Insight / Italy / Portugal / Peru / Caribbean / Chile / Europe / Jamaica / Kenya

Our Top Destinations 2025

From sailing a traditional dhow in Kenya to road tripping through the unique and contrasting regions of Portugal, and exploring Peru's Machu Picchu, it's been a busy year of travel for the Real Holiday's team. Read our favourite travel experiences of 2025 - sure to spark inspiration for your own adventures in 2026!

Our Top Destinations 2025

From sailing a traditional dhow in Kenya to road tripping through the unique and contrasting regions of Portugal, and exploring Peru's Machu Picchu, it's been a busy year of travel for the Real Holiday's team. Read our favourite travel experiences of 2025 - sure to spark inspiration for your own adventures in 2026!

Africa

Kenya

Wildlife & Sailing

Our Director, Matt, has recently returned from the wilds of Kenya, where he discovered the delights of a bush-and-beach escape full of adventure, variety and exclusive experiences. From the rolling savannahs and dramatic highlands of Laikipia to the turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches of the Lamu Archipelago, he’s come back raving that Kenya is a destination for families with all ages and interests. Families can encounter iconic wildlife on safari, explore the bush on foot or horseback, and then unwind on pristine beaches, sailing through quiet lagoons or sleeping under a canopy of stars. Rich in culture, history and natural beauty, Matt is convinced that Kenya delivers a sense of discovery and wonder at every turn, making it a truly unforgettable destination.

Read more about Matt’s trip here.

The highlight of my year has to be Kenya: private stays at Enasoit Camp and Tusitiri, with safaris, sailing, and starlit nights, which were all absolutely amazing! - Matt Fisher, Director
The highlight of my year has to be Kenya: private stays at Enasoit Camp and Tusitiri, with safaris, sailing, and starlit nights, which were all absolutely amazing! - Matt Fisher, Director
Malawi is a hidden gem, one that has left a profound impact on me. While the tree plantations around Blantyre are enormously fascinating, Zomba has some epic walks, and Lake Malawi is breathtaking, it's the people of Malawi that are very special. They are so warm and friendly, it's a lovely feeling to be surrounded by them. - Sam Kelly-Shaer, Travel Planner

After spending two weeks in the country, Travel Planner, Sam, has been humbled and spellbound by Malawi’s stunningly diverse landscape and wholesome people. Among her favourite experiences includes traversing rolling tea plantations at Huntingdon House in Blantyre, where tranquillity and greenery set the tone, and walking the Zomba Plateau to find breathtaking vistas and a slower pace of life. On the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi, Kaya Mawa and Kefi, Sam boasts you’ll find crystal-clear waters, snorkelling, kayaking and sun-drenched hammocks, where you can enjoy impeccable service and a rhythm of life perfectly in tune with the lake’s serene beauty.

Discover our Islands in the Stream, Zambia & Malawi itinerary here.

Malawi is a hidden gem, one that has left a profound impact on me. While the tree plantations around Blantyre are enormously fascinating, Zomba has some epic walks, and Lake Malawi is breathtaking, it's the people of Malawi that are very special. They are so warm and friendly, it's a lovely feeling to be surrounded by them. - Sam Kelly-Shaer, Travel Planner

Malawi

Highlands & Lakes

After spending two weeks in the country, Travel Planner, Sam, has been humbled and spellbound by Malawi’s stunningly diverse landscape and wholesome people. Among her favourite experiences includes traversing rolling tea plantations at Huntingdon House in Blantyre, where tranquillity and greenery set the tone, and walking the Zomba Plateau to find breathtaking vistas and a slower pace of life. On the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi, Kaya Mawa and Kefi, Sam boasts you’ll find crystal-clear waters, snorkelling, kayaking and sun-drenched hammocks, where you can enjoy impeccable service and a rhythm of life perfectly in tune with the lake’s serene beauty.

Discover our Islands in the Stream, Zambia & Malawi itinerary here.

