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If you’re a Bangkok first-timer, this is your invitation to explore a city teeming with life, flavour and history.
New year, new destinations calling!
Let's make 2025 your biggest travel year yet with one simple goal: tick more places off your travel bucket list than ever before. Whether you're craving culture-packed city breaks, pristine beach escapes, or unforgettable outdoor adventures, we've rounded up 25 incredible destinations that deserve your attention.
From direct flights to exciting new routes, Brisbane's expanding connections mean the world is literally your oyster. Ready to start planning? Here are our top 25 destinations to explore in 2025.
1. Busselton, Australia
Welcome to Western Australia's coastal showstopper, where the Southern Hemisphere's longest timber jetty stretches an incredible 1.8km into the crystal waters of Geographe Bay. This isn't just another seaside town – Busselton serves up a blend of laid-back beach vibes and buzzing culture. Swim with playful dolphins in the calm bay waters, wander past vibrant street art, or feast at hip cafes dishing up ocean-fresh flavours. History buffs can dive into local stories at the Cultural Precinct and heritage-listed Old Butter Factory, beer lovers can enjoy a brew at Shelter Brewing Co in the heart of Busselton, while wine lovers are just 40 minutes from over 100 cellar doors in the celebrated Margaret River wine region.
GETTING THERE
2. Macau, China
Macau is often regarded as the Las Vegas of China, with its bustling nightlife earning it a spot as one of the top American Express trending global destinations. Macau is home to fascinating historical landmarks such as the A-Ma Temple and Ruins of St Paul’s. For a spectacular view at the highest point on the peninsular, you can’t pass up seeing the Guia Fortress, Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows and Lighthouse. Should you find yourself a bit peckish after all that sightseeing, you’ll have to check out the mouth-watering multicultural cuisine that Macau offers. Originally a Portuguese colony, Macau presents a blend of Mediterranean and Cantonese cuisines alongside southeast Asian food and dishes with Portuguese influence – truly a foodie’s dream destination.
GETTING THERE
3. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya’s energetic capital, offers more than just city life – it’s a doorway to intimate wildlife encounters. Within city bounds, Nairobi National Park provides rare sights of endangered black rhinos, giraffes, and lions, all with the urban skyline in the background. Nairobi also connects you seamlessly to Kenya’s expansive safari landscapes, making it the perfect starting point for adventure. For an authentic taste of local culture, explore the Maasai Market, where colourful traditional arts and crafts capture the spirit of Kenya.
GETTING THERE
4. Uluru, Australia
Standing majestically in Australia's spiritual heart, Uluru isn't just a rock – it's an icon that captures the soul of our ancient continent. This World Heritage-listed landmark, sacred to the Anangu people, rises from the red earth surrounded by endless desert horizons. Fly directly into Ayers Rock Airport to experience extraordinary outback adventures, from witnessing the world's clearest starlit skies to watching the desert come alive at sunrise and sunset. Visit during the dry season (June – August) when cooler temperatures make exploring this remarkable landscape even more magical.
GETTING THERE
5. Cairns, Australia
Cairns, the tropical gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is particularly magnificent during winter (June to August) when clear skies and mild temperatures create perfect conditions for exploration. This dry season is ideal for discovering both reef and rainforests without the summer rains. Relax at the Cairns Esplanade’s swimming lagoon – refreshing family-friendly fun – or head out on the Great Barrier Reef Drive, a windy coastal journey that encompasses beaches and rainforests. Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, the Daintree National Park offers 4WD tours, ziplining, and Indigenous art experiences, all more comfortable in the cooler winter months when temperatures hover around 25°C.
GETTING THERE
6. Singapore
Step into a city that never stops dazzling - Singapore. Kick off 2025 with Lunar New Year celebrations painting Chinatown in red and gold, before diving into a culinary adventure at the Singapore Food Festival (June/July), where local chefs flex their muscles with everything from Michelin-star culinary creations to beloved hawker classics. Cap off your year trackside at the Formula One night race in October, where the city's glittering skyline becomes the backdrop for motorsport's most electrifying street circuit.
