What’s trending in travel in 2025? The Discover the World team tells all.
Where did 2024 go? In the blink of an eye, 2025 is on the horizon and new adventures are pending. We’ve delved into the data to see what’s trending when it comes to destinations and experiences. Warning: you may want to dig out your passport after reading this. We can tell you about where to see the solar eclipse. We can help get the kids off their phones – and switched on to their surroundings – with an unplugged family adventure. Then there are those new flights and rail routes that open up fresh opportunities. Ready? Let’s dive in.
1) Mobiles, be gone! Opt for an unplugged family adventure
Check out these family trips to Australia, Costa Rica and Norway
The surroundings have got to be pretty special to stop that screen-scrolling thumb, right? Opt for a big family trip jam-packed with adventures, beach time and pool dips, so Snapchat et al will be a long-distant memory. They can meet people (in real life), connect with you (in real life) and see the world in a slower, more authentic way (without emojis and filters).
Australia’s social media ban for under 16s could show your offspring that life does exist beyond group chats. Alternatively, head to Costa Rica for wild beaches and wilder wildlife, or keep it closer to home with a Norway trip with a fitness angle. We organise hundreds of school trips each year, so we lean into that knowledge and then up the game (and luxury) to create a family adventure for you all.
Trending family trips
Family Adventure Down Under
Ready for a road trip? This 17-day self-drive travels up the east coast of Australia. Stop where and when you want (it’s your trip, after all), but we have highlighted the ‘oh wow’ spots along Queensland’s coastline to guide you. K’gari, the world’s largest sand island, is on the list. A turtle tour of Hamilton Island? Tick. How about walking through the treetops in Daintree Rainforest? Yep, that’s on our recommended highlights, too.
Costa Rica Family Adventure
Costa Rica… with kids. Yes, we know it might not be the first destination you think of for a family holiday, but it’s trending and here’s why. You can go chocolate making at a cacao farm, trek through the rainforest to see weeny colourful frogs, relax on wowser wild beaches and zip-line through the tree canopy – who can spot a sloth or monkey first? Take a look at our 13-night adventure with all activities included.
Family adventure at Hamn i Senja
Spend a slice of the summer holidays under the midnight sun in Norway. Our five-night self-drive drinks in the dramatic scenery of Senja Island, located high above the Arctic Circle. This trip is all about rooting yourself in the small (yet very significant) things. That bird soaring over a still lake, or the low sun pushing light through the gaps in a mountain range. Don’t mention any of this to the kids, of course. They just need to know there’s hiking, kayaking and cycling on the menu.
2) Try summering in cooler climes
Search for the midnight sun and embrace the Nordic lifestyle
We’ve seen a surge in enquiries about Scandinavia in the summer. In 2024, destinations such as Greece and Turkey experienced record-breaking sweltering temperatures, so those who want to keep cool in the summer have been searching for a solution. Scandinavia delivers on so many fronts, from outdoor adventures to wellness and sustainability. Mess about on the water – swimming, kayaking and fishing – allowing the lengthy Nordic light to help you make the most of long days.
Trending cool trips
Around Vesterålen
Extraordinary scenery worthy of a travel mag is one of the things Norway can offer. Then there’s the chance to see minke, sperm or pilot whales cresting the water’s surface, or time spent wandering around picturesque remote fishing villages. We know about a much quieter alternative to the popular Lofoten Islands. Hop in the car and buckle up for a seven-night self-drive through the Vesterålen region, an archipelago made for road-tripping.
Lakeland Cities and National Parks
Finland should also be high on your list for a summer self-drive. Saunas, swimming in still lakes, and fishing among serene scenery make switching-off easy peasy. Finland’s 41 national parks offer up dense forests, lakes, rugged mountains and archipelagos – and each park has its own nature centre so you can pick up info on hiking trails and wildlife. Finland has thousands of lakes, so this 14-night route will help you see the best of Lakeland Finland. A few of our highlights are the magnificent Olavinlinna Castle, a 17th-centry fort (and a huge sandcastle) in Lappeenranta, and cinema-worthy scenery reflected in the lakes as you go.
3) Reach for the stars
Discover the best dark-sky destinations for stargazing
Are you looking for a dark-sky destination? We’re not talking about bad weather here. We’re looking at the very best places to go stargazing around the world. Escape light pollution and get out into the raw wilderness to see those constellations looking their best. The lure of a holiday centred around stargazing and celestial events has soared because of advances in tech, from portable telescopes to mobile stargazing apps. The International Dark Sky Association is preserving these areas, well away from light pollution, so get involved and talk to our stargazing specialists for the brightest advice.
