BHUTAN KHURSHEED MISTRY CONSULTING EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER INDIA
THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN has long captured my imagination, earning a coveted spot on my travel bucket list for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, inherent spirituality and commitment to sustainability.
This scintillating Himalayan gem embodies old-world tranquillity and is renowned for its breathtaking mountains, lush valleys and serene monasteries. Not to mention, the country's commitment to Gross National Happiness ensures visitors are able to appreciate its unique way of life.
One of Bhutan's most captivating aspects is its colourful festivals, or tshechus, which showcase the country's rich heritage and spirituality. The Paro Tshechu, celebrated in spring, is particularly alluring with its mesmerising mask dances, traditional music and the grand unveiling of the sacred thangka (silk painting).
Bhutanese cuisine and local flavours also excite me I can't wait to try the national dish, ema datshi - a spicy cheese and chilli dish, alongside other delicious offerings like momos and red rice.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/0751514070.jpg]
CHRISTMAS ISLAND NICK GOODYER EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER ASIA-PACIFIC
I'M DRAWN TO REMOTE ISLANDS. What I like about them is they're always slightly quirky and decidedly different from the countries that own them.
Christmas Island (the Indian Ocean one) is chiefly famous for its annual mass migration of crabs, which makes it a hit with David Attenborough and other TV naturalists. It's also a haven for seabirds, and the guano deposits that have built up over millennia have resulted in a lucrative phosphate mining operation. The diving is spectacular, as you'd expect in pollution-free waters, and the beaches are also incredible - if a car is parked on the track, you drive on and find a deserted one. Not that there are many tourists - the island only gets about 3,000 visitors a year.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/3750279905.jpg]
KATHMANDU
TIJN KRAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, BUSINESS TRAVELLER THE NETHERLANDS
SOMETIMES I ENJOY the anticipation of a trip as much as actually travelling. One upcoming highlight is the IATA Annual General Meeting, a short but powerful meeting of airline leaders, which will be taking place in Delhi in June. I'll be keeping a close eye on the rapid development of Indian airlines. Where Europe seems to be reaching the limits of growth, the sky over India seems to be the limit - a story that screams to be written (watch this space!). And in the spirit of combining the useful with the pleasant, it will give me the opportunity to finally fly onwards to Kathmandu, Nepal hopefully my 132nd destination - to do a scenic tour of Mount Everest.
Speaking of (high)lights...!
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/2919052119.jpg]
KAZAKHSTAN YI-HWA HANNA EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER MIDDLE EAST
I LOVE EXPLORING destinations and finding hidden gems. I've been to more than 60 countries (so far!) but there are always more amazing places to discover. In 2024, Bosnia & Herzegovina was a highlight for me, but in 2025, I'd like to explore more of Central Asia. I went hiking in Kyrgyzstan's Jyrgalan Valley seven years ago and it was one of the most stunning, remote places I've ever seen. Camping in the wilderness near the Kazakh border is an experience that will stay with me forever, and now, I'd like to visit the other side of the Trans-lli Alatau mountains, in Kazakhstan.
I predict Kazakhstan will be a big destination for 2025. There's so much natural beauty in Almaty, from Kolsai Lake to the sunken 'frozen forest' at Lake Kaindy and the otherworldly Charyn Canyon National Park, that it's perfect for those looking to jump on the burnout-beating trend of escapist travel in nature. Astrotourism is another trend the region can accommodate, with stargazing enthusiasts able to get their fix at the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory, or the AssyTurgen plateau. The city has plenty for culture vultures too the second edition of the Triennale of Sound Art and New Music is due to open there in October 2025.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/1737137713.jpg]
ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND MICHAEL MÖSER EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER GERMANY
ST. MORITZ IN WINTER.
Images immediately come to mind of the elite snow polo tournament on the frozen lake, fast bobsleigh rides, expensive sports cars and thick fur coats. But for me, skiing in the Engadin is at the top of the list. The piste area is known to be one of the finest the world has to offer. Luckily for me, I received an invite from an old friend who lives in Bergell, a 45-minute drive south of St. Moritz. It's an ancient stone village where time seems to have stood still - just like the mountain villages on old black and white postcards.
Skiing days are elevated by wonderful mountain panoramas, perfect slopes and top Swiss service. When I last visited my ski buddy, we skied both sides of the valley of St. Moritz - from Piz Nair and Corviglia to the slopes of Corvatsch and the Diavolezza.
Come March, when the sun's rays unleash their gentle power, but the snow is still perfectly powdery, skiing here becomes pure enjoyment, and all business is forgotten.
GOOD-TO-KNOW
On engadin.ch there is the "Sleep + Ski" offer, where you can get a ski pass for just CHF47 per night in one of 100 Engadin hotels.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/5491719774.jpg]
CUSCO, PERU HANNAH BRANDLER DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER
IF, LIKE ME, South America is at the top of your bucket list then follow in the footsteps of Paddington's latest adventure and prioritise a trip to the Peruvian city of Cusco in 2025. The capital of the Inca empire has much to impart on 21st-century travellers - its worship of Pachamama (Mother Earth) an uplifting approach to life in today's worrisome climate.
Encircled by snowy peaks and sacred Andean lands is a ...
