Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.

Saudi Arabia, China’s Lijiang and Yunnan, and… Central Asia? Could these be the next big holiday destinations for 2025?

This week on The Usual Place, Straits Times Life travel journalist Sarah Stanley and co-founder of The Travel Intern Hendric Tay share why they think these lesser-known spots might see more tourists this year.

Drawing from industry conversations and their own observations, “new adventures in lesser-known spots” seem to be the 2025 motto of Singaporean travellers. Social media, Hendric explains, has nudged people to step out of their comfort zones. But, he cautions, “they also need to make the right preparations for it.”

In this episode, the talk of travel dives into whether sustainable travel is just a gimmick for charging more and why solo travel continues to be a big draw for young adventurers.

The discussion also goes into the complexities of group travel, whether with friends or colleagues. The trio share anecdotes and tips on how to manage different travel styles and priorities. For example, setting ground rules and finding compromises can help keep a trip drama-free.

Sarah reflects on her experience travelling with colleagues as an air stewardess, noting how being accommodating of others has shaped her travel habits (It’s not always a bad thing, she explains.) Hendric recommends activity-based trips for first-time travel companions as a great way to understand each other’s preferences.

With all the talk about exploring new places and making new memories, Natasha wanted to know which country these seasoned travellers would visit over and over again? Watch till the end to find out their picks.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:35 The Outdoorsy Person vs. Outsidey Person: being in the right camp

11:47 Is green, sustainable travel just a buzzword?

19:38 What’s a good country to do solo travel?

22:44 Listen to the locals to avoid being stabbed

34:55 Should you travel with your colleagues?

Host: Natasha Zachariah ([email protected])

Read Natasha's articles: https://str.sg/iSXm

Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav

Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/v6DN

Filmed by: Studio+65

Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh

Executive producers: Ernest Luis

Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/5nfm

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/9ijX

Spotify: https://str.sg/cd2P

YouTube: https://str.sg/wEr7u

Feedback to: [email protected]

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

#tup #tuptr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.