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The 6 underrated destinations travel planners say will be popular in 2025

29 December 2024 at 04:09
Lake Bled in Slovenia on a clear day
Slovenia is great for an adventurous, outdoorsy trip.

DaLiu/Shutterstock

Whether you travel frequently or once a year, it can be difficult to determine which places are worth visiting.

To help you narrow down your list (or discover something new), Business Insider asked travel planners about the more under-the-radar destinations their clients are asking about for 2025.

Here's what they said.

Sri Lanka is a bucket-list-worthy destination.
Sigiriya rock fortress in Sri Lanka at sunrise
Sri Lanka has a stunning array of landscapes.

trabantos/Shutterstock

Kimberly Denison, a Virtuoso travel advisor and the founder of Denison Travel, said more people are setting their sights on Sri Lanka.

The South Asian country is home to a plethora of beaches and rainforests, making it easy for travelers to explore the scenery through engaging activities like hikes or surfing sessions.

"Most people don't realize how geographically diverse Sri Lanka is and that it makes it a wonderful destination for folks who enjoy having a wide range of scenery and experiences without extensive amounts of travel in between," she told BI.

Istria is making a name for itself with high-quality cuisine.
Rovinj historic peninsula in the Istria region of Croatia
The peninsula is known for olive oil and wine.

xbrchx/Shutterstock

Although the Dalmatian Coast is typically top of mind in Croatia, Molly Arena, a luxury travel advisor at Fora, said to keep an eye on Istria.

The region, located on a northwest peninsula of Croatia β€” which also shares land with Italy and Slovenia β€” has everything from medieval towns to beautiful beaches to explore. However, it's perhaps best known for its offerings for foodies.

"Rising interest in culinary travel fits perfectly with Istria's offerings of truffles, olive oil, and wine," she told BI.

It's also a nice alternative to the often crowded European regions of Tuscany in Italy and Provance in France.

Bhutan's decreased tourism tax is enticing.
Taktshang Goemba Tigers Nest monastery in Bhutan
Bhutan is a country in South Asia.

Framalicious/Shutterstock

Bhutan, a small country bordering India and Tibet, offers adventurous activities like river rafting excursions, hot-stone baths, and hiking trails. However, Rochelle Hathaway, a travel advisor at Fora, said the destination is also known for its tranquil atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the country is its dzongs, which are fortified monasteries with intricate architecture.

Some countries charge tourists a fee to visit and access local amenities, stores, restaurants, and accommodations. That's true for Bhutan, but in recent years, the country has decreased its tax rate from $200 a day to $100 a day.

Hathaway predicts this will help to attract more tourists in the new year.

Some tourists headed to Indonesia are skipping Bali and heading to Java instead.
Madakaripura Waterfall in java indonesia
Java is home to one of the largest waterfalls in Indonesia.

Guitar photographer/Shutterstock

Lael Kassis, the vice president of marketing innovation and development at EF Go Ahead Tours, said she's seeing more clients booking trips to the Indonesian island of Java.

"Travelers are slowly discovering there is a lot more to Indonesia than just Bali," he told BI. "The Island of Java β€” filled with culture, history, and volcanoes β€” is just a quick trip from Bali and easy to combine when traveling."

In particular, Kassis said, the Borobudur Temple and Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park are sites attracting tourists to Java.

Uruguay is a vibrant destination for tourists.
white building on the coast of Uruguay
Uruguay is a smaller South American country.

Claudio Morini/Shutterstock

Arena told BI that Uruguay is a hot spot for art and culture.

"There are many museums and galleries to choose from throughout the Punta del Este, Montevideo, and Colonia del Sacramento regions in Uruguay, in addition to renowned art and film festivals such as Este Arte, Montevideo Art Festival, and the JosΓ© Ignacio International Film Festival," she said.

The historic quarter in Colonia del Sacramento is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond that, though, the country is also known for its beautiful beaches.

"Uruguay has one of the world's best beach resorts in JosΓ© Ignacio, often likened to the Hamptons," she said.

Slovenia seems likely to attract outdoorsy tourists.
National Park Zelenci in Slovenia on a clear day
Zelenci is one of Slovenia's national parks.

TilMaj84/Shutterstock

Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations where they feel they can do and see it all. Because of that, Denison anticipates a boom in Slovenia tourism within the next year.

Slovenia is fairly small but also geographically diverse, making it easier for visitors to see a lot of the country β€” and its many different landscapes β€” in a short period of time.

"Boasting mountains, lakes, vineyards, and the Adriatic Sea all in a compact and uncrowded setting, it offers the kind of exclusive, personalized experiences that today's travelers crave," she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The 6 under-the-radar places a luxury travel planner is recommending to her clients right now

11 December 2024 at 05:54
St. Moritz lit up at night with snow-covered buildings and mountains in front of a frozen body of water
St. Moritz is one of my top picks for those who love to ski.

