Where to Travel Every Month of 2025, According to Expert Tim Pendlebury

We can hardly believe the holiday season is nearly upon us already. It’s the time of year where we start to reflect on the events of the past year – the highs, the lows – and also look forward to the year ahead. We start to think about making plans, celebrating important events and creating more happy memories. With that in mind, we sat down with globe-trotting Travel Director Tim Pendlebury to find out which destinations he has on his radar for every month of 2025.

“With the new year approaching fast, have you booked your next vacation? Are you wondering where to go in 2025? Having worked as a Travel Director for over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege to visit, and live in many fabulous destinations, and even I still have some on my wish list.

To inspire your 2025 holiday planning, I’ve put together a list of my favorite destinations for each month of the year, including some on my travel wishlist.”

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January: Switzerland

“If you’re looking to lift your spirits in the New Year, Switzerland in January is truly magical. The stunning landscape features crisp mountain air and snow-covered peaks, with places like St. Moritz becoming a winter wonderland during this time of year. Enjoy polo matches and horse racing on the ice-covered lake, creating an exceptionally glitzy and glamorous atmosphere in the Alps.

“Also in Switzerland, you can experience the famous Glacier Express train route, with a stunning stretch between St. Moritz and Zermatt that offers breathtaking views of the Alps. Add to this cozy chalets with crackling log fires, delicious Swiss dishes such as fondue along with fantastic wines from the Italian and French regions of Switzerland, and you’ve started 2025 in style.”

February: Italy

“I’ve led many tours in Italy, and it is truly an exceptional year-round destination that should top your list for where to go in 2025. February is a fantastic time to visit because there are far fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the main sights with less crowding. Temperatures are cool, but if you wrap up warm then the country’s sights are yours to enjoy.”

“Italy transforms in February with a vibrant array of festivals and celebrations. Leading the charge is Carnevale, a lively and colorful event that captures the spirit of Italian tradition, also recognized as Mardi Gras. In the heart of Sicily, the town of Catania honors Saint Agata during her Feast Day, showcasing a remarkable religious procession that ranks as the second largest in the world.”

March: Egypt

“When people say Egypt is outstanding, they’re not exaggerating. It really has to be seen to be believed, and March is the perfect time to visit. To absorb Egypt’s treasures, you need to spend a lot of time walking, and the cooler temperatures are just ideal for visiting Egypt’s ancient archaeological sites in all parts of the country.

“A visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza is a must, a feat of ancient engineering. The Sphinx, with its mysterious gaze, is another highlight nearby. Don’t miss the temples of Luxor and Karnak in Luxor, where intricate carvings and towering columns transport you back in time. The Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of pharaohs, offers a glimpse into their tombs and burial rituals. Lastly, the impressive Abu Simbel temples, carved into a mountainside, are  a stunning sight to behold. Pack  a good pair of walking shoes and prepare to be amazed and then amazed some more.”

April: The Netherlands

April is tulip season in the Netherlands, and it’s a breathtaking sight with millions of tulips in countless colors and varieties. If you have not yet been, it’s definitely where to go in 2025. The tulip parades are in full swing, making the Keukenhof Gardens particularly stunning at this time. It’s the busiest time to visit the Netherlands, so planning ahead is essential – even better, consider joining a tour that guarantees you front-row seats to this colorful spectacle.

I always say that April is Europe’s best-kept secret. The weather is usually quite pleasant, with the sun shining and temperatures starting off chilly in the morning but warming up to about 20 degrees celsius during the day—perfect for touring. Wildflowers blanket the fields and the locals emerge, happy that winter has ended. Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands are great examples of this vibrancy; you’ll see homes along the canals adorned with flower boxes, while locals gather in the squares, enjoying time with friends. Combine this with the magic of the tulips and April is the perfect time to visit.

May: Morocco

Morocco is high on my wish list, and May is an excellent time to visit. The weather is still pleasant, allowing you to venture into the desert without it being too hot or cold, just before the summer heat sets in. North Africa is one of my favorite regions to explore, and I keep returning to it, but I have yet to visit Morocco. I’m particularly drawn to Marrakech and Fez, which are vibrant hubs of Moroccan culture. I adore North African cuisine and the religious sites, especially the mosques – I never tire of the intricate details of their architecture.

June: France

“France in June may be quite busy, but it’s worth joining the crowds to experience the country at its summer finest. There are few destinations like it. Paris is a sensational city that exceeds its reputation; I actually met my wife there. Known as one of the world’s greatest cities for good reason, Paris offers an incredible mix of beauty, culture, cuisine, architecture, and art—all in abundance.

