With 2025 in full swing, I think it is time I joined the fray and tossed in my two cents on this topic.
My choices for the top five destinations for travel this year may not match anyone else's: no travel magazine or online source, no other advisors' choices. No one may agree with me, in fact. That's okay.
These are my selections, based on the actual number of requests I have received for this year's travel (and next!); the increase in requests for a destination compared to the number of requests I received last year; and the increase in advertising and promoting that I see emanating from my esteemed in-country partners.
These are not the perennial favorites you might be used to...Italy and other European countries/cities; they will continue to have booming tourism. These are destinations that are on the rise.
South Africa - Most people think of South Africa as a safari destination, which it absolutely is, of course.
However, for your venture, we will expand that idea beyond bush breakfasts and game drives, and showcase South Africa's culture, gourmet cuisine and wonderful wine from the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands.
Enjoy free time in Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg taking in museums, galleries and jewelry makers.
For adventurers there is biking, skydiving, camping and waterfall hikes, along with the guided bush walks and animal-spotting opportunities you expect.
Your journey will be supported by expert local guides, and you will be supporting local communities.
Galapágos Islands - The Galápagos Islands have become the destination for nature lovers. There are plenty of chances to meet the extraordinary native animals found nowhere else.
Luckily, there’s no wrong time to visit the Galápagos, since it is located on the equator and the weather is tropical.
The dry season, when water temperatures are cooler, stretches from June to December. During this time, the islands’ marine life (whales, penguins, dolphins, blue- and red-footed boobies) is the most active.
Between January and May, is the rainy season. Downpours are brief, so "rainy" doesn't mean "washout".
During this time the ocean is warm, and land animals are at their busiest. Watch out for the fearless Darwin’s finches that fly so close you think they just might land on your shoulder. Even the giant tortoises move a wee bit faster than usual. It is mating season, after all.
Egypt - I don't want to play favorites, but...I will. Egypt is my top pick for me!
Tourism there is seeing a rise in families traveling together, especially those with teenage children. It turns out Egypt remains the perfect “last hurrah” for families before their children head off to college.
One Virtuoso partner of mine collaborates with local archaeologists on uncovering new and recent discoveries, which has driven interest among Virtuoso clients.
Egypt remains too important on bucket lists to be overlooked.
Starting with the essentials, VIP airport assistance through immigration, and private arrival transfer to the hotel, your tours, and Nile River cruise will bring ancient history into your present day awareness.
Japan - Ah, Japan. Since re-opening to tourists post-pandemic, visitation to the Land of the Rising Sun has exploded. Even so, I still put it in the "up-and-coming" category.
It is a perfect destination for a family vacation, a wellness journey, adventure, historical and cultural explorations, watching and learning from artisans, hiking, cycling, art, architecture, and afternoon strolling through botanical gardens.
But wait, there's more: have a private sushi lesson with master chef; attend festivals; do some insider shopping; watch sumo wrestling; attend a kabuki performance; meet culinary and sake experts; take a private martial arts lesson; make an appointment to visit Ghibli Museum; explore your anime and manga fascination; visit UNESCO sites, temples and shrines; the Geisha district; stroll a verdant bamboo forest, check in at a public onsen; spend a day in a colorful crafts and antiques market. All can be done privately, arranged with your own transportation and guide from your luxury hotel, or traditional ryokan.
Columbia - About a year ago i wrote this about travel to Colombia. Vibrant cities, golden-sand beaches, and lush highlands - it's a traveler’s paradise. Colombian's are warm and proud of their culture, and they are happy to share it with visitors.
The vistas are varied - cool mountain cities thousands of feet above sea level; a beautiful mountainous region – think of Tuscany, but far more lush and green; spa towns with bubbling thermal springs that draw travelers seeking wellness treatments.
Try the spa treatments at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena that draw on holistic traditions and Colombian ingredients. Its signature scrub uses an aromatic selection of local products, including chocolate, coffee, dark panela sugar, and coconut.
Colombia's interior is unspoiled and biodiverse. Buried deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the Ciudad Perdida, or “Lost City,” ancient ruins that predate Machu Picchu and are surrounded by indigenous villages.
Take your adventures to La Guajira's desert landscapes, giant sand dunes and the remote ranches and fishing villages of the indigenous Wayuu people on the Caribbean coast.
Wrapping up...
There is too much to write about these five countries in one short article.
Note to self: explore upcoming articles on each country. Yes, I think that is a great idea.
You can start planning your trip with me now - you don't have to wait for another article!
'til next week.
Did you miss any of my articles? They are all here.
Contact Juliet: GLOBAL EXOTIC ADVENTURES
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