Ask a Cathay member: what’s on your 2025 travel list – and why?

From relaxing beach breaks to adventure-filled holidays in up-and-coming travel hotspots, we asked Cathay members to tell us which destinations are at the top of their lists this year. 

“Christchurch! I am thrilled that Cathay Pacific has extended their seasonal service with the A350-1000 flying to New Zealand, rendering this southern destination much more accessible.

“I am super excited to explore the wineries, savour the local cuisine with its fresh produce, and immerse myself in the natural beauty and wonderful weather that South Island has to offer. And I look forward to embarking on a road trip to Queenstown to embrace the full Kiwi experience.”

“My wife and I plan to visit Cebu in the Philippines. Our last trip was to Tokyo with our son, who is 18 months old. It was such a thrilling and vibrant trip. The food, culture and buzz of the city was unlike anything I've encountered before. We loved it, but it was quite tiring with a young child.

“We're looking to slow things down, be pampered at a nice resort and kick back on a beach. We've been to the Philippines before, and they know what they're doing when it comes to resorts. We normally like to be adventurous on our trips, but there's always space in the calendar for a week of deck chairs and lazy cocktails by the sea. It's nice to have a balance.”

“Easy answer: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“There has been a lot of talk about Saudi lately and the fact that Cathay Pacific has just opened a direct flight route means that it’s top of my list to visit in 2025. I’ve been to Saudi before, but knowing that there is an easier way to get there now means that there are more opportunities to explore Riyadh and the rest of the Kingdom. Saudi, as a country, is growing extremely fast with its Vision 2030 project. I want to explore more of Riyadh and its neighbouring cities like Alula – untouched and beautiful.

“I want to be part of the noise and the chat, so I’ll say it here: Riyadh, I’m coming for you in 2025!”

“One of my dream destinations in 2025 is Sri Lanka: a laid-back destination that offers a bit of everything. I've heard great things about the beaches for swimming and I'd love to learn to surf there. You can also go from coastal areas to cooler hill regions in just a few hours, which would make for a great road trip around the island.

“Another huge draw for me would be to see elephants in the wild at Udawalawe National Park, and part of me is very curious to visit my namesake, Ella: doing some hiking, walking across the Nine Arch Bridge, and taking the scenic train journey through the tea plantations!”