“When choosing where to go in 2025, I love that France has something for everyone, (I put it in the same category as Italy for this). It boasts stunning mountains and breathtaking coastlines, from the Alps and the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, complete with beautiful beaches in the south. I adore the food, the wine, and the people. In fact, there’s truly nothing not to love about France.”

July: The UK and Ireland

“If you’re searching for the perfect July vacation, the UK should be at the top of your list. From the bright lights of London to the scenic hillsides of Wales, the exquisite Lake District, and up to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Highlands, the options are endless. With warm temperatures and relatively quiet surroundings in the first half of July before the schools break up, it’s a great time to visit.

“One of my favorite aspects of the UK in July is the festivals. It’s always a fun time of year, with a vibrant buzz in London and other major cities due to the various music festivals taking place. The British contribution to the world music scene is unparalleled, and the festivals celebrate this in style.”

August: Argentina

“High on my bucket list of where to go in 2025, Argentina has been tugging at my heartstrings for many years. There’s no better time to visit than in August when you can witness the Tango World Cup in the vibrant capital, Buenos Aires. It’s a dream of mine to experience this passionate dance in its home setting while sipping a glass of Malbec and dining on asado. I’d also love to venture down to Patagonia to hike its stunning mountains and beautiful lakes. Given the country’s vast size, August brings contrasting weather: it can be quite hot in Buenos Aires while it’s winter in Patagonia, allowing you to experience a land of all seasons.”

September: Poland

“Poland, the country I call home, is a must-see in September. By the end of August, we enter a wonderful period of weather, typically ranging from 20 to 25 degrees, marking the start of what we call the “Golden Polish Autumn.” The sun sits at a certain angle in the sky, casting a beautiful golden glow at various times of the day along the horizon.

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The Bohemian TOUR

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“This is also a fantastic time for food, as we place a strong emphasis on regional and seasonal specialties. A beloved national pastime for Poles is mushroom hunting in the forests, and September is peak season for this activity. You’ll see whole families out on Sundays, often dressed in their best after church, walking through the woods in search of mushrooms. You might even hear them calling out, “Jibby, jibby!” It’s such a heartwarming tradition, and it coincides perfectly with mushrooms starting to feature prominently on restaurant menus. Some establishments even dedicate their entire menus to mushrooms and pumpkin during this time of year.

“Unlike other parts of Europe, September in Poland is more of a shoulder season, with far fewer tourists compared to mainstream destinations. This means you can fully enjoy the beautiful Golden Polish Autumn all to yourselves.”

October: The Greek Islands

“The Greek Islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Patmos, Lindos, and Rhodes are stunningly beautiful. However, they can be incredibly crowded with tourists during the high season, making October the perfect time to island-hop to your heart’s content. With fewer cruise ships and no schoolchildren, this is the ideal time to comfortably explore these magnificent locations.

“From their fascinating geology to sensational sunsets and delectable Greek tavernas, there’s so much to love. Expect temperatures of up to 25 degrees Celsius. You can also enjoy mainland Greece at this time of year, and few sights are as mesmerizing as Athens.”

November: Canada

“If fall foliage is leading where to go in 2025, Canada is one of the most beautiful places to experience autumn colors of. Renowned for its spectacular landscapes, few places rival Canada at this time of year, possibly except for the East Coast of the USA. I’ve spent a lot of time in Canada, living and working there, and I’ve traveled across the country, visiting every park from east to west. It is a land of vast beauty and endless possibilities.

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Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes TOUR

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“I highly recommend visiting the Maritimes—St. John’s in Newfoundland is a charming town known for its colorful houses. Toronto, a vibrant metropolis, offers a friendly vibe. Then there are the breathtaking Rockies, featuring stunning destinations like Banff, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. Throughout the country, you’ll find wonderful people and incredible scenery, made even more special by the vibrant red, gold, and crimson hues of the fall foliage.”

December: Scandinavia

“The ultimate festive holiday destination, who hasn’t dreamed of visiting Santa in Lapland and seeing the Northern Lights? Scandinavia in December is still high on my wish list – I don’t mind if its Sweden, Norway, Denmark or Finland, maybe all four!

“I have it on good authority that the cities in Scandinavia are absolutely stunning, and in the countryside, you can witness ice-covered fjords, snow-capped mountains, and bright red houses blanketed in white. I’m really looking forward to embracing “hygge,” a concept that embodies the art of coziness and was popularized by the Danes. With Scandinavian countries facing long, cold winters, they have truly perfected the art of curling up by the fire in a comfy chair, donning warm socks, sipping tea, and basking in the glow of Christmas lights and candles.”

For inspiration of where to go in 2025, take a look at our Black Friday sale for some great savings hundreds of premium tours.