As 2024 draws to a close, the Holiday Hamster team are taking a moment to look back on the incredible places we’ve all explored this year and share the exciting destinations we plan to visit in 2025. From sun-soaked beaches to bustling cities and magical family adventures, here’s a look at where we’ve been and where we’re heading next!
Hayley & Martin
2024 was an unforgettable travel year for us both as a family. In July, we enjoyed a three-week holiday to Florida to celebrate our son Jake’s GCSE success. Two magical weeks at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning surroundings, were followed by a stay at Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort, where the Express Pass made park visits a breeze. Beyond the parks, highlights included swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove, visiting the Kennedy Space Center on the Apollo 11 anniversary, and shopping at Orlando’s outlets.
In August, we took Hayley’s parent’s parents on their first cruise to Norway. The stunning fjords and charming towns left us in awe, and her parents fell in love with cruising—they’re already planning their next trip! Finally, I [Hayley] ended the year with a girls’ trip, to Gran Canaria —the perfect combination of a week of sunshine, cocktails, and great company!
For 2025, our plans are still taking shape, but a city break early in the year is likely. We’re also looking to return to Florida, with a week in Orlando plus a 4-night Disney cruise! My girls’ trip is already booked, and we’ll be heading back to Fuerteventura, staying at the accessible and welcoming Alua Suites, which perfectly meets my needs as a wheelchair user.
Lydia
2024 has been a fabulous year of travel for me! To celebrate my birthday, I visited Amsterdam for the first time. It’s such a gorgeous city, from strolling along the canals to finding hidden gems in the Jordaan district, it was a super special trip. My Summer was spent in France with my boyfriend, where we enjoyed fresh bread, cheeses, and stunning wines from local vineyards, it was the perfect escape. To end my 2024 travels, I treated myself to a solo trip to Barcelona, where I made the most of the last of the summer sunshine. Visiting Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces like La Sagrada Família and spending a relaxing morning wandering through Park Güell.
Next year, I’ve already booked a girls’ trip to the stunning island of Kos, where we’ll enjoy some gorgeous Greek food and explore its beaches. I have also booked a family holiday to the South of France. And, of course, I’ll squeeze in a few city breaks throughout the year—there are still so many places I want to explore!
Sarah
This year has been a whirlwind of travel. I escaped to my first girls’ getaway to Dubai in March after having my daughters. The trip was an excellent chance to spend time with friends and enjoy some much-needed relaxation! In May, I switched gears and enjoyed a family UK break at Center Parcs. It was a perfect mix of adventure and family time, with plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained. We finished the year with a family holiday to Gran Canaria in September. The island’s golden beaches and warm climate made it perfect to create wonderful memories together.
Looking at 2025, our travel plans are shaping up to be just as exciting. We’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland to explore its beautiful landscapes, a sun-soaked getaway to Greece, and an adventure to the bright lights of Los Angeles. It’s going to be a year full of new destinations and experiences!
Steph
This year, I’ve had some incredible experiences and made unforgettable memories! Earlier in the year, I returned to Qatar, a place that holds a special place in my heart, with my family to reconnect with an old friend. Having lived and worked there years ago, seeing how much the country has evolved was incredible. It was especially meaningful to share this experience with my daughter, showing her where I once lived and giving her a glimpse into a vibrant new culture. In September, I celebrated my birthday with a weekend in Krakow, where we visited the breathtaking Salt Mines and enjoyed the city’s stunning architecture. I’ll be ending the year in the sun with a New Year’s trip to Cape Verde, and I can’t wait to chill out with a cocktail and ring in 2025 on the beach!
Next year, I’m planning a very magical trip to Disneyland Paris with my eight-year-old daughter. I know she’s going to love every second of it, and I’m just as excited to see the magic through her eyes! I’m already brainstorming some more adventures to share with our clients, and I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes us all!
Sinead
Whilst new to the travel industry, I made sure to make my mark with some great experiences this year. My summer holiday to Tenerife was definitely the highlight of my year. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline-pumping activities like jet skiing, a sunset quad tour, Siam Park and relaxing tanning days sat by the pool with a cocktail in hand!. The island’s beauty left me wanting to revisit and the experiences were unforgettable. In addition to my big summer holiday, I made the most of my weekends with short breaks to Hull, Manchester, and York. Each city had its own charm and memories made there, from the vibrant nightlife of Manchester to the historic streets of York.
For 2025, I have my eye on Greece, a destination I’ve dreamed of visiting. Rhodes is at the top of my list, and I can’t wait to taste the local food, explore its stunning old town, and relax on its beaches. I’m excited to cross off another country and add more to the list!
Megan
This July, I had the pleasure of fulfilling a lifelong dream by traveling to Paris with my mum and a close friend. The trip was magical as we explored the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Pont des Arts, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. Each site was even more amazing in person than I could have imagined, and it was so special to share these moments with my loved ones. While we managed to pack a lot in, Paris has so much more to offer, and I’m already planning my next visit. On my list for next time are the Musée de Montmartre, the Tour Eiffel, and the Musée d’Orsay—I can’t wait to explore more!
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to be returning to Paris, but this time with a magical twist—a December trip to Disneyland Paris. I can already imagine how enchanting it will be to experience the park during the festive season, with Christmas lights and decorations adding an extra sparkle. I also hope to enjoy a sunny escape to Benidorm next Summer, where I can relax, unwind, and soak up the Spanish sunshine!
From exploring iconic cities to relaxing on sandy beaches and discovering new cultures, 2024 has been a year full of unforgettable travel adventures for our team. As we gear up for 2025, we’re excited to embark on new journeys and create even more incredible memories. We hope our stories inspire your own travel plans for the year ahead.
Where will your adventures take you in 2025? See you next year!
