Return to the icons (and all the amazing places you missed the first time)

Oh, the places you’ll go. Kick-start your travel plans for 2025 by returning to dream destinations and then taking a slight detour.

Santorini, Barcelona, Bali, Tokyo, Machu Pichu, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Honolulu, London and Kruger National Park. These are all bucket-list destinations that travellers around the world continue to dream of. And while these iconic places remain incredible to visit, research shows that travellers are dreaming of zigging where others zag to experience new places. Sure, return to the icons in a mindful manner. But why not take it down a few gears and see more of the under-the-radar attractions, too? There are a lot of coins in fountains around the world thrown by people who want to return to certain cities. But here are some ideas to get you started that include the main attraction and its B sides.

1. Barcelona, Spain

La Sagrada Familia is a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece. (Image: Getty Images/Vladislav Zolotov)

Barcelona’s tourism trajectory really shot into the stratosphere after the 1992 Olympics. The best things to do in Barcelona have not changed with first-time visitors suitably bewitched by its art and architecture. Big-ticket items include Gaudi’s iconic architecture, the Gothic La Sagrada Família, and rambling along La Rambla. Look out for street mosaics, visit the Mercat de Sant Antoni and head to Barcelonata for a Spanish version of LA’s Muscle Beach.

Side trip: Girona, Spain

Much of Girona’s charm comes from its medieval streets. (Image: Getty Images/ABB Photo)

Girona, Spain is one of Spain’s most beautiful B Sides. Sip on coffees in Girona’s Old Quarter, climb to the Força Vella fortress, which was built in the first century (BC) and take some happy snaps in front of the coloured houses along the River Onyar. Stay at the bougie Hotel Palau Fugit so you can dine at Dit i Fet, led by alum of the three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca. The high-speed train from Barcelona will get you to Girona in under 40 minutes.

Side trip: Málaga, Spain

Malaga is a renowned art destination, being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. (Image: Getty Images/Ivan Spasic)

Málaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8^th century and is best known as the birthplace of Picasso. A mini-break in the Andalusian trading port should therefore include a visit to the Museo Picasso Málaga housing the painter’s art, personal effects and furnishings. Wander the maze of cobbled streets in the Old City, climb to Gibralfaro Castle and take a day trip to pueblos blancos (white towns) scattered around the town like cubes of sugar.

2. Santorini, Greece

Santorini will live up to your dreams. (Image: Getty Images/lhor_Tailwind)

The whitewashed villages of Santorini receive about 3.4 million visitors each year. Luckily, there are measures in place to safeguard the island’s success as a destination. The village of Oia has a Presidential Decree that regulates the number of bars, restaurants and cafes allowed to operate. The daily limit of cruise passengers the island receives has also been slashed from 20,000 to a maximum of 8000. Avoid the crowds by visiting the village of Finikia during the shoulder season and booking a sustainable stay at a boutique property such as Canaves Ena, part of the considered Canaves Collection.

Side trip: Folegandros

Beach seekers will love Folejandros. (Image: Bonita Grima)

There is no cruise ship terminal on the lesser-known Greek island of Folegandros. And that’s just how the Australian owners of the Greek island’s first five-star hotel like it. Launch yourself into the landscape from Gundari Resort, which offers curated nature-based experiences and luxury boat trips to secret beaches. Spend the day hiking the island’s ancient pathways before holing up at the clifftop resort to enjoy dinner at Orizon, where the menus were curated by Greece’s first Michelin-starred chef.

Side trip: Paros

Paros is as gorgeous as Santorini. (Image: Getty Images/SHansche)

Paros is one of the most underrated islands in the Cyclades. It’s just as pretty as Santorini with its pops of pink bougainvillea and whitewashed villages. But the island’s fortunes are on the rise thanks to the star power of A-listers like Salma Hayek, Tom Hanks, Roger Federer, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, all of whom have been papped holidaying here. Take your entourage to Kolymbithres for a dip in the cyan seas before sauntering to Naoussa to find a local bar that best suits your vibe.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Look no further than Bali for a sustainable travel destination. (Image: Banyan Tree Escape)

It’s no secret that Aussies love Bali. But those going beyond the Indonesian island’s beach clubs and bars should look for the alt in Ubud, finding calm and harmony in the jungle-clad hills instead. More than one million Aussies visit Bali each year. And while the beachside resorts and hotels all offer a good time, there are also ways to do it differently. Plan to make your next stay sustainable at Buahan – A Banyan Tree Escape, Asa Maia or Soulshine Retreat, all of which give back to the local community.

