Planning your next holiday? You’re in luck! We’ve scoured the latest travel trends to bring you the destinations everyone’s talking about in 2025.
Let’s be honest – choosing where to travel next can feel overwhelming. With so many incredible places calling your name, how do you decide? That’s where we come in! At Jenny’s Travel, we’ve done the research (and yes, we’ve been to most of these places ourselves) to bring you the top 10 destinations that are absolutely brilliant in 2025.
From Caribbean paradises to ancient wonders, these aren’t just Instagram-worthy spots – they’re places that’ll give you stories to tell for years to come. Ready to dive in?
1. Curaçao: Where Caribbean Vibes Meet European Sophistication
Picture this: you’re sipping a tropical cocktail whilst admiring pastel-coloured Dutch colonial buildings. That’s Curaçao for you – a perfect blend of Caribbean laid-back vibes and European elegance that’s got travellers absolutely smitten in 2025.
Where to Stay:
- Baoase Luxury Resort – Think private villas where you can literally roll out of bed onto the beach
- Avila Beach Hotel – A gorgeous historic property that’s been welcoming guests since 1949
- Sandals Royal Curaçao – All-inclusive luxury that takes care of everything so you don’t have to
Don’t Miss These Experiences:
- Snorkelling in the Blue Room Cave (it’s as magical as it sounds!)
- Getting lost in Willemstad’s rainbow-coloured streets – seriously, every corner is photo-worthy
- Trying keshi yena at Plasa Bieu (trust us on this local delicacy)
2. Turkey: An Epic Journey Through Time and Culture
Turkey is having a major moment right now, and honestly, it’s about time! This incredible country serves up everything from ancient history to wellness retreats, not to mention some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Our Top Hotel Picks:
- Six Senses Kaplankaya – A wellness sanctuary that’ll have you feeling like a new person
- Argos in Cappadocia – Sleep in a cave hotel whilst hot air balloons float past your window (yes, really!)
- Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus – Ottoman palace luxury in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities
Bucket List Experiences:
- That sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (book early – it sells out!)
- Walking through Ephesus and feeling like you’ve stepped back 2,000 years
- Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus with the city lights reflecting on the water
3. Greece: Still Magical After All These Years
Let’s face it – Greece never goes out of style. But 2025 is seeing a fresh wave of travellers discovering (or rediscovering) why this country has been captivating hearts for centuries.
Accommodation Goals:
- Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini – Those famous cliffside views with your own private pool
- Katikies Hotel, Mykonos – Chic Cycladic architecture meets modern luxury
- Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens – Right in the heart of the action with Acropolis views
Must-Do Moments:
- Watching the sunset in Oia (get there early for the best spot!)
- Exploring the Acropolis – it’s touristy for a reason, and that reason is it’s incredible
- Island hopping by catamaran through the Cyclades
4. Malta: Small Island, Massive Character
Don’t let Malta’s size fool you – this tiny Mediterranean gem packs more history, culture, and natural beauty per square kilometre than almost anywhere else on Earth.
Where We’d Stay:
- Iniala Harbour House – Boutique luxury overlooking Valletta’s stunning harbour
- The Phoenicia Malta – Classic elegance that’s been hosting travellers since 1947
- Kempinski Hotel, Gozo – Peaceful countryside luxury on Malta’s quieter sister island
Unmissable Experiences:
- Getting wonderfully lost in Mdina’s silent, medieval streets
- Swimming in the impossibly blue waters of the Blue Lagoon
- Exploring Valletta – Europe’s smallest capital but definitely not its least impressive
5. Italy: La Dolce Vita Never Gets Old
Italy in 2025? Still perfection. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, this country has a way of surprising you with new corners to fall in love with.
Dream Accommodations:
- Belmond Hotel Caruso, Amalfi Coast – Infinity pool with views that’ll make you weep with joy
- Hotel de Russie, Rome – Elegant oasis just steps from the Spanish Steps
- Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany – Wine country luxury in an 800-year-old estate
Essential Italy:
- Cruising the Amalfi Coast (hire a vintage boat if you’re feeling fancy)
- Making that wish at the Trevi Fountain (then getting gelato nearby)
- Wine tasting in Chianti whilst the Tuscan sun sets over rolling hills
6. Egypt: Ancient Wonders for Modern Travellers
Egypt is experiencing a real renaissance, with improved infrastructure and incredible new attractions making it easier than ever to explore one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Top Places to Rest Your Head:
- Marriott Mena House, Cairo – Wake up to pyramids in your back garden (literally!)
- Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan – Where Agatha Christie wrote “Death on the Nile”
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza – Modern luxury in the heart of this ancient city
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences:
- Standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza (prepare to feel very small)
- Sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca at sunset
- Exploring the new Grand Egyptian Museum – it’s absolutely mind-blowing
7. Portugal: Europe's Best-Kept Secret (That's Not So Secret Anymore)
Portugal has been quietly winning hearts for years, and 2025 is the year everyone’s finally catching on. From vibrant cities to stunning coastlines, it’s got everything you want in a European holiday.
Our Favourite Stays:
- The Yeatman, Porto – Wine lovers, this is your heaven
- Verride Palácio Santa Catarina, Lisbon – Former palace turned boutique beauty
- Vila Vita Parc, Algarve – Family-friendly luxury right on the coast
Can’t-Miss Portugal:
- Port wine tasting in Porto’s historic cellars
- Getting lost in Lisbon’s colourful Alfama neighbourhood
- Kayaking through the Algarve’s incredible sea caves
8. Cyprus: Mediterranean Magic with a Cultural Twist
Cyprus is having a serious moment in 2025 – and it’s about time! This island nation offers the perfect blend of stunning beaches, fascinating history, and that warm Mediterranean hospitality.
Sleep in Style:
- Anassa Hotel, Polis – Mediterranean elegance with world-class spa treatments
- Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort, Limassol – Seaside sophistication at its finest
- Elysium Hotel, Paphos – Beachfront luxury next to ancient archaeological sites
Don’t Leave Without:
- Exploring the incredible Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
- Hiking in the beautiful Troodos Mountains
- Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Fig Tree Bay
9. Mexico: So Much More Than Just Beach Resorts
Mexico continues to surprise and delight travellers in 2025, offering everything from jungle wellness retreats to colonial charm and, yes, those incredible beaches too.
Exceptional Accommodations:
- Chablé Yucatán – Wellness luxury in the heart of the jungle
- One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit – Cliffside luxury with stunning ocean views
- Rosewood San Miguel de Allende – Colonial charm meets modern comfort
Quintessential Mexico:
- Exploring the magnificent ruins of Chichén Itzá
- Tasting authentic street tacos in Mexico City (life-changing!)
- Relaxing on Tulum’s bohemian beaches
10. Mauritius: Island Paradise with Soul
Mauritius rounds out our list as the perfect destination for travellers seeking tropical beauty with cultural depth. This Indian Ocean gem offers luxury, adventure, and authentic experiences all in one stunning package.
Luxury Retreats:
- LUX Grand Baie – Sleek, modern beachfront sophistication
- Constance Prince Maurice – Romantic lagoon setting that’s pure magic
- Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort – Colonial elegance with modern amenities
Mauritius Essentials:
- Snorkelling in the pristine Blue Bay Marine Park
- Witnessing the natural wonder of Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths
- Catamaran cruising to the beautiful Île aux Cerfs
Ready to Turn These Dreams into Reality?
Here’s the thing about travel – the best time to book that trip is now. These destinations aren’t just trending because they look good on social media (though they definitely do that too). They’re trending because they offer the kind of experiences that remind you why you love to travel in the first place.
At Jenny’s Travel, we’ve been helping South African travellers explore the world for years. We know these destinations inside and out, and more importantly, we know how to make your trip seamless from start to finish.
Whether you’re dreaming of floating over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, sipping wine in the Tuscan hills, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, we’ve got you covered. From flights and accommodation to those special experiences that make a trip unforgettable, we handle the details so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to start planning your 2025 adventure?
📧 Email us: holidays@jennystravel.co.za
📞 Call us: +27 12 347 8891
Your next great escape is just a conversation away!
Jenny’s Travel – Your trusted South African travel experts specialising in luxury destinations, cultural experiences, and unforgettable journeys around the world.
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