Plan Your Travel Year

Your complete guide to another 12 months of adventure.

By Tim Chester

February 13, 2025

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A few people swimming and relaxing at green Wadi Bani Khalid oasis in Oman — Where will 2025 take you? We’re dreaming of the wadis of Oman for starters.

Our new collection of travel-planning stories is full of intel and inspiration to guide you through an amazing year of adventure. We reveal how to make the most of your airline points and which hotel loyalty schemes are best. We’ve highlighted the destinations that top travel advisors believe will be big in five years—and therefore are best to visit now. And we’ve got the latest on cruising, top restaurants around the world, and more.

Happy travels, wherever you might be going.

Tim Chester

Tim Chester is a freelance writer and editor covering hotels, family travel, sustainable travel, and outdoor adventure. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Afar. He lives near Los Angeles and likes hiking, mountain biking, and attempting to surf. His recent travels have taken him to Peru, Argentina, Belize, Fiji, and much of the U.S. Find him on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Rocky cliffs surrounding turquoise Mediterranean water in Malta.

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The Shore House Pool at sunset at the Hotel del Coronado in California

Hotels

12 Hotels Opening This Year Worth Planning an Entire Trip Around

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(Left) Luxor Egypt, (Middle) Avalon River Cruise in Budapest, (Right) Food market in Provence France, Christian Mackie/Unsplash

River Cruises

How to Pick the Right River Cruise for You—a Sailing for Every Style of Traveler

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Loyalty + Rewards

I Was Doing Rewards Travel All Wrong—Until I Read This New Book From The Points Guy

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Concept art combining photos of hands holding three cards with the logos of Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton on them against a purple background

Hotel News + Openings

Hotel Loyalty Programs Aren’t What They Used to Be

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photo illustration of a view through an airline window onto a stunning vista of an open-air room in the mountains with a bed and a wooden table and chairs

Loyalty + Rewards

These Are the Airline Loyalty Programs That Are Actually Worth It, According to Experts

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An Ecoventura yacht-style small ship sailings in the distance with shrubs and rocks in the foreground

Cruise

It’s “Wave Season” and Cruise Lines Are Parading Out Amazing Deals—Here Are the Best Ones

During the start of the year, cruise lines unveil impressive discounts, reduced flight fares, free upgrades, and enticing perks as they look to fill their ships for the coming year. We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting offers.