Bucket-List Travel Destinations for 2025

It’s that time of year again when we all start to dream of escaping somewhere sunnier, warmer and altogether less rainy. This year is set to be the busiest yet for travel companies, with an estimated 24%  rise in the number of trips planned for 2025.

And it looks like we’re branching out too: new research from Aer Lingus reveals that almost two-thirds of Irish holidaymakers plan to explore a new destination in the next twelve months.

With that in mind, we have put together a fun calendar of bucket-list destinations that’ll take you on an adventure through winter, spring, summer and autumn.

Enjoy cool days and cosy nights in a wintry North America

New York is shaping up to be the most popular city for Aer Lingus passengers this year, with thousands of passengers already planning a trip to the Big Apple. It’s a great place to visit in winter, with lots to do indoors, from discounted designer shopping  to chart-topping shows on Broadway. The second most popular route is Florida, proving that Irish people love a little winter sun…and a trip to Disney World too!

If you’re the more adventurous type, venture further north to explore Canada’s snow-topped mountains. Ski fans will find they’re in fresh-powder heaven in Whistler, Mont-Tremblant and Banff, but make sure to add Winter Sports cover to your travel insurance policy by ticking the appropriate box and paying an additional premium. With more than 600,000 ski injuries annually within the US alone, you’ll want to make sure you’re fully protected before you hit the slopes.

Spring into better weather in Asia

It’s definitely a long-haul destination, but Asia is so spectacular it’s worth every minute of travel. The region has something for everyone, from solo travellers  to backpackers, all the way to families and retirees. 

If you find a budget-friendly plane ticket, Japan in spring is famous for its sakura (cherry blossom trees), which blankets the cities in the prettiest pink flowers. It’s free to enjoy as you wander the streets of Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, absorbing all that this rich culture has to offer. Make sure to factor in regular stops to taste the country’s famous ramen, bento boxes and conveyor-belt sushi. 

Vietnam is also a great location for spring travel, as the temperatures are warm but manageable (before the summer heat kicks in). Ho Chi Minh is a popular base, with affordable accommodation, cheap street food and an amazing array of historical and cultural attractions. Exploring more of the country is easy, with lots of sleeper trains and buses available as well as sailing trips along the Mekong River. When the beach beckons, take a trip to the famous Ha Long Bay, where you can enjoy pure white sands, luscious green scenery and a mesmerising selection of fresh seafood.

If you can make it to Thailand for April, you should join the locals in celebrating the New Year in their Songkran Water Festival.  Big cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai will come alive with epic water fights, intricate sand pagodas and a vibrant carnival atmosphere, promising an experience you’ll never forget. Just make sure to pack a change of clothes, as you’ll probably get soaked!

Make lasting memories in Europe this summer

Living in Ireland, we’re lucky that Europe is on our doorstep, with diverse cultures and cuisines all within a couple of hours of travel. Spain continues to top every poll as the Irish traveller’s favourite sunny spot, with over 2.5 million visits every year — many of whom can be spotted by their bright GAA jerseys! In the summertime, you can catch the famous bull-running San Fermín festival in Pamplona or the deliciously messy La Tomatina tomato-throwing party in Buñol. 

Italy is a popular option too, appearing as Airbnb’s number-one trending destination among British guests. If you’re thinking of enjoying la dolce vita in the summer months, it might be an idea to avoid the more crowded and expensive options like Venice, Rome or the Amalfi coast. Instead, head towards Bologna, Sicily or Puglia where you can still enjoy stunning views, fascinating history and mouth-watering food — but at much lower prices.

If you’d like to take a staycation closer to home, Northern Ireland’s Portrush was number two on the Airbnb list — proving you can find all the escape you need just by taking a road trip up north.

One of the big benefits of holidaying in Europe is that it’s easier to travel sustainably. You could sail to Holyhead in Wales, Cherbourg in France, or Bilbao in Spain and then cross the continent by train. Slow travel is a great way to see more of the countries you’re visiting, enjoy greater flexibility and meet new people.

When the leaves start to fall and the days begin to shorten in Ireland, think about heading into Africa. With cooler temperatures, fewer tourists and lower prices, autumn is a great time to explore this incredible continent.

If you can stretch the budget, a trip to South Africa promises unforgettable safaris in Kruger National Park, breathtaking scenery along the Garden Route and even a beach populated by penguins in Capetown. Wine lovers will find themselves delighted with the Stellenbosch region, with plenty of vineyards welcoming visitors for tastings and tours. Tanzania and Zanzibar are popular alternatives for spotting wildlife and relaxing at beautiful beachside huts — often at a fraction of the price of the bigger resorts.

We’ve been helping to protect Irish people at home and abroad for more than a quarter of a century. In that time, we’ve built a solid reputation for cover you can rely on and care you can trust. When the unexpected happens, we’ll be there for you with 24-hour Medical Emergency Assistance — even if you’re thousands of miles away. You’d be surprised how happy you’d be to hear a friendly voice if you find yourself having a tough time abroad.

Designed for almost every type of traveller, An Post Insurance Travel Insurance supports individuals, couples and families in a wide range of countries. While every customisable policy comes with core cover for medical and emergency assistance, loss or theft of personal belongings and cancelled / curtailed trips (subject to excesses and terms and conditions which can be found in the policy wording), you can also add an optional car hire excess and winter sports / ski cover.

Whatever your needs are, and wherever you hope to go this year, make sure you add affordable travel insurance to your plans. That way, you’ll be free to enjoy everything that your adventure abroad has to offer — with the peace of mind of proper protection back home.