THE KINGDOM OF BHUTAN has long captured my imagination, earning a coveted spot on my travel bucket list for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, inherent spirituality and commitment to sustainability.
This scintillating Himalayan gem embodies old-world tranquillity and is renowned for its breathtaking mountains, lush valleys and serene monasteries. Not to mention, the country's commitment to Gross National Happiness ensures visitors are able to appreciate its unique way of life.
One of Bhutan's most captivating aspects is its colourful festivals, or tshechus, which showcase the country's rich heritage and spirituality. The Paro Tshechu, celebrated in spring, is particularly alluring with its mesmerising mask dances, traditional music and the grand unveiling of the sacred thangka (silk painting).
Bhutanese cuisine and local flavours also excite me I can't wait to try the national dish, ema datshi - a spicy cheese and chilli dish, alongside other delicious offerings like momos and red rice.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/0751514070.jpg]
CHRISTMAS ISLAND NICK GOODYER EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER ASIA-PACIFIC
I'M DRAWN TO REMOTE ISLANDS. What I like about them is they're always slightly quirky and decidedly different from the countries that own them.
Christmas Island (the Indian Ocean one) is chiefly famous for its annual mass migration of crabs, which makes it a hit with David Attenborough and other TV naturalists. It's also a haven for seabirds, and the guano deposits that have built up over millennia have resulted in a lucrative phosphate mining operation. The diving is spectacular, as you'd expect in pollution-free waters, and the beaches are also incredible - if a car is parked on the track, you drive on and find a deserted one. Not that there are many tourists - the island only gets about 3,000 visitors a year.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/3750279905.jpg]
KATHMANDU
TIJN KRAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, BUSINESS TRAVELLER THE NETHERLANDS
SOMETIMES I ENJOY the anticipation of a trip as much as actually travelling. One upcoming highlight is the IATA Annual General Meeting, a short but powerful meeting of airline leaders, which will be taking place in Delhi in June. I'll be keeping a close eye on the rapid development of Indian airlines. Where Europe seems to be reaching the limits of growth, the sky over India seems to be the limit - a story that screams to be written (watch this space!). And in the spirit of combining the useful with the pleasant, it will give me the opportunity to finally fly onwards to Kathmandu, Nepal hopefully my 132nd destination - to do a scenic tour of Mount Everest.
Speaking of (high)lights...!
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/2919052119.jpg]
KAZAKHSTAN YI-HWA HANNA EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER MIDDLE EAST
I LOVE EXPLORING destinations and finding hidden gems. I've been to more than 60 countries (so far!) but there are always more amazing places to discover. In 2024, Bosnia & Herzegovina was a highlight for me, but in 2025, I'd like to explore more of Central Asia. I went hiking in Kyrgyzstan's Jyrgalan Valley seven years ago and it was one of the most stunning, remote places I've ever seen. Camping in the wilderness near the Kazakh border is an experience that will stay with me forever, and now, I'd like to visit the other side of the Trans-lli Alatau mountains, in Kazakhstan.
I predict Kazakhstan will be a big destination for 2025. There's so much natural beauty in Almaty, from Kolsai Lake to the sunken 'frozen forest' at Lake Kaindy and the otherworldly Charyn Canyon National Park, that it's perfect for those looking to jump on the burnout-beating trend of escapist travel in nature. Astrotourism is another trend the region can accommodate, with stargazing enthusiasts able to get their fix at the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory, or the AssyTurgen plateau. The city has plenty for culture vultures too the second edition of the Triennale of Sound Art and New Music is due to open there in October 2025.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/1737137713.jpg]
ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND MICHAEL MÖSER EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER GERMANY
ST. MORITZ IN WINTER.
Images immediately come to mind of the elite snow polo tournament on the frozen lake, fast bobsleigh rides, expensive sports cars and thick fur coats. But for me, skiing in the Engadin is at the top of the list. The piste area is known to be one of the finest the world has to offer. Luckily for me, I received an invite from an old friend who lives in Bergell, a 45-minute drive south of St. Moritz. It's an ancient stone village where time seems to have stood still - just like the mountain villages on old black and white postcards.
Skiing days are elevated by wonderful mountain panoramas, perfect slopes and top Swiss service. When I last visited my ski buddy, we skied both sides of the valley of St. Moritz - from Piz Nair and Corviglia to the slopes of Corvatsch and the Diavolezza.
Come March, when the sun's rays unleash their gentle power, but the snow is still perfectly powdery, skiing here becomes pure enjoyment, and all business is forgotten.
GOOD-TO-KNOW
On engadin.ch there is the "Sleep + Ski" offer, where you can get a ski pass for just CHF47 per night in one of 100 Engadin hotels.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1450191940/1732641496/articles/_mqE1bGmC1732779187062/5491719774.jpg]
CUSCO, PERU HANNAH BRANDLER DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS TRAVELLER
IF, LIKE ME, South America is at the top of your bucket list then follow in the footsteps of Paddington's latest adventure and prioritise a trip to the Peruvian city of Cusco in 2025. The capital of the Inca empire has much to impart on 21st-century travellers - its worship of Pachamama (Mother Earth) an uplifting approach to life in today's worrisome climate.
Encircled by snowy peaks and sacred Andean lands is a ...
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Business Traveller Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, December 2024 - January 2025