Explore Worldwide reveals top destinations for 2025

Hot off the heels of ‘Sunshine Saturday’, Monday (6 January) proved to be the strongest day of sales for the adventure travel company, trumping the sale launch day by 9%, which Explore Worldwide managing director Michael Edwards puts down to a unique trio of events.

 

He said: “Monday morning brought about the official end of festivities here in the UK, with the 12th day and final day of Christmas drawing to a close and kids waking up for their first day back at school. Throw in an Arctic blast that has seen the mercury dropping to minus double digits… is it any wonder Brits are dreaming of their next escape?

 

“We are seeing a sharp increase in people looking for something more than just a package holiday. Meaningful, experiential travel is certainly on the up and it’s incredibly encouraging to see this growing trend.” 

 

As well as illustrating a desire to jet away, the Big Blue Sale offers early insight into the top destinations holidaymakers are heading to in 2025. Top of the list is Italy, followed closely by Portugal and Turkey, while further away destinations such as India, Botswana and Japan all feature in the top 10.

 

Safari adventures have also proven popular with customers, with both Botswana Wildlife Safari and Namibia Lodge Safari in the five most popular trips booked in Explore Worldwide’s January sale. Simply Japan, Highlights of Albania, and Walking in Madeira complete this month’s top five.

 

More than half of Explore’s Big Blue Sale bookings (56%) were made by solo passengers, illustrating that small group holidays continue to work well for solo travellers. September proves the most popular travel month, with 15% of bookings being for a September departure.

 

*According to customer sales in Explore Worldwide’s Big Blue January Sale

 

Explore Worldwide’s Big Blue Sale closes on 23 January. To find out more, visit explore.co.uk/offers/big-blue-sale