Where to Go in 2025

Introduction

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If you’re already dreaming of where to go in 2025, this collection of destinations offers something extraordinary for everyone. Whether it’s relaxing on Uruguay’s serene beaches, embarking on a luxury adventure through India, or witnessing Borneo’s unforgettable wildlife, each recommendation comes from firsthand experiences and a love for discovery. From iconic bucket list highlights like Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza to lesser-known gems such as Zambia and Malawi, this curated guide is packed with inspiring ideas for bespoke, unforgettable journeys. With such diverse landscapes, cultures, and adventures awaiting, 2025 promises to be the perfect year to explore somewhere new.

My only regret about visiting Uruguay is wishing I’d discovered this welcoming country sooner! It’s a destination that invites you to unwind, with boutique hotels providing the perfect backdrop to disconnect and relax. Days here are blissfully spent discovering delicious local wines, fresh regional produce, and exploring tranquil, scenic settings.

The history lover in me adored Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in charm. This quaint town offers cobblestone streets lined with colourful flowers and vintage cars that evoke nostalgia. I recommend a guided walking tour with a local expert to reveal its rich history, and a coffee in a picturesque café overlooking the historic centre is the ideal way to soak up the atmosphere.

As a wine enthusiast, I loved the small, family-run vineyards. At boutique wine lodges like Pizzorno, I experienced a personalised tour, which showcased the winemaking process and enjoyed tastings of their exceptional Tannat. Nearby, boutique wineries such as Bodega el Legado and Cordano offer further opportunities to explore Uruguay’s vinous delights, all within easy reach of Colonia.

To top off the trip, a stay in the serene beach town of José Ignacio is a must. With its pristine sandy shores, upscale restaurants, and stunning sunsets, it is the perfect place to unwind. This bohemian enclave also features art galleries, more wineries, and surfing opportunities.

Uruguay can be a perfect beach extension to an Argentina trip or a standalone adventure. Whether exploring at leisure or diving deeper, it’s an ideal destination for a self-drive journey.

See trip: Highlights of Uruguay | Far and Wild Travel

India offers an extraordinary luxury holiday destination that seamlessly blends incredible experiences with thrilling adventures, creating a truly transformative journey for anyone visiting. The country presents an unparalleled mix of luxurious accommodations, from Maharaja-style palace hotels in Rajasthan to ultra-modern five-star resorts in exotic locations, where you can indulge in world-class hospitality while immersing in the rich culture.

In my opinion, India provides diverse and spectacular opportunities: the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, offer high-altitude trekking, mountain biking through stunning landscapes, and remote Buddhist monasteries, not forgetting the rare snow leopards; the Western Ghats offer incredible wildlife safaris in national parks like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh, where luxury lodges provide exclusive opportunities to spot tigers, leopards, and rare wildlife in their natural habitat.

The vast range of experiences is truly mind-blowing: from private yacht charters along the Malabar Coast; helicopter tours over the dramatic landscapes of Rajasthan; personalised culinary journeys that introduce the country's extraordinary gastronomic traditions, while luxury train journeys like the Maharajas' Express provide a nostalgic and opulent way to traverse the country's diverse terrains.

Ultimately, a luxury holiday in India is not just a trip, but a transformative journey that combines world-class comfort with extraordinary cultural immersion, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

See trip: Ladakh - The Little Tibet | Far and Wild Travel

In the Africa safari space, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, and Tanzania are the big beasts that dominate the landscape. All provide stunning safari holidays that showcase wild Africa at its best. But often it’s the co-stars who fly below the radar and produce the standout performances, and Malawi is just that; a safari and beach location of real pedigree.

Malawi has delightful scenery, a slow pace of life, is easy to get around, and has wonderful national parks. Add to that Lake Malawi (a.k.a the Calendar Lake, so called because it is roughly 365km long and 52 km wide 😊) and you have the ingredients for a brilliant two-week holiday. I predict 2025 will be the year Malawi comes of age.

P.s. I had one of my all-time favourite safari and beach holidays in Malawi a couple of years ago; give me a call if you’d like to get a copy of the itinerary.

See trip: Majete Safari and Lake Malawi Adventure | Far and Wild Travel

With a relatively short flight (5 hrs from London) visiting Egypt should be top of anyone’s bucket list for 2025! Travelling to Egypt offers so much more than a visit to a resort on the Red Sea coast, but offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks—the Pyramids of Giza!

These ancient structures, built over 4,500 years ago, are not only a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian civilisation but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid and witnessing the Sphinx in person is an awe-inspiring experience that connects you to a rich history that has shaped human civilisation. In 2025, the ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experiences are expected to provide even more engaging and informative tours, making it the perfect time to delve into the mysteries of the pharaohs.

Complementing your visit to the Pyramids, a luxury Nile River Cruise offers a serene and lavish way to experience the beauty of Egypt's landscapes and ancient sites. We have a host of luxury, small boats to recommend so, we’ll take the ‘unknown’ out of picking the right boat for you! As you glide along the river, you'll have the chance to visit remarkable locations such as Luxor and Aswan, where temples and tombs await exploration. Luxury cruises provide exquisite accommodations, gourmet dining, and guided excursions, ensuring that your journey is both comfortable and enriching. With the incredible views of the Nile and the breathtaking sunsets, a Nile River Cruise promises to be a memorable adventure!

