Are you ready to start ticking off your bucket list? From watching the sunrise over the Angkor Wat in Cambodia to seeing the pyramids in Egypt, you’ll find a host of wonderful far-flung destinations of a lifetime to discover in 2025. They say 'Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer', so we’ve handpicked some of the best travel experiences and destinations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East for you to tick off your bucket list.
Top travel experiences in Europe:
1. Ride a Gondola in Venice
A popular day trip from Lake Garda, the beautiful floating city of Venice, known as 'La Serenissima' or 'the most Serene,' is filled with winding canals, ornate bridges, and stunning architecture. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride—gliding through the city’s narrow waterways, past centuries-old palaces and charming piazzas.
2. Visit La Alhambra, Spain
The UNESCO-listed monument complex of La Alhambra, with its magnificent palaces, patios, and gardens, is one of the best attractions in Spain to see. Perched on a hilltop in Granada, this iconic site was originally built as a small fortress in 889 AD and was later transformed into a lavish royal palace by the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th century. You can visit La Alhambra on our Highlights of Andalucia tour. For full availability on trips to Spain, find all our holidays to Spain here.
3. Enjoy a Pastel de nata in Lisbon
The Pastel de nata, a tasty pastry, was created in Lisbon! Portugal’s capital has a fascinating heritage, the city itself is extremely beautiful. With stunning pastel-coloured buildings, neoclassic architecture and mosaic-paved streets. It’s one of the best places in Portugal to visit.
4. Learn more about Ancient Greece
The land where civilisation began, a holiday in Greece can offer historical sites and archaeological wonders. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece.
5. Take an Amalfi Coast boat tour
If you’re staying in Sorrento for one of our holidays to Italy, exploring the Amalfi Coast by boat is a must do, as it offers a unique perspective of this stunning coastline. Cruising along the sparkling turquoise waters, you can visit charming seaside towns like Positano and Amalfi.
6. Shop in the Grand Bazaar, Turkey
On a trip to Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit, offering a vibrant shopping experience in the world’s largest and oldest covered market. With over 4,000 shops, this historic bazaar has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries, drawing traders from all over the globe. Today, it remains a meeting point of East and West, where you can find everything from spices, jewellery, and textiles to unique handicrafts.
7. Sail through the Fjords of Norway
Norway’s fjords are some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, carved by glaciers and surrounded by towering cliffs. Sailing through these deep, narrow inlets, you pass cascading waterfalls, picturesque villages, and rugged mountains. The combination of stunning scenery, calm waters, and remote charm makes Norway’s fjords an unforgettable natural experience.
8. Visit Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a picture-perfect alpine lake, renowned for its emerald waters, a church-topped island, and a medieval castle perched on a cliff. Strolling along the lakeside or taking a traditional pletna boat to the island offers serene views and a glimpse of Slovenia’s fairy-tale charm. The lake’s beauty and tranquillity make it a highlight for anyone exploring the region.
9. Wander the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a stunning walled city on Croatia’s southern coast. Walking along its historic city walls, you can enjoy panoramic views of red-tiled rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Its narrow streets, baroque architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make Dubrovnik a cultural and scenic highlight of the Mediterranean.
10. Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is full of natural wonders and it offers one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Visit Iceland and see volcanic landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls and relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Top travel experiences in Asia:
11. Cruise Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning natural wonder, means "descending dragon" and is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s just one of the many highlights of Vietnam.
12. Admire the Taj Mahal, India
A trip to India isn’t complete without visiting the mighty Taj Mahal. One of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in the Indian city of Agra. The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan commissioned this iconic building to house the tomb of his favourite wife.
13. Walk along the Great Wall of China
One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and arguably the top highlight of any holiday to China, this engineering marvel stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. Walking even a small part of this iconic landmark offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
14. Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat
Experiencing sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most unforgettable moments on a Cambodia tour. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a stunning 12th-century temple complex that showcases Khmer architecture and is the world’s largest religious monument. Beyond Angkor Wat, the wider Angkor Archaeological Park features other impressive temples, including Bayon and Ta Prohm.
15. See Mount Fuji, Japan
Lake Ashi in Hakone offers one of the best vantage points for Mount Fuji. On a clear day, the snow-capped peak can be seen rising above the lake, often reflected in its calm waters. You can enjoy a boat cruise, stroll along the lakeside, or take the Komagatake Ropeway for elevated views of the surrounding scenery and Mount Fuji. Along with seeing this iconic sight, Japan offers a wealth of cultural and natural experiences that make any visit unforgettable.
16. Walk to the Top of Sigiriya ‘Lion’s Rock’, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya, also known as Lion’s Rock, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. This ancient rock fortress rises dramatically from the surrounding jungle and walking to the top rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Top travel experiences in Africa & The Middle East
17. Cruise the Nile to discover Ancient Egypt
The best way to see all the top places in Egypt is to take a guided holiday. Visit the Pyramids of Giza before embarking on a cruise down the Nile and discover more historical treasure troves of Ancient Egypt, such Luxor and Aswan.
