Living in Singapore, we’re spoilt to have Changi Airport right on our doorstep, and a wealth of alluring destinations at our fingertips. If you’re ready to explore in 2025, read on as our expert globetrotters reveal the tips, trends, and must-see destinations for the year ahead. Whether you’re craving culture, relaxation, or a trip inspired by Taylor Swift, the ever-evolving travel scene has something for everyone.
“More people will travel for world-class international dining experiences”
Erin Padilla, Founder, Accela Communications
accela.comms
Big For 2025: Sustainable and regenerative travel will be at the forefront as travellers seek to minimise their environmental impact and evaluate destinations based on sustainability practices. off-the-beaten-track locations will take people to lesser-known spots that offer unique cultural experiences and new adventures. Multi-generational and group travel destinations that appeal to all age groups will create opportunities for lasting memories and deeper connections. Lastly, “bleisure” travel – a blend of business and leisure – is on the rise. With companies offering remote work options, travellers will continue extending work trips to include holidays.
Major Trends: Culinary travel is evolving. In 2025, more people will head off not just for local cuisine, but for world-class international dining experiences – think the best pizza in Japan!
Get Excited About: Event-based travel. In 2024 we saw live concerts pulling in tourism dollars for cities around the world. Smaller destinations can localise that type of experience, such as Cempedak Island who are hosting a murder mystery weekend in April.
My Personal Escape: I’ve become fond of active holidays with a focus on wine, as I complete my WSET 2 and work toward WSET 3 certification. I’m looking forward to hiking the Milford Track in New Zealand’s South Island and exploring vineyards in Central Otago.
“Travelling in the shoulder-season is going to grow”
Lucy Jackson Walsh, Managing Director, Lightfoot Travel
lightfoottravel.com
lightfoottravel
Big For 2025: Hyper-personalised experiences. Our clients seek trips that reflect their individuality and make them feel special. For example, we’re seeing an uptick in tailored wellness holidays with yoga and sound healing, requests for private dining and more private access to art museums. Travelling in the shoulder-season is also going to grow. Nico Heath (Lightfoot’s African specialist and cofounder) recommends a green season safari when the air is clear of dust, the animals are calving, the landscapes are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists.
Major Trends: JOMO, aka the Joy Of Missing Out. Similar to Slow Travel, this is about going off-grid in locations where you can disconnect and recharge.
Destination Incoming: 2025 marks the Bicentennial of Bolivia. The capital city, La Paz, has rapidly evolved into a melting pot of flavours blending traditional Bolivian ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Lightfoot’s bespoke foodie itineraries include meals at the city’s most exciting new restaurants including Gustu and Phawayi, and a traditional Andean picnic or Apthapi on Lake Titicaca. Bolivia is easily combinable with Peru or Chile’s Atacama desert. It’s a really unique country with a surprising new cuisine culture (following on from next door neighbour, Peru).
Get Excited About: So much! But if I had to pick one thing, I’d say trains. Watch out for Saudi’s Dream of the Desert Line (launching end of 2025), Orient Express La Dolce Vita (Italian itineraries launching Spring 2025 from Venice to Tuscany, Rome to Sicily), and the new L’Observatoire carriage on the Belmond Venice Simplon Orient Express (launching March 2025).
My Personal Escape: I’ll be back to my happy place in Sri Lanka next month. Often referred to as the “teardrop island,” Sri Lanka is not just a stunning destination; it’s a symbol of resilience and healing. For me, it nurtures both the mind and the soul. I look forward to introducing my two smallest boys to the island.
“We’ll see experiences that promote ‘calm and quiet’ in remote destinations”
Matt Tow, Chief Destinations Planner, Amala Destinations
amaladestinations.com
amaladestinations
Big For 2025: Eco-conscious and sustainable operators and accommodations; not just those that support reducing their carbon footprints and operational efficiencies, but also those that actively support environmental, conservation and community initiatives, for example by hiring more local staff or sourcing local products. We’ll also see more wellness-based travel and those seeking experiences that promote calm and quiet in far-flung or more remote destinations.
Highly Recommended: There is a greater spotlight on Bhutan right now due to the increased publicity around Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which aims to create a unique urban environment centered around mindfulness, wellbeing, and sustainable living. Try to time your visit during one of the Tshechu festivals that celebrate Bhutan’s Buddhist traditions with vibrant and colourful dances, music, and rituals.
Get Excited About: Continuing the age of exploration – from exciting discoveries of new wild places and phenomena, such as 2024’s reveal of the world’s largest land mammal migration in South Sudan that surpasses the Great Migration in East Africa, to new frontiers of travel such as space tourism.
My Personal Escape: Exploring the Tibetan Plateau, then heading along the eastern edge of the Silk Road in Gansu Province, which served as a vital crossroads that bridged China and Central Asia. The trade route left behind a rich cultural legacy of Buddhist art, paintings, forts, beacon towers, and sections of the Great Wall.
