Where To Go In 2025

SOUTH AFRICA

Yes, there are stunning safaris, but South Africa offers so much more, including Babylonstoren, Cape Town, a Peninsula tour, the Garden Route, whale watching, art, and food—we could go on! Put simply, once you discover South Africa, you’ll want to book a return trip, stat. 

Must See: The mosaics, murals, and photo-realism that line the streets of the Woodstock and Salt River neighborhoods are a sight to behold. We also loved taking in Chapman’s Peak Drive by sidecar, and Cape of Good Hope by helicopter.

Stay: In South Africa, there seems to be a lodge for every type of traveler. For families and ultimate privacy, Tswalu, on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari, offers three different safari camps: the Motse (the main lodge with one- and two-bedroom suites), the Loapi (luxury tented villas), and the Tarkuni (a thatched villa with five bedrooms). Every accommodation includes private vehicles and, of course, incredible safaris. Royal Malewane in Greater Kruger features four luxury safari lodges, as well as three exclusive private villas. One&Only Cape Town feels super secluded yet is just steps from the city’s most iconic sights. The property is also home to the luxurious Spa Island and South Africa’s only Nobu restaurant. 

Sip & Savor: Situated on the Tswalu Kalahari game reserve, Klein Jan reimagines regional South African cuisine in many memorable ways. In Cape Town, The Test Kitchen Fledgelings is considered the city’s top restaurant—and for good reason. We can’t stop talking about the tasting menu inspired by Indian, Ethiopian, Korean, and Scottish flavors. (Book now: there’s a lengthy waiting list!)

NEW ZEALAND 

With stunning scenery, incredible Indigenous cultures, and ethereal landscapes poised for Hollywood movie sets, New Zealand never disappoints. 

Must See: Waipoua Forest is home to some of the world’s oldest and largest kauri trees, including the famous Tāne Mahuta, which is over 2,500 years old! The city of Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity—we loved soaking in the mineral-rich waters and exploring the Whakarewarewa Forest by foot and bicycle. Oamaru is a charming town on the South Island, celebrated for its unique blend of Victorian heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant local culture. It’s also famous for the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, where you can watch the world’s smallest penguins waddle ashore at sunset. 

Stay: In Queenstown, Azur Luxury Lodge offers an exceptional and tranquil retreat with stunning panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. This exclusive, five-star lodge provides the perfect combination of privacy, luxury, and nature. Bonus: It’s only a five-minute drive from the heart of downtown.

Sip & Savor: Nestled in the Wairarapa region, Martinborough is renowned for its boutique vineyards and world-class Pinot Noir production by a collection of family-owned wineries. Meanwhile, the city of Nelson offers a vibrant craft beer scene that’s attracting enthusiasts from around the world to its microbreweries, brewpubs, and taprooms. Every February, the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival in Aotearoa features top wine and cuisine from celebrated vintners and chefs.

SEVILLE, SPAIN 

Often referred to as the most Spanish city in all of Spain, Seville is utterly charming. Plus, enticing day trips from Seville to quaint little villages and renowned sites showcase just why this country will always top our wish list. 

Must See: The Seville Cathedral is a majestic Gothic masterpiece that houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Nearby, the Alcázar Reales is considered the oldest palace in Europe, enchanting with its Moorish architecture and lush gardens. A registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also where parts of Game of Thrones were filmed. The Plaza de España, meanwhile, is a semicircular marvel that dazzles with colorful tiles and serene canals.

Stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII is rich in history and luxury. In 1929, it was commissioned by the King of Spain as a site to host dignitaries. Today, the property maintains its distinguished Moorish design and authentic Sevillian style, and features a glorious outdoor pool and lush gardens.

Sip & Savor: Take a tapas food tour through Mercado de Triana, an indoor bazaar featuring the freshest of  local produce, cheese, seafood, and meat, as well as restaurants, breweries, a cooking school, and museum. 

CANADA

With top destinations including Vancouver and Haida Gwaii (an archipelago off British Columbia’s west coast), Canada is a dreamy mix of modern cities, stunning natural surroundings, excellent cuisine, wildlife, Indigenous cultures, and outdoor adventure. 

Must See: Spot grizzly bears, polar bears, and beluga whales on a wildlife tour, and take in the aurora borealis during a Northern Lights adventure. A heli-fishing adventure is also highly recommended, as is a tour of the Indigenous Haida Gwaii island chain, a protected landscape that’s home to less than 5,000 people.

Stay: In Newfoundland, the Fogo Island Inn sits at the edge of the wild North Atlantic, an architectural marvel punctuating the remote landscape. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. In Montreal, we love staying at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel. It’s just steps away from the famed Sainte-Catherine street, and fun fact, suite 1742 is home of the “bed-in for peace,” where John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously recorded “Give Peace a Chance.” 

Sip & Savor: Toronto boasts 13 Michelin-starred restaurants, including Alo, Edulis, and Shoushin. In Alberta and Metis Crossing, we recommend taking  an Indigenous food tour, while in Whistler, the Thunderbird Cafe is renowned for its Indigenous-inspired menu. And in Ontario, the Niagara Ice Wine Festival is a winter wonderland of authentic food and wine.

INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE: DELHI, AGRA, JAIPUR

Witnessing the palaces of Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal? This alone is reason enough to visit India, yet there are so many more ways to experience this vibrant country, which celebrates a zest for life within its diverse communities and top destinations. 

Must See: The Taj Mahal should obviously top your list—we recommend visiting at sunrise when the marble is cast in an ethereal glow. In Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds," enchants with its intricate pink and red sandstone and latticework, while Jodhpur’s imposing Mehrangarh Fort stands high on a hill, providing sweeping desert views and a regal Rajasthan history.

Stay: With views of the Taj Mahal from every room and suite, the Oberoi Amarvilas is known as the best hotel in Agra. In Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is considered the last great royal palace, and to this day is still the residence of members of the royal family (they reside in a secluded wing of the property). Perched high above the Blue City amid 26 acres of glorious gardens, it’s easy to understand why this was the wedding site of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.

Sip & Savor: The best way to experience the unique flavors of this region is via a private cooking class with a local chef. As for restaurants, two of our favorites are Bikanervala in Delhi and Suvarna Mahal and Polo Bar in Jaipur. 



Want to learn more? Email us at hello@whirlawaytravel.com and we can co-create your 2025 dream trip.