Ernesto Suarez, Gigasure

Planning the perfect holiday is exciting and during the long grey winter days it gives us something fun to look forward to. Whether that’s planning a week on the slopes, adventure in Dubai or a flop and drop on a beach somewhere, the world is our oyster.

With so many options to consider, it can be difficult to decide where to go and you may find yourself going around in circles looking for the perfect destination. Whether you’re travelling alone or with friends and family, whether its sustainable travel you’re after or thrill-seeking adrenalin pumping adventure here’s our top suggestions to help you get the best out of 2025.

Sustainable tourism takes centre stage

Image: Maridav, Canva

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, with recent statistics showing that 64% of travellers are actively seeking sustainable travel options. Eco-friendly accommodations and destinations are gaining popularity and in addition to that slow and purposeful travel is on the rise, focusing on quality experiences over quantity. If you want to immerse yourself into a sustainable holiday experience, there are plenty of options to look at:

  • Costa Rica: A pioneer in eco-tourism with over 50% of the country covered in rainforest
  • Slovenia: One of Europe’s greenest countries, easily accessible by train and offering numerous natural attractions
  • Dominica: Known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, it offers eco-friendly resorts and pristine natural beauty

Personalised experiences and luxury travel

Panama: Emerging as a community-based tourism pioneer, offering unique Indigenous-guided adventures Image: Daniel Lange, Getty Images, Canva

Travellers are increasingly prioritising unique, tailored experiences. Demand for luxury hotels saw a 24% increase in 2022-2023, with continued growth expected. Custom itineraries, cultural immersion, and local-guided tours are in high demand, and statistics show that 79% of Millennials and Gen Z believe that leisure travel is a vital part of their budget, 84% would prefer a dream holiday over a new purchase. If you fancy a more luxurious or bespoke experience, you may be surprised to see how far your budget will stretch, it’s always worth a look: 

  • Singapore: Offers cutting-edge sustainable luxury accommodations like the Pan Pacific Orchard
  • Saba, Dutch Caribbean: A small island with personalised experiences and a focus on sustainability
  • Panama: Emerging as a community-based tourism pioneer, offering unique Indigenous-guided adventures

The rise of multi-generational travel

A primary motivation for leisure and travel is reconnecting with friends and family
Image: RonTech2000, Getty Images Signature, Canva

Family trips are becoming more popular, and that’s understandable when a primary motivation for leisure and travel is reconnecting with friends and family. Larger accommodations like villas are in demand as they cater for a large number of people, and activities that appeal to all ages are also crucial for these types of trips. If you look into family holidays you could be surprised at how many activities and types of entertainment can be provided for under one roof!

  • Valencia, Spain: Offers diverse activities suitable for all ages
  • Tanzania: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural experiences that appeal to different generations
  • Maui, United States: A family-friendly destination with a range of activities and accommodations

‘Bleisure’: The work-life balance trend

‘bleisure’ is about making the most of the destinations we have to visit when travelling for work.
Image: Kaspars Grinvalds, Canva

The line between business and pleasure is merging with 45% of UK travellers planning to add leisure elements to their business trips and for this objective, flexible stays are essential. This trend enhances productivity whilst contributing to a healthy work-life balance. Why not try this if you haven’t before, combining both could ensure you don’t get stressed about work piling up in the background whilst you are on holiday, and at the same time you can also enjoy experiencing new activities and a rest.

  • Brussels, Belgium: A business hub shortlisted for the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism
  • Porto, Portugal: Another Smart Tourism finalist, offering a mix of business facilities and leisure attractions
  • Genoa, Italy: A historic city with modern amenities, ideal for combining work and play

Emerging destinations and experiences

Greenland is a must-visit destination in 2025. Image: nevereverro, Getty Images Signature, Canva

Travelers are seeking out new and unique locations, “detour destinations” near popular hotspots are gaining traction as well as off-season travel to avoid crowds. The Arctic has also seen a 235% rise in demand. Why not look into being one of the first to take up an emerging holiday before a possible price increase due to popularity in the future.

  • Greenland: Preparing to welcome a new international airport in Nuuk in 2024
  • Southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Offers unique experiences like the Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience

Natural phenomena and JOMO travel

The High Atlas Mountains in Morocco offers a tranquil setting and stunning natural beauty.
Image: Andre Manuel

There’s a growing interest in experiencing natural wonders and embracing relaxation. The Northern Lights top the list of natural phenomena British travellers want to see and “JOMO” (Joy of Missing Out) travel is replacing “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out). Tranquil settings like beach houses and lakeside lodges are also in high demand. One of these options could suit you if you want to cut off from everyday life and reset.

  • High Atlas Mountains, Morocco: Offers tranquil settings and stunning natural beauty
  • Lahti, Finland: A Smart Tourism finalist known for its pristine lakes and forests
  • Belfast, UK: Provides easy access to Northern Ireland’s scenic landscapes

Technology in travel

Estonia. Image: scanrail, Getty Images Pro, Canva

AI and digital tools are reshaping how we plan and experience travel with 46% of travellers being open to using AI for trip planning. Digital channels and AI-driven platforms are increasingly used for booking and inspiration. With technology on the rise, smart home devices and AI-driven recommendations are also enhancing the guest experience. Why not try looking into a tech driven experience for you and your family, it is the way of the future, and it would be great to stay one step ahead.

  • Konya, Turkey: A Smart Tourism finalist embracing technology in tourism
  • Torino, Italy: Another Smart Tourism contender known for its innovative approach to visitor experiences
  • Estonia: A digital pioneer offering seamless tech-enhanced travel experiences

Don’t forget travel insurance

When embarking on any of these exciting adventures or visiting these diverse destinations, travel insurance becomes an essential part of your trip planning. Travel insurance provides crucial protection against a wide range of potential issues, from medical emergencies and trip cancellations to lost luggage and travel delays. Travel Insurance can help give you peace of mind that your holiday plans are protected if the unexpected happens and should ideally be bought as soon as your holiday is booked.

Travel is all about being able to try new things, new experiences and embracing those spontaneous moments when the opportunity occurs. With that in mind, having travel insurance that will adapt and flex with your plans is essential. Choose a policy that allows you to add cover at a moment’s notice. Customisable policies such as Gigasure’s plans allow you to quickly access the app and add specific cover for any activities giving you instant cover. This also saves money as you only need to add it when you need it.

Travel insurance should adapt to your needs, not the other way around, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Featured image: photobyphotoboy, Canva

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