1. Plans For Every Month

Globetrotting insiders and experts hand select (and secretly visit) each and every property in the Mr & Mrs Smith collection – so you can expect the perfect stay without the research hassle. The team’s fingers are right on the travel pulse, so it’s worth taking a look at their month-by-month guide on where to stay in 2025 here, featuring trending destinations, new openings and unique experiences. With personalised service, complimentary treats and a price-match guarantee all rolled into the Mr & Mrs Smith experience, it’s the only travel club for hotel lovers. Find out more and book your 2025 adventures at mrandmrssmith.com

2. Japanese Idyll

The White Lotus season 3 is set to inspire thousands to visit Thailand in 2025, while Squid Game season 2 has renewed the attention on South Korea. But our focus is returning to Japan in 2025 (which Mike White did toy with for The White Lotus 3, fyi). While the honeypot cities experience most of the buzz, there’s plenty of nature to uncover here, from majestic volcanoes to huge forests that monkeys, bears and deer alike call home. If you’re still after the white-sand, turquoise-sea experience, head to tropical Okinawa, known for its huge beaches, coral reefs and lush mangrove forests.

3. Aotearoa Detours

As detour destinations, hidden gem holidays and slow travel all spike in popularity, a trip to New Zealand is looking all the more appealing. Combining idyllic winter sun weather with breathtaking nature, the Kiwi nation is brimming with secret spots to uncover on a road trip. Starting in Auckland, Rotorua is a three-hour drive south – and a detour via Mount Maunganui only adds an hour (or breaks up the journey with golden sands and rewarding views). In fact, a journey from the north to the south island can be broken up with a plethora of breathtaking experiences, from hot springs to hikes, fiords to glowworm caves. newzealand.com

4. Isle of Man Escape

Boasting more than 6,000 islands, it feels silly (or should we say Scilly) not to make the most of the isles in the British Isles. Top of our bucket lists in 2025 is the Isle of Man, hidden in the Irish Sea and home to wild glens and sandy coves galore. Enjoy hikes, swims and quaint cottages – with plenty of well-priced private houses to rent for the whole family. visitisleofman.com

5. Multi-Destination Sweden

Whether it’s picturesque snow-covered scenes come winter or idyllic wild swims come summer, Sweden is always a good idea. For a multi-stop holiday, combine a city break in classic Stockholm (or at a new hotel in near Gothenburg) with the sparser northern regions for snow in winter and meadows and forests galore come summer – now easier than ever thanks to new routes on the SJ Night Train.

6. Emerging Nicaragua

Dubbed the land of lakes and volcanoes, if the Americas are on the cards in 2025, try Nicaragua. Still retaining its off-the-beaten track feel, visitors can enjoy well-preserved islands, volcanoes, mangrove swamps, ethereal cloud forests and tropical rainforests – all sans crowds. ‘Nicaragua is still in its early stages as a tourist destination and maintains its authenticity, while offering the comfortable luxury that many of our clients look for,’ says Karen Chapman, destination expert at cazenove+loyd. ‘It actually feels the way Costa Rica must have felt 20 years ago! Still a little rough around the edges, money has recently been poured into the tourist industry and there are some excellent luxury hotels dotted around, including Mukul Resort Nicaragua, an Auberge property.’ Sign us up.

7. Austrian Alps Retreat

Need to retreat in 2025? Our eyes are on eriro, a nine-bedroom hideaway in the Austrian alps, only accessible by cable car. Standing tall at 1,550m elevation, retreats here focus on nature immersion; think hikes, forest meditation, spa treatments using local herbs, and panoramic mountain views. Find this and five more overseas retreats for 2025 here.

8. Scottish Road Trip

Explore the best of what we have to offer on home shores in 2025. For example, Scotland’s legendary North Coast 500 route, famed for its stunning landscapes and thrilling roads. Visit from late spring to early autumn for mild weather, long days and perfect views. Nick Hendrix gives it a whirl here.

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WIN A 7 Night Stay in Kenya & Mufasa Cinema Tickets

Excited about the release of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King? Now here’s a way to celebrate: with a seven night trip to Kenya courtesy of The Hemingways Collection – plus two cinema tickets, of course. Click here to find out more and to enter. Good luck!