2025’s Hottest Travel Destinations

Written By Krista Nannery

But First…I Won Some Awards!

Before I dive into my newsletter this week, I have two exciting announcements. I won two very cool awards this month!

  • My first award was from my host agency. Gifted Travel Network. (Most travel advisors are attached to a host. Host agencies provide underlying tech infrastructure and vet and negotiate agreements with travel suppliers.) I won the Advisor of The Year award for my cohort of advisors! This is in recognition of my engagement with my host and partners.

  • Then, on Thursday, I received a Top Booking Agent award from The Peninsula Hotels! This is in recognition of my many Peninsula bookings this year. You should always book Peninsula hotels through a travel advisor! We can add complimentary breakfast for two, priority for upgrade, and a hotel credit that you can usually use for food & beverage or spa treatments!

Thank you to all my clients and partners who helped me achieve these two amazing recognitions!

Trending Travel Destinations

Now, as we look ahead to 2025 and start to see the travel bookings roll in, several destinations are emerging as hotspots. In today’s crowded skies, people want to get away from the crowds and feel like they are pioneers. These locations offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and exclusivity, making them perfect for anyone seeking unique experiences. Here are my favorite up-and-coming luxury travel destinations for 2025. Ready to book? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Azores, Portugal

  • Why It’s Hot: Sometimes compared to the Hawaiian Islands, the Azores, an archipelago of nine islands, lie 870 miles west of Portugal in the Mid-Atlantic. The Azores are known for dramatic landscapes, including volcanic craters, lush greenery, and thermal springs. It’s truly a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It can also be an incredible value. If you know someone getting married this year who needs a honeymoon destination, or someone with a big wedding anniversary or other special celebration, tell them to talk to me me about The Azores! Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

  • Luxury Appeal: Luxury eco-resorts, private yacht tours, and bespoke adventure packages like hiking, whale watching, and diving.

  • Where to Stay: Octant Furnas, a 55-room, eco-conscious retreat located on the Azores’ largest island. This area boasts the greatest concentration of hot springs in Europe, and the hotel’s spa offers mineral-rich healing in two large thermal pools — one outdoors, the other housed in a strikingly, glass-topped building. Hike and cycle well-marked trails, go canyoning and kayaking, or simply relax in the verdant gardens. À Terra restaurant serves up wood-fired steaks and other rustic fare; try its signature cozido (stew).

  • How Else to Experience the Azores: Try this Backroads 6-day multisport tour of the Azores! Or check out this 13 day cruise of the Canary Islands and Portugal.

Oman

  • Why It’s Hot: Oman is becoming a luxury destination for its stunning deserts, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The country offers a blend of traditional Arabian hospitality and modern luxury. I spent a long weekend in Muscat a few years ago and really fell in love. Driving around the outskirts of Muscat feels like you are driving on the moon!

  • Luxury Appeal: Desert glamping, private beach resorts, and cultural tours to historic forts and souks.

  • Where to Stay: The Chedi Muscat, where Omani architecture meets sleek minimalism, thanks to the designs of Jean-Michel Gathy. Equally stunning are the views encompassing the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. Stroll the private shoreline; take a dip in the The Chedi Pool, The Serai Pool, and The Long Pool.

  • How Else to Experience Oman: Check out this 9 day packaged tour or this desert camp experience.

Slovenia

  • Why It’s Hot: Slovenia is gaining recognition for its stunning landscapes, including Lake Bled and the Julian Alps, along with the country’s extensive cave systems. The capital, Ljubljana, is known for its charming old town and vibrant culture. Think of Slovenia as a mix between Austria and Italy.

Laos (Krista’s Personal Favorite!)

  • Why It’s Hot: Laos is gaining attention for its serene landscapes, Buddhist temples, and French colonial architecture. The country offers a tranquil escape with a focus on wellness and culture. Honestly, I love Laos so much. I’ve been to Luang Prabang twice now and it is such a peaceful little oasis.

  • Luxury Appeal: Luxury river cruises, boutique resorts, and bespoke cultural tours.

  • Where to Stay: Amantaka is a tranquil sanctuary within easy walking distance of UNESCO World Heritage site Luang Prabang. Each of the 24 suites features an airy living area with doors opening to the courtyard and a tree-shaded lounge or private swimming pool.

  • How Else to Experience Laos: Did someone say…private jet? Experience Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam by private jet during this comprehensive tour. Looking for more adventure? How about a motorbike tour of Laos?

Montenegro

  • Why It’s Hot: Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline, medieval villages, and stunning national parks are drawing luxury travelers. The country offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. I was in Montenegro a few years ago and it somehow reminded me of upstate New York! So dark green and forrest-y.

  • Luxury Appeal: Luxury coastal resorts, private yacht charters, and bespoke cultural tours.

  • Where to Stay: Regent Porto Montenegro, where you can stroll the waterfront and watch the yachts go by while you’re enjoying some delicious octopus salad. (With apologies to My Octopus Teacher.)

  • How Else to Experience Montenegro: Check out this leisurely-paced bike tour of Croatia and Montenegro or this 8 day Explora cruise of the Dalmatian coast.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.

Ways I Can Help You

  • Knowledge and experience. I’ve been to 78 countries.

  • I can offer VIP perks and amenities at thousands of hotels around the world. Virtuoso perks are just the start. I can also VIP you at Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Four Seasons, and Rosewood properties…among others! (See my website footer for all the brands I work with And yes, you can double dip between your hotel status and mine, supercharging your VIP status!)

  • I have a huge storehouse of luxury cruises: I partner with all the major cruise lines…Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Viking, Ama Waterways, Tauck and more. I can add onboard credits and other perks that you cannot get by booking direct.

  • I have vetted villa rentals  with concierge service all around the world

  • Private jets! Yes, I can do this for you.

  • All sorts of small group and private touring.

  • VIP on arrival and VIP on departure airport services. (Get met at the plane door!)

  • Travel insurance. Don’t leave home without it!

Krista Nannery
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