Still dreaming of your next big adventure after your last getaway?
Let’s make 2025 the year of unforgettable escapes!
Whether you’re saving every cent post-holiday season or have mastered the art of sneaking in an extra week of leave, these 2025 travel ideas are packed with inspiration to make your next trip truly extraordinary.
Turn Pit Stops into Lifetime Memories
In 2025, travel is all about turning detours into unforgettable adventures. A quick pit stop or a smart side-trip can elevate your journey from great to legendary. Sure, iconic destinations like Cancun, Barcelona, and Paris belong on your bucket list, but the real magic often lies just off the beaten path.
Whether you’re craving a fresh culinary scene, seeking artistic inspiration, marveling at breathtaking natural wonders, or simply exploring somewhere unexpected, these 10 up-and-coming destinations are the perfect add-ons to your itinerary. Get ready to make your next trip work harder—and deliver even more memories.
1. Reims, France (detour from Paris)
Sip champagne, see antique vehicles, explore fascinating Roman sites and learn about the French monarchy in this scenic city in northeastern France.
Reims is a historic city in northern France’s Champagne-Ardenne region. The area has an intriguing past intertwined with Roman occupation, Iron Age settlements and an important role in the former French Monarchy. Reims was the traditional site for French kings’ coronation.
The city’s most famous icon is the Reims Cathedral. The basilica was originally founded in the fifth century and has undergone many renovations since then. Admire its elaborate gothic façade with many spires and arches. Marvel at the sculptures and stained-glass windows. The nearby St. Remi Basilica, with twin spires and grand entrances, was founded in the sixth century and is now a UNESCO site.
Visit the third-century monument of Mars Gate. Inspect its large arches, which have survived almost 2,000 years. Investigate the intricate engravings on the structure and stroll around the picturesque garden in front of the attraction.
Peruse the collection of around 200 antique vehicles that date back more than a century at the Automobile Museum. See rare motorcycles and many old-fashioned pedal cars. The oldest vehicles are from 1908. Take the kids to the miniature car section where there are more than 5,000 model vehicles and toys.
Reims is surrounded by Champagne houses. Plan to visit a few. The oldest house in existence, Ruinart, has produced the sparkling wine since 1729. Explore the art and exquisite design of this famous champagne house. Take a tour in English of the Mumm Champagne House to learn about the production process and sip a few glasses in a tasting. Browse part of their collection of 25 million bottles of champagne in the cellar. Spend some time at the Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin to see their champagne operations and products.
It is easy to reach Reims, which is just 80 miles (129 kilometers) northeast of Paris. Before you depart, tour the sixth-century Tau Palace. Admire its baroque architecture and relax in the picturesque grounds as you look back on your sojourn in this scenic and historic city.
2. Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan)
Famous for hosting Italy’s Mille Miglia classic car rally, this city is also home to historic sights including Roman ruins and Romanesque churches.
Although it’s more well-known for being a manufacturing center than it is for being a tourist town, the city of Brescia has no shortage of compelling attractions. Discover some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the province, learn about the famous Mille Miglia classic car race and visit museums and monuments where historical collections are displayed.
Start your explorations in the historic center of Brescia where most of the city’s attractions are located. It was here that the ancient Roman city, known as Brixia, was situated. Venture to the Brixia Parco Archeologico site to see the ruins of the Tempio Capitolino, built by Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 73, and the Teatro Romano, which in its 2nd-century heyday was able to welcome up to 15,000 spectators.
The historic center of town is also where you’ll find Santa Giulia, a monastic complex that is now home to the Museo della Città. Browse the extensive exhibits, which cover eras from pre-history right through to the present day. Inspect authentic Roman mosaics, medieval jewels and 18th-century paintings.
Ascend the hill in the historic center to reach Brescia Castle, the city’s old defensive fortress. The castle estate now contains two museums: the Museo delle Armi Antiche devoted to weaponry and the Museo Civico del Risorgimento, which chronicles the story of Italian unification.
Don’t leave town without visiting the Museo Mille Miglia. This museum tells the story of the original Mille Miglia race, which took place from 1927 to 1957. In the 1970s, the race was revived as a classic car rally.
Consider taking a side trip from Brescia to nearby Lake Iseo or Lake Garda. Sail on the lake, relax in charming lakeside towns and soak up the stunning mountain scenery.
