There’s nothing more exciting than the feeling of packing your bags for a trip away. Still, with the convenience of flight tickets and hotel bookings being just a click away, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for an unforgettable holiday.
At Holiday Tours, we believe there is beauty worth exploring worldwide – but if you’re looking to plan out your annual leaves in the best way possible, here are our top 10 destinations to visit in 2025.
Top 10 Destinations to travel to in 2025
Yokohama, Japan
Visiting Japan has become increasingly popular for many, and it’s easy to see why when there are breathtaking views regardless of the region or season you pop in. But high on our list is the city of Yokohama in the Kanagawa prefecture.
Located a little over an hour from Tokyo via trains, Yokohama offers the same great experience you would expect from a large city minus the overcrowded vibes. Looking for a relaxing time? Stroll on by the Sankeien Garden which showcases a variety of historic buildings, or step into one of the five teahouses overlooking lush greenery.
Japanese ramen fans who want to sample different ramen styles from various Japanese prefectures without travelling far must also visit the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. Many cruises such as Peace Boat embark and disembark from Yokohama, giving you the chance to explore this portside city before or after your cruise escape.
Insider tip: The Negishi Forest Park offers a lush view of late March to early April cherry blossoms and makes for a great picnic spot if you want to enjoy the bloom with the local residents.
Da Nang, Vietnam
When you look up “Da Nang” on the internet, you’ll often be presented with its gorgeous beaches thanks to its coastal ties. On social media, Instagram-worthy shots of the two-handed Golden Bridge near Ba Na Hills also take its place. But if you step back, you’ll see that Da Nang has much more to offer.
For example, you’ll be able to visit Vietnam’s largest standing Buddha statue by making your way just 10 minutes northeast of Da Nang city centre and into the Chua Linh Ung pagoda. Set at 639 meters above sea level, the pagoda offers a fantastic view of the North Sea while being surrounded by the Cu Lao Cham Island and the Hai Van Mountain.
A must-try: In the Bac My An Market lies a vendor best known for their creamy avocado ice cream sure to satisfy. The market also offers some of Vietnam’s best street foods, so you’ll want to get there hungry and leave full.
Xiamen, China
Another destination you must visit in 2025 is the city of Xiamen. Dubbed the “Garden of the Sea”, this unique island metropolis offers some of the freshest seafood and best teas of the region while balancing a great nightlife experience along areas like Bailuzhou Park. It’s relatively warm year-round weather also means any time is the perfect time to visit Xiamen.
When you’re done exploring the best of Xiamen’s city centre, the Gulang Yu island is set just 8 minutes away via ferry. This UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site bans all car and even bicycle traffic today, so you can take your time to soak in its cultural atmosphere or even marvel at the art pieces from street painters on foot.
A must-eat item from Xiamen: Satay noodles (also called Shacha Mian) are a hit among the locals of Xiamen, and you can find one at almost every corner. Every family also has their rendition of making the best satay noodles, though it always starts with the soup base of pork broth and shrimp stock cooked with satay and pastes.
Busan, South Korea
Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city after Seoul, with train rides taking you into this charming port city in just under 3 hours. It offers a beautiful mix of nature escapades and relaxing hot springs, while the modern touch of areas such as Seomyeon and Gwangbok-ro Fashion Street means you get to experience the best of both worlds.
And if you’re looking to close off your trip with a bang, the Haeundae Sky Capsule is a unique way to see the Haeundae Beach at a leisurely pace. Each of these colourful and retro sky capsules seats 4 and travels between the Mipo Station to the Cheongsapo Station and back. We recommend getting on from the Mipo Station for the best coastline views. The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it the perfect break after a long day in the city. Be sure to book tickets ahead as they sell out fast.
Don’t miss out: Busan is also known for its gorgeous cherry blossom trees that bloom around late March. The picturesque trees can be seen lining most of the streets of Busan, with places such as Namcheon-dong, Dongdaesin-dong, and Hwangnyeongsan Mountain being some of the more popular spots.
Cherating, Malaysia
If you’re asking yourself where to go during the long weekends of 2025 or want a short staycation, we recommend driving to Cherating, Pahang. Getting to this resort town only takes approximately 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur, but you’ll quickly find yourself leaving hustling city woes behind.
From exploring lush green landscapes to relaxing on sandy beaches and conquering its surfing scenes, Cherating has endless activities ideal for all holiday styles. Cafe-hopping enthusiasts will also be delighted with its evergrowing dining scene, offering spreads that range from local to western fares with a twist.
For anyone visiting in mid-June to late September, the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary welcomes volunteers to help guide turtle hatchlings back into the sea. This unique experience runs on a non-profit system and is something you’ll never forget.
Why it’s on our list: Cherating is also home to Club Med Cherating, where you can book an all-inclusive holiday package. This means an endless supply of food, drinks, activities and entertainment is made readily available throughout your stay. With over 28 fun activities across the resort, you and your family will be spoiled for choice and occupied from the moment you check-in. For the adults (guests above 18), a separate Zen area with a pool and private beach can be easily accessed via a free shuttle service or if you’re up for it, a 20 minutes hike or a 15 minutes walk.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is arguably one of Europe’s most photogenic cities, with old buildings and basilicas making up the skyline by the skirts of the Danube River. The city is split into two sides that make up its name – Buda and Pest – and is connected by an array of picturesque medieval bridges.
If you’re dreaming of a river cruise through Europe, Uniworld River Cruises offers luxurious trips that pass through Budapest, providing an elegant and intimate way to experience the city and its surrounding beauty.
By day, Budapest is a historical and architectural melting pot, with guests stopping specifically to visit the city’s largest and tallest church, St Stephen’s Basilica. This theatre-turned-basilica was opened in 1905 and remains a historical landmark within the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Buffer Zone. For greater views of Budapest, you shouldn’t miss out on heading up the Buda Castle via the Buda Castle Hill Funicular.