GETTING THERE
7. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, the British Columbian city that’s equal parts stunning natural surroundings, lively city streets and vibrant culture. Plan your arrival for February to explore Vancouver when the city hosts the Invictus Games, a sporting competition that brings together over 500 service personnel and veterans from over 20 nations to compete in adaptive summer and winter sports. Within Vancouver, there’s plenty of art, science and nature experiences to try (see our first-timer’s guide to Vancouver for some itinerary inspiration), and you’ll be a short bus or train ride away from the ski fields in Whistler when the snow season calls.
GETTING THERE
8. Osaka, Japan
Osaka is the heart of Japan’s vibrant and diverse food scene. Head to Dotonbori to savour its iconic dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki and be sure to snap a photo in front of the neon Glico Running Man sign. If you’re looking for adventure, visit Universal Studios Japan, or take a walk around the Osaka Castle to learn more about the city’s rich history. Check out Nipponbashi Den Den Town for shops packed with anime, and manga, along with fun events and meetups.
GETTING THERE
9. Auckland, New Zealand
Introducing Auckland; a city surrounded by nature so astonishing it looks straight out of The Hobbit (if you know, you know)! In fact, you can explore Hobbiton in under two and a half hours from the CBD. However, Auckland is more than cinematic scenery. Shop ‘til you drop, savour world-class dining, and explore black sand beaches all in a day’s work. Paddle through bioluminescent waters on a kayak tour or float underneath the glowing Waitomo Cave ceilings to feel like you’ve entered Avatar‘s mesmerising world (not filmed around Auckland, but New Zealand nonetheless). Or jump into adventure with skydiving, whale watching, or volcanic hiking.
GETTING THERE
10. Nice, France
Honeymoon on the horizon? Say bonjour to Nice, where romance lives on the Riviera and post-card perfect views kick on in your camera roll. Perched along the Baie des Anges and nestled somewhere in between old-world elegance and modern-day flair, you’ll find Nice neatly wrapped in a package of year-round sunshine. Is Euro-summer on the bucket list? Top your itinerary with Bastille Day in July and expect nothing less than fireworks, live music, and markets that’ll have you rethinking your luggage limit (unless you go oversize for all your anticipated shopping). Whether your flights are booked for a romantic getaway or a Euro event with the whole family, Nice is a destination that truly lives up to its name.
GETTING THERE
11. Dallas Fort Worth, Texas
Touchdown directly into Texas' dynamic duo of cities thanks to American Airlines' direct flights from BNE. Dallas shines with America's largest urban arts district – 20 blocks packed with striking street sculptures, world-class museums and performance venues. Head to Fort Worth to experience authentic cowboy culture at the Stockyards, where longhorn cattle still parade down Exchange Avenue twice daily. After dark, kick up your heels at Billy Bob's, the world's largest honky-tonk, or hit Downtown Dallas's rooftop bars for skyline views and craft cocktails. Time your visit for August's Riverfront Jazz Festival or catch the Dallas Cowboys (and their cheerleaders if you’ve been watching Netflix) in action at their home Arlington stadium.
GETTING THERE
12. Palau, Solomon Islands
If kicking back on pristine white beaches, snorkelling in brilliant blue waters and chasing abundant adventures is your ideal holiday, then Palau is calling your name. Don the snorkel or scuba tank and join a tour to explore wrecks, caverns, caves, drop-offs, and reefs. Palau’s above-water offering is no less exciting, where lush jungles, hidden caves, and powerful waterfalls beckon to the nature lover. When you’re not relaxing in a lavish island resort or secluded beach campsite, we bet you’ll be trekking to an abandoned WWII post, kayaking along the coastline, visiting a Bai (a Palauan Chief's revered meeting house), or dining on deliciously fresh seafood. With so many adventures and culture to experience, there’s plenty to add to an itinerary of the Pacific Islands.
