Time is of the essence for a successful vacation. With the whole of 2025 ahead of us, now is the perfect time to think about what you’d like to do on holiday and what month you should be packing.
Tourist destinations for the first quarter of 2025 Collage
Of course, the weather is an important factor, but there is much more to consider when planning the perfect vacation. Avoiding peak periods may be preferable from a cost and crowd point of view, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the big holidays and experience the excitement of an annual festival, a one-off performance or a regional celebration – or just to you let yourself be engulfed by the vibrant atmosphere of a lively resort.
Seasons also play an important role in choosing the right time to travel. Be in the ideal place to enjoy the most beautiful spring flowers or autumn colors; or you can plan your vacation to coincide with the annual migration of birds, animals or marine life. If you love food, then it makes sense to plan your trip around local harvests to enjoy the most delicious produce at the best prices.
The Telegraph has developed a guide with recommended holidays for each month of the year, and we have selected the destinations from the first quarter, and will present the rest of the options in future editions.
And because planning is key when it comes to booking, the good news is that January is the perfect time for the travel industry to bring in a range of deals that allow you to save money on holidays all year round. Whether it’s a small down payment, hotel upgrades, discounted airfare or free seats for kids, it’s the perfect time to fill your calendar with exciting plans without breaking your budget.
So read on to discover sunny and tranquil destinations, a beach festival for the whole family, stunning natural landscapes, uncrowded cultural experiences or spectacular wildlife adventures. This is your monthly guide to finding the perfect holiday for the first three months of 2025.
January
Attractions of city: Enjoy culture in London
Now is the perfect time for a little getaway in the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, as the hustle and bustle of the holidays fades. You have time to visit the exhibition “Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael”from the Royal Academy or the exhibition “Silk Roads” from the British Museum before they close next month. Don’t miss a show in the West End and look for discounts in the winter sales.
Sun and Beach: Go to a beach in Thailand
Take advantage of discounts on long-haul international flights this month. Thailand is a good last minute choice due to the large number of flights to Bangkok. Check the websites of travel agencies offering packages to beach destinations such as Phuket or Khao Lak on the west coast, where temperatures will reach around 30°C.
On the road: See the Northern Lights in Finland
Head north to Narvik, beyond the Arctic Circle, one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. You can book a cabin on a 15-night cruise, such as “In Search of the Northern Lights” (1,700 euros/person). The cruise will take you along the coast of Norway, stopping in Alesund, Leones, Tromsø and Alta.
Active adventure: Ski at Obergurgl
In this month you have the best chance of finding good snow at low prices and without crowds. The Austrian resort of Obergurgl is picturesque, with spectacular mountain scenery and comfortable full-board hotels for all budgets.
February
City attractions: Dance the night away in Vienna
It’s ball season in the Austrian capital, and everyone is welcome to attend, either to dance or to watch the glittering spectacle around the tables surrounding the dance floors in the magnificent ballrooms. In February, renowned hotels are offering a two-night getaway to the Opera Ball from €750 per night.
Sun and beach: Grab the shovels and buckets in Lanzarote
Take your family and spend your holiday in the Canary Islands, where the temperatures are around 20°C and the days are long with around seven hours of sunshine. The best beaches are on the south coast of Lanzarote, around the resort of Playa Blanca – but the north of the island is quieter and less developed. Look for great all-inclusive packages.
On the road: Whale watching in Mexico
Enrich your experience with an extraordinary sight of gray whales congregating on the Pacific coast of Baja California to mate and give birth, before departing for their feeding grounds in the southern regions of the Arctic. Whale watching cruises, accompanied by expert naturalists, are offered by Wildlife Worldwide, from €5,000, flights included.
Active Adventure: Camel ride in Morocco
Give your children an opportunity to discover the fascinating culture and spectacular landscapes of Morocco on an adventurous week-long holiday exploring the traditional markets of Marrakech and the vastness of the Sahara desert. Tour operators organize seven-night itineraries, starting from 1,175 euros per person. If you are patient, you can discover much more advantageous offers in Romania.
March
City attractions: Discover Rome
Take advantage of low airfares and visit the Italian capital before the pilgrims arrive in large numbers (in 2025, being a jubilee year for the Catholic Church, Easter will attract a lot of tourists). Famous attractions like the Forum and the Colosseum will be less crowded. Flights with easyJet (easyJet.com) and Ryanair (ryanair.com) start from the UK, for example, from 49 euros for a return ticket.
Sun and Beach: Relax on the beach in Barbados
March is the ideal time for a pre-Easter holiday, before prices rise due to the school holidays. The temperature stays around 28°C, with about nine hours of sunshine daily. The west coast of the island has some of the best hotels in the area.
On the road: Hiking in Cyprus
Enjoy the first rays of spring in Cyprus, one of the first Mediterranean destinations to warm up. With temperatures of around 17°C and seven hours of sunshine a day, Cyprus is ideal for an active holiday. A number of agencies therefore launch their programs with seven-night packages, some of which start from 699 euros per person, but you can find even cheaper options.
Active Adventure: Observe Antarctic wildlife
Reserve a place on an expedition ship to observe emperor penguins with their chicks, as well as Antarctic seals. March marks the end of the summer season and although the wildlife is still active, there are fewer cruise ships.
