Simon Calder reveals the best ways to celebrate New Year's 2026 in the skies

In 2025, travelers are encouraged to explore unique destinations before they become mainstream. The travel industry, although slower to evolve, sees a rise in interest for places like Tbilisi, Georgia. Tbilisi boasts a landscape complemented by the Kura River and a rich tapestry of architectural styles, including medieval, Art Nouveau, and Soviet-era designs. Also featured is the charming Greek island of Poros, which benefits from its lack of a major airport, maintaining its allure for serene getaways. New flight options and easier access to places like Tbilisi mark the beginning of a travel season expected to gain momentum from March onwards. This enables tourists to engage with the culture and history in relatively uncrowded environments, just before mass tourism potentially alters the experience. Another noteworthy mention is the Fenix museum in Rotterdam, which will delve into migration through art. Despite the chaotic politics in Georgia, with protests occasionally erupting, air travel to this region remains affordable, often lower than typical flights for such distances. Such dynamics help promote Tbilisi as an emerging city break choice, alongside Ohrid, North Macedonia, which attracts bargain seekers with its description as a budget-friendly Lake Como. The travel sector looks to take advantage of newly accessible locations, placing focus on Tbilisi and its surroundings, ensuring that these destinations are highlighted well before they are inundated by tourist foot traffic. Additionally, without a significant infrastructure report for places like Heligoland and other hidden gems, it becomes clear that not all destinations will experience the same growth. While Spain continues to dominate as the top overseas destination for British travelers, there remains a growing interest in lesser-known locales. The emphasis for 2025 lies in uncovering such locations early and enjoying their nuances before the potential influx of tourists.