Where The Team Is Travelling This Year
Planning is the buzzword for January – and we’re not sure about you, but for The Handbook, travel is a big part of that. Some of us are looking at cosy staycations in and around London, while others are planning adventures in India, Canada and Japan. In a nutshell, we’ve never been more excited about our holiday allowance. If you’re in need of some travel recommendations for 2025, take a look at where the team is heading this year:
Salzburg, Austria
“My brother and I clubbed together to gift my mum a trip to Salzburg this Christmas and we are planning to go early in the spring. We haven’t been on a family holiday all together since we were children (should be interesting!) and Salzburg seemed like a good option to keep everyone happy and somewhere none of us have ever been.”
“I’m looking forward to eating copious amounts of schnitzel, trailing the Museum of Modern Art in search of my favourite artist, Schiele, maybe making a trip into the mountains and living out my childhood fantasies at the Sound of Music house.” – Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
Tokyo, Japan
“I’m hoping to travel to Japan later this year to catch up with a friend up there- I’ve never been before (or to the continent, for that matter), but since it’s very much a ‘Oh you have to go!’ destination, I’m obviously excited. Tokyo is on the cards, as well as potentially other cities- the landscapes and the Japanese restaurants are what I’m most looking forward to. While I don’t speak Japanese (my friend does), I’m hoping to get as much out of it as I can.”- Rufus, Contributing Entertainment Writer
Goa, India
“There’s nothing I’m dreaming of more than endless stretches of sand and sea. I am itching to go back to Goa to meet family I haven’t seen in years and just lie on the beach and do nothing. Also on the cards are endless plates of calamari, fried fish and vindaloo, washed down with a glass of cashew feni – susegad at its finest. I’m also on a bit of a fitness spree this year, so I’m planning a little yoga retreat here next winter.” – Andrea, Food, Culture & Lifestyle Writer
Brighton, UK
“I’m looking at doing more weekend trips close to London this year and I’ve got my eyes on a stay at one of the UK’s most exciting new openings of 2024, No. 124 Brighton. It’s got a fabulous sea view and looks like just the place for a little weekend getaway. Also, I hear the fish and chips in Brighton are unrivalled – so I need to test it out.” – Patrick, Editorial Assistant
Calgary, Canada
“Myself, my husband and two girls are taking a road trip around Canada in July, kicking off with the Calgary Stampede rodeo. My girls are horse-mad and we are meeting Canadian friends for this part of our trip so I know we’re going to get a truly local experience. We are still planning our itinerary beyond this – we are hoping to make pit stops in Bamf, Lake Louise, Revelstoke, Kelowna Lakes, Kamloops and maybe Vancouver Island but are open to advice and recommendations at this stage.” – Robyn, Managing Director
Mexico City, Mexico
“I’m off to Mexico in March. I’ve never been before but I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the culture. I’ll be staying in Mexico City before visiting the food capital, Oaxaca, and enjoying some much-needed beach time in Yucatan.” – Natasha, Digital Editor
I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the culture.
Sicily, Italy
“I’m quite a spontaneous traveller so I don’t have any trips booked just yet (apart from a plethora of hen do’s and overseas weddings), but a place on my European vision board for this year is Sicily, the beaches, scenery and food look incredible. The Atlantis Bay Hotel looks like a dream spot to stay in.”
“I’m also a big fan of a good London staycation, and next on my must-visit list is the effortlessly chic Broadwick Soho for the coolest interiors.” – Elle, Venue Partnerships Manager
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
“This year marks an exciting chapter for me as I’m not just visiting but moving to Sydney, Australia. Beyond the thrill of settling into a new city, I’m also closer than ever to fulfilling a long-standing dream: visiting Bora Bora. For years it’s been on my bucket list of places to travel to, admiring its turquoise lagoons and iconic overwater bungalows in magazines and across social media. It always felt too far away, but with Sydney soon becoming my new home, Bora Bora 2025 is finally starting to sound plausible.” – Sydney, Social Media Manager
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
“I’m travelling to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for a mother-daughter trip with some childhood friends in March. We’re staying at a charming family-owned Bed and Breakfast called Casa Schuck and our itinerary includes exploring Mercado de Artesanias, a cooking class with a local chef in their home, Casa De Las Ranas, and meeting with the local artist Fernando M. Diaz. I’m very excited to explore such a gorgeous city and spend time with great friends.” – Caitlin, Client Content Manager
