Wondering Where to Travel in 2025? We Asked Our Experts For Inspiration
From the the wild ostriches roaming the vast plains, to the rugged mountain peaks that touch the sky - I'd love to see it all again.
We’re reaching the time when many of us eager travel-aficionados start looking ahead, to the following year. Planning, scheming, and blocking out our calendars as we get excited for a new year of adventure and curiosity. However, as we plan, a sticking point often comes up: where do we go? How do we know which destinations will be good to visit next year? Stop guessing and hear from our team of travel experts, who told us their top picks for where to travel in 2025.
Before you read on – if you’re inspired by the destinations below, be the early bird and save on your 2025 Insight Vacations tour today with our limited-time offer.
The Basque Country
If you’re wondering where to travel in 2025, the Basque Country in northern Spain and southwestern France is a fascinating region with a unique language and culture which differentiates it from its respective countries. It’s even thought that the Basque people may be the oldest ethnic group in Europe. It has stunning landscapes and gorgeous coastlines, too. This region is particularly known for its food, including the world-famous pintxos, and is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Victoria O’Neill, Community Manager
Montenegro
Montenegro is a small Balkan country nestled along the Adriatic coast, just under Croatia. One of its biggest attractions is its Bay of Kotor, often mistaken for a fjord, (it’s actually known as a ria), and one of the most stunning natural harbors in the world. Despite its small size, Montenegro boasts a diverse landscape—from rugged mountains to pristine beaches—making it a paradise for outdoorsy types. And let’s not forget, this country is home to some of the oldest olive trees on the planet, with some estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
Lucy Jeffries, Social Media Manager
Romania
Romania, located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, is a country steeped in legend and history. Known for the myth of Dracula, its Transylvania region is home to medieval castles, including the infamous Bran Castle, which is often linked to the vampire lore. Beyond the folklore, Romania boasts the vast Carpathian Mountains and the stunning Danube Delta, one of the most biodiverse areas in Europe. An intriguing fact: Romania has Europe’s largest population of brown bears outside of Russia, making its forests some of the wildest and most untouched in the region. Don’t worry, your Insight team of Local and Destination Experts will make sure you steer very clear of any busybody bears.
Discover Montenegro and Romania on Treasures of the Balkans
Sophie Tate, Social Media Executive
Norway
High on my bucket list is to see the Northern Lights. I can only imagine the beauty of this nature phenomenon, but in reality it must be overwhelming and breathtaking be kind of “absorbed” in the magic dance of colors above your head. On this trip I would also so much look forward to visit the indigenous Sami community to help them feed their reindeers; an activity that I can only dream of. Furthermore, traveling so far north – even crossing the arctic circle- must be an experience as such. I have got a well traveled group of friends and family, but traveling to the North Cape is something that just a few of them have done and they have inspired me so much with their stories and pictures.
Ilja Kok, Travel Director
Albania
Hidden gem Albania is starting to steal the limelight from Europe’s more well-trodden destinations in a major way. The country was heavily isolated from the world until the Iron Curtain fell in the 1990s, meaning it has preserved much of its natural landscapes and traditional way of life. In the north, you’ll find Teth National Park, a paradise of towering peaks and deep valleys. One of the country’s most mesmerizing spots is the Blue Eye, a stunning natural spring with crystal-clear water that seems almost otherworldly. For something more serene, Komani Lake and Lumi i Shalës offer breathtaking views and peaceful boat rides through dramatic mountain scenery. Despite its small size, Albania packs a punch with incredible and diverse natural wonder.
Edona Rexhaj, Social Media Executive
Puglia, Italy
Puglia, located in the heel of Italy‘s boot, is a region known for its charming villages, olive groves, and stunning coastline. The area is dotted with unique trulli houses—whitewashed stone structures with conical roofs, particularly famous in the town of Alberobello. Puglia is also home to the picturesque Gargano Peninsula, where ancient forests and limestone cliffs meet the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Puglia produces more olive oil than any other region in Italy, contributing to around 40% of the country’s total production, making it a vital player in Italy’s culinary heritage.
