Where To Travel For Every Month of 2025
The best thing about looking ahead to 2025 is planning all the trips you want to take. The annual leave counter resets, and we’re all looking for inspiration on where to fill up the days. We’ve done the research and picked 12 unique spots that might not be on your list yet, but they should be. Here is the best in underrated travel for 2025, from India’s most pristine beaches and the gastronomic capital of the world to safari-spotting bliss.
January – Andaman Islands, India
Why visit? Swap January blues for the crystal clear blue waters of the Andaman Islands, an Indian archipelago in the middle of the Bay of Bengal.
Must-see attraction – Scuba diving: The water is so clear that visibility extends up to 130ft down, which makes it perfect for any underwater sloping reefs, steep walls, sandy bottoms and coral gardens expiration.
Dish to try: Any type is fish curry is going to be more delicious and fresh than you could imagine – just ask what the special is and go from there.
Swap January blues for the crystal clear blue waters of the Andaman Islands.
February – Salvador, Brazil
Why visit? Salvador has a lot of things going for it, combining history with natural beauty. Portugal’s former colonial capital is the centre of the country’s Afro-Brazilian community, and the culture is reflected in everything from music and food to its art. Capital of the Bahia region, it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1985 and is situated on a tropical coastline.
Must-see attraction – Carnival: Salvador is the best place to experience Bahian Carnival, which in 2025 gets started on February 27th. Expect music, celebrations and trios elétricos, the traditional electrically amplified bands playing atop speaker-laden trucks.
What to eat: The iconic Capirinha, of course. Curaçao, sugar cane and lime make up this national institution that gets better the more you drink.
It’s the centre of the country’s Afro-Brazilian community, and the culture is reflected in everything from music and food to its art.
March – Sichuan, China
Why visit? Visitors to China always hit Shanghai and Beijing – for good reason – but any trip would be incomplete without a visit to the Sichuan province. Mystic mountains, the historic city of Chengu, cliff-carved buddhas, stunning nature reserves and some of the best food await those who venture inland.
Must-see attraction – Giant Panda Sanctuaries: The Sichuan province is home to over 30% of the world’s giant panda population, and is crucial for the continued survival of the beloved species. Set within government-protected pockets of tropical rainforest, the sanctuaries are also host to red pandas, clouded leopards and the snow leopard.
What to eat: There are almost too many dishes to mention. The Sichuan region is responsible for many of the dishes that have travelled and made a name for themselves around the world, backed by the numbing flavour of the Sichuan pepper. You might love Kung Pao chicken, but for us, mapo tofu is the star.
April – South Carolina, USA
Why visit? For those outside the US, South Carolina doesn’t seem like an obvious place for the country’s best beach break, but it has every right to lay a claim. Areas like Kiawah Island and Hilton Head are idyllic holiday destinations, especially if you like golf as well. The capital of Charleston is charming and offers a crucial window into America’s history for history buffs, however, there is a dark side to the city. It played a pivotal role in the US slave trade, and the city formally apologised for this in 2018.
Must-see attraction – Cypress Garden: Remember the famous rowing scene in The Notebook? That took place here, in a forest on the water. Row past blooming azaleas and low-flying bald eagles – and watch out for the gators.
What to eat: In the Lowcountry, you’ll be happy with any sort of fish-based stew. Gullah crab is an iconic dish that is a must-try, based around shrimp, crab, peas, rice, okra and greens, all locally sourced.
May – Bhutan
Why visit? Bhutan is one of the world’s best-hidden gems, the Himalayan Kingdom is known for its epic treks, river activities, wildlife and world-famous national festivals. From the beginning, it has attracted what is dubbed as “high value, low impact” travellers, in reference to their environmental concerns, which is a key issue for the country, which is aiming to be net-zero by 2030.
Must-see attraction – The Tiger’s Nest. One of the most visually stunning monasteries in the world, it was built in 1692 and plays a key role in the country’s conversion to Buddhism. Trek your way up a mountain and you’ll be met with the sight at the top.
What to eat: Those who like spicy food are in for a treat – chillies play a crucial role in Bhutan’s cuisine. Sitting somewhere in the middle of neighbouring countries India, China, Nepal and Tibet, the Ema Datshi combines chilli and cheese to great effect (“ema” means chilli and “datshi” means cheese).
A Himalayan Kingdom known for its epic treks, river activities, wildlife and world-famous national festivals.
June – Lyon, France
Why visit? The town is beautiful, but there is one thing above all that brings travellers to Lyon – its food. Famed restaurant critic Curnonsky dubbed it the ‘world capital of gastronomy’ in 1935, and it hasn’t relinquished its crown since. There are over 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, but really almost any of its famed bistros could take a star.