Side trip: Lombok, Indonesia

Next to Bali, Lombok is just as relaxing. (Image: Andrey Danilovich)

Lombok has long offered a laid-back alternative for surfers on the hunt for uncrowded waves in Indo. Though just 40 kilometres east of Bali, the island is still dotted with local villages that maintain their traditions. Enjoy island life with a stay in a traditional gladak at Salty Siesta managed by Aussie Wayne Moffat (former GM at Komune in Keramas). The accommodation is just steps from Selong Belanak Beach, one of the best surf spots for beginners. Visit the Lombok Eco Flea Market, snorkel around the Gili Islands, and swim at the iconic pink beach, one of only 10 in the world.

Side trip: Sumba, Indonesia

Ancient tradition meets modern luxury in Sumba. (Image: Getty Images/faizzaki)

The island of Sumba is twice the size of Bali but has less than a sixth of its population. And unlike the rampant over-development in Bali, hoteliers such as Nihi Sumba tend to have a more pelan-pelan (slowly-slowly) approach to tourism. NIHI Sumba was the first luxury resort to open on the island where a wave was named after Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo. If Occy’s Left isn’t firing, the wellness retreat also offers equine meditation and yoga courses. Each stay at NIHI Sumba puts money into the Sumba Foundation, which supports community projects.

4. Venice, Italy

Venice is a collection of tiny islands connected by bridges and walkways. (Image: Getty Images/aapsky)

As anyone who has visited Venice in peak season will tell you, getting lost in the maze of backstreets is a must. Even in peak season, you can find glimmers of the real Venice which rises out of the water in the middle of the Adriatic Sea. Those with a fascination for the arts can discover museums and galleries around each corner that provide a sense of the villages and their former glory. A return to icons such as Venice also means going beyond a ride in a gondolier and overpriced coffee in Piazza San Marco.

Side trip: Pellestrina

Pelletrina is known for its vibrant and colourful houses. (Image: Getty Images/Orietta Gaspari)

The island of Pellestrina is Venice minus the camera-toting hordes. This little island on the far side of the Lido is known as the fisherman’s island by locals. Catch a vaporetto to the island of Lido then a bus and a ferry that connects with pretty Pellestrina. It’s okay to feel a tad righteous when you pull up a table at Da Celeste where the fisherman bring in their hauls of mussels and clams which will appear on your plate in spaghetti moments later.

Side trip: Treviso

Prosecco is one of Treviso’s best-kept gems. (Image: Gito Trevisan)

Treviso is just 50 kilometres north of Venice. It’s where you will find rows of vineyards sewn into the World Heritage-listed hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Bask in the landscapes of the ciglioni, the small plots of vines embroidered onto narrow terraced fields surrounded by forests, small villages and farmland. Cycle or hike the hills before taking a cooking class at Colline of Prosecco, sister school to Luciana Sampogna’s Cucina Italiana in Sydney. Or sign up for a Spotlight on Northern Italy with a carefully curated itinerary with Colette that explores the region propelled to fame for its Prosecco.

5. Machu Picchu

Women from Peru’s Sacred Valley connect with their ancestry. (Image: Intrepid Travel)

The colourful lliklla worn by the ‘mamas’ of the Huilloc community is enough to make travellers go weak in the knees. Especially when the women from the Quechuan community are backdropped by the soaring peaks of Machu Picchu, which they’re seeing for the first time alongside you on an Intrepid Travel tour. The most crowded time to see Machu Picchu is in June and July when numbers are capped at 5600 a day. Join eco-conscious Intrepid Travel and explore the Inca trail in the off-season.

Side trip: Huchuy Qosqo

Exploring Peru’s ancient gems makes for an epic travel diary. (Image: Intepid Travel)

For tourism to be sustainable in Peru, visitors need to veer off the well-trodden paths to discover the archaeological sites and local villages that are every bit as culturally rich yet without the crowds. Joining a tour with a company such as Intrepid helps make a visit to this cradle of civilisation sustainable as it supports programs that provide opportunities for Peruvian communities. The fact it takes a full day to get to Huchuy Qosqo means only the adventurous and acclimatised need apply.

