MANILA, Philippines — The "Ber" months have begun, and you — just like many others — have started planning for that much awaited and much deserved family vacation during the Christmas break.
You usually take that trip between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day so the kids would be off from school and work slows down to give you that precious opportunity to take a vacation leave. But arrangements have to be made early, whether you are going abroad or traveling within the country.
There is no better time than now to check off bucket list destinations to close out 2025 on a high.
Surely, you would want to go somewhere exciting that you’ve never been to before? Here are some suggestions:
New Zealand: Adventure beyond measure
If you love adventure, then you would love a trip to New Zealand this yearend. December through February, New Zealand offers longer days, warmer weather, and lush scenery — perfect for active explorations and outdoor experiences.
Queenstown and its surrounds should be great for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. It is where you can go for jet boating, white-water rafting, mountain biking through rugged trails, or bungy jumping. You can even wind down in style at the end of the day with a stay at the newly-opened Roki Collection, a property that brings sophistication to one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Balance the adrenaline with a side trip to Milford Sound, often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” Whether by scenic flight, cruise, or kayak, the experience of gliding beneath sheer granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of a kind.
Kenya: Wild escape
You never thought you would close out the year in wild luxury — in a place where untamed landscapes meet refined comfort, and every moment stretches you out of the everyday. That’s Kenya.
Kenya has long been a bucket-list safari destination. There are two famed lodges to check out in the Masai Mara, namely Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and Bataleur Camp.
Its newest addition, Suyian Lodge in Kenya’s undiscovered northwest, offers an entirely different perspective. Set on a 44,000-acre private conservancy, it promises exclusivity and scenic diversity, with wildlife encounters, from elephants and wild dogs to the elusive black panther. The lodge only feaures a handful of suites, each designed with private plunge pools and sweeping views.
Japan: Urban energy and culinary passion
Only a few places are able to balance high-octane city life and serene tradition as seamlessly as Japan, thus making it a standout for year-end escapes.
Osaka is a city that pulses with urban energy and culinary passion. From Michelin-starred dining to sizzling street food, Osaka is “Japan’s kitchen.” One of the good places to stay while there, the new Waldorf Astoria Osaka, offers an opulent base, blending timeless elegance with contemporary Japanese design — a sanctuary of sophistication in the heart of one of Japan’s most dynamic cities.
You can choose to pair that food trip to Osaka with a restorative side trip to Kyoto, a city of timeless charm, from golden temples to quiet riverside lanes. Here, Roku Kyoto. It is a combination of natural hot springs, private villas, and meditative gardens that invite a slower rhythm—the perfect counterpoint to Osaka’s urban thrill.
Bhutan: Serenity and spirituality
Known for its Gross National Happiness philosophy, Bhutan remains to be the ultimate destination for mindful travel — a place where spirituality, culture, and nature converge in ways that transform traveler perspectives.
Travel brand And Beyond's Punakha River Lodge offers an immersive stay along the riverbanks, where rafting, hiking, and cultural encounters flow seamlessly with wellness rituals and sustainability at the core. A bucket list destination that blends spirituality, adventure, and untouched beauty.
Four special places to visit for your holiday vacation — from seemingly familiar countries with “other sides to discover to totally new places to consider for a leisurely visit — start planning that yearend trip and experience what life has to offer.