Picture this: the hum of the train is a soft accompaniment to the breathtaking landscape unfolding outside. Through the panoramic windows, the Swiss Alps rise majestically, their snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear lakes below. As the train glides through rolling meadows dotted with Alpine chalets, the hustle of daily life feels a world away.

This isn’t just any train journey — it's a three-hour spectacle of nature’s finest work, now made more seamless thanks to the GoldenPass Express's engineering marvel. Connecting the glaciers of Interlaken with the terraced vineyards of Montreux, Switzerland, this state-of-the-art train, launched a year ago, represents the culmination of over a century of ambition and innovation.

Along the way, you are treated to the charms of picturesque towns like Gstaad, known for its pristine views, and Château d'Oex, famous for its hot air balloon festival. The journey also winds through the vineyards of the Vaudois Riviera before reaching Montreux, where the sun-soaked shores of Lake Geneva lay in stunning contrast.'

As the train winds its way through this spectacular landscape, it becomes clear: this is Switzerland at its most glorious. So, if a Euro-trip is on your list this year, you know what to include in your itinerary.

Nestled in the picturesque Lombardy region, Cremona is a city where music, history, and culture blend in perfect harmony. Known as the birthplace of violin-making, this enchanting destination is a living tribute to centuries of craftsmanship and artistry.

At the heart of Cremona’s legacy lies the renowned Violin Museum, a treasure trove of rare instruments that honours the mastery of luthiers like Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri. Wandering its halls, visitors can trace the evolution of violin-making and marvel at the intricate skill behind these timeless creations.

The city’s allure extends beyond its musical heritage. The Ala Ponzone Picture Gallery boasts masterpieces by celebrated artists, while the San Lorenzo Basilica offers a serene glimpse into Cremona’s sacred past. Each landmark adds a layer to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Cremona is also a feast for the senses. The Auditorium Giovanni Arvedi, with its stunning acoustics and innovative design, hosts mesmerising performances. Meanwhile, the city’s culinary offerings — from velvety gelato to handmade pastas — are as delightful as its music.

In Cremona, every corner tells a story and every melody lingers, inviting you to experience its timeless charm and soul-stirring symphony.

Imagine lying under a sky so clear, the stars seem close enough to touch. In a world overwhelmed by city lights, there are still rare places where the night sky is a canvas, untouched and awe-inspiring. Which is, perhaps why astrotourism has rapidly gained popularity as many seek a new kind of escape — one that connects them not just with nature, but with the cosmos.

The NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia is one such treasure, where the vast desert landscape meets some of the darkest skies on Earth. It lies in one of the naturally darkest places on Earth, because the closest inhabited communities are kilometres away. Here, the Milky Way stretches across the clear skies, casting a mesmerizing glow over the land. 

Over in New Zealand, the Aoraki Mackenzie region offers a similarly stunning view. As one of the world’s most renowned Dark Sky Reserves, it boasts crystal-clear skies, providing unparalleled views of the Southern Hemisphere’s stars. Meanwhile, the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest places on Earth, offers high-altitude stargazing with a surreal backdrop of jagged mountains and salt flats.

Whether you're seeking solitude under the stars or a deeper connection to the cosmos, these destinations are perfect for your 2025 travel list. Offering an experience that’s both transformative and breathtaking, they promise to elevate your journey to new celestial heights.

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a sight that has captivated wanderers for centuries. Yet, beyond their dazzling beauty, these mystical lights carry profound meanings across various cultures.

In Nordic folklore, the lights were thought to be the glow of the Valkyries’ armour, guiding fallen warriors to the afterlife. For the Sámi people of northern Scandinavia, the aurora was a powerful spirit, a reminder of the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.

In other cultures, the lights symbolise various elements of life. The Inuit see them as the spirits of their ancestors, dancing in the sky, while the Japanese believe the aurora was a sign of good fortune. 

In modern times, the Northern Lights have come to represent a sense of wonder and the infinite mysteries of our planet. They’re a reminder of how nature connects us all, regardless of borders or beliefs.

This year, many travellers are opting to extend their holidays, embracing longer stays and more immersive experiences. While the pandemic initially sparked wanderlust, it’s now the art of slowing down that is taking centre stage. Although short getaways remain popular, there’s a growing trend for longer, single-destination trips. Rather than rushing through crowded tourist hotspots, many are choosing to engage deeply with one location, connecting with its culture and customs at a more leisurely pace.

This shift also coincides with the rise of ‘bleisure’ trips — blending work with leisure. Countries like India, China, and Germany are leading the way, as more people take advantage of flexible schedules to work remotely while enjoying their surroundings. Social media has played a key role, with tips on ‘PTO hacking’, a popular strategy that maximises holiday time by aligning paid time off with public holidays.

As travel companies anticipate a rise in longer leisure trips, this trend marks a deeper shift towards cultural connection and thoughtful exploration, indicating that travel this year will prioritise depth over speed. What do you think?