Bye bye 2024 👋

We’re bringing you our top destination picks for the spanking new year.

A city safari, jazz in the UNESCO City of Music, the birthplace of pesto and destination resets - 2025’s got it all. Chuck these top 10 places on your bucket list...

Genoa

Why we like it:
Genoa feels like Italy’s best-kept secret, mixing ancient palaces, epic Mediterranean views, and some of the best food in the country.

With a new high-speed train connection to Milan on the way, now’s the time to explore this gem.

Don't Miss:
Get lost in the narrow caruggi alleyways and discover the unreal, UNESCO Palazzi dei Rolli. Treat yourself to the city’s famous pesto - try it on trofie pasta or focaccia at the Mercato Orientale.

Stroll along the coast to the ancient fishing village of Boccadasse for Cinque Terre vibes but without the crowds.

Muscat

Why we like it:
Dubai's underrated cousin is the perfect blend of deep heritage and lush nature, with a massive dollop of bougie on the side. The landscapes here look like something straight out of Dune, with rugged limestone peaks and wind-sculpted deserts.

Don't Miss:
Stroll along the Mutrah Corniche waterfront, have a wander through the 200yr-old souq, or catch a show at the Royal Opera House. For adventure, head to the dunes or the Hajar Mountains.

La Gomera

Why we like it:
Crumbly black volcanic rock, jungley hikes, and hippie outposts… La Gomera is the untamed Canary Island we want to go to in 2024. It’s still got the same postcard-perfect beaches and sunny climate as it’s neighbours BUT none of the cruise-ship crowd. Praise be.

Don't Miss:
San Sebastián is the capital and it looks like someone spilt Skittles everywhere. Houses are painted in pastel tones and the sleepy seafood shacks open when they feel like it. Take the Ruta 18 hike which goes up the highest mountain of the island - Garajonay.

Hydra

Why we like it:
Never met a Greek island we didn’t like. In Hydra everything happens around the horseshoe-shaped port, where fishermen haggle for mooring spots and a line of donkeys stands to attention. There are no vehicles in Hydra (not even bikes) so donkeys wind around the narrow streets and wheeze up the steep steps.

Hydra’s got two faces, and both are beaut. Come in high season and the old men playing backgammon are replaced with millionaires looking for a discreet holiday. It’s made our list this year because there’s nothing to do but swim in the open sea, smash through slabs of feta, and drink ouzo shots on pebbled beaches.

Don't Miss:
You’ll want to sit in one of the squares and snag a morning pastry. Then you could trek across the island for a Robinson Crusoe-style hidden beach… Or just dip in the sea and head to Xeri Elia Douskos for guitar playing and traditional eats. Finish your day with sundown drinks at The Pirate Bar.

Toulouse

Why we like it:
Toulouse is where history, art, and good ‘ol vibes come together. Known as “Paris in miniature,” it’s got the lot - hipster art galleries in repurposed spaces, amazing food, and relaxing river and canal views.

With the iconic Musée des Augustins - a 14th century convent turned art hub - reopening later this year, there’s no better time to plan your visit.

Don't Miss:
Catch live music at Le Saint des Seins or jazz at Le Taquin - Toulouse is a UNESCO City of Music, so the tunes are always on point. Wander through landmarks like the Basilique St-Sernin or the gorg Capitole.

Foodies will love Marché Victor Hugo food market, where you can grab local eats or a cassoulet lunch upstairs.

Braşov

Why we like it:
Medieval black churches, gothic spires, narrow alleyways... Braşov is horror film chic. This Romanian town is nestled deep inside a Transylvanian forest.

It’s glorious in sunshine but when the sun sets... Locals get their fangs round sugary street food sold from wagons and drink £1 pints in candlelit dive bars.

Don't Miss:
Hollywood, schmollywood. The real sign to get a selfie with is in the hills above Braşov. Perched on a rock in the Carpathian mountains, Rasnov fortress brings all the hikers to its yard.

It was built by knights as protection against invading Tartars and now it’s a museum and maze up in the clouds.

Nairobi

Why we like it:
Kenya’s capital feels like a living, breathing work of art. The streets are buzzing with Matatu buses turned into moving graffiti murals, and around every corner pokes a quirky cafe serving up local coffee or creative art spaces.

And where else can you see lions and rhinos roam around against a backdrop of skyscrapers?

Don't Miss:
Kuona Art Space is THE spot - it’s packed with bold, fresh works from Kenyan artists, while the Maasai Market is a treasure trove of handmade jewellery, baskets and clothes.

Take a craft workshop with local artisans at Opportunity Factory, then bike the shady trails, go for a jog, or just soak up the peaceful vibes at Karura Forest.

Vilnius

Why:
Named the European Green Capital of 2025, Vilnius a city that blends eco and art effortlessly. Think tree-lined streets with pop-up installations, bold galleries, and even trees rocking knitted sweaters. It’s got creativity seeping out every crack.

Don't Miss:
Start your night with craft cocktails at Champaneria, then dance it out at Bardakas.

Take a day trip to see the moving Hill of Crosses or lose yourself in the forests and lakes of Aukštaitija National Park.

Tromsø

Why:
Tromsø is a hardcore night owl. It’s got the most pubs per capita in Norway and the Northern Lights put on a good strobe show.

2025 is the year for nomadic travel (apparently) and adventure. Tromsø is a big ol’ box ticker of a holiday.

Don't Miss:
You can sled on a reindeer or head to a midnight gig in the Arctic Church. The polar bear at Mack’s Brewery will day drink you under the table.

Ljubljana

Why we like it:
Fairytale castles, riverside cafes, and dragons (bridge) - Ljubljana is the Slovenian capital that just keeps giving.

Bring a Slovenian classic to the park or hang in a boujee riverside cafe. Ideal for eco-conscious travellers, there’s loadsa carbon-neutral ways to live it up in Ljubljana.

Don't Miss:
The Metelkova neighbourhood used to be the former Yugoslav army barracks but now it’s a playground for artists and creatives.

Street art and rainbow mosaics are spread over every wall and Gala Hala bar serves ‘bear blood’ shots… the bohemian vibes are strong with this one.