As 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax on sun-kissed beaches, explore ancient cultures, or immerse yourself in vibrant city life, there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to choose from.
With travel booming and more options than ever, it’s important to know where to go, when to go, and how to stay safe while you’re there. From the serene islands of Cape Verde to the bustling streets of Hanoi, here are five of the most trending travel spots for the year ahead—and why travel insurance can be important for each.
Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit
December to March for the west and south coasts, and May to September for the northern and eastern regions.
Known For
Ancient temples, lush tea plantations, stunning beaches, and safaris in Yala National Park.
Capital City
Colombo
Local Cuisine
Rice and curry, hoppers (fermented pancakes), kottu roti (stir-fried flatbread), fresh seafood.
Local Customs
Remove shoes and cover shoulders when visiting temples. Bargaining is common in markets, and showing respect for elders is important.
How to Get There
Flights from Darwin typically stop in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur before reaching Colombo, with a total travel time of 10–15 hours.
Best For
Cultural enthusiasts, nature lovers, families.
What to Avoid
Avoid tap water and be cautious in crowded markets. Ask before taking photos, especially when visiting religious sites and avoid using your phone while walking in busy cities like Colombo as it’s a common target for pickpockets.
Average Daily Costs
Around $30–$50 AUD for budget travellers, higher in tourist areas.
Extra Tips
Sri Lanka is a great place to explore by train, particularly the scenic routes through the tea plantations.
Fiji
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season), offering pleasant weather ideal for beach activities.
Known For
Beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts. Known for the warmth of its locals and vibrant culture.
Capital City
Suva
Local Cuisine
Kokoda (Fijian ceviche), lovo (food cooked in an underground oven), fresh seafood.
Local Customs
Remove hats or sunglasses when entering a village. Show respect for Fijian traditions, Bow your head to elders, and shake hands and say "bula" to greet people.
How to Get There
Flights from Darwin typically stop in Sydney/Melbourne then Nandi before arriving in Suva with a total travel time of 12-17 Hours.
Best For
Couples, families, honeymooners, and beach lovers.
What to Avoid
Avoid public displays of affection in rural villages. Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals. Keep an eye on your belongings at local markets, especially in crowded areas.
Average Daily Costs
$60–$100 AUD per day for mid-range options.
Extra Tips
Fijian hospitality is one of the highlights of the country. Make sure to take part in a traditional Fijian ceremony, but remember that it’s respectful to participate in the customs rather than just watch.
Morocco
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for ideal weather conditions for exploring cities and deserts.
Known For
Sahara Desert, ancient medina's, Atlas Mountains, and historic sites like kabahs.
Capital City
Rabat
Local Cuisine
Tagine (slow-cooked stews), couscous, pastilla (sweet-savoury pie), mint tea.
Local Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Greet with respect, and always ask permission before taking photos.
How to Get There
Flights usually have layovers in cities like Dubai, Doha, Paris, or Istanbul, totalling around 24 hours of travel time.
Best For
Adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, solo travellers.
What to Avoid
Avoid over-bargaining in markets, and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Respect local traditions and dress codes, particularly in rural villages. Make sure to try local street food in the markets but ensure it's from reputable vendors.
Average Daily Costs
$40–$60 AUD for budget travellers, $70–$120 AUD for mid-range stays.
Extra Tips
When exploring medinas (old cities), hire a guide to navigate the narrow streets. Be prepared to haggle in markets—prices are rarely fixed. It’s also recommended to book tours through official agencies to ensure safety in remote desert areas.
Vietnam
Best Time to Visit
September to December in the north, and March to April for the whole country.
Known For
Stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and its famous street food culture, including Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta.
Capital City
Hanoi
Local Cuisine
Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), spring rolls, seafood.
Local Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Respect elders and avoid raising your voice in public.
How to Get There
Flights from Darwin to Ho Chi Minh City generally stopover in Singapore. With total travel time of 8 hours if not stopping overnight.
Best For
Backpackers, food lovers, families, couples.
What to Avoid
Only eat at reputable street food vendors and be cautious of pickpocketing in tourist areas. Avoid travelling on scooters without a helmet, as traffic can be chaotic, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
Average Daily Costs
$40–$70 AUD for budget and mid-range options.
Extra Tips
Visit the many historic temples but be prepared for high entry fees in more popular tourist spots. Make sure to carry a reusable water bottle to avoid purchasing plastic bottles, which are common in tourist areas.
Cape Verde
Best Time to Visit
November to June for dry, warm weather ideal for exploring the islands and enjoying the beaches.
Known For
Volcanic landscapes, beaches, and vibrant Creole culture.
Capital City
Praia
Local Cuisine
Cachupa (hearty stew), seafood, and grogue (a local rum drink).
Local Customs
Greet with a handshake and be respectful of local traditions. Sundays are often reserved for church, and modest dress is appreciated.
How to Get There
Flights typically connect through Lisbon, with a total travel time of around 24 hours.
Best For
Couples, beach lovers, adventure seekers.
What to Avoid
Be cautious of strong currents at some beaches. Don't miss the opportunity to experience local music and culture, but always ask before taking photos.
Average Daily Costs
$40–$70 AUD for budget and mid-range options.
Extra Tips
Bring along sunscreen and hats for sun protection, as the islands can be quite hot and sunny. It's also best to book any boat tours in advance, as trips can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
Travel Insurance: For Your 2025 Getaways
Whether you’re lounging on a beach in Cape Verde, hiking through Vietnam, or exploring the ancient wonders of Sri Lanka, travel insurance can be something to consider. Each destination has its own set of risks—be it unpredictable weather, medical emergencies, or lost luggage—so exploring coverage that suits your travel needs is a step to consider.
For those planning multiple trips in 2025, multi-trip insurance can be a convenient option, it could be saving you from the hassle of getting a new policy each time you travel. Whether it’s your first or third adventure of the year, having a suitable travel insurance policy ensures you have coverage for your trips.
Start your journey with confidence and get a quote to help you prepare for the unexpected.
The information provided is general advice only.
Further information and limitations are listed in our Product Disclosure Statement effective 15th December 2023 and AANT Domestic, Annual Multi Trip & International TMD.
