Original Travel look at new routes, anniversaries and trending destinations to predict where will be the hottest (and coolest) destinations to visit in 2025 

New 'Bush and Beach' combos in Mozambique, the 100th anniversary of Route 66, France in focus, plus the introduction of two new destinations for 2026, here's where Original Travel are most excited about for next year.  

France – setting for Season 4 of White Lotus 
Original Travel have rebranded to reemphasise their French connections as part of Voyageurs du Monde, regarded as France's leading tailor-made travel company, and the timing is à point for 2026. Next year is set to be a year of unparalleled cultural exchange between the UK and France with the Bayeaux Tapestry taking up temporary residence in the British Museum, and the RA's Painting the French Riviera show both putting France firmly in focus. As part of our Secret Series campaign, shining a light on the quitter corners of classic destinations, we have a portfolio of Secret France itineraries in Normandy, Brittany, Hauts-de-France, Perigord and Corsica. And then there's the set-jetting juggernaut that is White Lotus. Confirmed to be set in France for the 4th season, the exact location is still under wraps but has been narrowed down to Paris, Megeve or the Cote d'Azur, all of which have Four Seasons properties, as featured in every season so far. Our euro is on the Cote d'Azur, and you can enjoy all the glamour of the French Riviera (with hopefully none of the drama) on this Secret French Riviera trip, a highlight of which is a two-night stay in Ramatuelle, which remains one of the iconic French Riviera towns of the 50s and 60s and a quieter alternative to Saint-Tropez. There, Original Travel can make a reservation at Club 55, the legendary restaurant on Pampelonne beach, or organise a trip to the island of Porquerolles to discover the contemporary works, exhibitions and gardens of the Fondation Carmignac.  

From £2,230pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, seven days' car hire and eight nights B&B accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk.   

The US 
The US never drops out of the media, and while the coverage might not always show the country in a positive light, there are plenty of good reasons to visit in 2026. Firstly, it's the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, being celebrated with a wide range of events across the country in the lead up to what will surely be the most epic 4th July celebrations to date. Secondly, the US is one of three host nations (along with Mexico and Canada) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and last – but by no means least – it's the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66, the ultimate road trip from Chicago on the East Coast to Santa Monica on the West. Rather than follow the mainstream coach tour route, Original Travel offers a 23-day trip which follows the original, historic route, which means you'll get to visit Santa Fe, a fascinating stop which many visitors miss out on. Other highlights include the Ozark Mountains, Tulsa's surprising wealth of art deco architecture, the meteor crater in Flagstaff, stopping off at POPS! for a soda, calling in at Devils Rope Museum to learn all about barbed wire (yes, really), carb-loading at the first McDonald's restaurant in San Bernadino and of course, reaching the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, 2,520 miles later. 

Original Travel's Epic Route 66 Road Trip can be done by the vehicle of your choice – be that a Harley Davidson or a convertible – and costs from £4,305pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, 21 nights' accommodation and 19 days' vehicle hire. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk 

Mozambique – NEW flight route and NEW eco-lodge 
When the FCDO lifted the ban for non-essential travel to South Mozambique earlier this year (the north remains off-limits), we were happy to have a reason to shout about what is a pretty amazing destination, home to 1,500 miles of coastline and pristine dive sites. Now, there's something else to shout about: The reopening of the magnificent Gorongosa National Park AND a new charter flight connecting Gorongosa with the coastal town of Vilanculos, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. This means it's now possible to create a 'bush and beach' itinerary, an incredible twin-centre trip combining the new Chicari Camp with the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. This marks a new era in Mozambique's tourism, following decades of civil war which saw guerilla fighters set up military headquarters in Gorongosa. Undergoing a huge conservation effort, the park is now more reminiscent of its 60s heyday, when it was known as the 'Serengeti of the South' and is a phenomenal demonstration of nature bouncing back. Chicari itself is a tented camp overlooking a waterhole and offering front-row seats to the park's incredible wildlife of lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and antelope who roam the savannas, wetlands, grasslands and rainforest-covered mountains of this biodiversity hotspot. Meanwhile the pristine waters Bazaruto Archipelago National Park are home to dugongs, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and nesting sea turtles.  