Must-see attraction – Traboules: Have fun getting lost amongst Lyon’s Traboules, a network of secret passageways leading to hidden courtyards. Or, if time is tight, you can take a guided tour.
What to eat: Short answer – everything. But specifically, the tarte aux pralines with tangy crème fraîche with chunks of candied almonds is worth the indulgence.
Dubbed it the ‘world capital of gastronomy’ in 1935, and it hasn’t relinquished its crown since.
July – Saint Lucia
Why visit? We think this West Indies island makes for the ultimate Caribbean getaway. Sandy white beaches, the volcanic mud baths of Soufrière, lush rainforests, authentic island food, and a buzzing nightlife scene – sounds like paradise.
Must-see attraction – Rainforest zipline: What’s the best way to see the island’s wildlife? Ziplining through the jungle of course.
What to eat: Head to the fishing villages and enjoy freshly caught saltfish, which traditionally comes served with plantain, green banana and yam.
What’s the best way to see the islands wildlife? Ziplining through the jungle of course.
August – Slovenia
Why visit? Slovenia is one of Europe’s most underrated gems, a treasure trove of history and architecture, complete with moody medieval streets, picture-perfect castles, and stunning lakes waiting to be explored. Start in the vibrant, youthful capital of Ljubljana and head from there.
Must-see attraction: Lake Bled is a much more affordable, just as beautiful alternative to Como or Garda in Italy, recognisable by its cliffside castle and island church.
What to eat: Rolled dumplings štruklji date back to the 16th century, so they’ve had a lot of time to perfect the dish. Try it as a side with potato and cottage cheese, or even as a dessert with honey, nuts and apple.
Start in the vibrant, youthful capital Ljubljana and head from there.
September – Donegal, Ireland
Why visit? While tourists flock to Dublin, Galway and Kerry, Ireland’s most northerly and remote county is arguably its most stunning. Featuring sandy beaches great for surfing, vertigo-inducing cliffs and mountain peaks, it’s worth the trip.
Top tip: Rent a car. It sounds obvious, but if you’ve travelled anywhere else in Ireland, you’ll know that, while not ideal, it is possible to get by with a mix of train and bus services. This isn’t true in Donegal, as there hasn’t been any train service since the last one closed in 1954, Ireland being one of the few countries whose rail network was actually better 100 years ago.
Must-see attraction – Slieve League: Less crowded, higher and more dramatic than the more famous Cliff of Moher, the cliff walk along here is an absolute must.
What to eat: Few experiences are better than having a pint of Guinness by the fire after a long hike.
October – Quebec, Canada
Why visit? The heart of French Canada, Quebec is full of cobbled streets, historic sites and European-style charm. Montreal and Quebec City are must-visits, especially during autumn when the foliage is in full electric orange.
Must-see attraction – Old Quebec City: There’s more history packed into this small quarter than almost the rest of Canada combined. Old churches, cathedrals and architecture give visitors the best glimpse into the region’s past there is.
What to eat: The national dish Poutine is a must. With so many places across the region claiming to serve the best, your only option is to try them all and be the judge yourself.
November – Zambia
Why visit? Safari seekers will want to put Zambia on their map for 2025, with the South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi national parks offering some of the best unspoiled wildlife spotting opportunities in Africa.
Must-see attraction – Victoria Falls: One of the world’s largest waterfalls is an absolute must – and a great launchpad from which to explore Zambia’s network of freshwater lakes and rivers, the most extensive in Africa. Although water levels are a little lower than in the Spring, the sight is still awe-inspiring. Whether you want to risk swimming in the Devil’s Pool is up to you.
What to eat: The vast water network produces some delicacies such as crayfish and tilapia that are delicious served either charcoal grilled, boiled, or dried, and with a traditional side nshima.
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December – Azores, Portugal
Why visit? These Portuguese Islands lie smack bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. An archipelago of nine volcanic islands, the dramatic landscapes bring to mind Hawaii or a tropical version of Iceland. Distance and convenience mean it’s harder to get to, but once there you’ll be rewarded with unique vistas, hot springs, azure calderas, and lush greenery. As a bonus, there are fewer crowds and it’s significantly cheaper than the Algarve. The weather is still pleasantly mild in December – floating around 14-16 degrees – and perfect for hiking and exploring.
Must-see attraction – Swim in a thermal spring: You can find hot springs all over the archipelago, created by volcanic activity and providing spa-like water for free.
What to eat: The Azores Pineapple is slightly smaller than its more familiar counterpart but makes up for that with more sweetness and less acidity created by a unique maturation process.
