As 2025 kicks off, Explore Worldwide has revealed the coming year’s top destinations, based on it’s Big Blue Sale.
The tour operator is also reporting it’s most profitable day of the year. Hot off the heels of ‘Sunshine Saturday’, sales were up by a further 9% on Monday January 6.
The Big Blue Sale provides early insights into the top destinations holidaymakers are heading to in 2025. Top of the list is Italy, followed closely by Portugal and Turkey, while long haul destinations including India, Botswana and Japan all feature in the top 10 too.
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 the top five.
More than half of Explore’s Big Blue Sale bookings (56%) were made by solo passengers, emphasising the growing appetite for small group holidays. September is the most popular month for travel, with 15% of bookings departing in this month.
Explore Worldwide Top 10 Destinations*
- Italy
- Portugal
- Turkey
- Morocco
- Spain
- India
- Botswana
- Japan
- Albania
- Sri Lanka
Explore Worldwide Managing Director Michael Edwards 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 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.”
Explore Worldwide’s Big Blue Sale closes on January 23.
