With 2025 now upon us, many Britons will be hoping to book their holidays for the coming year. And according to a travel advisor, one particular destination should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
Amanda Schneider (who goes by @elegant.escapes.official on TikTok) took to the platform to share her top recommendations for travel this year.
She said: “These are my top places to travel in 2025 and that is coming from a certified travel adviser.
“Number one is Japan. The biggest trend of 2025 is travelling to places and immersing yourself within those cultures – and Japan is one of the most amazing places to be able to do so.
Japan is ‘truly a country of innovation’
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Japan is a country of contrasts; it is home to ancient sites such as Sannai-Maruyama, which dates back over 5000 years, as well as “futuristic Tokyo”, home to robot restaurants, the sensory heaven of teamLab Planets and the nine-story Yodobashi Akiba Electronics Department Store.
According to Amanda, it is “truly a country of history but also innovation”.
As for the best time of year to pay a visit to this dynamic East Asian country, the expert told holidaymakers: “You don’t want to miss out on the cherry blossom season”.
Inside Japan Tours stated: “Spring in Japan can only mean one thing: cherry blossom. Sandwiched between the long, bitter winter months and the sweltering humidity of summer, the cherry blossom season in Japan marks the spring as by far the most popular time for tourism – both domestic and international.
“The atmosphere at this time of year is infectious, with parks packed with revellers and supermarket shelves stacked with the latest blossom-flavoured snacks and drinks.
“The cherry blossom season in Japan usually begins in Okinawa in around January/February, passes through the middle of Japan in March and April, and finishes with a late bloom in northern Hokkaido in May. In areas of high altitude, the blossom also arrives rather later than in low-altitude regions.
“Tokyo traditionally sees its first blossoms in the dying days of March, with full bloom falling around April 5. Kyoto follows a day or two later, while the mountainous areas around Takayama and Matsumoto bloom about two weeks later – beginning in mid-April.”
Best places to travel in 2025
- Japan
- Iceland
- Greece
- South Africa
- Argentina
- Croatia
- Portugal
- New Zealand
- Mexico
For those looking to stay closer to home, the number two and three spots on Amanda’s list were secured by Europe’s own Iceland Greece.
The expert stated: “Iceland is for my adventure seekers because it’s the place to be. Think about breathtaking landscapes, hot springs and waterfalls – plus the chance to see the northern lights. 2025 is going to be your chance to get off the grid and reconnect with nature.”
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‘You don’t want to miss out on the cherry blossom season’
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Greece offers a vastly different but equally beautiful experience. Amanda said: “If you’re dreaming of a beach escape – and I normally am most days – Greece is going to be your go-to in 2025.”
Offering a top tip for those who want to escape the crowds and save a bit of money, she advised opting for lesser-known islands such as Milos or Naxos rather than super popular Santorini.
For a vacation that promises breathtaking beauty, the “most picturesque” place in the world offers “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences.