Malawi is a hidden gem, one that has left a profound impact on me. While the tree plantations around Blantyre are enormously fascinating, Zomba has some epic walks, and Lake Malawi is breathtaking, it's the people of Malawi that are very special. They are so warm and friendly, it's a lovely feeling to be surrounded by them. - Sam Kelly-Shaer, Travel Planner

Europe

Italy

Vintage cars & Olive groves

Puglia in Italy is our Villas Manager, Christina’s, favourite destination of 2025. Her greatest bit of advice is to take your time to enjoy the sun-drenched landscape, where whitewashed hilltop towns give way to rolling olive groves and sparkling Adriatic beaches. Stay in a converted masseria or stylish Apulian villa and spend your days cycling through silvery olive groves, exploring quaint villages such as Gallipoli and Trani, which offer relaxed beach days, historic streets and excellent local cuisine, or driving vintage Fiats along scenic roads to Ostuni for lunch in a bustling piazza. With endless opportunities for active exploration or simply soaking up the laid-back Italian lifestyle, Christina believes Puglia is the perfect destination on its own, or as the jewel in a coast-to-coast Southern Italy road trip.

Read our Southern Italy road trip here.

Portugal is a delightful country, and I recommend hitting the open road for an activity-based, self-drive trip from north to south. It's one of the best ways to discover Portugal's diverse culture and history, and to meet welcoming locals. - Rob Milverton, Travel Planner

When asked to decide his favourite experience in 2025, our Travel Planner, Rob, immediately grasped the opportunity to sing Portugal’s praise as a must for those seeking a blend of adventure, culture and stunning scenery. From the riverside charm of Porto to the rugged peaks of Serra da Estrela, he says the country offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling and wild swimming in mountain lakes. Head to the surf haven of Ericeira to catch waves, explore cobbled alleys and relax in stylish surf-side accommodations, before slowing the pace at the eco-luxe Craveiral Farmhouse in the Alentejo, where rolling countryside, farm animals and pristine beaches provide the perfect way to unwind.

Read more about Portugal here.

Portugal is a delightful country, and I recommend hitting the open road for an activity-based, self-drive trip from north to south. It's one of the best ways to discover Portugal's diverse culture and history, and to meet welcoming locals. - Rob Milverton, Travel Planner

Portugal

Top to toe Portugal

When asked to decide his favourite experience in 2025, our Travel Planner, Rob, immediately grasped the opportunity to sing Portugal’s praise as a must for those seeking a blend of adventure, culture and stunning scenery. From the riverside charm of Porto to the rugged peaks of Serra da Estrela, he says the country offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling and wild swimming in mountain lakes. Head to the surf haven of Ericeira to catch waves, explore cobbled alleys and relax in stylish surf-side accommodations, before slowing the pace at the eco-luxe Craveiral Farmhouse in the Alentejo, where rolling countryside, farm animals and pristine beaches provide the perfect way to unwind.

Read more about Portugal here.

Portugal is a delightful country, and I recommend hitting the open road for an activity-based, self-drive trip from north to south. It's one of the best ways to discover Portugal's diverse culture and history, and to meet welcoming locals. - Rob Milverton, Travel Planner

Georgia

Ancient cities & Peaks

Georgia is a destination of striking contrasts, where rolling hills, snow-capped peaks and ancient towns meet one of the world’s oldest wine regions. At the heart of it lies Kakheti, our Customer Concierge, Steven’s, favourite place for experiencing visual and cultural delights. Locals maintain family vineyards and craft uniquely flavoured wines using traditional qvevri clay pots here, while the Tuscan-style hilltop town of Sighnaghi offers charming streets and breathtaking views of the Caucasus. Surrounding vineyards and rivers invite exploration on foot or by car. Complemented by the vibrant capital of Tbilisi, historic monasteries, and the dramatic landscapes of Kazbegi and Sno Valley, Georgia blends culture, adventure, and wine in an unforgettable experience.

Read about Steven’s trip to Georgia here.

Without a doubt, a highlight of my year was visiting Georgia and discovering the Kakheti region. The people of Kakheti wine region can boast of having 8,000 years of wine making history weaved into their local culture, and it shows! - Steven Gartland, Customer Concierge
Without a doubt, a highlight of my year was visiting Georgia and discovering the Kakheti region. The people of Kakheti wine region can boast of having 8,000 years of wine making history weaved into their local culture, and it shows! - Steven Gartland, Customer Concierge

Latin America

Chile

Staggering Landscapes

Chile is a land of remarkable extremes, where the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert meets the icy wilderness of Patagonia. It’s unsurprising then that all this natural beauty has caused our Travel Planner, Sophie, to fall in love with the country in 2025. For those looking to travel here, Sophie recommends saving time to marvel at salt flats, geysers and surreal rock formations in the north, before venturing south to glacial lakes, towering peaks and windswept steppes, which she says are perfect for trekking, horse riding and kayaking. In Santiago, a highlight for Sophie was exploring vibrant markets, contemporary galleries and rooftop bars framed by the Andes.

