Top travel destinations 2025 - the 7 must-visit holiday hotspots

If you’re looking for inspiration for your 2025 travels, look no further. The experts at Saga Holidays have revealed their pick of the seven top destinations to visit this year.

Whether you’re looking for an intrepid adventure in a far off land or a quiet spot somewhere more familiar, our magnificent seven will have you reaching for your passport.

1. Japan

Best for foodie experiences, ancient temples and cherry blossom.

Japan continues to to be one of the most sought after destinations, thanks to the temples, cuisine and epic experiences.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima are the top spots, although Japan truly is a year-round destination with excellent skiing in the north (Hokkaido), the beaches of the south (Okinawa) and the eclectic mix of ancient and futuristic culture in between.

Zoe Tasker, Saga Holidays Product Director, says "Demand is always high, so securing your trip early is the best way to get the best price.

"Travel in spring to see the stunning cherry blossoms, autumn to see the changing leaves that bring vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow to Japan’s landscape or winter to witness the snow monkeys bathing in hot springs and experience the Sapporo Snow Festival."

Why visit in Japan in 2025?

• Junglia, an incredible looking nature-focused theme park will open in northern Okinawa in summer 2025.
• The Edo-Tokyo Museum will finally reopen after extensive renovations.
• Kobe Luminarie is always an incredible sight, but 2025 is the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in Kobe which the illuminations commemorate, so expect it to be even bigger.
• The Steak House Oriental - while you are in Kobe, do not miss trying Kobe’s world-famous marbled beef while you’re there – the Steak House Oriental’s offering is one of the best.

2. South Korea

Best for royal palaces, hiking and beautiful beaches.

South Korea is growing in popularity for intrepid travellers who want to visit somewhere a little different. Most head to Seoul and Busan – two cities welcoming to tourists. It’s also relatively easy to explore North Korea’s DMZ from Seoul too – making for an interesting day trip!

If you can, fly the 40-minute journey over to Jeju Island for stunning beaches, epic oceans, pretty villages and an insight into the Jaju Haenyeo sea diving women, who freedive for shellfish.

The only question is, do you want the pink vistas of spring, or the orange landscapes of autumn?

Why visit South Korea in 2025?

• Visitor numbers to South Korea are increasing fast. There were 11 million arrivals in 2023, with 20.5 million expected in 2025. Go before your friends do. Saga's Japan & South Korea Tour has five departures in spring 2025.
• Culture lovers will enjoy the 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites in South Korea (and the 14 ‘tentatives’) and the five royal palaces. Outdoorsy types can make the most of the hiking opportunities as 70% of the country’s land area is covered by mountains. With 22 national parks and 5,000 miles of coastline, there's a lot of nature to explore.
• New hotels are opening in South Korea in 2025, including a new Westin, a new Grand Mercure and a Hyatt in Seoul, and a Courtyard by Marriott Pyeongtaek Azalea Park.

3. South Africa

Best for safaris, coastal drives and world-class wine.

A safari in South Africa is a true bucket list dream – you can see the Big Five in Kruger National Park. Saga favourites Steve and Viv from Race Across the World experienced a Saga safari back in September. In their words it was "the trip of a lifetime".

Saga offers holidays and safaris in South Africa, whether your priority is scenery, wildlife or superb wine.

Spoiler! You can have it all.

Why visit South Africa in 2025?

• "With the British pound currently strong against the South African rand, now is the perfect time to visit South Africa," Tasker says. "Your spending money will go further, allowing you to experience incredible safaris, stunning coastal drives, and world-class wines at even better value."
• Cape Town has so many festivals and events, you'll want some time there either side of your safari trip. Look at the line up for this year's Cape Town Jazz Festival, Cape Town Carnival and the many sporting events for 2025.

4. Albania

Best for undiscovered beaches, turquoise waters and budget prices.

Albania is fast becoming one of the most popular spots in Europe. It has all the beaches and byzantine culture we want from the continent, but at a great price. Some anecdotally compare it to the Croatia of 20 years ago.

