Article content
18 December 2024 by David Ward
Welcome to our 2025 hot list, where we look ahead to a new year in travel, and cast our eyes over the places we expect to shape your holiday plans over the coming months.
As ever, our experts have compiled a wonderfully varied mix of destinations, from big-hitting favourites to emerging regions a little more off the beaten track. In Italy, we look ahead to some spectacular events, particularly in the world of music, with the iconic 102nd edition of the Verona Opera Festival, and the 20th anniversary of Andre Bocelli’s hometown concert in the heart of rural Tuscany – both Wexas favourites. Then, in Japan, we look beyond the fabled cherry blossoms of spring to find vibrant shades of red and gold in the quieter but no less beautiful autumn months.
Elsewhere, we explore the national parks of Alberta, contrast cloud forests and coastlines in Costa Rica and take to the rails in Vietnam. Then, to wrap things up, we look to Iceland’s wild north and a new direct flight from the UK to Akureyri, which has opened up a magical region of volcanic hot springs, mighty waterfalls and Northern Lights viewing just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
Japan
From its 21st-century cities to temples and shrines which date back centuries, Japan is a land that straddles the ancient and modern with confident ease. Its natural world, too, offers much cause for excitement, be it the snow-dusted peaks of the Japanese Alps, the pretty blooms of cherry blossom season, or Hakone National Park, with its lake-side shrines and ryokan-dotted forests overlooked by that icon of world travel, Mt. Fuji. Right across the country, historic sights abound, with bullet-train hops linking the likes of Osaka’s moated castle, Miyajima’s floating torii gate and Kyoto’s pretty parks and mesmerising old town, the epicentre of geisha culture.
Then, for those wanting to step a little further off the beaten track, peaceful Hokkaido – Japan’s most northerly island – plays host to some 30,000 square kilometres of icy coasts, glassy lakes and volcanic peaks. And, 3,500 kilometres to the south, Okinawa – the birthplace of Karate – enthrals with sub-tropical islands, lush jungles and kaleidoscopic coral reefs. It’s also worth remembering that while cherry blossom season (April–May) remains the most popular time to visit Japan, prices are high and hotels sell out months in advance. As such, we recommend autumn for dramatic fall colours and fewer crowds.
Wooden castle of Matsumoto, Japan
Suggested holiday
On mountain train journeys, private drives and coastal bullet train sprints you’ll explore the great cities, ancient towns and rural beauty of central Japan. In Tokyo and Kyoto, tailor-made guided tours will take you between lacquered shrines and hidden gastronomic delights. Public transport passes will also bring you on cable cars through picturesque Hakone’s forested national park villages before you head off the beaten track to visit wooden castles in alpine towns and samurai quarters in historic cities, learning to cook soba noodles and conduct a tea ceremony as you go.
Italy
Always a favourite among our clients and specialists, Italy dazzles with fine art, fabulous food and a culture that can be summed up in three short words – la dolce vita, the sweet life. Its cities are among the world’s finest, from the canals of Venice to the storied icons of Rome, while its countryside – be it the rolling vineyards and medieval hilltop towns of Tuscany or the jagged peaks of the northern Dolomites – is surely among the prettiest in Europe. Then, to its islands and coasts, where you might be treated to Amalfi’s tumbledown beauty, Sicily’s volcano-framed bays, the pristine sands of Sardinia, or Puglia, with its turquoise seas, hidden beaches and gorgeous cliff top towns.
What’s more, in 2025, visitors can look ahead to some superb events, from the Venice Carnival to the Palio di Siena, a celebration of horse racing, which can be traced as far back as the sixth century. It’s also a Jubilee year in Italy, a religious event which takes place only four times a century. As such, you can expect everything from vibrant festivals to colourful parades. Then, for something quintessentially Italian, there’s the chance to embrace Italy’s musical heritage at the Verona Opera Festival or Andrea Bocelli’s hometown concert in Tuscany, both bookable through Wexas.
Sunset over Verona, Italy
Suggested holiday
This perfect introduction to Verona includes a stay at a converted 14th-century palace, a city highlights tour and a visit to the Arena Museum Opera for the chance to explore Verona’s opera heritage in depth. Best of all, we’ve included tickets to a performance at the Arena di Verona, one of the world’s most iconic opera venues. This ancient Roman amphitheatre was originally constructed in 30 AD, and its perfect acoustics have survived throughout the millennia. With a range of shows available during the summer opera festival, contact our experts to discuss the options on offer.
Costa Rica
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica accounts for just o.03% of the Earth’s surface while containing almost 6% of its biodiversity within its borders. And, with everything from verdant cloud forests to lush jungle, golden beaches and active volcanoes, a holiday here offers the perfect blend of wildlife, adventure and plenty of relaxation. It’s also a country that puts the environment front and centre, with an abundance of eco-certified lodges and hotels providing comfortable, and often luxurious, accommodation in all the best locations.
What’s more, between days spent seeking out everything from sloths and jaguars beneath forest canopies to dolphins and whales off national park peninsulas, there are plenty of exciting activities which bring you right in amongst the pristine nature. Indeed, while one day you might be hiking beneath ancient volcanic peaks framed by forested valleys host to rushing streams and plunging waterfalls, the next you’ll be rafting down river rapids, zip-lining through forest canopies or exploring walkways strung high among mist-shrouded treetops as toucans swoop by. There’s even the chance to watch turtles nesting on remote beaches – a truly unforgettable experience.
