Have you ever wondered what the top jet-setting destinations for 2025 will be? This blog will help you find out more about the new travel trends. As the travel industry continues to change with new opportunities to explore, discover, and experience the world like never before. Book your flights, pack your bags and check in to the new era of travel.
Social media has set off a wave of travellers who go to great lengths to witness natural phenomena and iconic events. Let's take a look at some Natural Phenomena and Iconic events predicted to be popular for tourists in 2025:
Whether looking toward dark skies to stargaze see the Northern Lights or heading to the beach to watch sea turtles hatch, travellers now want a front-row seat to breathtaking natural wonders. Here are some popular hot spots for tourists.
The Bioluminescent Beach in the Maldives is amazing to witness. The Vaadhoo Island beach glows in the dark due to millions of bioluminescent microorganisms in the ocean called phytoplankton. These microbes are mostly active during summer when the waters are comparatively warmer.
As with most natural phenomena, it is a huge challenge to be in the right place at the right time. The warmer months, such as April and November, tend to be more successful for bioluminescence sightings.
The Northern Lights in Scandinavia is another popular bucket list experience for travellers. Witnessing this magnificent light display is unparalleled, and the fact that the lights are so elusive and unpredictable makes it special. If stargazing sounds like the perfect getaway then check out our blog on The Best Star Gazing Destinations.
The lights are typically strongest during the spring and fall equinoxes, which are in March and September. Iceland is another popular tourist destination for seeing the Northern Lights.
Another travel-worthy phenomenon on our list and truly one of the world's natural wonders, is the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It is a natural formation distinguished by layered bands of red rock, revealing millions of years of geological history in cross-section. The canyon averages 10 miles across and a mile deep along its 277-mile length.
The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin.
The Yellowstone Caldera, sometimes called the Yellowstone Supervolcano, is a supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park in the Western United States. People visit Yellowstone National Park for many reasons, including its geothermal features, wildlife, and scenery, and some are curious about the supervolcano that lies beneath the park. It's also a popular tourist spot for hiking.
The busiest time of year to visit is during the Summer months such as June, July, and August. The best times to visit Yellowstone National Park are from late April to May as well as September through early October. These shoulder months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and little to no road closures.
The Rio Carnival is the largest in the world with two million people per day on the streets. This spectacular festival takes place annually before Lent. It features a series of parades, street parties, and events that showcase the creativity and passion of Brazilian culture.
Tourism in Brazil is peak during this carnival as people get to experience the culture, wear colourful clothes and listen to great music. Expect ticket prices to go from $50 to 100 per ticket (£45- £95), with prices going up based on the type of seating and the view within the venue.
Rio's Carnival begins on the Friday preceding Lent and ends on Ash Wednesday, but the Winners' Parade happens on the Saturday after the carnival ends. The dates for 2025 are Friday the 28th of Febuary to Saturday the 8th of March.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an ancient, complex and deeply heartfelt celebration that sees people throughout Mexico remember and pay homage to loved ones who have passed. As this is a unique tradition a lot of tourists come to Mexico to experience the celebration.
If you are planning on attending then expect live music, face paint, colourful flowers and wonderful food! The best place to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Mexico in an authentic traditional way is Oaxaca as the city is renowned for its vibrant celebrations that beautifully honor the deceased.
The Day Of The Dead is celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd in 2025 although preparations typically begin months before the holiday is celebrated. It's a great idea to travel to Mexico days before the upcoming event to visit local markets and try traditional foods.
Although the Lantern Festival originated in China, it has become increasingly popular in parts of Thailand such as Chiang Mai. Festivities take place across Chiang Mai. Alongside the lantern-releasing ceremony, there are dance shows, parades, live music, and various stalls to help you learn arts and crafts. There are also plenty of delicious food stalls, and you can also expect regular fireworks celebrations.
Due to it being a religious event, It is believed that lanterns will carry away all the unfortunate things making way for good luck and a bright future. Tourists love the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand for its stunning light displays and the feeling of being part of a magical experience.