Last summer, I had the chance to explore Puglia, and it completely blew me away. I loved wandering through the Trulli’s in Alberobello, getting lost in the winding streets of Lecce, and soaking up the coastline at Polignano a Mare. The best part was meeting the locals and trying all the delicious food. There’s so much to love, and I can’t wait to go back!
Ellie Hummerston, Brand Manager, Insight Vacations
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Canada’s west coast
The West Coast of Canada, stretching from British Columbia to the Yukon, is renowned for being a mecca for outdoor lovers. Home to the stunning Pacific Rim National Park and The Great Bear Rainforest, where you might spot the rare white Kermode bear, also known as the “spirit bear.” The region’s waters are teeming with marine life, making it prime real estate for whale watching, particularly around Vancouver Island. British Columbia’s coastal rainforests are some of the oldest in the world, with trees that have been standing for over 1,000 years.
Türkiye
Türkiye, straddling both Europe and Asia, is full to the brim with ancient mysteries and sights of historical significance. Like the ancient city of Troy, which was made famous by Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, and has been a significant archaeological site revealing layers of history spanning over 4,000 years. Further inland is Cappadocia, famous for its surreal, otherworldly rock formations and hot air balloon rides that offer breathtaking aerial views of its unique terrain.
Türkiye! I traveled there with Insight Vacations earlier this year and the country is fascinating as it blends east and west culture. The highlight of the tour was meeting a family that lives in a cave house and learning about their way of life. This was a very unique experience that I would have never been able to source on my own. Türkiye was listed as a country to watch in Europe’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. Plus, this year Türkiye dropped its Visa Requirement for US travelers.
Emily Melvin,Northeast Sales Manager for TTC Tour Brands
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful Balkan country steeped in tradition and mystery. The capital, Sarajevo, is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe” due to its diverse religious heritage, where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand side by side. The stunning Stari Most, a rebuilt Ottoman bridge in Mostar, is a symbol of the country’s resilience and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also known for its untouched landscapes, with dramatic mountains, deep river canyons, and lush forests. Interestingly, the country is home to the last remaining jungle in Europe, Perućica, a primeval forest where some trees are over 300 years old and nature thrives almost completely undisturbed.
I had the pleasure of visiting Bosnia last year and would highly recommend it to any curious traveler. A living example of east meets west, its complex and fascinating history is so fascinatingly visible everywhere you turn. Bustling markets, elegant mansions – churches and mosques sit side by side. You’ll also see many remnants from the terrible war of 1992 – 1995, and this is a crucial part of Bosnia’s story. Today the country is really investing in its tourist infrastructure, welcoming more and more visitors as an up-and-coming place to visit. Sarajevo and Mostar should be on your list. Plus, there are so many beautiful nature spots to explore. You’ll be met with a very friendly welcome and seriously delicious food. I’d recommend visiting in spring and autumn as it gets very hot in the summer.
Leanne Williams, Staff Writer
Patagonia
Chilean Patagonia, located at the southern tip of South America, is a region of dramatic landscapes and untamed wilderness. This remote area is home to the iconic Torres del Paine National Park, where jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast glaciers create some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. The region is also known for the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the second-largest contiguous extrapolar ice field in the world. Chilean Patagonia is so sparsely populated and pristine that it’s often referred to as one of the last true wilderness areas on the planet, with vast stretches of land untouched by human development. Amongst the wilderness you’ll find the world’s most southernmost city, Puerto Williams, a gateway for expeditions to Antarctica and a hub for exploring the rugged beauty of this remote region.
About Jason Brasier
I'm Jay – born in Italy, raised in South London. Having French sisters and Hungarian ancestors, I've always been fascinated with the world and its cultures, and I carry this curiosity into my writing for Insightful. My favourite destinations I've traveled to so far have been Italy, Peru, France and Brazil.
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