Trending stargazing trips
Hotel Ranga’s Ultimate Star Bath
At Hotel Ranga in Iceland, you can stargaze with specialists in the resort’s own observatory. Astronomer Sævar Helgi Bragason is ready to answer all of your questions, as well as tell you about the northern lights. New for this winter is the hotel’s ‘Ultimate Star Bath’ experience, which includes a private astronomy lesson, riverside viewing with cosy blankets, an astro-cocktail, and a personalised star map of the constellations seen during your stay.
Kaikōura dark sky in New Zealand
Kaikōura in New Zealand was officially designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in September 2024. It was the third destination in New Zealand to get the seal of approval after Aotea Great Barrier Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura, and supports New Zealand’s bid to become a dark sky nation. One of the best ways to experience a dark sky is with a stay in an environmentally-friendly PurePod, an almost all-glass retreat where you can see everything around you and, more importantly, above you. These isolated pods give you a great chance of viewing the Southern Cross.
During your time on the South Island, we recommend stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. It’s the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve and one of the best destinations in the world for astronomy enthusiasts. A tour alongside the experts can show you star clusters, swirling nebulae and distant galaxies through Mt John Observatory’s powerful telescopes. Pair this tour with the Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo, which brings together modern science, tātai aroraki (Maori astronomy) and immersive multi-media installations.
4) Take the slow road (or rail)
Slow down and fully explore: this is one of the biggest trends of 2025
Don’t whizz on through, feeling you’ve ticked a box because you’ve got the passport stamp. Do you really know the country? Have you given it the time it deserves? When it comes to a go-slow self-drive, Canada, Alaska, Costa Rica, the Nordics, Australia and New Zealand are trending. Then there are the rail rides, giving you a front seat window to an ever-changing view. Looking ahead to 2026, the Newcastle to Bergen ferry is rumoured to make a resurgence, so ask us for the details.
Trending slow travel trips
Classic Highlights of Switzerland
It might be the many Instagram videos of the Glacier Express sliding through the mountains, or it could be to do with Switzerland’s scenic Golden Pass Panorama Express, but slow rail travel through Switzerland is trending. This 12-night rail tour also includes time in elegant cities such as St Moritz, and alpine experiences up the Matterhorn or Jungfrau.
Spectacular North & South New Zealand
Taking it slow requires, well, time. 27 nights to be exact on our Spectacular North & South New Zealand self-drive. This all-encompassing route will take you to the glorious beaches of Abel Tasman and the Coromandel. Cruise across Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, passing tumbling Bowen Falls and the lens-worthy Mitre Peak. Delve into Māori culture in Rotorua, and marvel at Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. On top of that, you have stunning glaciers and rock formations to explore, as well as the chance to hang out in cool cities like Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.
5) The powerful pull of nature
Make a date in the diary. Nature has made plans, and you’re invited.
From a solar eclipse to bubbling volcanoes, nature works in weird and wonderful ways and we can help you make the most of these moments. If you’ve always wanted to see the northern lights, it’s good to know that we are at the peak of the solar surge, making for some of the best sightings of the aurora borealis. This will continue into 2025, so let us know if you’d like to search for them on horseback, by snowmobile, or maybe even while having a feast on a frozen lake.
Trending natural events
Catch the northern lights
For the ultimate aurora hunt, combine three trips into one to give yourself the best chance of seeing the northern lights. You can visit Swedish Lapland’s Abisko National Park (we’ve checked the stats, and this is one of the best places to see the aurora) on our Northern Lights, Abisko and Icehotel three-night adventure. Then, head up to Northern Norway for our three-night Aurora Break at Malangen Resort, a remote fjord-side retreat giving you the opportunity to try dog-sledding and snow-shoeing. Finish your trip in Iceland with our three-night Aurora Nights Fly-Drive, where you can explore the Golden Circle’s natural treasures. If you’re sleeping and the aurora appears, we’ll give you a nudge (aka, a wake-up call). There are some special stays en route, too, including bedding down in the iconic Icehotel.
Because these aurora hot spots are trending, there are more direct flight options from the UK than ever before to get you there. And good to know if you are into photography, we have a new Iceland Landscapes and Aurora Photography Tour launching in 2025.
Total eclipse incoming
While we’re looking at what’s trending in 2025, we’re also keeping a beady eye on 2026. There’s going to be a total eclipse on 12 August 2026, visible from East Greenland and the west of Iceland. The best way to see it? On a small-ship expedition voyage to East Greenland. Our Greenland Solar Eclipse Voyages are special departures, carefully planned to coincide with the total eclipse and featuring guest lecturers including astrophysicist, Paul Sutter.
Watch a volcano bubble
The Volcanic Way touring route recently launched in Iceland, a journey of 700km linking the extensive geothermal areas of the south. It’s the ultimate trip for volcanophiles. If you have an appetite to see a live volcano erupt, let us know. We have a Volcano Hotline, so sign-up and we can send you an alert when a trip is going to launch. Our tip – add a flightseeing experience over the most recent volcanic eruptions around the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Alternatively, ask us about Orakei Korako in New Zealand, an active geothermal area known as ‘The Hidden Valley’; or about hiking Poás Volcano National Park in Costa Rica to spot the bright turquoise lake in one of the largest craters in the world.