Top spots include the beaches and turquoise waters of Ksamil (which you can visit by ferry from Corfu), the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, Berat for its Ottoman and Albanian architecture, and the capital Tirana for the cheap flights and excitement of the city.

"New for 2025, Saga Holidays is thrilled to offer a brand-new hotel right on the beach in Durrës," says Tasker.

"This modern, stylish hotel offers a prime spot on the Albanian Riviera, a destination often compared to the Maldives of Europe for its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beauty.

"As Albania rises in popularity, this is the perfect time to explore before the crowds arrive."

Why visit in 2025?

• A recent report found demand from UK travellers for holidays in Albania has skyrocketed, with 182K more searches in 2024 than in 2023. 
• Albania is currently one of the cheapest countries in Europe. Visit for the affordable accommodation, food and transport before it changes.
• Saga has eight departures throughout 2025 for the Balkans off the Beaten Track - Albania & North Macedonia Tour.

5. Costa Rica

Best for sustainable travel, wildlife conservation and adventure tourism.

Hitting two of the biggest travel trends for 2025 – sustainable luxury travel and adventure travel – Costa Rica is a hot pick for this year.

Want to see a sloth in the wild? Help release turtles on the beach? See toucans in the trees? This is the place to do it.

And the best time is December to April, ASAP.

Why visit Costa Rica in 2025?

• Costa Rica is a shining beacon for responsible tourism, so it’s the number one place to go if you want to travel more sustainably this year.
• You could have a trip with a purpose here, if you get involved with a wildlife project as the country tries to cope with the influx of tourists and the problems this brings.
• There are some very nice hotels opening in Costa Rica next year, including the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique and Nekajui, Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the stunning Papagayo Peninsula.

6. Uzbekistan

Best for architectural wonders in a country now open to visitors.

Uzbekistan played a key role in the Old Silk Road, celebrated on Saga Holidays' Uzbekistan - Jewel of the Silk Road 11 Day Guided Tour. The country is increasing in popularity thanks to more flights, and easier visas – it's very much open for tourists.

Visit and you’ll find architectural wonders, bustling markets, remnants of its Soviet life, and many delightful dishes to try.

Travellers here will normally join a tour, to really understand the country, rather than through independent travel. It's not quite set up for easy solo travel as yet. 

Why visit Uzbekistan in 2025?

• The Centre for Islamic Civilisation opens in the capital city Tashkent in summer 2025. This seven-hectare site will showcase the contributions of the Islamic world through a library, galleries and exhibitions.
• Visiting Uzbekistan is now visa-free for Brits, for up to 30 days. 
• The natural landscapes are still peaceful and quiet, and best enjoyed on horseback or by hiking. Explore those endless sands in the Kyzylkum Desert. 

7. Italy

Best for celebrations in 2025 and its vibrant atmosphere.

Ever since The Vatican announced a Jubilee Holy Year in 2025, the country has been gearing up for the big event in Rome. Expect better infrastructure, fun events, special tours, excitement and... crowds.

Italy is the place to be in 2025 for Catholic pilgrims. Many of these travellers will filter out to the rest of the country, as Italy is such a great one to travel around thanks to its rail network.

For such a relatively small country, there’s a lot to do and see here. If you’re heading there for the Jubilee, how about visiting Mantova, Lucca or Ferrara for somewhere a little off the usual tourist route? 

Why visit Italy in 2025?

• 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day from Nazi Germany and the Italian Social Republic. Expect much celebration around April 25th, their national holiday.

• "As well as offering a host of escorted tours, Saga Holidays is excited to add a new hotel to its Italian Hosted Holidays collection for 2025 – Hotel Parma e Oriente in Tuscany," says Tasker. "Just an hour's drive from Pisa and Florence, this family-run hotel allows travellers to experience true charm of Italian hospitality. The hotel is located in a UNESCO-listed village that is spilt over two levels, joined by a funicular railway, and is surrounded by rich history and countryside, with a host of thermal spas nearby that offer the perfect way to unwind."
• Tasker says: "Wherever you travel in Italy this year, expect a vibrant atmosphere full of special celebrations, and unique cultural experiences, making 2025 an even more exciting time to visit."