Brescia is in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, about an 80-minute drive east of Milan. Ride the high-speed train from Milan to get here in under an hour. The town is also reachable from Verona and Venice by train. The historic center of Brescia is easily explored on foot.
3. Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancun)
Hop over to the Caribbean island of Cozumel with its dolphins, impressive reef system, fun beach bars, Mexican culture and Mayan ruins.
Step into the enchanting world of Cozumel, where the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean meet ancient Mayan history. This tropical paradise invites you to explore its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. With over 2 million visitors annually, Cozumel stands as one of Mexico’s most captivating destinations, and it’s easy to see why.
Dive into the island’s true treasure—the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the Americas. Snorkel or scuba dive among hundreds of tropical fish, swim alongside graceful sea turtles, or even get up close with stingrays and dolphins at Dolphin Discovery in Chankanaab National Park. For thrill-seekers, adventures like kite surfing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing await.
Beyond its underwater wonders, Cozumel boasts a rich cultural tapestry. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of San Gervasio, once a sacred site for worshiping the goddess Ixchel, or wander through the historic village of El Cedral, a testament to Cozumel’s storied past. In San Miguel, the island’s bustling hub, indulge in mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, shop for local crafts, and soak up the lively nightlife.
Don’t miss the iconic Palancar Caves, a must for scuba divers, or time your visit for one of Cozumel’s vibrant festivals, like the colorful Carnaval Cozumel or sea turtle conservation workshops. Whether you’re basking in the year-round warmth between December and March or enjoying the island’s lush rainy season in September and October, Cozumel offers something for everyone.
Getting here is a breeze, with frequent ferries from Playa del Carmen and flights from Cancun to Cozumel’s international airport. Once on the island, renting a car makes it easy to explore every stunning corner. From its breathtaking reefs to its rich history and lively streets, Cozumel is more than a destination—it’s a Caribbean dream come true.
4. Santa Barbara, California, USA (detour from Los Angeles)
Known around the country as the American Riviera, this Californian city is centred around a hub of historic architecture, art galleries, wineries and idyllic beaches.
While it may be known for its luxury hotels, opulent houses and fashionable retail outlets, Santa Barbara’s natural beauty and historic cultural institutions present another side to the city.
Don’t miss a trip to the city’s postcard-perfect beaches. Stretch out with a book on the warm sand, or rent a surfboard and catch some waves. Multiple breaks along the coast mean that beginners and the more experienced will love the conditions.
Be amazed by the Franciscan-Spanish architecture around the old Santa Barbara Mission. See the artifacts and documents that have been carefully preserved, drop by the chapel for a service and wander around the sprawling grounds of the complex. A visit to the Rafael Gonzalez House reveals historic adobe architecture while the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a great photo opportunity. Climb to the top of its bell towers for sweeping views across the city. Visit El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Parkto learn the story behind the Spanish fortress that dates back to the 1780s.
Discover the story of modern-day Santa Barbara at the city’s Historical Museum. After you’ve wandered through its permanent collection, head to the nearby Museum of Natural History to learn about the evolution of plants and human life in the area.
Those with a penchant for art will love Santa Barbara’s many major art institutions. Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for its wide collection of European, American and Asian art and a roster of travelling and temporary exhibitions. See work for the current generation of artists at the Contemporary Arts Forum, an artist-run and funded project. The gallery is responsible for exhibiting the highest calibre work from the Santa Barbara region.
Discover some of Santa Barbara’s other products by touring the many wineries of the region.
Santa Barbara seamlessly blends the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a larger city with a bit of small-town charm. Combine that with its tantalising history, a wealth of cultural activities and beautiful beaches and you’ll come to realise why the city attracts visitors from across the globe.
5. Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland)
From rolling green hills to underground caves, this region of New Zealand is so lush and lovely it has attracted the attention of Hollywood movie producers.
Waikato lies just south of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island and boasts a landscape that ranges from rolling green hills to black-sand beaches and almost everything else in between. Soak in geothermal hot springs, explore underground caves and discover pleasant gardens, cute local wildlife and charming towns.
Take a guided tour around the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, which was used as the location for The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. Dig your own hot-water pool at the beach at Kawhia, where geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand. Hot water slides can be found at Waingaro Hot Springs, while soothing mineral-water spas feature at Te Aroha.