Side trip: Waqrapukara

Waqrapukara is great for those looking for a different adventure. (Image: Getty Images/daboost)

See and experience the attractions of Peru first-hand by moving away from Machu Picchu in favour of the less-trammelled archaeological sites of Waqrapukara. There’s more effort required to get to some of the under-the-radar Inca empire attractions. But it’s worth pulling on those hiking boots to avoid the mosh pit of Machu Picchu. A foray to Moray, for example, will reward those fit enough to tackle the Inca trail to the terraced farm site where you will only ever see a handful of other travellers.

6. Oahu, Hawai‘i

Don’t miss Chinatown’s top restaurants and trendy stalls.

Hawai‘i is a dream destination for a lot of Australian travellers. And while going for a surf or swim at Waikīkī Beach is compulsory, there are also alternative wonders to find in Honolulu. Wander the historical district of Chinatown – one of the oldest in the US – to find lei vendors, street food stalls doling out dumplings and neon-lit remnants of the former red-light district. The precinct is shaping up to be one of Honolulu’s hippest hoods for dining, drinking and the arts.

Side trip: North Shore, Hawai‘i

Say aloha to one of Hawai‘i’s most popular resorts. (Image: Getty Images/GEFHunter)

Hawai‘i’s North Shore is a zoo during the big-wave season between November and February when pro surfers flock here to ride giant waves of 30 feet or more. But the North Shore, just a one-hour drive from Waikīkī, can feel surprisingly chill when those big winter swells subside. Visit between May and September and you’ll find dreadlocked locals selling pineapples out the back of their vans. You might even spot local singer Jack Johnson riding his bike down to the beach. Stay and play at Turtle Bay Resort. Or rent a condo with your entourage.

Side trip: Kualoa Park

Kualoa Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. (Image: Getty Images/Hiromi Nagatsuka)

Millions of people visit Oahu each year. And while Kualoa Ranch is a major draw for set-jetters drawn to the locations where movies such as Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates were filmed, Kualoa Park can get overlooked. ‘Kualoa’ translates to ‘long ancestral background’ and the area is recognised on the National Register of Historic Places for its cultural significance. It’s free to visit and is a popular spot for fishing, snorkelling and kayaking to Mokoli’i, an offshore island. Birdwatchers should BYO binoculars as the salt marsh here is a nesting area for the endangered ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt).

7. Tokyo, Japan

There’s more to Tokyo than its bright neon streets. (Image: Getty Images/Juergen Sack)

The manic neon-lit streets of Tokyo remain as magical as ever. But what a lot of visitors don’t understand is that it’s possible to get lost in the many alleyways that wind around the city in hubs such as Kagurazaka and Shimokitazawa. Want to get a feel for what it’s like to live like a local? Join the dots between Tsukiji fish market, Hedgehog Café Harry in Harajuku, and Karaoke-Kan where you can connect with other international travellers under the glow of disco lights in the bar where Lost in Translation was filmed

Side trip: Nagoya, Japan

Nagoya Castle was the first to be designated a National Treasure. (Image: Getty Images/Marina Luiz)

Despite being Japan’s fourth largest city, not many visitors to Japan navigate their way to Nagoya. The major Japanese port was established as a castle town during the Edo period. The many buildings from this era that were damaged during the air raids of 1945 have since been restored, including Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and Osu Kannon Buddhist temple. Time your visit to coincide with the annual Shichi-Go-San festival which is a kawaii procession led by children aged three to seven on a tour with InsideJapan Tour.

Side trip: Ise-Shima, Japan

Ise-Shima houses some of Japan’s most sacred shrines. (Image: Rachel Claire)

Ise-Shima is Japan without the crowds. It’s here, more than 450 kilometres from the neon glare of Tokyo, that you will find a network of Shinto shrines, female ama divers foraging in the depths of Ago Bay for pearls and seafood, and local artisans who continue to produce their wares (like shaved bonito, or katsuobushi) in the traditional manner. The region in the Mie prefecture is home to Ise Jingū, the shrine the Japanese revere as the ‘soul of Japan’ and 60,000 hectares of Ise-Shima National Park. Catch the bullet train to Nagoya and then transfer to a local Kintetsu train.

8. Positano, Italy

Positano overflows with old-world charm and beautiful views. (Image: Getty Images/samael334)

Pack your bags with a few floral summer dresses, sunglasses and sandals and you can flit from the day to the night posing and pouting with your posse in Positano. This dramatic stretch of coastline south of Naples is blessed with both beautiful beaches and people who are known to stroll the trendy streets in skimpy bikinis and Euro-style trunks. Hit the piazzetta in the evening to observe the passing hip parade during the daily passeggiata. Watch out for local lotharios, the IRL version of a Tinder swindler.

