19 Trending Destinations for UK Travellers in 2025
Whether you’re looking for a short haul city break or an exotic adventure, take a scroll through these trending destinations for UK travellers and get ready to feel inspired for your 2025 travels.
Fresh on the back of attending WTM London, one of the world’s biggest travel shows, I feel like I am brimming with inspiration and ideas for 2025 travels. The show highlights lots of trending destinations for the year ahead and what each global destination has to offer its travellers. From the Albanian Riviera to the Scottish Highlands and vibrant Indonesia, I’m putting these destinations on Travelista’s radar. Along with social media trends, industry discussions and popular destinations according to Local Insider, I give you 19 trending destinations for UK travellers in 2025.
I’m proud to say I have visited many of these 19 Trending Destinations for UK Travellers, so I have tried to use as much of my own travel photography as possible and we’ve linked to any relevant Travelista articles about each destination.
Editor’s Pick: The Travel Hot List – 19 Trending Destinations for 2025
1. Albania
Flight Time: ~ 3 hours from UK
The rugged mountains and coastlines of Albania have been a hidden gem of the Balkans for decades, but they are now very much on the map for savvy UK travellers seeking out a more undiscovered part of Eastern Europe. With turquoise waters so blue it has been dubbed the ‘European Maldives’, the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera are rapidly growing in popularity. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Berat and Gjirokastër or relax by the turquoise waters of Ksamil. Its affordability and unspoiled beauty make it a rising star for UK travellers.
Many travellers are reporting that Albania does not yet have the tourism infrastructure to keep up with its growing number of visitors, but we predict that will change in 2025 as the country adjusts for its new tourism economy.
2. Malta
Flight Time: ~ 3 hours from UK
Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean island steeped in history, with stunning architecture, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant culture. Visitors can wander through the Old Town streets of Valletta, swim in the Blue Lagoon, or explore ancient temples that predate the pyramids. Its compact size makes it easy to explore in just a few days, making it a great option for a UK city break.
3. Croatia
Flight Time: ~ 2.5 hours from UK
Croatia dazzles visitors with its Adriatic coastline, dotted with historic cities, charming islands, and national parks. Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, offers medieval walls and stunning views, but travellers are now venturing further afield to discover the likes of Ston, the Korčula islands, the Pelješac Peninsula and even Mostar in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s a paradise for history buffs, foodies and nature lovers alike.
Read: 11 Best Tours and Day Trips in Croatia
4. Montenegro
Flight Time: ~ 3 hours from UK
Montenegro is a destination we have featured recently on Travelista after sending Contributor Em Hope to discover all that it offer. Her verdict was that Montenegro boasts dramatic mountain landscapes, medieval towns, and a breathtaking coastline. Kotor Bay, with its fjord-like beauty, is a must-see, while Budva offers vibrant nightlife and sandy beaches. This small yet stunning country is perfect for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Read: The Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide: Kotor and Beyond by Em Hope
Did you know that the travel time from Dubrovnik and Montenegro is only 2 hours by boat or 3 hours 15 by road? Why not combine both trending destinations into one trip.
Jessica ruth gibson
5. Iceland
Flight Time: ~ 3 hours from UK
Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts, featuring volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and geysers. Whether chasing the Northern Lights, exploring waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, or relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers otherworldly experiences. It’s a dream destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Read: 10 Top Travel and Safety Tips for an Iceland Road Trip by Maja Proescholdt
Right image by Travelista contributor Maja Proescholdt
6. Norway
Flight Time: ~ 2 hours from UK
Norway is famous for its majestic fjords, Northern Lights, and endless outdoor adventures. From the scenic railway journey between Oslo and Bergen to the Arctic wonders of Tromsø, the country is a haven for hiking, skiing, and cultural exploration. Its serene beauty is unparalleled. Many UK travellers opt to discover this destination by taking a cruise through the Norwegian Fjords.
7. Scottish Highlands
Flight Time: ~ 1–1.5 hours from London or 4–6 hours by train
Many are familiar with the stunning streets of Edinburgh and the history of Glasgow, but in 2025 we predict travellers venturing beyond Scotland’s major cities into the spectacular highlands. This region of Scotland offers unrivalled natural beauty, with a landscape of rugged mountains, expansive Lochs and smaller islands waiting to be discovered.
