austrian wines in trendy spots around Neubau. From the elegance of a Viennese waltz to the contemporary flair of local design, Vienna promises timeless charm with a modern twist.
Famed for its powdery white sands, sparkling turquoise waters and sun-drenched climate, laid-back Barbados has long been a hotspot for those wanting sun, sea and sand. Head to the ‘Platinum Coast’ on the west of the island for luxury resorts and a glamorous dusk-to-dawn nightlife.
Barbados has plenty to offer adventure-seekers too – surfing, swimming with turtles, or exploring the island in a 4x4 safari tour. The island’s most popular November-March, which is why you get the best flight deals at the start of the year – but book fast, as this island is in demand.
Canada’s dynamic metropolis, Toronto is a city of diverse neighbourhoods, stunning skylines, and cultural vibrancy. Known for its iconic CN Tower, offering panoramic views from its glass floor and revolving restaurant, Toronto’s downtown hums with energy. Explore the eclectic Kensington Market or take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront, where the Toronto Islands offer a serene escape just minutes from the city. Art lovers will enjoy the Art Gallery of Ontario, while history buffs can dive into the past at the Royal Ontario Museum.
Food and culture are the heart of Toronto’s global culinary scene: from authentic dim sum in Chinatown to Italian trattorias in Little Italy, every meal is another mini journey. Make sure to a show in the Entertainment District or why not cheer them on at a game at Scotiabank Arena.
Well known for its striking Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, Casablanca is dazzling with intricate Moroccan craftsmanship and breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. A stroll along the Corniche reveals a lively waterfront with chic cafés, bustling beaches, and vibrant nightlife, reflecting the city’s contemporary energy.
As a gateway to Morocco, Casablanca offers a unique cultural tapestry. The Art Deco architecture of downtown contrasts with the colorful souks and traditional neighborhoods like the Habous Quarter, where you can find original artisanal goods and savor the local delicacies. Foodies will relish the city’s dynamic culinary scene, from fresh seafood to classic Moroccan tagines. Whether you're exploring its cinematic legacy tied to the famed film Casablanca or soaking in the urban buzz, this city offers an unforgettable experience for 2025.
A megacity of extraordinary sights, Beijing is a melting pot of ancient culture and modern energy, and the sheer number of major sights to see in China’s capital makes it easy for visitors to create jam-packed itineraries and tick off multiple items on their bucket lists all in one trip. Take a tour of Beijing’s architecture, including the Forbidden City, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and, of course, the Great Wall.
For food fanatics, you’ll find everything from cosy authentic eateries to fine dining – and don’t leave the city without trying peking duck, the Beijing dish that’s famous all over the world.
You don’t need to invest in a two-week holiday to a far-flung location to satisfy that travel itch in 2025. Why not plan a few mini trips and spread them out throughout the year? Treat yourself to a romantic European city break, indulge in a spa weekend, or enjoy the local food and drink somewhere totally new.
And you won’t want to spend hours at the airport when you’re only away for a couple of days, so here’s a top tip for speeding up the journey. Booking the Express Lane at Security allows you to breeze through the queues and get to the departure lounge quicker.
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