Image by Palau Tourism.
GETTING THERE
13. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is no one-trick pony – everything from a historic temple visit to a traditional boat cruise, a trip to Disneyland, a photo with the Big Buddha and more deserves a spot on the itinerary. If you plan to visit the Pearl of the Orient, book your trip to coincide with the many exciting events featuring in Hong Kong in 2025, including the Hong Kong Food Festival, China Opera and the world’s biggest Rugby Sevens festival, the Hong Kong Sevens – a three-day event that welcomes 120,000 fans each year. Another great time to visit is late January when Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing. Hong Kong has an enticing CBD where shops, delicious eateries and inner-city experiences await around every corner. Be sure to leave a little room in the suitcase for souvenirs.
GETTING THERE
14. Chile, South America
Located along the west coast of South America, Chile offers travellers a diverse range of landscapes to explore – from the vibrant coastal city of Valparaíso to the rocky formations of the Atacama Desert in the north, and the frozen expanses of Patagonia in the south. If you’re seeking a more cultural Chilean experience then you won’t want to miss the La Tirana Festival held each year in July. It's Chile’s most important religious celebration – a vibrant party set in the desert, bursting with bold colours, devilish costumes, sequinned outfits, dancers moving in unison, and the lively sounds of drums, trumpets and accordions.
GETTING THERE
15. Adelaide, Australia
Beyond its grand Victorian churches and sweeping parklands, Adelaide serves up world-class food markets, vibrant laneways, and some of Australia's most celebrated wine regions within an hour's drive – including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills. Time your visit to catch the creative explosion of Adelaide Festival and Fringe Festival, or escape to the Adelaide Hills for the Taste of the Hills festival. Whether you're bar-hopping through Peel Street, grazing your way through the Adelaide Central Market, or soaking up the sun at Glenelg Beach, Adelaide's relaxed vibe and effortless charm will have you planning your next visit before you leave.
GETTING THERE
16. Istanbul, Türkiye
At the intersection of Europe and Asia lies Istanbul, Türkiye’s capital city that blends ancient streetscapes and historic mosques with modern buildings and attractions. Experience 19th-century European architecture while exploring Beyoglu and be sure to visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque on your travels. After maxing out your camera roll, indulge in some high-end shopping and delicious restaurant dining in Kadıköy. Finally, experience the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar firsthand; a market of over 4,000 stores holding souvenirs, jewellery, clothes, textiles and more. Fuelled by delicious meats and fresh kebabs, you’re sure to make forever memories while exploring the labyrinths of marketplaces, vibrant nightlife and historic landmarks.
GETTING THERE
17. Blue Mountains, Australia
Just 90 minutes from Sydney, the Blue Mountains dish up way more than misty peaks and eucalyptus forests. Cozy up in luxury lodges overlooking ancient valleys, chase waterfalls along scenic hiking trails, or join a stargazing tour to spot the Milky Way in crystal-clear mountain skies. Between adventures in the World Heritage-listed wilderness, treat yourself to long lunches at hatted restaurants and boutique wine tastings in charming mountain villages.
GETTING THERE
18. Hanoi, Vietnam
Get ready to fall in love with Vietnam's buzzing capital. Kick off your day with a traditional egg coffee in the narrow alleys of Train Street, where locomotives rumble past within arm's reach of local cafes. Wander the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter, where street food stalls and artisan workshops fill ancient laneways with life. Beyond the city, Ninh Binh's limestone peaks and tranquil waterways steal the show, while back in town, the Water Puppet Theatre and festivals like Dragon Boat and Mid-Autumn paint the city in a kaleidoscope of culture, lanterns, and spirited parades.
