My 2025 Travel Bucket List: experiences for the curious traveller
A new year always brings fresh opportunities for exploration, and if (like me) your feet are itching to wander, this list is for you. Forget the overly crowded tourist spots and dive into my collection of destinations brimming with experiences you won’t soon forget. From hidden caves to heart-stopping hikes, here are the places on my 2025 bucket list that could inspire your next adventure.
Algarve, Portugal – sunset bliss at Benagil sea cave
Picture this: you’re perched on the edge of a spectacular sea cave, the golden sun dipping below the horizon. The Benagil Sea Cave, with its iconic sunlit dome, offers an unforgettable spot to end your day. Whether you take a kayak or boat tour to get there, it’s an experience that feels wonderfully secluded and serene.
Istanbul, Turkey – sip and stroll through Balat
The colourful streets of Balat are the beating heart of Istanbul’s old soul. Here, amidst vibrant houses and bustling markets, you can sit down for an aromatic Turkish coffee. It’s not just a drink—it’s a ritual, steeped in history and conversation. Take your time wandering; every corner has a story.
Riga, Latvia – tranquillity on the Kemeri Bog Trail
Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in the stillness of Kemeri National Park. The Bog Trail winds through ethereal landscapes, dotted with wooden boardwalks over quiet wetlands. It’s a peaceful slice of Latvia’s natural beauty that’s perfect for reflection and photography.
Zermatt, Switzerland – views aboard the Glacier Express
There’s no better way to experience the Swiss Alps than aboard the Glacier Express. Known as the world’s slowest express train, it takes you past snow-capped peaks and lush valleys at a pace that lets you truly savour the scenery. In winter, the snow transforms the landscape into something out of a dream.
Malaga, Spain – the thrill of Caminito del Rey
For adventure lovers, the Caminito del Rey hike is a must. Once known as the most dangerous pathway in the world, it’s now a safely restored route hugging the cliffs of a dramatic gorge. The views are exhilarating, and the sense of accomplishment? Off the charts.
Puglia, Italy – dive into Grotta della Poesia
Grotta della Poesia, or “Cave of Poetry,” is a natural swimming pool surrounded by limestone cliffs. Its turquoise waters invite you for a dip, and the legends surrounding its name make it even more enchanting. It’s like swimming in a postcard.
Split, Croatia – fresh seafood along the Riva
The Riva promenade in Split isn’t just a place to walk—it’s the city’s social hub. Here, you can feast on the freshest seafood while watching the world go by. The Adriatic’s salty breeze and the view of boats bobbing in the harbour set the perfect scene.
Krakow, Poland – into the Dragon’s Den cave
In the shadow of Wawel Castle lies the mythical Dragon’s Den Cave. The legend says a fire-breathing dragon once lived here, and while you won’t find any dragons today, the eerie atmosphere and fascinating folklore make it an unmissable stop.
West Cork, Ireland – hiking Heir Island
Ireland’s rugged beauty shines on Heir Island, a quiet haven in West Cork. The hiking trails here are a mix of windswept coastal paths and green pastures, all with the Atlantic’s waves as your soundtrack. It’s a spot that reminds you to slow down and breathe.