Arenal volcano, Costa Rica
Suggested holiday
Wildlife of Costa Rica & the Caribbean Coast
Our recommended itinerary begins with a stay in the grounds of a sustainable coffee plantation in the hills near San Jose, before heading to the wildlife-rich Monteverde cloud forest and the iconic Arenal volcano. It’s all enjoyed alongside stays at eco-lodges hidden deep in the rainforest and on expert-led hikes, bird-watching tours and horse-riding excursions. At remote Pacuare Lodge, you might even choose to arrive by white-water raft. Finally, wrap things up on the gorgeous Caribbean coast where you’ll pair days of sun-soaked relaxation with a guided cultural tour.
Vietnam
Rapidly modernising yet oozing the allure of a bygone age, Vietnam’s slender landmass moves from rural beauty through historic temple-toting towns and imperial enclaves, to wonderfully mesmeric urban centres, all interspersed with powdery white beaches and gleaming rice paddies bobbing with iconic conical hats. Lime-green terraces trace graceful contours into Sapa’s mist-shrouded hills as sheer limestone cliffs frame hidden bays, waterfalls flow serenely into wild jungles, and flowering orchards scatter petals onto the languid Perfume River.
On sun-drenched beaches and palm-dotted islands, watch distant storms crackle over the South China Sea which, at night, glows neon blue as clouds of magical bioluminescent plankton perform one of the world’s most enchanting natural phenomena. Then, in the cities – from the markets and temples of Hanoi all the way south to the industrial powerhouse of Ho Chi Minh City – the eternal flow of motorcycles, cyclos and bicycles; the swirling scents of fresh coffee and incense; and the blur of bright lights and roar of activity blend into a heady vision of pulsating vitality. It’s a ceaselessly vibrant backdrop that astonishes and captivates in equal measure.
Golden Bridge near Da Nang, Vietnam
Suggested holiday
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of Vietnam with a blend of cultural immersion, relaxation and a luxurious rail experience. Your adventure begins in Hanoi, where you’ll explore historic temples, indulge in authentic cuisine, and witness the bustling energy of the Old Quarter. From there, enjoy the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay before exploring the vibrant charms of Hoi An. Your journey culminates with a trip aboard the Vietage Train by Anantara and some time to relax amid the idyllic beaches of the central coast before your flight home from Hoi Chi Minh City.
Alberta, Canada
It’s hard to imagine a place more beautiful than Alberta. A land of soaring mountains, turquoise lakes, wildlife-rich forests and majestic glaciers, it’s home to two of the world’s oldest national parks – Jasper and Banff – and the idyllic setting of Lake Louise. But, there’s far more to the province than just the icons of the Rocky Mountains. Indeed, its largest city, Calgary – a vibrant mix of tree-lined parks, world-class museums and fabulous food – is home to the annual Calgary Stampede. This 10-day festival of live music, rodeos and chuckwagon races allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique culture of the old west.
Then, heading east from Calgary, you’ll enter the otherworldly landscapes of the Canadian Badlands, a region of rocky canyons and towering hoodoos home to one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils. Further south, skirting the US border, there are the indigenous pictographs and rock engravings of Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, and the great peaks and valleys of Waterton Lakes National Park, where the Alberta Prairies and Rockies collide. Lastly, don’t forget the provincial capital, Edmonton. Located in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, this energetic city offers everything from immersive exhibitions to eclectic events, and easy access to the nearby Elk Island National Park, home to free-roaming bison.
Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Canada
Suggested holiday
With stays in Calgary and Edmonton, this tailor-made road trip is the ideal introduction to Alberta’s urban charms. But, as with much of Canada, the province’s real highlights lie beyond its city limits in stunningly beautiful national parks home to pretty villages and abundant native wildlife. Following the Icefields Parkway – one of North America’s most spectacular self-drives – you’ll soak up the snow-capped beauty of the Canadian Rockies as you travel between Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. We’ve even included a number of exciting excursions along with entrance to some of the region’s star attractions to help you make the most of your stay.
North Iceland
While Reykjavik, with its enticing urban attractions and proximity to the iconic sights of the Golden Circle has long been the starting point for many an Icelandic adventure, a new gateway has opened up. With direct flights from the UK to Akureyri between October and April, Iceland’s far north is now more accessible than ever before.
Nestled beneath snow-capped mountains that slope down to Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is a compact town with a vibrant cultural scene and a handful of superb restaurants. But its true appeal lies in the natural wonders on its doorstep. Drive north along the rugged coastline of the Troll Peninsula and you’ll discover picturesque fishing villages and deep fjords that almost skim the Arctic Circle. Head inland, to the east, to find majestic waterfalls, canyons and lunar-like lava fields blistered by hissing fumaroles and bubbling mud pots along the Diamond Circle route. This region is also home to the whale watching hotspot of Husavik and several of the country’s finest geothermal pools, including the Forest Lagoon, GeoSea and the Myvatn Nature Baths. Between mid-September and late March, meanwhile, the Northern Lights are a regular sight swirling across the night sky.
Lake Myvatn, North Iceland
Suggested holiday
Fly direct to Akureyri and discover a wilder, lesser-visited side to Iceland on this captivating winter break. At 65.7°N, just south of the Arctic Circle, this is a prime destination to see the Northern Lights, which you’ll have the chance to do on a guided aurora photography tour. A whale-watching adventure, meanwhile, offers the chance to spot humpbacks, minke whales, orcas and dolphins while sailing along Iceland’s longest fjord. You’ll also visit the Forest Lagoon – one of Iceland’s newest and most idyllic geothermal spas – and marvel at otherworldly volcanic landscapes and thundering waterfalls on an epic Superjeep tour.
