Turkey has been one of the main draws for British holidaymakers since the mid-1990s as an attractive holiday alternative to the likes of Spain or Greece.
For decades Brits have been drawn by Turkey’s hot weather, exotic culture, affordable flights and a chance to explore the picturesque coasts of Antalya or the winding streets of Istanbul.
However, the transcontinental country’s battle with inflation has meant foreign visitors are getting less bang for their buck. World Data research outlines that in the last five years alone, inflation statistics have increased by 310%, making the once cheap location far less attractive for many.
More holidaymakers seem to be swapping their fortnight-long Turkish resort breaks for longer-term stays and permanent relocations.
Experts at John Mason International, who help relocate over 10,000 Brits every year, have identified three destinations they expect to grow massively in 2025.
Based on internal data, these destinations are quickly emerging as new havens for Brits to start a new chapter or just explore a new part of the world.
Simon Hood, John Mason International’s Executive Director, credits Turkey’s inflation and shifting attitudes toward travel to the rise of these growing destinations.
India
John Mason International movers has reported a 118% surge in short to long-term relocations to India during 2023-2024. According to recent data, around 617,000 British holidaymakers visit the most populous country on earth every year.
Hailed for its many wonders, including the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, the country’s dazzling blend of history and mind-bending architecture makes the destination a no-brainer for lovers of sights and culture.
“India is set to be a major economic powerhouse in the coming years,” explained Mr Hood. “Multinational companies from all over the globe are clamouring to get involved – cities like Mumbai and New Delhi are quickly emerging as regional financial centres, with jobs opening left and right.”
South Africa
South Africa has also seen a massive jump in popularity from 2023 to 2024. John Mason International has seen a 98% increase in relocations during this period.
Home to exotic wildlife and numerous nature safaris just outside Johannesburg and Cape Town, the daring landscapes draw thousands of UK nationals each year. It is no surprise, therefore, that Time Out named Cape Town the second-best city to visit last year.
Besides its captivating natural scenery, South Africa remains an incredibly popular destination in part due to how affordable it is to live there. Data from Intergate Immigration puts monthly rents in South Africa at 65.3% lower than in the United Kingdom.
Prices from Skyscanner list flights to Cape Town for as little as £652 for the summer of 2025.
Oman
Oman may not be known as a prime holiday destination, but John Mason International has seen a 277% increase in its popularity over the past 18 months.
Tucked away beneath Saudi Arabia, the Middle Eastern country is home to over 5 million people, including the cultural centre of Muscat. This has led to the country being ranked as one of the safest in the world, according to Arabian Daily.
“Several moves by the Omani government has made moving there an attractive prospect,” said Mr Hood. “In 2022, the government scrapped age limits for expatriates working in the Kingdom, opening up the possibility for older Brits looking to permanently move abroad.”
“Brits are evidently becoming more adventurous, since the 1980s we’ve traditionally moved or holidayed on Turkish and local Mediterranean coasts.
“But clearly a shift is happening, more and more Brits are seeking far flung adventures beyond Europe. Countries like Oman, India, and South Africa are rapidly growing and actively encouraging tourists to visit, and professionals to move – it’s really no wonder we’re seeing these stats at John Mason International.”
