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Swim with whale sharks, trek through remote gorges, marvel at the world's most breathtaking landscapes and witness incredible wildlife. These are the best places to go in 2025.
WHY – The festive crowds have dispersed and the weather is warm and mild making this the ideal time for sightseeing, exploring ancient ruins and relaxing days on the beach. These are the reasons why Mexico is one of the best places to go in 2025.
HIGHLIGHTS –Fancy swimming with whale sharks or sea lions, and getting up close to blue whales? The oceans of Baja California Sur are home to an incredible array of marine life. We can arrange an epic Baja Ocean safari in the Sea of Cortes incorporating a visit to UNESCO listed Isla Espiritu Santo.
TOP TIP – Don’t leave Mexico without sampling street food delicacies such as tamales, tacos and tortas which can be found on practically every street. Packed full of punchy Aztec and Mayan flavours, to feast on antojito ('little cravings') is part of the fabric of everyday life.
HOT HOTEL – Amanvari, Aman's new opening will offer a relaxing escape by the Sea of Cortés in 2025.
JANUARY - MEXICO
FEBRUARY - ZAMBIA
WHY – It’s the middle of the Green Season and the plains are at their most beautiful, lush and green. The rainy season makes this a magnificent time to see the thundering Victoria Falls and it is a great time for birdwatching.
HIGHLIGHTS – Whilst many of the bush camps are closed at this time of year, the beautiful camps in the Lower Zambezi are open for business and the water levels are at their peak - perfect for boating safaris that will take you to places that are hard to reach when it’s dry. The proximity to nature on the flowing waterways, and the peace and quiet is an extraordinary experience.
TOP TIP – Book a specialist photography safari for a chance to capture the dramatic landscapes of Zambia on film. From the stormy skies to the vibrant green, it’s a particularly dazzling time of the year to take the perfect shot.
HOT HOTEL – Lolebezi is one of our favourite camps on the banks of the Zambezi.
WHY – With the promise of 300 days of sunshine per year, the spring is a wonderful time to visit the Iberian Peninsula before the peak summer crowds descend. Portugal is growing in popularity and is one of the best places to go in 2025.
HIGHLIGHTS – Portugal is a small country making it an excellent choice when you’re short of time. A tailormade tour with Lightfoot combines the colourful cities of Porto or Lisbon with the unspoilt nature of the Alentejo, the spectacular terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley and the white sandy beaches of the Algarve.
TOP TIP – Tuck into a ‘pastel de nata’ at Pastéis de Belém – the original home of the Portuguese custard tart. If you’re lucky catch sight of the giant waves at Nazare, north of Lisbon. The end of the winter season brings in large swells from the stormy Atlantic Ocean – a rare spectacle and the subject of a popular Netflix documentary, 100 Foot Wave.
HOT HOTEL – Palácio Principe Real is a hidden gem in Lisbon and our top pick for couples or friends travelling together.
MARCH - PORTUGAL
APRIL - CHINA
WHY – Springtime brings vibrant blooms across the diverse landscapes of China’s Yunnan province. The mild weather is perfect for exploring the province’s dramatic scenery, including the terraced hills of Yuanyang, the towering peaks of Shangri-La, and the picturesque UNESCO listed Old Town of Lijiang.
HIGHLIGHTS – A trek through Yunnan’s famed Tiger Leaping Gorge will reveal the true raw beauty of China. One of the world’s deepest river canyons, during the hike marvel at the snowy peaks of Jade Dragon Mountain and the flowing waters of the Jinsha River.
TOP TIP – For a classic tailormade tour of China combine a few days soaking up the modern city atmospheres of Beijing or Shanghai, before exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of Yunnan Province from your base at Amandayan in Lijiang - a firm favourite of ours.
HOT HOTEL - The brand new Mandarin Oriental Qianmen in Beijing is a remarkable property with elegant hutong courtyard houses for a restful night's sleep.
WHY –Italy is one of Europe's most seductive countries. As it basks in the glow of Spring, this is an ideal time for sightseeing in Florence, Rome and Milan, early season hiking in the Dolomites or visiting the glamorous seaside towns of the Tuscan or Amalfi Coast.
HIGHLIGHTS – Food takes centre stage in Italy at any time of year but in May you can savour the first harvest of sweet strawberries and cherries. The black truffle and asparagus season is in full swing - paired perfectly with a delicious glass of Italian wine.
TOP TIP – Italy will be celebrating a Jubilee year in 2025, an important religious festival that will attract visitors from across the world. You may want to avoid the major cities and embark on an epic road trip instead. Classic combinations include the Italian Lakes to Milan, or a glamorous road trip along the Amalfi or Ligurian coast.
HOT HOTEL – Rome’s hotel scene is exploding. Next year Rosewood, Four Seasons and Corinthia all join the fray, hot on the heels of Six Senses, Bulgari and Casa di Monti.
MAY - ITALY
JUNE - TANZANIA
WHY – The dry season has begun in Tanzania offering some of the best conditions for wildlife viewing in the renowned national parks and reserves. The clear skies and cooler temperatures make for exceptional safari experiences and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. These are the reasons why it is one of the best places to go in 2025.
HIGHLIGHT – The mad rush of the Great Migration season is nearly upon the Serengeti. If you’re lucky you could get to see the vast herds of wildebeest and zebras traversing the golden plains in the western corridor before the Mara crossings reach their peak in July and August.
TOP TIP – After the thrill of safari, head for the pristine shores of Pemba, a small island next door to Zanzibar which is quieter and more pristine. Manta Resort is a perfect hideaway where you can immerse yourself in the magic of the beautiful isle.
HOT HOTEL – Usawa is a mobile tented camp that moves with the herds, ensuring you get a front row seat to all the action as it unfolds.