The festival, also known as Yi Peng or Loy Krathong, takes place every November on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Some top places to see the lanterns include Mae Jo University, Three Kings Plaza and Narawat Bridge.
Coachella is an annual rock festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, featuring music on multiple stages. Due to the fashion, iconic artists, and celebrities attending, this festival has become increasingly popular for tourism during the rise of social media. It is a three-day event that takes place over two consecutive weekends in April, and tickets start at $599 (£470) for weekend one and $549 (£430) for weekend two.
What makes Coachella so different from other music festivals held all over the world? Maybe it’s the onsite camping, thousands of like-minded people, or just living in this music, dance, art-filled bubble for a weekend. It's an event that gets bigger every year with around 125,000 people who attend.
The festival is held over two weekends, April 11–13 and April 18–20, 2025. Due to the event not being held in the city, you may want to plan your accommodation and transport to the festival. The weather is hot and dry because it is held in a desert therefore, make sure you go prepaid.
Thailand has been an extremely popular tourist destination for decades. It became a hot spot in the 1960s and international visitors have enjoyed the beautiful beaches, delicious food, and friendly local culture ever since.
Koh Samui is an island paradise in the south of Thailand, known for its nightlife, breathtaking viewpoints and long stretches of sandy beach. Not only is it the second-largest island in Thailand it's also one of the most popular with tourists! It's one of those places in the world that looks just like the picture, if not better which a lot of travellers are looking for.
Koh Samui has earned its spot as a trending destination for 2025, and for good reason. Younger travellers increasingly prioritize destinations with a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making Thailand the best option. However, Koh Samui is small enough to be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car. The island features such a variety of beaches and activities that it would be impossible to experience everything in a single visit.
Some suggested beaches to visit whilst in Koh Samui are Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, and Natien. Activities around Ko Samui include cooking courses, yoga instruction, Muay Thai training, scuba diving, and even golf. Whether you are backpacking or staying in a 5-star hotel, we guarantee Koh Samui will be an unforgettable trip.
Accommodations range from affordable hostels perfect for backpackers to opulent 5-star resorts offering every amenity. You can find hostel dorms starting under $10 per night. 3-star hotels start around $50 per night, and cool private bungalows and cottages can be found for under $150.
The best time to visit Koh Samui depends on your preferences and priorities, such as whether you want to avoid crowds, save money, or experience unique festivals. Like most of the rest of Thailand, Koh Samui is at its best between December and February, which are dry and relatively cool by Thai standards. If you want to avoid peak season then visit during the shoulder months like October and March.
Ljubljana should be on your bucket list for 2025, not only is Slovenia one of the cleanest countries in the world it is also one of the safest and sustainable countries out there. With so many amazing sights, putting together a compilation of top tourist attractions in Slovenia is no easy task. On the plus side, Slovenia is a relatively small country, therefore, exploring it will be easier, to plan day trips to different parts of the country. Despite being the country's largest metropolis, Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, is one of Europe's smallest capitals.
For those who travel to experience culture, art, festivals and new experiences make sure Ljubljana is on your radar. Enjoy entertainment in the festival city with street theatre and open-air jazz performances. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a cultural enthusiast, a foodie, or a sustainability advocate, Slovenia in 2025 promises a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional tourism.
There are plenty of meandering cobblestone roads and secret nooks and crannies to explore and beautifully preserved mediaeval buildings throughout. Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hill and surrounded by trees, commands a commanding view of the Old Town and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
Ljubljana can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit. On average, budget travellers spend $44 (€42) per day. Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, is a beautiful spot that sits on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. A small city, it's incredibly walkable and easy to explore on foot. This means you won't be spending all your money on taxis.
The best time to visit Ljubljana is from April to May or from September to October. These spring and fall months offer comfortable weather for sightseeing, plus lower hotel prices than the peak summer season and the busy winter holidays.
Cappadocia is an upcoming travel destination for 2025 as tourists seek a unique experience. Are you planning a trip to Turkey and wondering if Cappadocia is worth visiting? Cappadocia is a destination like no other, home to iconic rock formations, fairy chimney valleys, and other spectacular attractions that draw tourists worldwide.
