If you’re looking for travel inspiration for 2025, look no further. The experts at Saga Holidays have revealed their list of the top 7 travel destinations to visit this year.

Whether you’re looking for a daring adventure in far-flung lands or somewhere quiet and familiar, our seven incredible locations are sure to catch your eye.

1. Japan

Perfect for a culinary experience, a tour of ancient temples and cherry blossom viewing.

Japan continues to be one of the most popular travel destinations thanks to its temples, cuisine and amazing experiences.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima are popular travel destinations, but Japan also has great ski resorts in the north (Hokkaido), beaches in the south (Okinawa) and a diverse culture in between that blends ancient and modern cultures, making it a truly year-round destination.

“Demand is always high so booking your trip early is the best way to get the best price,” says Zoe Tasker, product manager at Saga Holidays.

“Take your trip to Japan to see beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring, vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves in the fall, and see snow monkeys bathing in hot springs and experience the Sapporo Snow Festival in the winter.”

Reasons to visit Japan in 2025

• A beautiful nature-themed theme park called “Junglia” will open in northern Okinawa in the summer of 2025.
• The Edo-Tokyo Museum will finally reopen after undergoing major renovations.
• The Kobe Luminarie is a spectacular sight no matter when you see it, but as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, we can expect it to be even more spectacular.
• Steakhouse Oriental – If you are visiting Kobe, be sure to try Kobe’s world famous marbled beef. The food at Steakhouse Oriental is top notch.

2. South Korea

Perfect for the Royal Palace, hiking and beautiful beaches.

South Korea is becoming increasingly popular among intrepid travelers looking to visit places a little off the beaten path. Most people head to its two most welcoming cities: Seoul and Busan. Exploring North Korea’s DMZ from Seoul is also relatively easy and makes for a fun day trip.

If possible, take a 40-minute flight to Jeju Island to see the beautiful beaches, magnificent ocean, charming villages, and learn about Jeju Women Divers, who are sea divers who collect shellfish.

The only question is, do you want to see the pink of spring or the orange of fall?

Why visit Korea in 2025?

• The number of tourists visiting South Korea is booming. Arrivals are expected to reach 11 million in 2023 and 20.5 million in 2025. Go before your friends do! Saga’s Japan-Korea tour is scheduled to depart five times in spring 2025.
• Culture lovers will enjoy South Korea’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (and 14 “provisional” sites) and five royal palaces. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the hiking opportunities, as 70% of the country is covered in mountainous terrain. With 22 national parks and 5,000 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of nature to explore.
• By 2025, South Korea is set to see several new hotels open, including a new Westin, a new Grand Mercure and Hyatt in Seoul, and the Courtyard by Marriott Pyeongtaek Azalea Park.

3. South Africa

Perfect for hunting trips, coastal drives and world-class wine tasting.

A safari in South Africa is a once in a lifetime dream come true, with the chance to see the Big Five in Kruger National Park. Saga enthusiasts Steve and Viv from Race Across the World did a safari in Saga in September, and in their words, it was “the trip of a lifetime.”

Saga offers South African holidays and safaris to enjoy the scenery, wildlife or fine wine.

Let me tell you! You can have it all.

Why visit South Africa in 2025?

• “With the pound currently strong against the South African rand, now is the perfect time to visit South Africa,” says Tasker, “putting your pocket money to good use and getting even more value for your money on exciting safaris, stunning coastal walks and world-class wines.”
• Cape Town has plenty of festivals and events so be sure to spend some time there after your safari. Check out this year’s event listings for the Cape Town Jazz Festival, Cape Town Carnival and other sporting events taking place in 2025.

4. 預言者

Hidden beaches, clear water and great prices.

Albania is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations – it has all the beaches and Byzantine culture we crave on the continent, but at a very affordable price – some are comparing it to Croatia 20 years ago.

Popular destinations include the beaches and turquoise waters of Ksamil (accessible by ferry from Corfu), Berat, the “city of a thousand windows,” with its Ottoman and Albanian architecture, and the capital, Tirana, with its cheap flights and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

“Saga Holidays is excited to be opening a brand new hotel right on the beach in Durres in 2025,” Tasker said.

“This modern and stylish hotel enjoys a prime location on the Albanian Riviera, a place often likened to Europe’s Maldives for its crystal clear waters and untouched beauty.

“Albania is becoming more and more popular, so now is the perfect time to explore it before the crowds get too busy.”

Why visit in 2025?

• Demand for holidays to Albania among British tourists is booming, with an expected increase of 182,000 searches in 2024 compared to 2023, according to a recent report. 
• Albania is currently one of the cheapest countries in Europe to live in, so come here for affordable accommodation, food and transport before that changes.
• Throughout 2025, the Saga is scheduled to make eight voyages to the remote Balkan destinations of Albania and North Macedonia.

5. Costa Rica

Great for sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation and adventure tourism.

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

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

The best time to go is from December to April, the earlier the better.

Reasons to visit Costa Rica in 2025

• Costa Rica is a shining pioneer in responsible tourism and is a top destination if you’re looking to travel more sustainably this year.
• As the country tries to deal with the influx of tourists and the problems it brings, taking part in a wildlife conservation project can make for a worthwhile trip.
• There are some really nice hotels set to open in Costa Rica next year, including the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique and Necajuy, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the beautiful Papagayo Peninsula.

6. Uzbekistan

The country is now open to tourists and is a great place to admire its architectural wonders.

Uzbekistan played a key role on the ancient Silk Road, as you’ll discover on Saga Holidays’ 11-day guided tour “Uzbekistan – Pearl of the Silk Road.” The country is becoming increasingly popular due to increased air links and simplified visa procedures, and is very open to tourists.

When you visit, you’ll see architectural wonders, bustling markets, vestiges of Soviet-era life, and plenty of delicious food.

Tourists who visit here often join tours to really understand the country, rather than travelling on their own, as the place is not yet set up for easy solo travel. 

Why visit Uzbekistan in 2025?

• The Center for Islamic Civilization is scheduled to open in the capital, Tashkent, in the summer of 2025. The seven-hectare site will showcase the contributions of the Islamic world through a library, galleries and exhibitions.
• Currently, British nationals can visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa. 
• The natural landscape is peaceful and tranquil, perfect for horse riding or hiking, and exploring the endless sands of the Kyzylkum Desert. 

7. Meaning

The vibrant atmosphere will make it the perfect place to celebrate 2025.

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

The destination for Catholic pilgrims in 2025 will be Italy. Italy is a great place to travel thanks to its rail network, so many of these tourists will travel in other parts of the country.

Although it’s a relatively small country, there’s plenty to do and see, so if you’re heading there for the Jubilee, why not stray a bit from the usual tourist route and visit Mantova, Lucca and Ferrara. 

Reasons to visit Italy in 2025

• The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of liberation from Nazi Germany and the Italian Social Republic. Many celebrations will take place on April 25th, a national holiday.

• “In addition to offering a range of guided tours, Saga Holidays is delighted to add a new property to our Italy Guided Holidays 2025 collection: Hotel Parma e Oriente in Tuscany,” said Tasker. “Just an hour’s drive from Pisa and Florence, this family-run hotel offers a true experience of Italian hospitality. Set in a UNESCO World Heritage village, it is split over two levels and linked by a funicular. Rich in history and surrounded by countryside, with numerous thermal springs nearby, it’s the perfect place to unwind.”
• “Wherever you go in Italy this year, you can expect a vibrant atmosphere full of special celebrations and unique cultural experiences, making 2025 even more exciting to travel,” Tasker said.