And just like that, we are past the second half of December, and soon enough, we’ll be ringing in the new year! (Woohoo!)
Truly, it’s been a wonderful year of traveling with you. And, as we inch closer to 2025, we at Big Sky rounded up a list of must-visit countries for the coming year based on your favorite destinations this 2024.
From bustling cities to serene landscapes, here are the top 10 places that deserve a spot on your 2025 travel bucket list:
Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun emerged as 2024’s top destination for Big Sky users all over the Philippines and we can see that its magnetic charm will continue to captivate travelers in 2025!
A massive event worth looking forward to in Japan in the coming year is the much-anticipated World Expo, which will be held in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October.
Over the course of 184 days, Japan will be showcasing the country’s most futuristic innovations and rich cultural heritage alongside more than a hundred other countries and regions from all over the world!
Top 10 Things To Do In Japan For First-Timers:
- Visit the iconic Mount Fuji and explore its surrounding areas like Yamanashi or Hakone.
- Wander through Kyoto’s historic temples like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
- Experience the vibrant streets of Tokyo, including Shibuya and Akihabara.
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
- Explore Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.
- Feed friendly deer at Nara Park and visit Todai-ji Temple.
- Relax in an onsen (hot spring) town like Beppu or Kusatsu.
- See cherry blossoms in spring or autumn foliage at scenic spots like Minoh.
- Try sushi, ramen, and other Japanese delicacies at local markets and restaurants.
- Visit Osaka’s Dotonbori district for food and entertainment.
Europe
Europe is, perhaps, one of the destinations that nearly every Filipino wishes to visit at least once in their lifetime, and it’s not hard to understand why: It is teeming with sights and experiences that could captivate one through books and movies.
This year, a good fraction of Big Sky’s customers visited iconic European destinations, such as Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, and we can predict that more Filipinos will get to travel to the continent in 2025, with the heightened interest in long-haul travel and exploration beyond Asia.
Top 10 Things To Do In Europe For First-Timers:
- Tour Paris and climb the Eiffel Tower.
- Explore Rome’s famous architectural wonder—the Colosseum, and ride a gondola down the canals of Venice.
- Visit Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s other brilliant work.
- Witness the Northern Lights in Scandinavia (Norway or Finland).
- Take a scenic river cruise in Germany’s Rhine Valley.
- Cruise down Amsterdam’s canals or take a day trip to Lisse to witness the Tulips in full bloom.
- Visit the ancient ruins of Athens, Greece.
- Explore the Swiss Alps through mountain railways.
- Relax on the beaches of the French Riviera or Croatia’s coastline.
- Enjoy historic castles in Scotland and Ireland.
Singapore
When it comes to Filipinos’ favorite destinations, Singapore never falls off the list. As the only first-world country in Southeast Asia, Singapore offers visa-free access to Filipinos looking to experience the luxurious side of traveling without flying too far away from home and dealing with tedious paperwork.
It is also an excellent destination for families, who want a quick escape, thanks to its world-class and child-friendly attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Meanwhile, huge Formula One fans can have the time of their lives at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, happening at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 3 to 5 October 2025.
Top 10 Things To Do In Singapore For First-Timers:
- Visit the attractions at Marina Bay Sands like the SkyPark Observation Deck and the ArtScience Museum.
- Walk through the Cloud Forest and Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay.
- Spend a thrilling day at Universal Studios.
- Discover Little India and Chinatown’s vibrant streets.
- Experience the night safari at Singapore Zoo.
- Shop and dine along Orchard Road.
- Admire panoramic views from the Singapore Flyer.
- Take a peek into the hipster scene at Haji Lane.
- Enjoy the lively Clarke Quay for nightlife.
- Try local dishes like chili crab and laksa at hawker centers.
Thailand
For Filipinos traveling on a budget, Thailand has been among the top-of-mind destinations and will remain so in 2025.
Thailand offers a vast array of experiences for all kinds of travelers. Urban explorers will enjoy Bangkok’s bustling cityscape. Beach bums can laze around on the sands of Phuket and Krabi. Party people have a place in Pattaya. And those seeking a quiet escape will fall in love with Chiang Mai.
All of these without breaking the bank.
Top 10 Things To Do In Thailand For First-Timers:
- Visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.
- Explore Chiang Mai’s temples and take part in a cooking class.
- Relax on the beaches of Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui.
- Discover Ayutthaya‘s ruins.
- Explore floating markets like Damnoen Saduak.
- Trek in the jungles of Northern Thailand.
- Dive or snorkel in the Andaman Sea.
- Shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.
- Go wet and wild during Songkran (Thai New Year) in April.
- Try authentic Thai street food like pad thai and mango sticky rice.
Hong Kong
Another well-loved destination of Filipinos, Hong Kong is among the go-to overseas destinations of many Pinoy families.
It combines childlike wonder and gastronomic delights to draw in visitors annually through attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and Mong Kok Night Market. Its close proximity to Macau also allows for unforgettable day trips to the Vegas of the East.
Top 10 Things To Do In Hong Kong For First-Timers:
- Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for city views.
- Heal your inner child at Hong Kong Disneyland.
- Wander around the Temple Street Night Market.
- Explore Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
- Take a ride on the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.
- Hike the Dragon’s Back Trail for scenic views.
- Visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple.
- Shop and dine in Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay.
- Enjoy the Symphony of Lights show over the harbor.
- Try dim sum and other Cantonese cuisine.
USA
Countless Big Sky customers also availed connectivity products for trips to the US this year.
A country with a massive Filipino community, it’s no surprise the US is a mainstay on the travel radars of many Pinoys.
From visiting relatives and attending the music festival Coachella to witnessing the beauty of national parks and setting foot on Disney World, Filipinos can definitely list down several good reasons why they would like to visit the US.