Hear stories of Maori culture at the Waikato Museum, then take a stroll along the waterfront of the Waikato River to Hamilton Gardens. This collection of manicured gardens tells the story of gardens and garden design through the ages, each area themed around a different era. Enjoy a tea ceremony at Zealong, overlooking the country’s first oolong tea plantation on the outskirts of the city of Hamilton.
Go surfing in the town of Raglan, whose beautiful beaches are home to one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world. Take a boat ride into the underground caves of Waitomo to see the thousands of glowworms that reside there, or go black-water rafting through the cave network itself. Bush hikes will lead you to some of the region’s many waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls and Wairere Falls.
Visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House to see New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, in its natural habitat. Take the children to SKYCITY Hamilton to enjoy a bowling alley, hundreds of arcade games and a selection of bars and restaurants.
Fly into Auckland Airport and then take a connecting flight to Hamilton, or ride one of the local long-distance buses. Rent a car to explore the beaches and towns at leisure.
With its cycling trails and walking routes, Waikato is filled with nature-based activities for all ages.
6. Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona)
From medieval architecture and history museums to city rivers and a mountainous backdrop, this Catalonian city appeals to nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
Girona is a compact place with more than 2,000 years of history. The Romans settled here, as did the Visigoths and the Moors. At its heart is one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval quarters. With rivers flowing through it and lying close to the Pyrenees, the city is also popular with nature lovers. Hike and bike through mountains, navigate picturesque waterways and tour centuries-old buildings.
Familiarize yourself with Girona’s long history in the old quarter. Walk up 90 steps to reach the Cathedral of Girona, a magnificent Romanesque, gothic and baroque structure built between the 11th and 18th centuries. The cathedral’s exterior was used in the filming of season six of Game of Thrones. Visit other city locations that appeared in the global TV hit, including the 12th-century Arab baths. See pagan and early Christian sarcophagi in the Church of Sant Feliu, Girona’s first cathedral. Walk on the city’s ancient walls, the Passeig de la Muralla.
Uncover more of Girona’s past in the Archeology Museum of Girona, the Museum of Jewish History and the Girona History Museum.
With a mountainous backdrop and the confluence of four rivers, Girona has extensive natural beauty. Hike through La Devesa and Les Ribes del Ter parks, located on either side of the River Ter. Kayak along the waterway and take a mountain bike trip in the Gavarres Mountains. During winter, enjoy the ski resorts of the Girona Pyrenees.
To get to Girona, fly into Barcelona’s international airport, 68 miles (110 kilometers) away. Alternatively, arrive by road or rail from France. Girona is just 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the French border. Get around by taxis, rental bikes and local buses. A rental car is a good idea for traveling farther afield, although several intercity bus routes connect the city with the rest of Catalonia.
Girona offers a wealth of cultural and historical gems and is gateway to some of Catalonia’s stunning natural scenery.
7. Fukuoka, Japan (detour from Tokyo)
Visit this seaside destination, which is home to ancient temples, peaceful gardens, beaches, exciting nightlife areas and lively shopping districts.
Fukuoka blends a modern attitude with ancient traditions. Visit centuries-old temples, relax in ornamental gardens, browse boutiques and sample a music-loving nightlife scene. Fukuoka straddles the Naka River on the shores of Hakata Bay on Japan’s Kyushu Island. It’s an amalgamation of two towns, Fukuoka castle town and Hakata, which joined as one in 1889.
The ruins of the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park provide a glimpse into a bygone era. Enjoy a panoramic city view from the observation deck of Fukuoka Tower. It rises above Momochi Seaside Park, a man-made beach with a selection of casual dining options. Nearby is Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome, home of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks baseball team.
Spread throughout the city are temples and shrines dating as far back as the 1st century. Among the most important are Hakozaki Shrine, Kushida Shrine, Shofukuji Temple and Tochoji Temple. Learn about the lifestyles of city residents at the Fukuoka City Museum. Step back in time to the Meiji era at Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Spot dolphins, sharks and other aquatic creatures at Marine World Uminonakamichi.