Alessandro Bellani/Getty Images

I'm a luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles and I book five-star hotels and vacations for my wealthy clients around the world.

Many of them try to travel to upscale destinations with luxury hotels that feel exclusive without the large crowds of tourists.

These are a few destinations I recommend to my clients looking to get away this winter.

Palm Beach is a solid pick within the US.
Palm. trees and colorful arched buildings on Worth St in Palm Beach Florida
Palm Beach has excellent shopping on Worth Avenue.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

I've found that this tiny island in the south of Florida is quickly emerging as a popular destination among wealthy travelers for its beaches, shops, and sunshine.

One highlight is Palm Beach's Worth Avenue, a retail paradise with a range of designer stores and high-end restaurants.

I recommend staying at The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic hotel with a golf course, tennis courts, and four pools. It's especially great for couples and families with kids.

The area also has exciting developments in the works for 2025. World-renowned chef Thomas Keller plans to open a new restaurant and The Vineta Hotel is set to open in the spring.

St. Barts is a popular escape from cold temperatures.
Boats in water in front of red-roofed buildings along shore in front of green mountains
Many clients head to places like St. Barts in the winter to escape cold weather.

Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

This French-Caribbean island is where many jet-setters and celebrities vacation during the winter months.

Its many beaches are great for families with kids, and its vibrant nightlife scene can be great for young couples who want to have fun.

I suggest travelers also stop by the nearby Colombier Beach β€” a stunning white-sand beach and natural reserve that is mainly accessible by boat.

Most of my clients stay at the luxurious Eden Rock St. Barths, a five-star hotel adjacent to Nikki Beach and Gypsea, two lively beachfront lounges.

I recommend the Dolomites for those who want snowy slopes.
Snow-covered Dolomite mountains
The Dolomites is home to some excellent ski slopes.

АлСксСй Облов/Getty Images

For clients looking to hit the slopes, I recommend the Dolomites, a chic Italian mountain town and a great alternative to the Swiss or French Alps.

The mountain range is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 18 peaks.

I've also got my eye on the many luxury hotels sprouting up there in the next few years, including The Aman Rosa Alpina, set to reopen in 2025 after extensive refurbishments, and Hotel Cristallo in Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is being rebranded into a Mandarin Oriental.

St. Moritz is also a great choice for skiers.
Sunrise over snow-covered St. Moritz village
St. Moritz can be picturesque in the winter.

Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld/Getty Images

This small resort town in Switzerland has a monthslong ski season, so I recommend it to clients who love to ski.

A popular spot for celebrities and royalty, St. Moritz is dotted with designer stores, cozy restaurants, and high-end hotels including the glamorous Badrutt's Palace Hotel St. Moritz and Grace La Margna.

St. Moritz also has plenty of nightlife and entertainment options.

Billionaire St. Moritz β€” an experience combining fine dining and live entertainment β€” debuts at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski this season. I've also heard the exclusive, members-only club Dracula is worth a visit if you can manage to get an invite.

Lastly, if you're headed to St. Moritz in February, you won't want to miss the International Concours of Elegance, where you can watch rare cars zip across a frozen lake.

For those who want to relax on a beach all day, I recommend Costa Palmas in Mexico.
Aerial view of sandy hills and vibrant blue waters in Mexico's Baja Sur
Costa Palmas is in Mexico's Baja Sur.

Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

Costa Palmas is the perfect place for travelers who want to lay low and relax.

This exclusive community in Baja's East Cape is home to nearly 2 miles of swimmable beaches, a yacht marina, and a small village with special restaurants like Mozza by Nancy Silverton and Delphine by chef Ludo Lefebvre.

My clients typically stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Costa Palmas, but an ultra-luxury Amanvari is set to open in 2025, so that's also on my radar.

Oil Nut Bay is my pick in the British Virgin Islands for larger groups.
Boats docked at a pier in the British Virgin Islands
There are a few spots worth checking out on the British Virgin Islands.

alexeys/Getty Images

This serene private island in Virgin Gorda is perfect for big groups or families with its beautiful turquoise beaches, rentable villas, and range of activities.

Oil Nut Bay has a private marina, heliport, beach club, and resident-owned luxury villas that can be booked for short-term stays.

Villas typically have one to seven bedrooms, and some can accommodate a dozen guests. To make the trip more luxurious and laid-back, you can arrange for private-chef service throughout your stay.

Oil Nut Bay also has water activities, a spa, hiking trails, sunset boat charters, and a nature center so there's something for everyone without even leaving the property.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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