Top 10 Things To Do In the US For First-Timers:
- Be mesmerized by New York City’s landmarks, including Times Square and Central Park.
- Explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
- Experience the magic of Disneyland or Disney World.
- See the monuments in Washington, D.C.
- Drive along California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
- Visit Las Vegas for nightlife and entertainment.
- Tour the historic French Quarter in New Orleans.
- Discover Yellowstone National Park.
- Relax on the beaches of Hawaii.
- Explore Chicago’s Millennium Park and Navy Pier.
South Korea
With the colossal Korean wave crashing on our shores, South Korea is a dream destination for many Filipinos.
K-Pop and K-drama fans would take fan pilgrimages to filming sites and concert venues, living out the ultimate fangirl or fanboy goal. South Korea is also a haven for delicious food, rich culture, and nature spots.
To Filipinos who don’t wish to go through the visa application process, they can take visa-free trips to Gangwon Province via Yangyang, Jeolla Province via Muan, and Jeju Island.
Top 10 Things To Do In South Korea For First-Timers:
- Visit Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Get your skincare fix in Myeongdong.
- Experience the nightlife in Hongdae.
- Explore Busan’s Haeundae Beach and Gamcheon Culture Village.
- Take a day trip to Jeonju Hanok Village.
- Hike in Seoraksan National Park.
- Tour the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).
- Relax on Jeju Island’s beaches and visit Hallasan Mountain.
- Enjoy Korean street food at Gwangjang Market.
- Attend a K-pop concert or fan event.
Taiwan
A destination that’s just a two-hour flight away from Metro Manila, Taiwan is definitely one of the hottest destinations this year and next!
With Taiwan’s government granting an extension for Filipino’s visa-free entry to the country until mid-2025, it’s a fantastic destination, where Pinoys can experience spring (cherry blossoms!), the movie scene-worthy lantern festival during the Lunar New Year, and more!
Top 10 Things To Do In Taiwan For First-Timers:
- Visit Taipei 101 for bird’s-eye city views.
- Explore Jiufen, an old gold mining village, now famous for its striking resemblance to the onsen town in Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away.”
- Discover Taroko Gorge National Park.
- Relax in Beitou’s hot springs.
- Taste street food at Shilin Night Market.
- Visit the magical Sun Moon Lake area.
- See the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung.
- Hike Elephant Mountain for uninterrupted views of Taipei’s skyline.
- Discover the culture of Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city.
- Enjoy bubble tea at its birthplace.
Australia & New Zealand
These two countries in the southern hemisphere certainly have a place on our list!
Both have a lot to offer to Filipino travelers—from urban sophistication to natural beauty, making for unforgettable trips whether with company or solo.
Top 10 Things To Do In Australia For First-Timers:
- Tour the Opera House or climb the Harbour Bridge for spectacular views. Don’t miss enjoying a delicious dinner by the harbour at Opera Bar or Opera Kitchen.
- Snorkel, dive, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef.
- Learn about Aboriginal culture while watching Uluru (Ayers Rock) change colors at sunrise or sunset.
- Drive the scenic coastal route of the Great Ocean Road, stopping to marvel at the Twelve Apostles.
- Visit the Blue Mountains—a UNESCO-listed site near Sydney to see the Three Sisters and enjoy hiking trails.
- Take a trip to Kangaroo Island to spot kangaroos, sea lions, and unique wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Explore the vibrant laneways of Melbourne for street art, cafes, and hidden bars.
- Walk through the Daintree Rainforest—the largest rainforest in Australia located in Queensland.
- Relax, surf, or walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail.
- Spend a weekend at Whitsundays, sailing around the turquoise waters and visiting Whitehaven Beach for pristine sands.
Top 10 Things To Do In New Zealand For First-Timers:
- Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set—the picturesque filming site of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
- Cruise through Milford Sound—a dramatic fjord, surrounded by waterfalls and towering peaks.
- Experience geothermal geysers, mud pools, and Maori cultural performances in Rotorua.
- Try adventure activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, or skydiving in Queenstown.
- Hike the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail that features volcanic landscapes and emerald lakes.
- Venture to Lake Tekapo—an International Dark Sky Reserve—to Stargaze under one of the clearest night skies in the world .
- Hike trails with stunning views of New Zealand’s tallest peak at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
- Take a helicopter ride or hike to the majestic Franz Josef Glacier.
- Discover beaches, marine life, and Maori history in the subtropical paradise that is the Bay of Islands.
- Take a boat ride through Waitomo’s caves lit by thousands of glowworms.
Vietnam
Once an underdog in the Southeast Asian travel scene, Vietnam is finally getting the recognition it deserves!
This gem in Indochina has tons of experiences and excitement in store for Pinoy travelers, especially for those on a shoestring budget! Here, a budget worth 10,000 PHP will certainly go a long way!
Top 10 Things To Do In Vietnam For First-Timers:
- Cruise through Halong Bay’s limestone islands.
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Visit the ancient town of Hoi An.
- Tour the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City.
- Relax on the beaches of Da Nang or Nha Trang.
- Experience the floating markets of the Mekong Delta.
- See Hue’s Imperial Citadel.
- Try Vietnamese pho and banh mi.
- Explore Sapa’s terraced rice fields.
- Discover the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Pumped for your upcoming trips in 2025? Be sure to make Big Sky part of your adventures! As the #1 Travel Connectivity Provider in the Philippines based on verified customer reviews and ratings, we’ve got you covered in over 130 countries, so you can enjoy seamless and high-speed internet connection wherever you are, wherever you go! Check out all your options here now!
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Featured image by Samuel Ferrara on Unsplash