8. Switzerland
Flight Time: ~ 1.5–2 hours from UK
Switzerland is a postcard-perfect destination with stunning alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming towns. Highlights include skiing in Zermatt, scenic train rides through the Alps, and exploring cultural hubs like Zurich and Geneva. It’s a year-round destination for adventure and relaxation. Many also forget about the charming city of Bern which is also the capital of Switzerland.
Read: A City Break Guide to Bern
9. Morocco
Flight Time: ~ 3.5 hours from UK
Morocco offers a sensory overload of vibrant markets, desert landscapes, fragrant cuisine and stunning architecture. Wander the souks of Marrakech, explore the blue city of Chefchaouen, or ride camels in the Sahara. Its mix of culture, adventure and sunshine makes it a year-round favourite for UK travellers.
10. Turkey
Flight Time: ~ 4 hours from UK
Turkey blends East and West, offering historical treasures, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities. Visit Istanbul for its iconic mosques and bazaars. With one side of the Bosporus River located in Europe and the other in Asia, it’s one of the only cities in the world where you can cross continents by bridge. Venture further afield to Cappadocia for spectacular air balloon rides over the fairy chimneys or head to Antalya for authentic beachside relaxation.
11. Thailand
Flight Time: ~ 12 hours from UK
Thailand continues to enchant UK travellers with its golden temples, bustling cities, and idyllic beaches. Explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace, relax on the islands of Phuket or Koh Samui, and trek through the lush jungles of Chiang Mai. Its warm people and affordability keeps it firmly fixed as a South East Asia favourite.
Read: Retracing my Footsteps in Chiang Mai
12. Vietnam
Flight Time: ~ 12 hours from UK
Vietnam captivates with its blend of history, nature, and cuisine. Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, explore the ancient town of Hoi An, and savour street food in bustling Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Its warm hospitality and affordability appeal to travellers.
Read: The Ultimate 3 Week Vietnam Travel Itinerary – A Travelista Best Read Article
13. Indonesia
Flight Time: ~ 16 hours from UK
Indonesia is an archipelago of contrasts, offering everything from the tranquil beaches of Bali to the wild jungles of Sumatra. Highlights include diving in Komodo, exploring ancient temples like Borobudur, and experiencing the vibrant culture of Java.
Read: Indonesia with Kids – A Family Friendly 3 Week Itinerary
Photos from Travelista contributor Hanna Dilley.
14. Malaysia
Flight Time: ~ 13 hours from UK
Malaysia offers a mix of modern cities, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches. Visit Kuala Lumpur for its iconic Petronas Towers, Penang for its food scene, and Borneo for incredible wildlife like orangutans. Its diversity is its charm.
15. Sri Lanka
Flight Time: ~ 11 hours from UK
Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise of golden beaches, ancient ruins, and lush tea plantations. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, spot elephants in national parks, or relax in the coastal towns of Mirissa, Unawatuna or the super trendy and Instagrammable Galle. Its compact size makes it easy to explore in one trip.
Read: 17 Reasons to visit Sri Lanka
16. Costa Rica
Flight Time: ~ 12 hours from UK
Costa Rica is a haven for eco-tourists, boasting lush rainforests, volcanoes, and diverse wildlife. Zipline through Monteverde’s cloud forests, relax on Pacific beaches, or spot sloths and toucans in national parks. It’s perfect for adventure and nature lovers.
17. Australia
Flight Time: ~ 22–24 hours from UK
Australia offers sprawling cities, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders. From exploring Sydney’s Opera House and Great Barrier Reef to road-tripping along the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s size and diversity promise endless adventures.
18. Philippines
Flight Time: ~ 13–16 hours from UK
The Philippines is a tropical paradise with over 7,000 islands to explore. Visit the iconic lagoons of Palawan, the powdery beaches of Boracay and the vibrant culture of Cebu. It’s a destination that offers relaxation, culture, spectacular beaches and stunning beauty.
Read: The Best 3 Week Philippines Itinerary
19. Canada
Flight Time: ~ 7–9 hours from UK
Canada boasts vast wilderness, vibrant cities, and diverse experiences. Explore the Rocky Mountains in Banff, enjoy the urban charm of Toronto or Vancouver, or witness the majesty of Niagara Falls. Its natural beauty and friendly people will leave a mark on travellers for years to come.
Read: The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Winter Road Trip Itinerary – 10-14 Days
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