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The best places to see & best things to do in the new year
It was nearly five years ago that the world mostly shut down. International travel was restricted as countries all over the globe tried to limit the spread of Covid-19. Once things did open back up, we saw the rise of revenge travel and an emphasis on combating overtourism. Through fits and starts, travel has come back stronger than ever, with the TSA routinely reporting record numbers of travelers passing through U.S. airports. Half a decade on from Covid shutdowns, these travelers are looking for new places to visit and new experiences to enjoy.
Destinations
As international travel becomes more within reach for people, those who have been there, done that in major destinations are looking for something off the beaten path. Often, less traveled places in popular countries provide the authentic experience they’re after.
Perhaps inspired by the idyllic cartoon version they’ve seen on Bluey, in 2025 travelers will be flocking to Brisbane along Australia’s Gold Coast region. Far to the north of the popular cities of Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane sports a picturesque riverwalk through its downtown area and is surrounded by national parks. Australia’s third-largest city is featured on the American Express 2025 Trending Destinations list and is a gateway to the natural wonders of Southeast Queensland, which is dotted with places named Surfers Paradise and Sunshine Coast.
Other emerging destinations in well-traveled countries are places on the edge of where most travelers normally visit. France and Spain are the two most visited countries in the world. Though most people congregate in the main cities, there’s a lot to see outside of Paris and Barcelona. Two places that preserve ancient cultures are Brittany in the northwest corner of France and the Basque Country straddling the Pyrenees in northern Spain and southwestern France. Brittany is one of the six Celtic Nations and retains a distinct Breton culture. The Basque People have inhabited their country since before the Romans arrived, and the food and arts culture in cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian/Donostia offer a lot for curious travelers.
Hotels
Wherever they end up, people appreciate a nice place to lay their heads at night. For many discerning travelers, the hotel is the destination. Among 2025 most anticipated hotel openings is the Six Senses London. Right near Hyde Park, the opening is part of a regeneration of the Queensway area and occupies a restored art deco emporium.
Opening in the Los Cabos area in Mexico’s Baja California Sur are Amanvari, the latest from luxury wellness resort chain Aman, and Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol. In the East Cape, Amanvari will offer a private escape on the Sea of Cortes, while the Park Hyatt offers a luxurious beachfront retreat near the bustling downtown of Cabo San Lucas.
Australia’s Whitsunday Islands are on the doorstep to the Great Barrier Reef, and The Sundays on Hamilton Island promises to be an escape “where Monday never arrives” and adventurers can get their fill of the great outdoors.
Experiences
As the trending destinations indicate, getting off the beaten path is a priority for travel experiences in 2025. While many flock to the major cities of Europe in the summer, higher temperatures in places so unused to them that many buildings don’t have air conditioning, is driving others to seek out “coolcations” in more temperate zones. Countries in northern Europe are seeing more summertime visitors as the Mediterranean area heats up, and more traditional summer destinations are seeing visitors take advantage of the spring and autumn seasons that feature more comfortable temperatures and showcase nature.
You have to eat on vacation, of course, but the notion of picking a destination based on the food is a popular trend. From the night markets of Southeast Asia’s foodie capitals to the osterias and gelaterias of Rome, the local fare is a big draw. Travelers are not just taking cooking classes but accompanying their chef-teachers to the markets to pick out ingredients and enjoying meals in the homes of locals. Breaking bread together is a fantastic way to experience your host’s culture and take a step back from the hustle and bustle.
As countries began to reopen after Covid shutdowns, they had very specific rules that could be tough to navigate. Travel advisors proved their worth by helping clients gain entry and enjoy themselves despite all the added hurdles. They’ve maintained that reputation for reliability and expert knowledge as travel gets more complex and destinations become more saturated.
The value of a travel advisor comes before a trip, during a trip, and after a trip, Matthew D. Upchurch, chairman and CEO of luxury travel network Virtuoso, told BOSS. A good travel advisor listens to what clients have to say, the experiences they want to have, what they’ve heard about a destination, and synthesizes that with their own research and experience to design the perfect trip for the people traveling.
“It’s not just that I’m sending you to that hotel,” Upchurch said. “It’s that I know the general manager.”
As travel gets both more accessible and more complicated, that’s a great comfort to travelers.
This post was originally published on here
