travelspring2025

Spring 2025

By Barbara Nichuals, Bayside Travel

The world is teeming with mesmerizing destinations waiting to be explored. As we look forward to travel this year, Bayside Travel has recommendations for the get-there-first vacation spots that deserve a slot on your 2025 agenda. Whether you seek serene beaches, bustling cities, or cultural havens, here are some top vacation spots to consider for 2025.

The Chilean Andes — When the end of Northern Hemisphere ski season comes too quickly, we send skiers seeking off-season thrills to the Chilean Andes, where lift lines are rare. Most resorts here are less developed than their North American counterparts, their mix of slopes, from beginner to expert, makes the Andes particularly family friendly. At 10,000 feet, with wide-open terrain and access to Santiago 90 minutes west, Valle Nevado gets great snow and is included on the Ikon Pass, a must-try for mountain chasers on the hunt for something new.

Mongolia — Mongolia offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making it an enticing destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Explore the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert, with its striking sand dunes and ancient dinosaur fossils. Experience the nomadic lifestyle by staying in traditional yurts and participating in local festivals like Naadam, which celebrates wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Don’t miss the chance to visit the pristine landscapes of Lake Khövsgöl, known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” and the stunning Altai Mountains, home to the elusive snow leopard. Mongolia’s untouched wilderness and warm hospitality promise a journey unlike any other.

Southern Italy — Take in the uncrowded scenery of Southern Italy by rail.  Amid the resurgence of train travel, Orient Express brings romance to the rails with its new 62-passenger luxury train, inspired by twentieth-century Italian design. The two- and three-day itineraries aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, launching in spring 2025, visit southern Italian destinations including Basilicata, where Matera, the world’s third-oldest city, is still marked with cave dwellings in its hillsides. A trip to Sicily involves decoupling the train in mainland Calabria to load onto a ferry before it resumes its traffic-free rail route to the island’s capital of Palermo. 

Zanzibar — This beautiful coastal companion to mainland safaris is part of its appeal. With white-sand-beach breaks; populations of turtles, dolphins, and reef sharks; and relative proximity to “big five” hot spots, Zanzibar, in the Indian Ocean, is the ultimate safari complement. Between aquatic outings, the cultural capital of Stone Town, a colonial trading center and UNESCO World Heritage site on Unguja Island, provides historical intrigue as a key spice trade port. 

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile — Patagonia is a remote wilderness that offers unparalleled adventure and natural beauty. Trek through the rugged landscapes of Torres del Paine, marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier, or kayak in the serene fjords. Patagonia’s pristine environment and diverse wildlife promise an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history, soak up the sun, or embark on an adventure, these top vacation spots for 2025 offer something for everyone. As travel continues to evolve, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your next journey with Bayside Travel (luxurytravelservice.com) and discover the wonders the world has to offer.