With travel hitting record numbers this year, many holidaymakers are already eyeing up their next adventure for 2025.
Europe saw a significant uptick in international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024, with an 11 per cent increase over the previous year and just a 4 per cent shortfall from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 – indicating a very strong recovery.
But it appears that tourists continue to favour traditional hotspots such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Spain is poised to hit a new high with projections of over 90 million visitors, while Paris, hosting the 2024 Olympic Games, enjoyed an 18.9 per cent surge in tourism compared to 2023.
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In an effort to inspire travellers to venture beyond the usual destinations, travel guru Simon Calder shared his insights with the Daily Express, highlighting two underrated European gems for 2025.
He said: “All the indications that we’ve seen, for instance the figures of people going through airports and the latest figures from travel companies show that we have an insatiable appetite for travel. And 2025 is going to be fantastic in having wider horizons than ever.”
Simon also advised those looking for a bargain to consider one location in particular, noting: “If you want a bargain destination, then I would head for the Balkans – Bulgaria is always very good value for package holidays.”
Nestled in the eastern Balkans, south of the Danube and west of the Black Sea, Bulgaria shares borders with Greece and Turkey, enjoying similarly scorching summer temperatures. In 2023, Bulgaria celebrated a record-breaking year with 8.6 million tourists, marking a 13 per cent increase from the previous year, although still dwarfed by Greece’s 33 million and Turkey’s staggering 49 million visitors.
Tourism remains a key driver of Bulgaria’s economy, with hotspots including the capital Sofia, Plovdiv, coastal resorts like Albena, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, and ski havens Bansko and Pamporovo.
History buffs can revel in Bulgaria’s rich past, with treasures from Thracian, Greek, Roman, and Ottoman times, including World Heritage sites such as Boyana Church, Madara Rider, and the ancient Rila Monastery.
The country also boasts tranquil beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering a more serene alternative to the bustling shores of Greece and Turkey.
Travel expert Simon also tipped: “I’ve also got my money on Albania as an up and coming destination – fantastic beaches, friendly people and prices back to the 20th century.”
With its breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient castles, lively capital and idyllic beaches that can compete with any Mediterranean destination, it’s surprising that only 10 million foreign tourists visited Albania in 2023. Notably, Albania is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Europe.
A high-end hotel room can be as cheap as 50 euros (£41.50), while a complete meal averages around 10 euros (£8.30). In contrast, just across the Straits of Corfu, a comparable hotel room on the popular Greek island would likely set you back £86 per night, according to current Booking.com rates.