My Top Travel Experiences of 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, I'm looking back on my travel highlights of the year. I travelled to three new countries (Latvia, Guatemala and Belize) and one new island (Mallorca) in 2025. I also enjoyed return visits to destinations like Cannes, the Gorges du Verdon, Cambridge and Windsor. These are the moments and experiences from my 2025 travels that stayed with me — and might just inspire your next trip.

1. Volcano sunrise in Guatemala

When I started planning my trip to Guatemala, I soon realised that the overnight hike to the top of Volcán de Acatenango was an absolute must-do and it didn't disappoint. It was a tough hike but the views of the frequently erupting Volcán de Fuego, by day and by night, and the amazing sunrise from the summit made it all worthwhile. Incredible!

2. Flying over the Great Blue Hole of Belize

After 10 action-packed days in Guatemala, it was time for some R&R on the sleepy island of Caye Caulker, Belize. But I still had time for one last showstopping experience and although expensive (US $250), the scenic flight I took over the Great Blue Hole was worth every penny. The views of the Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef were absolutely mesmerising. I wish I could have done it again!

3. Making my perfect perfume in Grasse

While staying in Cannes, I made the short journey to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, to try my hand at fragrance making. My 1h45 workshop with Galimard gave me a solid grounding in the basics of creating an appealing fragrance. I then picked my favourite base, heart and top notes and blended them together to make my perfume, which I named Un Rêve Pronvençal. I've loved wearing it ever since!

4. Rafting down 'Europe's Grand Canyon'

My parents and I took another side trip from Cannes: a weekend in the Gorges du Verdon, a stunning region in the South of France known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. We boated on the insanely turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croixe, hiked along the canyon ridge and I also took a white-water rafting trip on the River Verdon. 2025 was a year of thrill-seeking activities for me, but this was the most exhilarating of the lot!

5. Leaping into Mallorca's turquoise coves

In July, I spent five glorious days in Palma de Mallorca — my first visit to the Balearic Islands. I took several day trips to explore other parts of Mallorca, including the western coast. I rode the antique wooden train to Sóller and then continued by tram to the coast, where I spent the afternoon discovering western Mallorca's cliffs and coves by boat, diving into the turquoise waters to cool off.

6. Touring Oxford's iconic Radcliffe Camera 

I grew up in Oxford and return regularly, but I'd never been inside the iconic 18th century Radcliffe Camera. Designed by James Gibbs, the building is part of the Bodleian Libraries and you can only visit on an official guided tour (book 30 days in advance). It's well worth all the effort: the Baroque dome and stacks are stunning, and you'll learn a lot about the history of the University of Oxford.

7. A Baltic beach day trip from Riga

I spent Easter in the Latvian capital Riga and was treated to glorious sunny weather. So, after exploring the historic old town and Art Nouveau district, I headed to Jūrmala on the Baltic Coast, where pine forests meet the beach. I paddled in the (frigid!) Baltic Sea, walked the forest 'wellness trail' and enjoyed the architecture and culture in Jūrmala, which is just a 30-minute train ride from Riga.

Bonus experience: Three Suede gigs, one week 

This isn't a travel experience but the week in September when I saw my favourite band, Suede, perform three times as part of their Southbank Centre takeover for their latest album, Antidepressants, was one of the standout moments of the year.

After loving the first Royal Festival Hall show and blissing out with 299 other lucky souls at the intimate acoustic set at the Purcell Room, I gave in to FOMO and booked a ticket for the final gig, a collaboration with the wonderful Paraorchestra. Each gig was so special — more than 50 different Suede songs (some more than once), including many favourites, B-sides and rare gems.

After the last gig, I hung around the stage door with some lovely fellow fans. We were eventually rewarded with an appearance from Brett Anderson and I even got to be part of a group photo with him (photo credit: Charlie Charlton). I was in heaven!

Read my other 2025 round-ups: Specialty coffee and food favourites, top 5 books.