18. Experience an African Safari
One of best travel experiences in Africa is to search for the Big Five, which we can do so in Kariega Game Reserve on our South Africa holidays. There are also plenty of other activities and sights to discover in the Rainbow Nation, find out more in our top highlights of South Africa blog.
19. Explore the ancient city of Petra
A holiday to Jordan wouldn’t be complete without exploring this ancient wonder. The UNESCO-listed city of Petra, founded over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, is renowned for its stunning rock-carved monuments, including tombs, houses, the Ad-Deir Monastery, an amphitheatre, and the iconic Treasury building, famously featured in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
20. Discover Deadvlei & the Dunes of Sossusvlei
If you want to experience otherworldly landscapes, then a trip to Namibia could be perfect. The dunes of Sossusvlei, including the towering Big Daddy—one of the tallest sand dunes in the world—offer stunning views. Nearby, Deadvlei enhances the scene with its white clay pan and ancient, blackened trees, creating a hauntingly beautiful contrast that feels like stepping onto another planet.
21. Haggle in the souks of Marrakech, Morocco
A visit to Marrakech would not be complete without wandering through its bustling souks, alive with colours, scents and sounds at every turn. From handwoven rugs to vibrant textiles, there is treasure around every corner. Haggling with the local artisans is part of the fun and tradition, giving you a chance to connect with the city’s culture while discovering unique keepsakes. This lively experience is a highlight of any Marrakech City Break, perfectly combining cultural immersion, local flavour and the excitement of the hunt for something truly special.
Top travel experiences in North & South America
22. See the mighty Iguazu Falls
Straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, there are a total of 275 waterfalls that make up the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site Iguazu Falls. On our guided Brazil and Argentina tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore both sides of the falls and experience this incredible wonder up close.
23. Take a classic car tour in Havana, Cuba
The classic 1950's cars are famously associated with Cuba; from 1959 to 2013 there was an import ban on cars into the country. Havana's official nickname is ‘Ciudad de la Columnas' or the City of Columns, due to its Colonial architecture. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and we think on your Cuba holiday that the best way to explore this historic city is by vintage car!
24. Journey through the Rockies
The Rockies are a must-visit for their breathtaking scenery, including Lake Louise in Banff National Park, renowned for its striking turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. One of the many highlights of our Western Canada & the Rockies tour is a snow coach ride on the Athabasca Glacier, an incredible way to explore this part of the Columbia icefield. If you want to see more of the Great White North, then check out our blog post on the top 10 places to visit in Canada.
25. Travel along Route 66, USA
Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” stretches across the heart of the United States, offering a journey through classic Americana. Driving this historic route, you pass small towns, vintage diners, quirky roadside attractions, and vast open landscapes. It’s a nostalgic and iconic experience that captures the spirit of American road trips, combining history, culture, and the freedom of the open road.
26. Uncover the Caribbean charm to Colombia in Cartagena
For many, the Caribbean isn’t the first image that springs to mind when they think of a holiday in Colombia. However the coastal city of Cartagena boasts colourful colonial architecture, lively cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas, all set against the backdrop of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
27. See the Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil
Sugarloaf Mountain rises dramatically at the entrance to Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, offering one of Brazil’s most iconic viewpoints. A cable car ride to the summit provides sweeping views of the city, beaches, and surrounding mountains. On a clear day, the contrast of the blue ocean against the lush green peaks creates an unforgettable panorama, making this a must-see experience when exploring Rio.
28. Enjoy a Tango Show in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Experience the passion and elegance of Argentine culture with a live tango performance in Buenos Aires. From the graceful movements to the evocative music, a tango show captures the heart of the city’s traditions. Many performances also include the opportunity to enjoy authentic local cuisine, combining cultural immersion with a sensory feast that makes it a memorable highlight of any visit.
29. Explore Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel perched high in the Andes, is one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Even without hiking, you can explore its terraces, temples, and plazas while learning about the history and culture of the Inca civilisation. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the site offers incredible photo opportunities and a sense of awe that makes it an unforgettable experience in Peru.
30. Stroll Through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a unique ecosystem, shrouded in mist and home to an incredible variety of wildlife and plants. Walking along the trails, you can see colourful birds, monkeys, and orchids, while towering trees and hanging vines create a magical atmosphere. This immersive experience allows you to connect with nature up close and appreciate the biodiversity and tranquillity of Costa Rica’s highland forests.
We hope some of these best travel experiences have inspired you for 2026, we offer escorted holidays to over 100 places worldwide and our team is always on hand to help you choose your dream destination.