See trip: Classic Egypt with Nile Cruise | Far and Wild Travel

I can’t recommend Zambia more highly. I recently spent a week there and my experiences cemented it as one of my favourite places in the world.

What really stood out was the incredible diversity of landscapes; from the wetlands, woodlands, and savannahs of Kafue to the scenic floodplains and rugged escarpment of the Lower Zambezi - you get to see a whole range of environments that you don’t often get to experience in one trip.

There’s also the incredible wildlife; some real closeup elephant encounters and the chance to see the rare and fascinating wild dogs. It’s also good if you’re into birding, with opportunities to see some pretty elusive species - there are over 750 in Zambia, including the majestic African Fish Eagle (the national bird of Zambia) and the Zambezi Red-billed Hornbill (Zazu from the Lion King).

Zambia’s game reserves and national parks are a lot less busy than in other places, and most of the time when we were out on game drives, we didn’t see a single other group, giving it a real feeling of exclusivity.

We enjoyed absolutely spectacular sundowners every evening; on the Kafue River, the top of Mpamba Rock, and the banks of the Zambezi – it was all magical. But it was the rustic charm of Kaingu Lodge in particular that made my trip – I’ll never forget rock hopping to the rapids, our nature walks with Kebby and his stories, or running into a black mamba snake!

Zambia’s mix of landscapes, wildlife, and the warmth and humour of everyone we met makes it a destination that will remain vivid in my mind for a long time to come, and a must-visit for anyone looking for nature, adventure, and a good time, off the beaten track.

See trip: Classic Zambia Safari | Far and Wild Travel

Chile is my number one destination for next year, and it’s easy to see why — the incredible contrast between jaw-dropping glaciers and otherworldly deserts has immense appeal, and to top it all off, cherry-red wines in abundance!

First stop - Torres del Paine National Park in the heart of Patagonia. This iconic location, famous for its towering granite spires and turquoise lakes, promises the adventure of a lifetime. My bucket list activity here would be to ride alongside local gauchos, explore this wild terrain on horseback, and hopefully catch a glimpse of the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead. While saying "it's now or never" might sound a bit gloomy, there's truth in it—global warming is impacting the glaciers here, making it a destination worth visiting sooner rather than later.

Next, journey to the surreal Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, to experience a completely different kind of magic. The lunar-like landscapes here are unforgettable, and you’ll have the chance to soak in natural hot springs beneath the stars, in what’s considered the clearest sky on the planet. The newly refurbished Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa too is an absolute must for those seeking a little luxury.

To cap it all off, head to the breathtaking Millahue Valley, home to Vik Chile, where you can immerse yourself in the local vineyards, sampling some of the finest Chilean reds. Surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic scenery, this is the perfect spot to unwind, savour world-class wine, and reflect on the beauty and diversity of Chile.

See trip: Classic Chile | Far and Wild Travel

Colombia has it all: incredible landscapes, amazing food, rich culture, and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or just a chance to soak up something new, this country delivers, and all at exceptionally reasonable price points!

One of my favourite things about Colombia is how it feels like stepping into a storybook—especially in Cartagena. It’s easy to see why Gabriel García Márquez was so inspired by this city. Wandering its cobbled streets, surrounded by colourful colonial buildings, you can almost feel the magic realism from his novels. Then there’s Medellín, where you’ll find Fernando Botero’s playful, oversized sculptures in Botero Plaza. It’s a city that’s transformed itself completely from its previous reputation as a “do not go” kind of city, blending modern innovation with a love for art and culture.

If nature is more your thing, Colombia’s landscapes are phenomenal. From the rainbow rivers of Caño Cristales to hiking through the jungle to the Lost City, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping places to explore. And, of course, there’s the coffee. Sitting on a plantation in the lush coffee region, sipping a cup brewed just for you, straight from the source. An inimitable experience.

Colombia is hands-down my top pick for 2025 because it’s so full of life and surprises. It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. If you’re ready for something extraordinary, head to Colombia!

See trip: Highlights of Colombia

Borneo is firmly at the top of my travel wish list — how could it not be, with its lush rainforests, incredible wildlife, and the chance to completely escape the everyday?

Top of my list would be cruising along the Kinabatangan River, hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with wild orangutans. Seeing these gentle, intelligent creatures swinging through the trees in their natural habitat would be nothing short of magical. And it’s not just orangutans; the river is alive with wildlife, from pygmy elephants to the quirky proboscis monkeys with their cartoonish noses. It’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary.

Next, I’d head to the Danum Valley, a real treasure of ancient rainforest. Trekking through this pristine jungle, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of the forest, would be unforgettable. Staying at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge is the icing on the cake—imagine waking up to the calls of gibbons or spotting a hornbill flying overhead as you sip your morning coffee.

To top it all off, I’d finish with a trip to Sipadan, where the underwater world takes centre stage. Whether you dive or snorkel, the vibrant reefs, sea turtles, and dazzling marine life make this spot nothing short of extraordinary.

Borneo is more than a destination—it’s an adventure that connects you with nature in a way few places can. Seeing orangutans in the wild? That’s the kind of moment that stays with you forever.

See trip: Wild Borneo: Orangutans, Birds, and Elephants