As 2025 draws to a close, it is time to look back at a year when travel came roaring back in style – and Stray Nomad was there to follow every take-off, sail‑away and grand opening. From the launch of Four Seasons Yachts’ 2027 Mediterranean season, with 33 new ultra‑luxury voyages and over 40 fresh destinations, to cruise lines expanding deeply immersive seasons across Australia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and beyond, the blog has tracked how “slow luxury” and longer, more experiential itineraries are reshaping the way we explore.
Cruise lovers have had plenty to dream about this year, with detailed coverage of new warm-weather programs, grand voyages and small-ship deployments from lines such as Holland America Line, Silversea, Azamara and more – spanning everything from extended South Pacific journeys and Kimberley expeditions to Caribbean and Central America seasons designed for destination-focused travel. On land, there has also been a strong focus on unique stays and seasonal concepts, like Sri Lanka’s “Emerald Season”, and the rise of nature-rich escapes for 2025 and beyond.
This was also a big year on the road (and at sea) personally. Highlights included a Thailand escape filled with rooftop bars, markets and resort time, a return to Italy’s cities and coastlines, and a classic Mediterranean cruise on MSC Orchestra – revisiting favourite ports, testing the onboard experience and sharing honest impressions from ship to shore. 2025 also marked a personal milestone on the blog: a powerful, first-hand account of travelling to Hanoi and Halong Bay by wheelchair, showing how accessibility and adventure really can coexist and inspiring travellers of all abilities to keep exploring. How” you travel matters as much as “where” you go.
In the skies, Stray Nomad has followed major aviation moves that matter to Australian travellers, including new long-haul routes into the country and premium cabin upgrades, highlighted most recently by the debut of Emirates’ first long-range Airbus A350 in Adelaide – bringing a next-generation cabin experience and increased capacity between South Australia and Dubai.
Readers have voted with their clicks and comments this year. Among the most popular posts by pageviews and engagement were deep dives into future cruise seasons and luxury trends, airline and route news that affects Australian travellers (from new long-haul services to premium cabin refreshes), and practical guides on emerging destinations tagged as “ones to watch” for 2025 and 2026.
Social engagement was especially strong on stories about welcoming cities, next-gen ships and aircraft, and anything that combined good value with a touch of indulgence – proof that smart luxury is here to stay.
To everyone who has read, shared, subscribed and sent messages this year – thank you for being part of the Stray Nomad community. Here is to more routes, more sailings, more hotel keys and more stories in 2026; may your next adventure be just a booking, boarding pass or embarkation card away.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with rest, laughter, and moments that truly matter, whether you are travelling somewhere new or enjoying the comfort of home. May 2026 bring you good health, fresh adventures, and plenty of inspiration for the journeys ahead.
This blog will be taking a short festive break, and new stories, guides, and updates will resume on 19 January 2026. Until then, have a wonderful holiday season and a bright start to the new year – see you back here next year!
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