Side trip: Praiano, Italy

Praiano offers the same la dolce vita with a more laidback vibe. (Image: Getty Images/Adam Höglund)

Cue that iconic scene in Friends when Ross is yelling ‘pivot’ while trying to coax a couch around a stairwell with Rachel and Chandler. Praiano is giving ‘Pivot’ away from Positano. But instead of the mundane task of moving furniture, you’ll be hauling your carcass up and down the steps to gorgeous La Gavitella Beach from your digs at Casa Angelina. The cliffside hotel is the antithesis of the Amalfi Coast’s often-exhausting main-character energy.

Side trip: Nerano, Italy

The delightful village of Nerano is yet another slice of paradise on the Amalfi Coast. (Image: Getty Images/Pablo Sebastian Intelisano)

Sustainability is something we need to come back to when pondering a visit to the Amalfi Coast. While Sorrento and Positano are touristy towns we will always return to, it’s worth taking a detour to Nerano, which tumbles into the Tyrrhenian Sea. From here, take a hike to the township of Ieranto for a swim in the turquoise bay surrounded by olive trees and native fauna that belong to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (an organisation that safeguards Italy’s artistic and naturalistic heritage).

9. London, UK

London continues to draw millions of visitors. (Image: Getty Images/Elena Zolotova)

London remains one of the most exciting cities in the world. London will always be one of our first loves for its iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve visited England’s capital, its main attractions continue to delight. Explore the cobblestoned streets to find artisan cheese shops such as Neal’s Yard Dairy in Covent Garden, independent shops selling vintage records in Camden, and edgy wine bars in Brixton.

Side trip: English countryside, UK

Escape into the blissful beauty of the English countryside. (Image: Getty Images/Herby Sussex)

Spread out and see more of the English countryside with a luxury train ride onboard the Britannic Explorer. The old-world 18-cabin train designed by Albion Nord was inspired by the UK’s greatest landscapes. Embrace the art of slow travel on a three-night journey through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales while enjoying a window on Britain in motion.

Side trip: Bradford, UK

Bypass Bath for Bradford’s scenic attractions. (Image: Getty Images/Michael C)

Expect the city of Bath to be crewed out with visitors for the celebrations held in honour of Jane Austen’s 250^th anniversary. While you can certainly dip your toe in Bath’s Austen 250 celebrations, we recommend bypassing Bath for Bradford, Austen for Bronte. The West Yorkshire city with the industrial heritage has been named as the 2025 UK City of Culture which means an exciting year ahead for the city that is the gateway to the West Yorkshire Moors (Wuthering Heights country).

10. Kruger National Park

A lioness walks between safari trucks. (Image: Quentin Long)

Kruger National Park is a classic safari destination offering wildlife adventures that rank among the best in the world. All the Big Five are in the park, which is home to two million hectares of wilderness. But not all safaris are created equally in Kruger; with properties such as the andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve granted access to a 14,700-hectare private concession within the park. Expect animals to pass by your room on the way to the waterhole on the banks of the dry Timbavati River.

Side trip: Mozambique

Medjumbe Island is a castaway’s dream. (Image: Getty Images/Mauricio Tavares)

Tourism in Mozambique is in its infancy, which makes it the ideal destination for those who have already experienced a game drive safari in Africa. In addition to Niassa Game Reserve and Maputo Elephant Reserve on the mainland, Mozambique is home to Medjumbe Island, one of the country’s hidden gems. Given travel to Mozambique is still developing, it’s advisable to ask a reputable operator such as Bench Africa to tailor a tour to suit.

Side trip: Madagascar

Madagascar is world famous for its unique wildlife. (Image: Getty Images/guenterguni)

Those who want to see as much as they can in a short amount of time should consider a 12-night cruise from Port Louis in Mauritius to Cape Town. The list of shore excursions on Norwegian Dawn’s Africa cruise is extensive, which means you can catapult from your cabin into the wild African landscape without the gruelling overland legs. The sailing itinerary includes stops at Nosy Be, Madagascar, known for its lemurs; Richards Bay, the gateway to Zululand; Elizabeth Bay, near Addo Elephant Park; and Mossel Bay, famed for its magnificent beaches.