Our Destination Top picks for Adventure Travel in 2025
Deciding where to travel in 2025 is a big decision, especially when you’re considering the cost, the environmental impact and the time you’ll need to take off work! We also know that many destinations are more impacted by peak-time mass tourism than others, Fodor’s No List 2025 does a great job of highlighting these problems. At Not in the Guidebooks we think about the pros and cons of travel pretty much all year, so it’s no surprise that we’re the best people to help you decide where to travel and when.
Our favourite destinations are always changing, especially depending on the time that you travel or whatever healthy new-year’s resolutions you’ve made. We’ve put together a list of the destinations that we think are really worth a visit in 2025. From spring escapes to Lapland where the snow is still standing high off the ground to the vibrant culture and landscapes of Colombia. We’ll talk about why each of these destinations are the best place to visit and what you can do there, so read carefully and hopefully your 2025 holiday is here!
Lapland – Off-Peak Wonderland
Of course Lapland is a busy holiday destination, especially with families and people looking for a little adventure. But, what a lot of people don’t realise is just how incredible Lapland is in spring time. In March the snow is still packed a couple feet off the ground, so all those winter activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and husky rides are still running.
Unlike in winter when most people travel, the sun doesn’t set until around 10pm, which means you can get a lot of adventure in during the day. Since the ski season will have ended, there won’t be those long queues for activities and the prices for all those activities will have dropped as peak season is over! When you think about it, there really isn’t a better time to travel to Lapland than in the Spring. Plus, if the snow has dried up (unlikely) then Lapland is one of the most beautiful landscapes for hikes and exploration, there really isn’t much else like it.
Costa Rica – Adventure in the Green Season
One of our all time favourite destinations, with the most amazing wildlife and activities that even the most seasoned adventurer will be excited for. Costa Rica is one of the most exciting destinations in travel, with their passionate commitment to sustainability and the generous and hospitable local people. However, it all gets even better in the green season. Often dismissed by travellers for ‘all the rain’ (it only rains a couple hours a day and is otherwise warm and sunny), the green season is our favourite time to travel.
Everything will be cheaper, from flights to accommodations and activities. There won’t be any of the usual long queues you might expect with a popular adventure destination. More important than all that, nature is booming. Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s wildlife, making it a biodiversity hotspot. In the green season so many plants and flowers are in bloom that the whole landscape is exploding with colour and the calls of birds and wildlife.
Wales – Wild Swimming and Yoga
If for the new year you made a promise to live a more virtuous life, where you look after the temple that is your body, then a trip to Wales is probably the holiday for you. Your carbon footprint will be lower as you can easily get a train to the country house you’ll be staying in your activities will be our in nature. We would have to recommend our wild swimming and yoga holiday. Each day you’ll explore a different wild swimming location and really get back in touch with nature and your body.
Before each swim you’ll enjoy a guided yoga session where you’ll learn how to properly connect with both your mind and body. You will stay in a stunning country house, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – truly what is not to love about this? But, if you can’t take our biased word for it, this is what Pat, one of our adventurers, had to say about this getaway:
“Amazing weekend. Amy is a truly inspirational yoga teacher. Lake and sea swims were awesome, the food was so good. Highly recommend this retreat.”
Pyhä
3 Nights Searching For The Northern Lights in Pyha
Get lost on a one-of-a-kind, 3-night getaway to a stunning corner of the winter wonderland that is Lapland, and experien..
Costa Rica
Costa Rica East to West
Discover mighty volcanos, lush cloud forest, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, local hidden gems and quirky cultura..
Anglesey
3 Night Yoga and Wild Swimming Escape in Anglesey
Truly immerse yourself in the wild landscape of North Wales, on a luxury wild swimming and yoga retreat on the Isle of A..
Slovenia
7 Day Adrenaline Adventure in Slovenia
Embark on this 7 day adventure across Slovenia, including all the thrilling activities you could imagine whilst allowing..
Cuba
Cool Cuba
An 8 day once in a lifetime adventure discovering the magic of Cuba off the beaten track, taking in Havana, Viñales and..
Andalucía
Pottery Making Course in Andalucia
Would you like to see the magic of a ceramic artisan's workshop up close and learn first-hand how their pieces are made?..
Colombia
Ultimate Journey Through Colombia
Embark on an inspiring journey through Colombia, a land where history, nature, and vibrant culture converge. Tour Summar..
Slovenia – Off-the-beaten-track adventure
If you’re wanting to explore more of Europe, discover hidden gems and get off-the-beaten-track, then Slovenia is definitely the destination of 2025. Located in the heart of Europe, bordering Italy, Croatia and Austria, it begs the question how Slovenia is not one more popular! Half the country is still covered in ancient forest, perfect for adventurers looking for incredible views and fun activities like rafting and hiking. The Food is also, as you can imagine, delicious and varied enough to please just about anyone. Our holidays in Slovenia focus on the incredible natural landscape, the food and all the adventures you can have there. Whether you’re looking to hike in the Julian Alps or sample the exquisite wine Slovenia will definitely leave an impression on you.
One of the reasons we love Slovenia so much is also their commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious travel. The entire country boasts lush green landscapes and thriving wildlife. If you’re trying to be a more responsible traveller then Slovenia is waiting.
Cuba – A cultural escape
So many of us really value intimate interactions with different and unique cultures when we go on holiday, and you aren’t going to find a much better place for that than Cuba. Cuba is a Caribbean island, so you can expect the very best weather, but it is also a profoundly vibrant and creative country. Walking through the streets of Havana you’ll find street art, jazz musicians busking outside their homes and so many classic cars.
As a communist country, travel and tourism is one of the few private business endeavours locals can undertake, so a holiday in Cuba is still a great way to support the local people. There are so many ways you can explore this unique country, our cycling holidays here are among our favourite holidays. You can also explore the tobacco farm where they make their iconic cuban cigars, or venture deep into the countryside where you’ll discover a unique array of flora and fauna.
Aside from the amazing culture, Cuba is a great place to discover off-the-beaten-track locations, stay in eco-accommodations and learn about the complex social and political history that makes this country so special.
Andalucia – Pottery making with the pros
We all know Andalusia for its soft sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, iconic mountain scenery or the hospitable people who call it home. What you might not know is that Andalucia has a rich tradition of pottery and is a hot-bed of amazing ceramicists. Well, we know this and work with one of those amazing pottery makers to offer you a creative pottery course! Between Miguel and Inma (our hosts) they will have you set both creatively and offering you informative and cultural tours of Andalucia.
Whether you’re already making your own amphora or you’ve never even made a saucer, this course is great for everyone. As an autonomous community within Spain, Andalucia has so much to offer tourists who chose to venture in this iconic destination. And, to make you more excited, all the pottery classes are held in a large, bright room overlooking an olive grove, garden and swimming pool.
Colombia – Where Adventure Dreams are Made
Rated among the most desirable places to visit by Wanderlust, Colombia is a destination ripe for adventurous tourists looking to discover something new in 2025. Colombia has for a long time been dismissed for a lot of tourists, though since the peace accord in 2016, Colombia couldn’t be more perfect for tourists. With authentic communities waiting to be explored to some of the most incredible wildlife and natural landscapes you can find. We’ve put together our Ultimate Journey Through Colombia, a holiday itinerary that explores what it is to be Colombian, what makes the people here so resilient as well as some exciting activities to get you excited.
26/09/2024 