Poke around spice shops, handicraft stores and kimono artist workshops at Kawabata Shopping Arcade. Less than a 10-minute walk away, the architecturally striking Canal City mall shelters fashion outlets of international brands. Relax at lakeside Ohori Park and the peaceful Rakusi-en Garden. Alternatively, have fun with the family at Kashii-kaen amusement park.
When night falls, hop between glitzy bars in the Tenjin district. Discover an unpretentious scene at traditional izakaya bars and mentai rock venues on Oyafuko Dori street. Feast on Hakata ramen (pork soup and noodles), yakitori (skewered chicken) and tempura at a yatai food stand. Sample fresh seafood at Nagahama Fish Market or try unagi (eel).
Reach Fukuoka by flying to Fukuoka Airport, 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the city center. Arrive in July to watch the city’s seven neighborhoods compete in an extravagant float race during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Enjoy cherry blossoms in March and April.
8. Abu Dhabi, UAE (detour from Dubai)
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions and futuristic ambition.
From its dazzling skyline of cutting-edge architecture to its pristine desert landscapes, this city offers a journey through contrasts. Picture golden sands meeting the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, where luxury and heritage coexist in perfect harmony.
Explore the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, or stroll through the futuristic halls of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where art from around the world comes to life under a dome of light. For adrenaline seekers, the heart-racing thrills of Ferrari World and the sweeping curves of Yas Marina Circuit beckon.
But Abu Dhabi isn’t just about modern marvels. Step back in time at the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or visit the historic Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s oldest stone building, to uncover stories of the emirate’s past. Meanwhile, the vast Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert, offers unforgettable adventures under star-filled skies.
Whether you’re seeking world-class luxury, cultural depth, or thrilling escapades, Abu Dhabi promises an experience like no other—a city where tradition and innovation meet to create a destination that’s as timeless as it is dynamic.
9. Krabi, Thailand (detour from Phuket)
Krabi, a jewel of Thailand’s Andaman coast, is a paradise where towering limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and lush jungles come together to create a breathtaking escape.
Known for its unspoiled natural beauty and laid-back charm, Krabi offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Picture yourself lounging on the powdery sands of Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, surrounded by dramatic karst formations. Or hop on a longtail boat to explore the famous Phi Phi Islands and the crystal-clear lagoons of Koh Hong. For those seeking a thrill, Krabi is a rock climber’s haven, with hundreds of routes scaling its iconic cliffs.
Beyond its stunning seascapes, Krabi is rich in cultural treasures. Visit the sacred Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), where a climb of 1,200 steps rewards you with panoramic views and spiritual serenity. Immerse yourself in local life at the vibrant Krabi Town Night Market, where the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air.
Krabi’s inland gems, like the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs, offer rejuvenating dips in naturally warm waters. And as the sun sets, the coastline comes alive with beachfront bars and restaurants, offering fresh seafood and cocktails under the stars.
Whether you’re kayaking through mangroves, diving into vibrant coral reefs, or simply soaking up the serene beauty, Krabi is a destination that captures the heart and ignites the soul.
10. Canmore, Alberta, Canada (detour from Calgary)
Canmore, a charming gem nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offers a perfect blend of rugged adventure and cozy mountain town vibes.
Just a short drive from Banff National Park, this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise is surrounded by jagged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and endless wilderness.
Wake up to the breathtaking sight of the Three Sisters Mountains, then lace up your hiking boots to explore the stunning trails of Grassi Lakes or the iconic Ha Ling Peak. In winter, Canmore transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. For a more relaxed pace, glide through the quiet beauty of the wilderness on a dog sled or cross-country skis.
Canmore isn’t just about outdoor thrills. Its vibrant town center is brimming with charming cafes, craft breweries, and boutique shops. Indulge in locally sourced cuisine or sip on a pint of beer brewed with pure Rocky Mountain water. Don’t miss the Canmore Nordic Centre, a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics, where you can experience a slice of sporting history.
For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Canmore’s wildlife tours offer the chance to spot elk, bears, and even moose in their natural habitat. And when it’s time to unwind, the serene beauty of Kananaskis Country or a dip in the soothing waters of nearby Banff Upper Hot Springs will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or craving tranquility, Canmore invites you to immerse yourself in its awe-inspiring landscapes and welcoming mountain spirit.
Website: Expedia Unpack ’25