WHY – Celebrating its bicentennial in 2025, Bolivia is one of the best places to go in 2025. The Andean country ticks all the boxes for a big-ticket adventure packed full of captivating landscapes, natural wonders and a burgeoning food scene. 200th birthday celebrations will offer a closer glimpse into the rich culture of this South American gem.
HIGHLIGHTS – The vast salt flats of Salar de Uyuni transform into a photographer’s dream under the brilliant winter sunlight. Explore this breathtakingly beautiful white expanse on a journey across these high-altitude salt flats, staying at remote mountain lodges, escorted by a private guide.
TOP TIP – The world’s highest capital city, La Paz is becoming a real foodie hotspot, home to at least three of Latin America’s Top 100 Restaurants.
HOT HOTEL – Explora’s Uyuni Mountain Lodges offer guests the most striking views from their beds.
JULY - BOLIVIA
AUGUST - INDONESIA
WHY – The world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia, gets our pick as an alternative to European summer family holiday and one of the best places to go in 2025. It’s good value for money once you get there, with a great healthy and vibrant food scene too.
HIGHLIGHTS – Venture out to sea on a tailormade island-hopping tour onboard a luxurious phinsi yacht and you’ll be transported to deserted beaches and the region’s best surfing and diving spots.
TOP TIP – Whilst Bali will always have a place in our hearts, there’s much to explore beyond Indonesia’s most famous island. In Sumba, Cap Karoso perfectly captures the mood for adventures that take you one step further, where the only choice is to slow down and live to the rhythm of traditional Sumbanese village life.
HOT HOTEL – The Sira has opened on a beautiful stretch of coastline on understated but up-and-coming Lombok island.
WHY - September is a prime time to visit Botswana, one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations. As the dry season reaches its peak, wildlife is drawn to the waterways for unparalleled game-viewing opportunities, including elephants, lion, leopards, wild dogs and giraffes to name just a few.
HIGHLIGHTS – In the Okavango Delta the floods are receding, creating a lush oasis where the brave can experience thrilling mokoro canoe safaris, or discover the beauty and richness of the area on a walking safari – two experiences that take you to places that no vehicle can, heightening all your senses.
TOP TIP - Book early for your pick of the best lodges and camps located deep in the heart of Botswana’s wilderness. With over 40% of the country designated as protected, it’s a country where you can really go off-grid, slow down, get up close with nature and escape the stresses of everyday life.
HOT HOTEL – Beagle Expeditions offers a wild and remote safari experience like very few others in the Okavango Delta. We’re also excited about the opening of Elela in 2026, a new camp from Singita meaning ‘to flow’ in Setswana.
SEPTEMBER - BOTSWANA
OCTOBER - GREECE
WHY – The sunshine extends well into Autumn in Greece making it our favourite time of year to visit and one of the best places to go in 2025. The country’s famous islands are much quieter than during the peak summer months but are still easy to reach via ferry throughout October and into much of November.
HIGHLIGHTS – It’s the best time of year to explore Greece’s archaeological sites in Athens and beyond or embark on long hikes through Crete’s Samaria gorge or the mountainous region of Arcadia in the Peloponnese. Plus, you can enjoy long alfresco meals in the middle of the day without constantly reaching for the factor 50!
TOP TIP – Athens has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years, blending its ancient heritage with a dynamic modern edge. With a thriving contemporary arts scene, innovative culinary experiences and stylish new hotels, it’s reinvented itself as a vibrant, must-visit destination.
HOT HOTEL – One&Only Kea Island is an incredibly private all-villa property on this small island only one hour away from Athens.
WHY – Spring has arrived in Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, creating the perfect conditions for exploring the many diverse wonders of these two epic South American countries during the shoulder season. Who knows, you may even have the vast wilderness to yourself.
HIGHLIGHTS - In Chile, the Patagonian glaciers and Torres del Paine National Park are alive with lush greenery and wildlife activity, while over in Argentina you can hike glaciers in the world-famous El Calafate National Park.
TOP TIP – For newcomers to Patagonia, a classic itinerary combining the best of both Argentina and Chile is a brilliant introduction. Just be sure to pack plenty of layers as the weather is unpredictable and you may experience all four seasons in one day.
HOT HOTEL – Tierra Patagonia is a luxurious lodge in one of the remotest corners of the world offering adventurous excursions into the surrounding wilderness.
NOVEMBER - PATAGONIA
DECEMBER - SRI LANKA
WHY – With festive celebrations adding a lively charm, December is a wonderful time of year to visit our favourite island. The dry, sunny weather in the southern and western regions make it ideal for exploring the golden beaches, old colonial towns, hidden temples, lush tea plantations, and vibrant wildlife that Sri Lanka is famed for.
HIGHLIGHTS – With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, a safari in Sri Lanka should not be missed. For the active amongst you, the recently inaugurated Pekoe Trail takes hiking in Sri Lanka to new heights with 22 stages winding through the scenic Central Highlands. Join one of the brilliant guides – including a small team of female guides – and discover the history, ecology and epic vistas along the way.
TOP TIP – Sri Lanka has an incredible collection of private villas that can make a wonderful alternative to spending the festive season at home. With a team of staff and a private chef to look after you, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company and get some much-needed rest at the end of the year.
HOT HOTEL – With so many incredible hotels to choose from in Sri Lanka, it’s impossible to pick our favourite. Uga Halloowella will open its doors in January 2025 in the Hill Country near Hatton.
That wraps up the Lightfoot Travel lowdown on the best places to go in 2025. Now all you have to do is decide where you would like to go, pick up the phone and let our experts be your guide.
Photography credits: Unsplash
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