Travel experts have revealed the best holiday destinations for 2025 ahead of the Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show taking place at Manchester Central from January 16 to January 19.
From Albania, which has been dubbed ‘the new Croatia’, to Egypt, exhibitors at the travel show have selected 30 destinations from across the globe to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. Several of these you can reach directly from Manchester Airport.
The show, which will also be held at the Olympia in London from January 30 – February 2, is a must for anyone planning a holiday, whether it’s a solo trip or once-in-a-lifetime adventure
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Ben Myatt, the show manager, said: “January is the perfect time to plan your holiday in 2025 and we are spoilt for choice with the wealth of experience of our exhibitors who showcase their very best offers and ideas each year.
Latvia is among the top destinations for 2025 -Credit:Creative Commons – Dario Sušanj
“We have seen an enormous amount of change in the 30 years that Destinations has been running – from the rise in sustainable and solo travel – to holiday makers wanting to get off the beaten track, the rise of trends such as experiential travel and the overall feeling that people want to truly immerse themselves in a culture and learn as they go.”
Read on to discover where you should visit and why.
Destinations you can fly to direct from Manchester Airport
Latvia
Cat Jordan, Communications Director from Travelzoo says: “Unspoilt beaches, ancient castles and Europe’s widest waterfall, Latvia is now even easier to reach than ever before. With daily flights from Heathrow, Latvia is incredibly well connected by bus and train, making it the ideal gateway to the rest of the Balkans. Less overcrowded than some hot destinations, it also has a good conversion rate – you can purchase a beer for £3 and a meal for just £8!”
India
Goa in India -Credit:belyakovacat
Sally Thomas from Authentic India Tours says: “Shimla, the “Queen of Hills,” in India, is a picturesque retreat nestled in the Himalayas, offering a perfect blend of colonial charm and natural beauty. Its cool climate, lush greenery, and breathtaking mountain views make it a haven for nature lovers. Stroll along the Mall Road, visit historic landmarks like Christ Church and Viceregal Lodge, or explore nearby snow-covered peaks. Shimla also boasts a vibrant local culture and delectable cuisine, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveller.”
Norway
Iain Powell, VP Sales & Marketing at Hurtigruten says: “Astro-tourism is a rapidly growing trend, and we anticipate even greater interest in 2025. With the exciting arrival of further solar maximum activity, we believe Norway offers an unparalleled destination for travellers seeking an authentic, immersive Northern Lights experience and Hurtigruten is the best way to do it.”
Montenegro
Alexandra Iordan, Head of Sales and Marketing at Gulet Cruise Montenegro says: “Montenegro is now a hot spot, with increased flights to Tivat Airport from the UK. It offers diverse holiday options, including sailing, cultural experiences, and active adventures. Montenegro’s untouched nature, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a perfect getaway. We’re already seeing significant demand for 2025 and even 2026.”
Canada – Toronto
Márcia Azevedo Moreira, Travel Expert from TravelEssence says: “For us, Canada is showing signs of being a top destination to visit in 2025. When looking at specific destinations, Western Canada such as British Columbia continues to be of interest, as well as Eastern Canada.”
Cat Jordan at Travelzoo highlights the benefits of visiting Toronto: “If you’re looking to go a little further afield, Toronto is a great choice. With a thriving food scene and markets, it’s less crowded and touristy than cities such as New York or Boston, but still has great shopping options and gourmet delights that we all love to seek out on a city break. That said, it’s not all bustling city streets. You’re within easy reach of Niagara Falls, can embark on an Ice wine trail and unknown to many, even visit the beach.”
Albania
Ksamil, Albania -Credit:Getty Images
Explore Worldwide’s Product Manager for Albania, Caroline Phillips, says: “For a while Albania has been dubbed ‘the new Croatia’ and it certainly has the scenery, coastlines and delicious food, but it has its own unique charm too – not to mention fewer crowds and lower prices!”
Michael Edwards at Explore Worldwide adds: “Albania seems to be on the lips of travellers around the world largely thanks to its natural beauty, uncrowded beaches and affordability.
“Explore’s bookings to Albania are up 68per cent in the last six months compared with the same period last year, with active tours to the country (walking and cycling itineraries) selling particularly strongly.”
Finland
Kelly Jackson, Managing Director, Contiki and Insight Vacations, EMEA says: “We’ve noticed a significant increase in interest of typically lesser-visited European destinations, such as Finland – people are loving the idea that they can really get to know a community or destination, by spending an afternoon with the nomadic Sami community for example.”
Scotland
Cat Jordan from Travelzoo says: “The Hebrides have been named in Condé Nast’s and Lonely Planet’s best beaches in the world’s list and although it may not always be sunny in Scotland, with rugged yet beautiful surroundings, Scotland is equally as beautiful out of season. Easily accessible via train and car from the UK in 2025 Scotland has several events taking place. Glasgow will be celebrating 850 years of history with a three-day music event, pop up social history exhibition and a food trail will be the foundation of the 2025 line-up. The Tall Ships race is coming to Aberdeen, and the Inverness Castle Experience is opening in the highlands in 2025”
Greece – Athens
Fay McCormack, General Manager of Star Clippers’ UK GSA says: “Places offering historical significance are on the rise for 2025, as guests seek a cultural connection with their holiday destinations. Cities such as Athens, which is steeped in historical value and offer visitors unparalleled cultural treasures, whilst exuding Mediterranean charm and inimitable culinary experiences, are a real hotspot for next year. Athens offers a gateway to multiple other tourist hotspots, including the Greek Islands, ensuring guests get maximum value from their trip and finely balance history with charm, authenticity and luxury.”
The Caribbean
Solos Holidays have said they’ve seen a huge surge in popularity for sunshine favourite, the Caribbean with bookings for their Solos Exclusives properties up 50per cent year-on-year. These tailored group holidays are ideal for solos, combining flexibility with the opportunity to connect with like-minded explorers. 2025 is all about discovering the world your way.
Egypt
Wild Frontiers’ Clare Tobin says “Egypt gives you the opportunity to visit Egyptian temples and archaeological sites, from Dendera to Philae, with very few tourists swarming around some of the most impressive sights in the world.”
Saudi Arabia
With Vision 2030 still well under way, there seems to be no slowing to Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom. Wild Frontiers’ Clare Tobin says: “Expect sweeping desert scenery, interactions with local communities, busy bazaars and architectural feats. Virgin have recently announced a new daily service to Riyadh from March 2025 meaning this is set to only increase in popularity in 2025.”
For those after an adventure
These destinations are not served by direct flights from Manchester Airport, but can be reached with connecting flights
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The Andaman Islands (north eastern Indian Ocean)
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Greenland
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Ghana
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Pakistan – Hunza
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Antarctica
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South Korea
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Uzbekistan
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Sri Lanka
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South Africa
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Nepal
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Ecuador – Quito
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New Zealand
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Armenia
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Cambodia
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Kyrgyzstan
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The Andean Cloud Forest – Ecuador, Peru and Colombia
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Ecuador – The Galapagos Islands
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