Prices from £8745pp, based on two sharing and including five nights in Gorongosa National Parkand five nights in Bazaruto with all flights and transfers. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk 

Kyrgyzstan  
As interest in the 'Stans' grows, Kyrgyzstan is starting to appear on the radar for savvy travellers looking for unspoilt, off the beaten track destinations. This beautiful country is dominated by the Tian Shan, a heavenly (literally - 'Tian' means heavenly in Mandarin) mountain range that borders neighbouring China. The range is home to some of the tallest peaks in the world, with the highest being Jengish Chokusu (coming in at 24,400ft), but most walkers gravitate to Khan Tengri, the country's spiritual mountain and the world's most northerly 24,000ft plus peak. The Tian Shan mountains are a magnet for hikers, climbers, and alpinists from Europe and Russia looking for adventure in pristine, glorious surroundings 

Luxury Kyrgyzstan Itinerary | Original Travel  is a circular tour from Bishkek via Chon Kemin Valley, Issyk Kul Lake and Kakara Valley. Prices from £2,520pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, all overland transport and eight nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk 

Tunisia - NEW FOR 2026 
Morocco has long been a hugely popular destination for Original Travel, and they are now launching Tunisia as a new destination for 2026. The north African nation has plenty of postcard-perfect coastline – from the coastal cities of Hammamet and Sousse, where white-washed buildings line the beachfront to Djerba Island, aptly nicknamed the 'Island of a Thousand Palm Trees' - but it's Tunisia's underrated adventures, spectacular landscapes and distinct cultures that Original Travel are most excited about. A road trip through history starts in the capital city of Tunis, compact yet full of pleasing contrasts between modernity and tradition, seen in its bustling souqs, UNESCO World Heritage sites and museums brimming with artefacts. Explore ancient ruins hailing from the Roman and Phoenician periods, such as the nearby archaeological site of Carthage, once a powerful city-state, tour the well-reserved ruins of Dougga, Bulla Regia and Le Kef and visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan with a private guide. 

A Road Trip Through Historic Tunisia - Original Travel takes you from Tunis to Sousse via the archaeological sites of Le Kef. Prices from £2,170pp, based on two sharing and including return flights, all overland transport and seven nights' accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk 

Saudi Arabia – NEW FOR 2026 
Once closed to tourists, Saudi Arabia is now warmly welcoming travellers to explore its astonishing sites. With the help of our specialists and expert guides on the ground, discover what this mysterious Middle Eastern nation has to offer. Dive or snorkel over pristine red Sea reefs, wind back time at the rock-carved tombs of Hegra – the country's first UNESCO World Heritage site – and immerse yourself in culture in the capital, Riyadh, where the National Museum, Masmak Fortress and bustling Souq Al Zal await. Add a splash of adventure to your Saudi Arabia holiday with a 4x4 adventure to the 'Edge of the World', a knee-wobbling cliff formation which is just a stone's throw from the capital. And then there's the food – because no trip is complete without sinking your teeth into a country's cuisine. Think kabsa and mandi – steamy rice with spiced meats – fluffy flatbreads and sizzling street food, all washed down with aromatic Arabic coffee. Itching to uncover some of the country's natural wonders? Head for the misty Asir Mountains (home to the terraced village of Rijal Almaa) or the spectacular Sharaan Nature Reserve (boasting dramatic cliffs and rare Arabian leopards).  

Have we piqued your interest? Itineraries are coming to the website soon but in the meantime, the Original Travel team can start planning your bespoke trip. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk 

-Ends-  

Follow us on instagram @originaltravel for more travel inspiration and for more information contact: press@originaltravel.co.uk; 020 3582 4990   

Notes to Editors:  

Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, the company has created over 50,000 itineraries since its launch in 2003, each one unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.  

Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.  

11 of our consultants are recognised as Conde Nast Traveler's 2024 Travel Specialists – more than any other tour operator for the 2nd year running. Our specialists include: Co-founder, Tom Barber (family travel and sabbaticals), Jacqui Brooks (Indonesia) and Oliver Rodwell (Mexico), Ben Williams (Egypt) Kate Little (Romania), Isabel de Galleani (Morocco), Frances Mavor (India), Harriet Harford (European Wine Regions), Holly Barber (Cambodia),  Lucy Bailey (Oman). 

In October 2024, Original Travel was ranked among the top five Tour Operators in the country in the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards.  

Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:  

Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.  

A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a city break, or a multi-destination sabbatical, is checked in on all flights – outbound, domestic and inbound - with boarding passes uploaded to the Original Travel app; will have UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. Thoughtful details include wifi routers or e-sims, destination specific book and music lists and children's activity packs. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.  

The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently).  Clients can also be advised on which flight options have the lowest levels of emissions, thanks to an industry-leading and world-first carbon calculator which can compare the levels of emissions generated by each flight, using data compiled from flight plans, aircraft type, the cabin class, direct versus indirect flights and the target occupancy rate. 

The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.