Holiday inspiration and travel ideas for 2025

Thinking to take a trip but not sure where to go? Check out my holiday inspo and travel ideas for a range of unique travel experiences…

If you’re anything like me you’ll have a never ending wish list of destinations and experiences to tap into for your holiday inspiration. If not, you’re in luck because we’ve got you covered with a diverse selection of short breaks, experience travel and holidays to whet your wanderlust.

Top holiday inspiration and travel ideas

Read on for my top picks of the best holiday destinations and travel inspiration for 2025. I hope they inspire you too…

Hiking Adventures in Japan

Japan has been top of my travel wish list for a few years now. Add in a love of the outdoors and hiking and this self-guided adventure in Japan has all the hallmarks of my perfect trip.

The sacred pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo and the ancient Nakasendo Way samurai route are just some of the epic hikes to do in Japan.

Visit mountains, see waterfalls and enjoy bathing in natural hot springs and onsen pools. The outdoor and natural elements contrast beautifully with urban life and city stays in Tokyo and Osaka and cultural Kyoto. 

Split & Brac – a two-centre holiday in Croatia

My first visit to Croatia was back in 2006. We flew into Split, hired a car and explored some of the islands. Looking at this two-centre holiday to Split and Brac from Completely Croatia has filled me with a yearning to return to Croatia.

More recently I explored Split by boat. First from a catamaran cruise where we explored Split from our base in Trogir before crusing around northern Croatia with Yacht Getaways. Last year I explored from a cruise ship. Read my Tui Marella Cruises’ review.

Split is Croatia’s historic second city and it sits on a picturesque seafront overlooking the Adriatic. The UNESCO listed Diocletian’s Palace and exploring the old town’s medieval charm are must-dos. The city’s narrow lanes are filled with cosy bars and restaurants serving the freshest seafood. Accommodation is in a beautiful, family-run 4 star hotel.

A stay on the isle of Brač is the perfect accompaniment to cultural Split. The island is best known for its white-pebble beach Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) and countless other bays and coves. The island’s main town, Supetar, has a lively harbour area. The island is famous for its white limestone of which many buildings are constructed. There’s an old monastery to discover and good hiking on the island. Accommodation is in a beautiful 5 star boutique hotel.

Cooking and wine-tasting in Puglia

As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to get to know a place than through its food. A cooking and wine-tasting break will always appeal to my tastebuds.

To get an authentic taste of local life stay in Tuscany surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and beautiful countryside. Enjoy traditional Italian fare and join cooking classes, and explore the wineries with wine-tastings. Learn about olive oil and wine production and explore ancient little known towns like Tavarnelle

A romantic trip to Sikkim in India

For lovers of the outdoors the stunning Yumthang Valley of flowers in Sikkim should be on your wishlist. Sikkim is part of the Himalays and had a dramantic landscape which includes India’s highest mountain, Kangchenjunga at 8586m.

There are also glaciers and alpine meadows with thousands of wildflowers which bloom in huge swathes across the valley. March to April, is the flower blooming season where you can see acres of pretty flowers in full bloom.

South Africa

If luxury, adventure and relaxation are your thing, then South Africa’s made for you.

Start your epic adventure in South Africa with exciting game drives and luxury safaris in the Kruger. Next head to Cape Town and discover everything to do in the city on my 4 days in Cape town itinerary.

If you like your wine then head to the area’s majestic winelands and discover the best Cape Town wineries.

Northern France

If air travel isn’t your thing then hop on the train and discover Northern France. We had a wonderful few days exploring Amiens and St Valery sur Somme on our road trip to the Haute de France.

Sri Lanka – Wildlife, Culture and Beach

Sri Lanka is always a biggie on the bucket list. We saw the best of Sri Lanka from jungle to train journeys and tea plantations paired with cultural heritage, wildlife and beautiful beaches this year.

A Sri Lanka holiday can be tailored to your personal interests. Packed with unique experiences and our personal chauffeur/guide ensured our journey rans smoothly. 

Accommodation is in tried and tested boutique hotels with a unique angle. We discovered wildlife, culture, and diversity on this amazing island country in the best possible way.

Austria in the Summer

The mountains are calling. Austria in the summer is all about getting outdoors. Think picturesque lakes, magnificent mountains, hiking, biking and spa hotels. I spent time in Alpbach in the summer, my first visit to the Alps in summer, and I can’t wait to get back there. Holiday inspiration indeed.

Austrian Alpine villages are the prettiest ever with colourful flowers flowing over chalet balconies with a backdrop of imposing mountains. We loved Mayrhofen in Austria when we visited in July for fabulous hikes, mountain views and lakes.

Hiking in the mountains is glorious, the gorges are stunning and the emerald lakes have to be seen to be believed. Austria in summer is the perfect place to get outdoors, off-grid and immersed in nature.  

A UK Gourmet Break

Let’s not forget the UK. I love exploring closer to home on a staycation just as much as a trip overseas, especially when the hotel is surrounded by vines in one of England’s beautiful vineyards. 

Tillingham Vineyard near Rye in East Sussex makes for a fabulous wine themed break. Learn about the wine-making process from grape to glass, tour the vineyard and taste a selection of wines. The restaurant serves excellent food, designed around the seasons and sourced locally. Alternatively Rathfinny, near Eastbourne, makes for another beautiful wine-themed getaway.

Nordic Experience

Seeing the Northern Lights has been one of my travel dreams for years. This natural phenomena has so far eluded me but I’ll seek them out eventually. Autumn and winter is the best time to catch the dancing skies and Iceland is the perfect country to catch them.

Of course, it’s not all about the Aurora and days can be spent on a choice of excursions. Head out to sea for whale watching or head to the Golden Circle to explore waterfalls, geysers and glaciers.

The city of Reykjavik has lots to offer too, including museums, street art and it’s unique church with panoramic views.

Adult-only Small Hotels in the Mediterranean

Finally, you can’t go far wrong with an escape to a Mediterranean island and there are so many to choose from.

Go for the Greek classics like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete or head somewhere quieter in shoulder season like beautiful Ios.

Spain has it’s fair share of beautiful islands too. Menorca which is the smallest island in the Balearics has so many things to do that it’ll keep you busy for at least a fortnight. Then there are Tenerife and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands which are great for winter sun.

Hopefully, this article has provided some holiday inspiration for the coming year. Which trip do you like the sound of most? I’m finding it hard to choose…