At sunset, Budapest transforms itself into a city where the most unique nightlife experience emerges. District VII, located on Pest, is well-known for its bustling bars, clubs, and parties. If you’re looking to explore the city after dark, you should book a stay around this area to get the most out of it.
Why not try: Budapest is home to the largest thermal bath in Europe, Széchenyi Thermal Baths. It offers a variety of pools inside and out at differing temperatures, so there’s bound to be a soaking spot for everyone to enjoy. Note some pools may require swimming caps, but you can also buy one at the entrance.
Prague, Czech Republic
Blend together a mix of history, culture, medieval charms, and epic parties, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Prague. But what makes Czech Republic’s capital city so special, and why does it have a spot in Holiday Tours’ top 10 destinations to visit in 2025?
Well, we can’t decide more – perhaps it’s the opportunity to visit the Prague Astronomical Clock that’s been operating since 1410 at the Old Town Hall, making it the oldest astronomical clock in the world. Or can it be the views we see when hopping on the Prague Vltava River cruise? Either way, there’s so much more that Prague has to offer that we can’t get enough of this City of a Hundred Spires.
For nightlife seekers, it’s also worth noting that partying in Prague is welcome daily but the best experiences happen between Thursday to Saturday when the locals come to explore too. One of the most popular clubs in Prague is the 5-story Karlovy Lazne which also includes an ice bar where you can enjoy your drinks at -6°C.
Visiting two cities in a single trip: Taking a train from Budapest in Hungary to Prague, Czech Republic is a common route among seasoned travellers who want to tick both cities off their bucket list. The breathtaking views along this ride are often praised despite the 9-hour and upward trip.
For a more in-depth and enriching travel experience, Trafalgar’s guided tours in Europe often include Prague, offering insights into the city’s historical significance and vibrant modern culture.
Munich, Germany
Set in the southern parts of Germany, Munich is the 3rd largest city by population in the country. And although it’s best known for the Oktoberfest beer festival, there’s so much more to Munich waiting to be uncovered.
Think you might enjoy slow strolls down the Marienplatz square while admiring the buildings that line the square or would you rather visit Munich’s Old Town Hall which has been converted into a toy museum since 1983? Either way, the city has each of these experiences to offer. No trip to Munich would also be complete without a pitstop into the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus which has been at the same spot since 1608.
For travellers who want a deeper connection to Bavaria, Trafalgar’s expertly planned itineraries include Munich as a key destination, complete with visits to its iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots.
For football enthusiasts, a pilgrimage to Allianz Arena means you’ll be walking the grounds where the 2006 FIFA World Cup was held. It was also here that FC Bayern’s very own Philipp Lahm scored the first goal of the tournament.
The best time to visit: To avoid the crowds while still enjoying the best that Munich has to offer, September is a great month to book your visit. This is when the universities start their terms and locals return from their summer vacations, allowing you to enjoy the city at your own pace without the crowds.
Cappadocia, Türkiye
Mention the name Cappadocia, and the first thing that comes to mind are the breathtaking hot air balloon pictures flooding every social media channel. But if you explore this Turkish city further, you’ll discover how much more it has to offer.
Taking away some attention from the skies are the underground excursions around the city, all thanks to the geological formations or “fairy chimneys”. With some underground experiences going 12 levels deep, you’ll be amazed to see how the locals can turn them into churches, storage areas, and more.
However, a trip to Cappadocia is never complete unless you’ve ridden a hot air balloon to admire the city and its landscapes from above. This excursion is the most rewarding at either sunrise or sunset. As the hot air balloon ride only runs on sunny days, we recommend making this activity one of your first on the itinerary to make up for it in case of rainy weather.
Be sure to eat: Cappadocia’s local speciality is a tender stew dish known as the testi kebab. Directly translated into ‘pot kebab’, this delicacy is usually slow-cooked over an open fire after its ingredients – usually lamb or beef with an array of vegetables and spices are stuffed in a clay pot. The unique cooking style gives the dish its name and is a must-try whenever you’re in the city.
PARIS, FRANCE
Paris, the “City of Light,” is set to become a must-visit destination for Malaysians thanks to Malaysia Airlines resuming its direct flights to the French capital this March. The convenience of a non-stop journey means you can step off the plane and dive straight into the magic of Paris, a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn by its iconic landmarks, rich history, or world-renowned culinary scene, Paris is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.
One of the key draws for Malaysians is Paris’s perfect blend of culture and romance. The city’s timeless landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral, continue to captivate visitors year after year. For art lovers, the Louvre offers an unparalleled experience, housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Meanwhile, shoppers will revel in the high-fashion boutiques of the Champs-Élysées and the quaint charm of Parisian flea markets. You can also appreciate the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, charming cafés, and the authentic pastries found in every corner patisserie.
Additionally, Malaysia Airlines’ direct flights make Paris an accessible gateway to explore Europe further. From the cobbled streets of Montmartre to the grandeur of Versailles, Paris serves as the ideal starting point for a European adventure. With the ease of Malaysia Airlines’ world-class service, you can enjoy a seamless journey to the heart of Europe, arriving refreshed and ready to explore. Paris’s universal appeal, coupled with the renewed connectivity, makes it a top pick for travellers looking to make 2025 a year of extraordinary travel memories.
Start planning with Holiday Tours
Are you ready for your trip? Reach out to us at Holiday Tours to plan the perfect itinerary for you! Whether you’re looking for a short holiday or hoping to make 2025 the most unforgettable one yet, our team is here to find the best places to visit for you.
For more information or to book, visit Holiday Tours today.