The Usual Place Podcast

Finding adventures in these hot holiday destinations for 2025

Saudi Arabia, China’s Lijiang and Yunnan, and Central Asia could see more tourists this year.

Natasha Ann Zachariah

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Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

Saudi Arabia, China’s Lijiang and Yunnan, and Central Asia. Could these be the next big holiday destinations for 2025?

This week on The Usual Place, The Straits Times Life travel journalist Sarah Stanley and co-founder of The Travel Intern Hendric Tay share why they think these spots might see more tourists this year.

Drawing from industry conversations and personal observations, they say finding adventures beyond the usual tourist spots or cosmopolitan cities seem to be the 2025 motto of Singaporean travellers.

Social media, Hendric explains, has nudged people to step out of their comfort zones. But, he cautions, “they also need to make the right preparations for it.”

In this episode, the talk of travel dives into whether sustainable travel is just a gimmick for charging more and why solo travel continues to be a big draw for young adventurers.

The discussion also goes into the complexities of group travel, whether with friends or colleagues.

The trio share anecdotes and tips on how to manage different travel styles and priorities. For example, setting ground rules and finding compromises can help keep a trip drama-free.

The Usual Place Podcast host Natasha Ann Zachariah (centre) talks about 2025 travel trends with The Travel Intern co-founder Hendric Tay (left) and The Straits Times travel journalist Sarah Stanley (right).
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Sarah reflects on her experience travelling with colleagues when she was once an air stewardess, noting how being accommodating of others has shaped her travel habits. In fact, it’s not always a bad thing, she explains.

Hendric recommends activity-based trips for first-time travel companions as a great way to understand each other’s preferences.

With all the talk about exploring new places and making new memories, I also wanted to know which country my guests would visit over and over again. Watch till the end to find out their picks.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:15 The “outdoorsy” person versus the “outsidey” person: Being in the right camp

5:27 Hot destinations in 2025; why Hendric pumps for Saudi Arabia

10:06 Sarah dissects appeal of China’s mountainous cities

11:27 Is green, sustainable travel just a buzzword?

14:11 Why solo travelling is still big – and how to plan for it

19:18 What’s a good country to do solo travel?

21:15 The fine line between being adventurous and reckless; listen to the locals to avoid being stabbed

23:51 Check the reviews and do the research

26:19 How Sarah became a “compliant traveller” when she was an air stewardess

30:40 Best travel hack for splitting costs; should you travel with your colleagues?

38:33 One city that Hendric, Sarah and Natasha can and will always visit