Visitors can explore these fascinating formations while taking hot air balloon rides or mountain biking through trails in the valleys of Goreme National Park. With excellent safety standards and friendly locals who welcome travellers with their famous Turkish hospitality, Cappadocia has become one of the most popular destinations in Turkey.
With its incredible, stunning landscapes, fascinating ancient history and culture, unique rock formations, such as cave churches and underground cities, outdoor activities, and hot air balloon ride for breathtaking landscape views, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Turkey.
No, it is not expensive to visit Cappadocia. The cost of accommodation and transportation within the region are reasonable for most budgets, with options ranging from luxury hotels to affordable hostels. Many attractions, such as hot air balloon rides or entrance fees to caves and parks, are reasonably priced from around (£40-150pp to $50-190pp.
The best time to visit Cappadocia, Turkey, is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and outdoor activities like hiking and hot-air ballooning are ideal. However, the cheaper time of year to visit is November to January.
Abu Dhabi is ranked as one of the best cities in the world for 2025! Whether you’re here to relax by the turquoise waters, dive into the arts, or explore innovative eco-projects, there’s plenty to keep you hooked. Abu Dhabi is a city for everyone, whether you’re a culture vulture, an adrenaline junkie, or just looking for some serious relaxation.
The to-do list on an Abu Dhabi city break is as long as your arm. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tops most tourist agendas – this white marble structure is the largest of its kind in the UAE and attracts more than five million visitors each year. Beyond the city limits, dune buggies race across the desert and traditional dhow boats soak up the coastal scenery. There are plenty of activities such as watersports like jet skis, kite surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, diving and more.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a destination for sports in 2025, with several major events planned: UAE Tour Women and UAE Tour, NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, The President's Cup and Liwa International Festival.
You should plan to spend around $197 (AED724) per day on your vacation in Abu Dhabi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Abu Dhabi is known for luxurious shopping malls so if you are planning on staying within budget then avoid the shops!
Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a fantastic place to escape the UK’s winter, with balmy temperatures in the 20s or 30s between November and March and around seven hours of flying time from London. The month of October is the peak travel time for Abu Dhabi.
Peru is expected to welcome around 2.5 million tourists in 2025. This is a significant increase from previous years, thanks to the amazing and diverse destinations within the country. Peru has various environments, from deserts to rainforests, offering the most incredible biodiversity. All of this contributes to it being one of the best places to travel.
Peru has many ways to travel around, making it easy to see the country’s beautiful sights. You can use public transit, domestic flights, or taxis. Domestic flights are quick and handy for long trips in Peru. LATAM Peru and Sky Airline Peru offer flights to many places. They’re perfect for reaching far-off spots or crossing Peru’s varied landscapes.
With its multicultural roots being shared between indigenous Peru, Europe and Asia, Lima has since evolved into one of the most upcoming food destinations on earth. From must-try dishes such as Lomo Saltado and Ceviche to the local staples of Papa a la Huancaina and Papa Rellena. If you are in Peru then make sure to visit the ancient Machu Picchu as it's world famous!
Tourists in Lima, Peru can expect to spend between $300–600 per person for their trip, depending on how long they stay. This budget should cover spending money, tips, taxi rides, and meals. January, May and June are the busiest months of the year to visit Lima. Aim to travel outside of these times so your money goes further.
May to September are the ideal travel time for the Andean highlands when climbing and trekking fans also get their money's worth. At night it can cool down to below zero. The bathing season on the coast starts in December and lasts until around April. If you want to visit the rainforest, the best time to travel is between May and December.
If your New Year's resolution this year is to travel and see more of the world then don't miss out on the opportunity to book your flights with our Buy Now, Pay Later options. At Alternative Airlines we offer payment options such as Klarna, Afterpay, Clearpay, Affirm, Tabby, Tamara and many more.
These options allow you to spread the cost of your booking over time in affordable instalments. Many of our options are interest-free and you can choose to pay in weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payments. Don't stop budgeting from getting in the way of your adventures!
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