As temperatures plummet and people return to work, thoughts are understandably turning to our summer holidays this year.
Saturday (January 4) was one of the busiest days for travel bookings and the month of January is also peak time for holidaymakers choosing their destination.
And ABTA, the trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry, has highlighted 10 new destinations that they believe will inspire Scots holidaymakers in 2025.
Its ‘Destinations to Watch’ report offers food for thought for families looking to jet off to somewhere less popular.
How much would you pay for a holiday? Have your say in our poll.
ABTA’s most recent research revealed that 68 per cent of people are planning to go abroad this year and a rising number (45 per cent) are looking to explore a new country for their holiday.
And they suggest several destinations you might not even think of when planning your trip. Belize, Hungary and Denmark all make the list as does islands off the coast of France’s beautiful the Cote d’Azur and a little known place in Italy.
ABTA’s Director of Communications, Graeme Buck, said: “Millions of people are looking to go overseas this year with close to half of them saying that they’re looking to try somewhere new.
“Destinations to Watch’ gives a flavour of what might await them. Whether short or long haul; city or countryside; adventurous, cultural or simply offering a chance to relax – the report will have something for everyone.
“As ever, we have deliberately not chosen the ‘most popular’ or ‘fastest growing’ destinations, but instead aimed to inspire with some fantastic places, which may not currently be top of mind.”
The 10 Destinations to Watch in alphabetical order are:
Belize
This pocket-sized Central American tropical paradise is a nature lover’s delight with rainforests and idyllic beaches as well as historic Mayan sites.
Denmark
This Scandinavian gem is home to delightful towns, unspoilt countryside, idyllic seascapes and a world class capital city.
Hokkaido
This northern island has some of Japan’s most beautiful countryside and is home to mountains, volcanoes, ancient forests and breathtaking lakes.
Hungary
Beautiful countryside, delicious food and wine, one of the world’s greatest cities, all at prices that won’t break the bank.
The Islands of the Cote d’Azur
The delightful towns, villages, coastline and countryside of the Cote d’Azur in the South of France are world famous, but the lovely unspoilt islands a short ferry ride away are a better kept secret.
Le Marche
Le Marche in central Italy is one of the country’s best kept secrets. Its stunning countryside, dramatic coastline, historic towns and cities are worthy competition for the better-known areas of ‘il bel paese’.
Malawi
This African country packs a great deal into its compact borders. Although landlocked, visitors can still relax on beautiful sandy beaches and idyllic islands on Lake Malawi, bordered by jungle teaming with wildlife.
Oviedo and more
The northern Spanish city of Oviedo is a largely undiscovered gem, a historic city with squares full of bars and restaurants, and capital of the fascinating and alluring province of Asturias.
Quebec
The Canadian province of Quebec offers historic cities, stunning countryside and very much reflects its French heritage, in language, architecture and cuisine.
Tasmania
This Australian island is a spectacularly beautiful island paradise with a vibrant and buzzy capital city, Hobart.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.