Ancient palaces, crystal-clear seas and undiscovered budget beaches - our travel experts share the best travel destinations for 2025.
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.
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."
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?
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.
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.
As Albania rises in popularity, this is the perfect time to explore before the crowds arrive.
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.
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.
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?
Save 10% on all Worldwide and Europe holidays departing between November 1, 2025 and January 31, 2027. This offer applies to tours of any duration and hotel stays of 14 nights or longer.
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