If you're tired of the run-of-the-mill vacations you typically book and you're on the hunt for a new type of trip in 2025, you have a ton of options to consider.
You could visit a new country or new continent altogether, even if that means flying (or cruising) to the ends of the Earth. You could also try a different type of hotel or resort than you normally stay in, or you could book an adventure-themed vacation like an African safari or ranch-style getaway.
Maybe you just want to take part in something none of your family or friends have had the chance to, like a cruise on a brand new ship or a visit to an off-the-beaten-path destination in the Caribbean.
Whatever you're hoping for, we curated this list of unique vacation ideas for 2025 to inspire you to take the plunge. Read on for some truly different travel ideas for the new year, whether you just want to relax and unwind somewhere you've never been or you want to see amazing animals or landscapes in a brand new part of the world.
Cruise Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions
If you're an active cruiser who is tired of visiting the usual ports and wanting to see something totally different and new, an incredible cruise to the edge of the Earth may be in order. We're talking about cruises to Antarctica of course, which can take you through wildlife-rich waters to see penguins, whales, glaciers and endless amounts of ice and snow.
Travelers in a kayak photograph a sleeping seal during a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic expedition cruise in Antarctica. (Photo Credit: Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic)
Lindblad Expeditions offers a range of Antarctica cruise options for adventure lovers, which typically range from 8 to 25 days. Some of the longer Antarctica cruise itineraries from Lindblad Expeditions also stop in destinations like Patagonia, South Georgia and the Falklands, which can help you check off even more destinations from your travel bucket list.
Book an All-Inclusive Stay in Aruba
The "One Happy Island" of Aruba is known for its incredible white sand beaches with clear and calm waters that are perfect for snorkeling or floating. Travelers also flock here for the nightlife and incredible dining options, as well as the abundance of casinos that are found in the Oranjestad, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach areas of the island.
If you want a stay that's both convenient and relaxing, consider booking an all-inclusive getaway at Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resorts. These resorts sit next door to each other on one of the island's most beautiful stretches of shoreline, and they offer room types geared to couples or families plus dining options that cater to guests with all kinds of tastes. In fact, restaurant options at the properties range from family-style buffets to specialty restaurants serving Asian flavors, Mexican cuisine, seafood specialties, vegetarian dishes, pizza and more.
Book a Tanzanian Safari
A company called Altezza Travel offers some truly incredible opportunities for thrill-seekers, including guided safaris in the African nation of Tanzania. Booking a guided safari takes the guesswork out of trying to plan a complex itinerary that includes animal sightings on your own, and Altezza Travel promises a cultural journey with insights into how the locals live along the way.
Animals at a watering hole in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.
Tanzania safaris through Altezza Travel can range from a few days to up to one week, and bookings can include everything from lodging and meals to guided tours in safari vehicles, nature walks and waterfall swims.
Visit a Luxury Ranch
Alpine Falls Ranch and Black Bear at Alpine Falls is a luxury ranch-style resort that sits deep within 800 acres of wilderness in Western Montana. However, it's located just 45 minutes from the Missoula Airport, so it's relatively easy to reach.
The resort is bordered by the Lolo National Forest, and it offers four unique residences for groups, larger families and wedding parties. Guests visiting the property can explore pristine mountain trails, take part in bird watching, take a UTV tour to Diamond Lake, go whitewater rafting and enjoy gourmet meals prepared by private chefs. Visitors can also enjoy incredible stargazing experiences considering the ranch is located between two International Dark Sky Association-certified sites (Medicine Rocks State Park and Glacier National Park).
Sail On a Brand New Cruise Ship
While several new cruise ships will begin sailing from North America in 2025, one of the most anticipated is the brand-new MSC World America. This new mega-ship will sail from Miami, Florida starting in April of 2025 with a range of new restaurants and features MSC guests have never seen before. Upgrades on World America include an 11-story dry slide from the top of the ship, a giant indoor-outdoor promenade and even a secret, invite-only bar.
MSC World America will also have the largest Yacht Club at sea so far, with the only comparable Yacht Club on its sister ship, MSC World Europa. If you're looking for a deal, MSC Cruises also has ongoing sales with huge discounts, onboard credits and "free drinks and wifi" packages.
MSC World America at sea. (Photo Credit: MSC Cruises)
Snorkel and Dive in Bonaire
If you're interested in a Caribbean getaway but want to head somewhere new, you can consider a more off-the-beaten-path island like Bonaire. This small island doesn't have any traffic lights, and it has a population of less than 23,000. It's also one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations for snorkeling, scuba diving and the adrenaline-filled sport of land sailing.
There are numerous accommodation types on the island of Bonaire to choose from, including everything from vacation rentals for families to scuba hotels and luxury resorts. If you want to stay at a property from one of the big hotel brands, consider booking the Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire, a Tapestry Collection property by Hilton.
Head to Lake Nona Wave Hotel In Orlando, Florida
Lake Nona Wave Hotel is a vacation destination on its own, and it's also incredibly popular for pre-and post-cruise getaways for itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Florida. The resort sits next to Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, which boasts 50,000 square feet of expertly manicured outdoor space. Other amenities at the property include a luxurious Chopra Spa, Lake Nona Performance Club with activities like aerial yoga and an incredible WAVE pool with private cabanas.
