IT’S Sunshine Saturday – the busiest day for shaking off post-Christmas gloom and booking our summer breaks.
Travel association Abta has launched its annual Destinations To Watch report featuring new places to inspire us, as its recent research reveals 68 per cent of us plan to go abroad this year and 45 per cent intend to explore a new country.
Abta’s Graeme Buck says: “With so many of us looking to try somewhere new, we have deliberately chosen not the most popular or fastest-growing destinations but instead aimed to inspire with some fantastic places that may not be currently at the top of people’s minds.”
Here, Lisa Minot, checks out a magnificent seven breaks not to miss in 2025.
THE pocket-sized Central American paradise is a nature lover’s delight with its tropical rainforest, idyllic beaches and ancient Mayan ruins.
On the coast, there is superb snorkelling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and those in search of adventure should head inland to San Ignacio for cave exploration and treks to spectacular waterfalls.
GO WITH: Trailfinders and Travelbag each offer small-group guided tours.
THIS Scandinavian gem with dreamy countryside and seascapes leans into the trend for “coolcations” offering alternatives to the Med’s summer heat.
Capital city Copenhagen, on the islands of Zealand and Amager, has seen trendy redevelopments in the old docks and the water is clean enough to swim in.
Aeroskobing’s beach and historic Faaborg are also worth a visit.
GO WITH: Best Served Scandinavia – see best-served.co.uk.
THIS island in northern Japan has some of the country’s most beautiful countryside including mountains, volcanoes, lakes and ancient forest.
In summer. Mashu-Ko Lake is often said to be the country’s most beautiful lake.
In winter, admire the hundreds of ice sculptures at the Snow Festival or head to the resorts of Niseko, Teine and Kokusai for world-class skiing.
GO WITH: Original Travel – see originaltravel.co.uk.
BUDAPEST is a buzzword in 2025 for a great-value city break, flanking both sides of the River Danube.
Relax in the many thermal springs, spas and bath houses.
A short train ride from the capital, explore Lake Balaton by bike or hike through the forests bordering the Echo Trail.
And head north to the city of Tokaj, to sample the produce from its historic wineries.
GO WITH: Both Jet2 and easyJet have good value packages.
FROM tiny Port Cros and historic Porquerolles, to a ferry ride from Cote d’Azur town Hyeres to Sainte-Marguerite and Saint Honorat, a short crossing from the glamour of Cannes, the islands off the coast of the South of France offer unspoilt nature and a slower pace of life in contrast to the crowded pleasure palaces on the mainland.
GO WITH: Eurocamp at a campsite on the Cote d’Azur – see eurocamp.co.uk.
THIS region of eastern Italy, on the Adriatic, is a well-kept secret. Its lovely countryside and coast, and historic towns and cities are competition for Tuscany.
Explore Renaissance art and architecture in the city of Urbino and hill town Ascoli Piceno.
And Parco del Conero offers unspoilt woodland, pretty pebble beaches lapped by clear water, and the chic village of Sirolo.
GO WITH: Italian specialist Citalia – see citalia.com.
THE capital of northern Spain’s Asturias region has squares full of restaurants and bars.
Try the bean-and-sausage caserole fabada, fish stew caldereta, and carne gobernada – beef slow-cooked in white wine and onion. Wash it all down with the local cider, or sidra.
From here, also visit fishing villages Llanes, Lastres and Ribadesella, and the the Picos de Europa mountains.
GO WITH: Brittany Ferries sail to Bilbao – see brittany-ferries.co.uk.