6) Seek those H2O highs
Geothermal bathing, cold water dips and messing about in – and on – the water has never been more popular. One of our favourite regions for H2O highs is the Nordics. Floating sauna experiences are now a firm favourite, and who wouldn’t want to be hotting up while looking out at the most spectacular natural scenery? Test a floating sauna out in the Norwegian fjords close to pretty villages such as Flåm, which is dwarfed by big-fjord scenery.
Did you know that there are over 180,000 lakes in Finland? Until recently, Finnish Lakeland has been very much left to the locals, but with our recently launched self-drives you can discover the laid-back pleasure of this region. But shhh! Keep the secret to yourself.
Trending H20 trips
The Best of Finnish Lakeland
Head to the peaceful Finnish Lakeland on a 15-day self-drive, and you could soon find yourself searching for endangered seals, foraging in forests with culinary experts and taking cold water dips as the sun rises – followed by a floating sauna, of course.
7) Sleep somewhere extraordinary
Why sleep in a bed when you can sleep somewhere offbeat?
Unusual architecture, quirky locations and unique accommodation – 2025 could see you bedding down somewhere truly offbeat. Below are some of our favourites…
Trending off-beat sleeps
Sleep on ice
The original Icehotel in Swedish Lapland allows you to sleep on ice (furs and padding provided). The hotel is made entirely of ice, and it is a literal work of art. In winter 2024/2025, the hotel is celebrating its 35th year, which means 35 different versions of the hotel have been built!
Sleep underwater
The Reef Suites were Australia’s first underwater hotel suites. If you’re heading down under, head underwater, too. Doze off in luxurious surroundings on the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by marine life.
Sleep in bear country
Alaska Bear Camp in Lake Clark National Park is all about the bears, and a stay here means you get a very immersive bear-viewing experience. This is a remote and sustainable bush camp that gets you as close as possible to the wildlife. Ask us for the lowdown!
8) Greenland is gaining ground
New airport makes Greenland’s glaciers easy to access
Despite Greenland being the largest island in the world, its capital, Nuuk, has only just got its own international airport. Opened in November 2024, this means Greenland will become way more accessible in 2025. It still only has 56 miles of paved road, mind, so two further airports (IIulissat in the west and Qaqortoq in the south) should improve things even further into 2026. Tell us how you’d like to get to grips with the big G and we’ll tell you all about the independent and escorted options.
Trending Greenland trip
Hiking in South Greenland
In summer, the ice melts away in Greenland to reveal a hiker’s paradise of valleys, tundra and iceberg-filled fjords. Join a small group tour to hike the Flower Valley trail and glacier walk, with the chance to explore the Viking ruins of Eric the Red’s farm at Brattahlid. This nine-night tour is available between June and September.
9) Consider a micro expedition cruise
Smaller ships and micro cruises are trending for the sustainability-minded
In January 2025, stricter rules will be in place for expedition cruise ships sailing into Svalbard, Norway. And that’s no bad thing. We favour smaller ships and more time on the ice during landings. The new regs will impact polar bear sightings the most, with new viewing distances in place, and prohibit vessels carrying more than 200 passengers from accessing national parks and nature reserves. This makes it virtually impossible for larger ships to cruise there, but we’ll help you do it sustainably. Ask us about our new micro expedition cruises with a maximum of 12 passengers!
Trending small ship cruises
West Spitsbergen Explorer
Poseidon’s ‘tiny but mighty’ Sea Spirit has fewer than 115 passengers on board, and our West Spitsbergen Explorer itinerary allows you to spend more time exploring on land, compared to some of the larger ships.
Inside Passage Glacier Country Cruise
Alaska promises pinch-me moments. You might see humpback and orca whales feeding in Frederick Sound, or get the chance to kayak among icebergs while searching for sea lions. Then there’s the opportunity to spot black bears, grizzlies and bald eagles soaring overhead (Alaska has the largest population in the United States).
Alongside nature experts and national park rangers, you’ll find yourself 100% invested in every forest, fjord and remote inlet visited during this small ship expedition. These Alaska-know-it-alls can explain about the local geology, glaciology and Tlingit culture during insightful hikes. Our Inside Passage Glacier Country Cruise shows you the best of Glacier Bay National Park and the dramatic wilderness of the Inside Passage.
Plan Your Holiday
However you choose to travel in 2025, make sure to book your holiday with an operator you can trust; a company you can rely on 100%. At Discover the World, we’ll do just that.
Browse our itineraries using our Holiday Finder and then get in touch with our experts to create your perfect holiday.
Call our Travel Specialists on 01737 214 250, arrange to visit our office for an in-person chat or send an enquiry.