The property is also home to Michelin-recommended dining options and a cozy Living Room Bar. Rooms and suites cater to groups of all sizes with included features like an in-room tablet with a digital converge, UV blocking smart windows with dynamic tint and premium Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Stay In an Austrian Castle Hotel
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is an Austrian castle retreat with a long and storied history and an incredible location on the banks of Lake Fuschl. This castle-style hotel was originally built as a hunting lodge for the Archbishop of Salzburg in 1461, and it was used for gatherings of royalty and other special occasions before its conversion to a 98-guestroom hotel in 1958.
Guests visiting the property can enjoy regionally inspired cuisine and incredible views of the alpine landscape in every direction. The luxury hotel also offers a broad range of rooms and suites, plus on-site houses and chalets for more space and privacy.
(Courtesy of Villas of Distinction) (Photo Credit: Ascension Colorado / Vail)
Plan a Ski Getaway in Vail
Vail, Colorado is known as a destination for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, plus its many luxury resorts, boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants. This makes the cozy mountain town ideal for a ski getaway this winter, as well as for shopping and culinary experiences for foodies.
The Grand Hyatt Vail sits along the banks of Gore Creek, and it's the only property in Vail with an on-site ski lift that lets travelers head directly to the slopes when they're ready. The Spa at Grand Hyatt Vail is also renowned for its wellness experiences and state-of-the-art treatments, including massages, facials, hydrating wraps and body scrubs.
Get Away from It All at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia
Barnsley Resort sits on 3,000 rolling acres within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, thus it is flanked by incredible scenery in every direction. This remote retreat also helps travelers get close to nature and each other with amenities like an 18-hole Jim Fazio-designed golf course and Manor House Ruins and gardens that date back to the 1840s. Other on-site activities for guests include archery, ax throwing, sporting clays and horseback riding, to name a few.
Dining at the property is also exquisite, with three exceptional on-site restaurants serving eats that range from fine dining to Southern comfort food. Travelers can also choose from unique room options including estate cottages with multiple bedrooms.
Beach Escape In Bermuda
The tiny island of Bermuda is well off the beaten path for most travelers, although it's a popular destination for cruisers. Either way, Bermuda is known for its natural pink sand beaches, its striking rock formations and the more than 300 shipwrecks that dot the island and its waters.
A man jumps off a cliff into the sea in Bermuda. (photo via Bermuda Tourism Authority) (Photo Credit: (photo via Bermuda Tourism Authority))
If you're after a luxury stay on the island, consider booking a suite at the Rosewood Bermuda. Not only does this resort offer access to the island's largest private pink sand beach, but the hotel has two large swimming pools and numerous dining options including a steakhouse, an Italian eatery and in-room dining.
Visit a Five-Star Coastal Escape in Scotland
While Scotland's Glenapp Castle has a rich history that dates back to 1870, the property now operates as a five-star resort with 17 uniquely designed suites, incredible manicured gardens and stunning Scottish cuisine at its on-site fine dining restaurant. The property's Penthouse Suite is ideal for a celebratory getaway or a larger group, considering it offers 4,500 square feet of luxury and the option for two or four bedrooms.
Activities available at this castle hotel in Scotland include archery, boating to nearby islands, falconry and even overnight island adventures and exploration. The property also offers a Downton Abbey–inspired package with a two-night stay, a gourmet dinner with seven courses and an Edwardian etiquette lesson.
Glamp Under the Stars with Under Canvas
Under Canvas offers unique "glamping" opportunities under the stars in destinations like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Moab. These properties are bookable with cash or even World of Hyatt points, and the five camps in Utah and Arizona are DarkSky-certified resorts that make it easy for travelers to enjoy stargazing and take part in astrophotography.
Upscale outdoor accommodations available at Under Canvas sites vary by property but can include typical canyon tents, lush safari tents and glamping tents with their own private bathroom. Locations also offer on-site dining, fire pits with s'mores and curated adventures for guests.
Miramar Beach in Destin, Florida. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Larry Gibson)
Relax and Recharge in Destin, Florida
While Destin, Florida is a popular beach destination for families, couples, groups and wedding parties, several factors make this area of the Florida panhandle truly unique. First off, Destin has some of the whitest sand and the calmest, clearest ocean waters in all of Florida. There are also so many things to see and do in Destin, ranging from private boat rentals to the Crab Island sandbar to snorkeling, dolphin-watching tours, shopping and culinary adventures.
Other unique things to do in Destin include helicopter tours of the coast and visits to Big Kahuna’s Waterpark. You can also spend the day at Gator Beach in Destin, which dubs itself as the world's greatest alligator park.
Bear Watching Tours at Klahoose Wilderness Resort in British Columbia
Klahoose Wilderness Resort sits 150 miles north of Vancouver in British Columbia, yet a visit here may make you feel like you're on another planet. This resort is located within the Klahoose First Nation, which paves the way for its offering of Indigenous-led adventures and ceremonies. Guests can also get away from it all in a range of unique lodging options, including oceanfront cabins or a main cabin lodge with its own wood-fired sauna.
Many visitors head to Klahoose Wilderness Resort for spring bear season or even Grizzly bear season, both of which have their share of bear-watching tours for guests to take part in. Other optional adventures include helicopter tours, heli-glacier walks and heli-fishing, to name a few.
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