5 Epic Trips to book for 2025 (and 2026!)
Enjoyijng Sri Lanka without the crowds
While many of our clients have been booking (very) last minute travel, one of the most important travel trends we are seeing in 2025 is the travel beyond the platitude: this is the year for getting away from crowds! Finding unique experiences is more important than ever. Exclusivity also means limited space! So it makes sense that to get the best options for your travel, planning ahead is an important practice. Here are the 5 destinations we see trending as we are already booking these for clients. Each will get you away from crowds and delight all of your senses!
Outside the big cities of Japan: Takayama, Kanazawa, and Amanohashidate
For most, travel to Japan will include tech-forward Tokyo and Classic Kyoto. But this year, our clients are branching out from these areas to truly immerse themselves into the country and get away from other tourists! A must-have on your itinerary is a visit to Takayama, a small town at the base of the Japanese Alps. Takayama is a treasure trove of history and charm. Its Edo-period streets, traditional wooden houses, and sake breweries offer a step back in time. Highlights include Takayama Jinya, bustling morning markets, and the nearby Shirakawa-go village. This picturesque town perfectly captures Japan's timeless allure. Kanazawa, often called "Little Kyoto," is a cultural jewel on Japan's western coast. Renowned for Kenroku-en, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, the city also boasts well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. Highlights include the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the historic Nagamachi district. Kanazawa’s blend of traditional craftsmanship, like gold leaf artistry, and modern creativity makes it a must-visit destination. Amanohashidate is a pine-covered sandbar famous for being one of Japan's three most scenic views. The name Amanohashidate translates to “bridge to heaven” because it appears to be a pathway connecting heaven and earth when viewed from the mountains that rise above it on either side. The sandbar is quite thin—just 20 meters wide at its narrowest point. Most of it is occupied by pine trees.
2. A Cultural journey through Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, often called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a cultural and wildlife paradise offering a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and natural beauty. Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, it’s a haven for history lovers. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the island’s incredible wildlife, from leopards in Yala National Park to elephants in Minneriya and the blue whales off Mirissa’s coast. Visitors can also explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, stroll through the colonial charm of Galle Fort, and sip tea in the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant wildlife make it an unforgettable destination.
3. The Aurora Borealis: Iceland & Finland
As you may have read, the Sun is nearing it’s “solar maximum” phase in its 11 year cycle. This is causing more frequent and stronger solar bursts, which gives us humans an unprecedented view of the Aurora Borealis. The best place to chase these lights are Iceland and Finland. But these destinations are not equal when it comes to the Northern Lights. On average, Finnish Lapland sees 200 nights a year of Northern Lights, while Iceland gets about 80. This does not make Iceland an inferior place to visit, you just have to know how to stack the best odds! In addition to seeing the Northern lights, in both locations you will experience other-wordly landscapes, adventure, and great food! The lights are most visible September - April.
3. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
This experience does not need an introduction! It is part of many adventure travelers’ bucket list and it’s easy to see why. Experience the thrill of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat within Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. This intimate wildlife encounter offers a profound connection with these majestic creatures. With only about 900 Gorillas left, there is an extensive effort to protect them, and as such, a very limited number of permits available. While this sounds like a difficult experience to secure, Master Travel has relationships with the top providers and lodges. You will need to plan this far in advance.
4. South America: Patagonia and Machu Picchu
Patagonia, spanning both Chile and Argentina, is a land of raw, untamed beauty that captivates adventurers and nature lovers alike. From the jagged peaks of Torres del Paine in Chile to the sprawling glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, its dramatic landscapes offer endless opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, and awe-inspiring vistas. To protect the natural beauty, there is a limited number of lodges to visit in this beautiful area, so again, planning is key here. Magical Machu Picchu is coming back on the radar for luxury travelers. Perched high in the mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site enchants visitors with its intricate stone structures and profound history. There are many ways to visit the area, our preferred is trekking in the sacred valley. Together, Patagonia and Machu Picchu create an unforgettable South American adventure that combines nature's grandeur with human achievement.
5. Tropical getaways that are truly getaways
With so many people flocking to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America each year, it can be difficult to figure out how to get away from the crowds. But there is an entire world of “private” islands out there, that are accessible to the luxury traveler. In these destinations, you can unplug, sit on the beach, and enjoy gourmet food. But you can also choose to do incredibly adventurous activities as well: Scuba, Snorkeling, Fishing, Sailing, just to name a few. Our top pics for private island experiences are Ambergris Cay in Turks & Caicos, Isla Secas in Panama, Pine Cay in Turks and Caicos, and Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands. While all of these destinations share the cache of being private islands, the destinations are incredibly diverse. Master Travel will help you to figure out which is the right one for you!