UK Travelers Guide to 2025’s Top Destinations by ABTA in Belize, Denmark, Japan, Hungary, Australia, Canada, France, Italy, and More: What You Need to Know

Saturday, January 4, 2025

As Sunshine Saturday approaches on January 4, 2025, one of the most popular days for travel bookings, ABTA has released its annual ‘Destinations to Watch’ list.

This year’s report highlights 10 global destinations poised to captivate UK travelers in search of their next vacation spot. The timing aligns perfectly with the peak of travel planning season, providing thoughtful suggestions to consider.

According to recent ABTA studies, 68% of people intend to travel abroad this year, with 45% eager to discover a new country for their holiday. Moreover, an increasing trend shows that 38% of people, up from 34% last year, prefer booking their trips through travel professionals, expecting travel agents and tour operators to be exceptionally busy on Sunshine Saturday.

ABTA’s Director of Communications, Graeme Buck, said:

“Millions of people are looking to go overseas this year with close to half of them saying that they’re looking to try somewhere new. ‘Destinations to Watch’ gives a flavour of what might await them. Whether short or long haul; city or countryside; adventurous, cultural or simply offering a chance to relax – the report will have something for everyone.

“As ever, we have deliberately not chosen the ‘most popular’ or ‘fastest growing’ destinations, but instead aimed to inspire with some fantastic places, which may not currently be top of mind.”

Here are the 10 Destinations to Watch, presented in alphabetical order:

Belize: A compact tropical haven in Central America, Belize offers lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts.

Denmark: Known for its charming towns, untouched countryside, scenic seascapes, and cosmopolitan capital, Denmark exemplifies Scandinavian allure.

Hokkaido: Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, featuring mountains, volcanoes, ancient woodlands, and crystal-clear lakes.

Hungary: Known for its picturesque landscapes, scrumptious cuisine and wine, and one of the globe’s most magnificent cities—all at affordable prices.

The Islands of the Cote d’Azur: While the Cote d’Azur in southern France is renowned for its beautiful towns and coastline, its nearby unspoiled islands remain relatively undiscovered and offer a tranquil escape.

Le Marche: Central Italy’s hidden gem, Le Marche, rivals more famous Italian regions with its breathtaking countryside, dramatic shores, and rich history.

Malawi: Despite being landlocked, Malawi offers stunning sandy beaches and picturesque islands along Lake Malawi, surrounded by dense jungle rich in wildlife.

Oviedo and more: Oviedo, a less explored treasure in northern Spain, serves as the vibrant capital of Asturias, a region known for its captivating history and lively squares filled with bars and restaurants.

Quebec: Reflecting its French roots, the Canadian province of Quebec is a blend of historic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and distinct French-inspired language, architecture, and cuisine.

Tasmania: An island state of Australia, Tasmania boasts an exquisite natural beauty with a lively cultural scene in its capital, Hobart.