Read more about Chile here.

Chile is an adventure in its own right - perfect for a two to three-week standalone holiday. While it is one of the world’s narrowest countries, Chile offers a staggering breadth of landscapes and experiences, from Arid desert to a rich urban culture. - Sophie Garland, Travel Planner
Chile is an adventure in its own right - perfect for a two to three-week standalone holiday. While it is one of the world’s narrowest countries, Chile offers a staggering breadth of landscapes and experiences, from Arid desert to a rich urban culture. - Sophie Garland, Travel Planner
Peru was unforgettable - from the vibrant markets and archaeology of the Sacred Valley, to the mystique of Machu Picchu under shifting clouds, and ending with quiet, empty beaches at Vichayito. It's a destination that'll dazzle just about anyone. - Sarah McLennan, Sales Manager

From the bustling streets of Lima to the soaring peaks of the Sacred Valley, Peru is a feast for the senses and our Sales Manager, Sarah, thinks more people should discover this amazing country full lovely people, great food and sweeping views. Her advice is to wander the markets of Pisac, marvel at the terraced citadels of Ollantaytambo, and step into the ethereal mist of Machu Picchu for a completely different perspective on the local history. Along the northern coast, the quiet sands of Vichayito impressed Sarah so much that it became the favourite part of her trip. Vichayito invites long, reflective walks, while the vibrant flavours of Peruvian cuisine – from ceviche to quinoa soup – linger long after the meal. With dramatic Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and the warmest of welcomes, Peru feels both timeless and endlessly invigorating.

Discover our favourite Peru itinerary here.

Peru was unforgettable - from the vibrant markets and archaeology of the Sacred Valley, to the mystique of Machu Picchu under shifting clouds, and ending with quiet, empty beaches at Vichayito. It's a destination that'll dazzle just about anyone. - Sarah McLennan, Sales Manager

Peru

Ancient sites to canyons

From the bustling streets of Lima to the soaring peaks of the Sacred Valley, Peru is a feast for the senses and our Sales Manager, Sarah, thinks more people should discover this amazing country full lovely people, great food and sweeping views. Her advice is to wander the markets of Pisac, marvel at the terraced citadels of Ollantaytambo, and step into the ethereal mist of Machu Picchu for a completely different perspective on the local history. Along the northern coast, the quiet sands of Vichayito impressed Sarah so much that it became the favourite part of her trip. Vichayito invites long, reflective walks, while the vibrant flavours of Peruvian cuisine – from ceviche to quinoa soup – linger long after the meal. With dramatic Andean landscapes, ancient Inca ruins, and the warmest of welcomes, Peru feels both timeless and endlessly invigorating.

Discover our favourite Peru itinerary here.

Peru was unforgettable - from the vibrant markets and archaeology of the Sacred Valley, to the mystique of Machu Picchu under shifting clouds, and ending with quiet, empty beaches at Vichayito. It's a destination that'll dazzle just about anyone. - Sarah McLennan, Sales Manager

The Caribbean

Jamaica

Adventure Abound

With family living in Jamaica, our Office Manager, Sacha, has become intimately connected with the country, boasting that it combines iconic tropical luxury with a playground of natural adventure. Base yourself at legendary hotels like Jamaica Inn or GoldenEye, where barefoot glamour meets attentive service, then hit the island’s rivers, waterfalls, and mountains for unforgettable experiences. Among Sacha’s favourite adventures are climbing the turquoise terraces of Dunn’s River Falls, soaring through the rainforest at Mystic Mountain on an exhilarating zip line, or drifting downstream on a bamboo raft along the Rio Grande. From jerk centres and seafood shacks to tranquil beaches at James Bond Beach or Treasure Beach, the island delivers a perfect mix of thrill, culture, and sun-soaked relaxation. Now is a great time to visit as your stay will support the local people and their communities following the recent natural disaster in Jamaica.

Learn more about Jamaica here.

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