What is a successful year if it is not defined by the depth of its journeys? As we look back on 2025, it is clear that every meaningful travel is measured not just in kilometres covered, but in the perspectives realised, the sights seen, and the transformative experiences undergone. From the rhythmic pulse of slow travel to the quiet luxury of rejuvenation, we’ve scoured the globe for the truly exceptional. Here at The Grid Asia, we present our definitive Editors’ Pick of the pinnacle of journeys for 2025.
Tastes of Tomorrow: A Culinary Journey That Moves You
When discussing the absolute pinnacle of travel this year, one experience stands in a league of its own. It is a journey of the senses that expertly blends the art of slow travel with world-class gastronomy. We are, of course, talking about the Eastern & Oriental Express.
There is something inherently romantic about moving through the lush, green-filled landscapes of Malaysia while tucked away in a wood-panelled carriage. Traversing the legendary Jungle Railway and stopping to absorb the cultural density of Penang and Ipoh, this journey is a whole culturally immersive experience.
But the journey doesn’t stop at just travelling physically. In fact, with the “Tastes of Tomorrow”, you get to experience a culinary odyssey. With a creative menu curated by the legendary Chef Andre Chiang, every bite reflects the terroir passing by your window. It’s a sophisticated tribute to the region, making it a culinary journey that quite literally moves you.
Cycling Along the Danube River
If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that slow travel is the ultimate luxury. Beyond the romance of the railway, there is also the quiet satisfaction of putting your leg muscles to use on two wheels. This year has seen a significant surge in cycling expeditions, with travellers realising just how therapeutic it is to swap a flight path for a bike path.
The Danube River remains the gold standard for this. As Europe’s second-longest and “most international” river, it spans ten different countries, offering a front-row seat to the continent’s vibrant heritage. There is a certain kind of joy in cycling a route where the scenery, the language, and the architecture evolve with every few kilometres. Whether you’re pedalling past Gothic cathedrals or through sun-drenched vineyards, it’s a cultural journey that earns its spot as one of the year’s best.
The Spring Gardens of the World
Spring. Arguably one of the most gorgeous seasons of all. The time of year where winter finally loosens its grip, making way for a flurry of vibrant blooms to flourish. It is a season tailor-made for travel; the weather is perfectly poised for wandering, allowing one to fully drink in the sights of a world in rebirth. Naturally, the ultimate way to experience this “spring magic” is through the world’s most iconic gardens. Spring gardens, that is. This year, we found ourselves enchanted by a global tour of blossoms, from the elegance of the Tuileries Garden in France to the exotic, storied charm of the Alcázar Gardens in Spain. Journeying through these botanical masterpieces is, quite simply, a journey to remember.
Summer in Japan
While most travellers flock to Japan for the cherry blossoms in spring, it would be a mistake to underestimate the fairytale charm of a Japanese summer. Seasoned travellers would know that this is the season when the country truly comes alive with cultural electricity.
To beat the heat, we looked to the refreshing waters of Okinawa’s beaches or the crisp, rejuvenating mountain air of Karuizawa and Hakone. But the real gem of a Japanese summer is the cultural soul of the season. It is a time of matsuri (festivals) — a dizzying, beautiful whirlwind of spectacular fireworks, traditional shows, and the kind of street food that dreams are made of. It is loud, colourful, and a truly unforgettable scene.
A Wellness Journey in Sweden
Sometimes, the most meaningful journey is the one that brings you back to yourself. As the year draws to a close, there is no greater luxury than taking a step back from the frantic pace of work and life to prioritise your own wellness. It is the ultimate way to unwind and recalibrate before a new chapter begins.
When it comes to the art of the spa, few places could compare to Sweden, where you can bask in the ethereal glow of the midnight sun. Here, wellness goes beyond just a luxury. It is a heritage, quietly refined through centuries of nature-centric living. From the bathhouses of Gothenburg to silent, minimalist hotels immersed in the Arctic wilderness, Scandinavian spas are a place of ultimate reflection and rejuvenation. It is a journey that doesn’t just pamper the body, but also restores the soul.
From exploring the rich cultural vibrancy of Malaysia to the soulful quietude of a wellness retreat in Sweden, 2025 has made its mark with some of the most extraordinary journeys of our lives. Yet, as we close this chapter, it is not an end, but perhaps a prelude. These experiences have merely set the stage, opening the door for even more unforgettable odysseys in the years to come.