GETTING THERE
19. Bangkok, Thailand
Live it up in Thailand's electric capital where rooftop bars serve sweeping skyline views and street-side kitchens whip up sizzling pad thai and fragrant curries. Soak up local arts at the Raks Siam Festival in February or check out the latest wheels at March's International Motor Show. Nothing beats April's Songkran Festival, where the whole city erupts into the world's biggest water fight to celebrate Thai New Year. Between festivals, lose yourself in glittering temples, buzzing night markets, and the kind of street food that'll have you coming back for seconds.
GETTING THERE
20. Bologna, Italy
We know what you’re thinking and yes, a visit to Bologna, the spiritual home of Bolognese, is just as appetising as it sounds. Fly to Bologna, the lively and historical capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy and immerse yourself in the city that’s described as ‘the fat’ thanks to the mouth-watering cuisine. But that’s not all – the city’s also called ‘the learned’ with the world’s oldest university, and ‘the red’ from the distinct red roofs that are best viewed from its medieval towers – and that’s just a taste of what’s on offer. Channel your inner history buff as you roam the cobbled streets and visit Asinelli Tower, the Cathedral of San Petronio, and the Archaeological Civic Museum, then fill up on delicious cotoletta alla Bolognese in its city of birth. Not sure when to book your visit? Discover the best times to visit Italy here.
GETTING THERE
21. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s vibrant streets feature Georgian architecture, cozy pubs and live music. Pour yourself into the home of creamy Guinness stout and smooth Jameson whiskey, with both iconic drinks offering fascinating tours through their historic venues. The city’s dynamic cultural scene blends the busy city life with historic landmarks in the Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol, while March's St. Patrick's Festival transforms streets into a sea of green.
GETTING THERE
22. Canberra, Australia
Australia's capital city shakes off its suit-and-tie reputation with a seriously cool food and culture scene. Time your winter visit for truffle hunting season, where trained dogs lead you through local farms in search of these coveted black delicacies. Beyond the parliamentary precinct, you'll find world-class galleries, hip wine bars, and award-winning restaurants nestled between bush reserves and glittering Lake Burley Griffin. Pedal the lake's shoreline, gallery-hop through the Cultural Triangle, or toast the sunset at one of the surrounding cool-climate wineries.
GETTING THERE
23. Denver, Colorado
A mile high in the sky, Denver serves up the perfect mix of urban buzz and mountain adventures. Hit the Rocky Mountain National Park for jaw-dropping hiking trails, crystal lakes and snow-capped peaks, or stay in town to explore world-class art at the Denver Art Museum. Catch a gig at the stunning Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where natural rock formations create the world's most spectacular concert venue. Time your visit for the Five Points Jazz Festival with its 40+ bands, or September's Great American Beer Festival showcasing the best of America's craft brewing scene.
GETTING THERE
24. Coffs Harbour, Australia
Coffs Harbour’s relaxed coastal charm makes it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, just a short flight from Brisbane. Located on the north coast of New South Wales, it’s home to the Big Banana and Solitary Islands Marine Park where you can spot whales and explore the colourful coral reefs. If a laid-back holiday is what you’re after, you’ll find beach resorts with sparkling pools and sun lounges, plus a great selection of cafes and restaurants to keep you satisfied. Mark your calendars for the Coffs Harbour Show in May, where you can experience the region's rich agricultural heritage and delicious local produce.
GETTING THERE
25. Copenhagen, Denmark
This Danish destination is a cyclist’s paradise with serene canals, rainbow-bright architecture, and streets that practically beg you to pedal through them. Wander along the Nyhavn Harbour, release your inner child at Tivoli Gardens, or get happily lost in the foodie havens of Vesterbro and Nørrebro. Time your trip right and you could catch the Copenhagen Light Festival in February, where the city glows brighter than your holiday spirit. Or jam out at Roskilde Festival in June-July – Northern Europe’s answer to Glastonbury.
Looking for more destinations that don’t have the entirety of Australia roaming the streets during Euro-summer? Bookmark our favourite offbeat Europe destinations to extend your trip.
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