New research reveals Costa Rica tops the global return list—beating Italy and Japan
Three-quarters of British travellers say they’ve returned to a holiday destination more than once. But where are they most eager to revisit in 2025 and beyond? According to new analysis from luxury airport transfer specialists SCS Chauffeurs, the answer may surprise you.
After reviewing more than 8,000 online travel discussions, the Manchester Airport-based provider has identified the destinations travellers can’t stop talking about—and returning to. Costa Rica leads the pack, edging out Italy and Japan to become the world’s most desired repeat destination.
The Top 5 Countries Travellers Most Want to Return To
- Costa Rica – 895 mentions
- Italy – 859 mentions
- Japan – 858 mentions
- United Kingdom – 670 mentions
- Portugal – 604 mentions
Hadleigh Diamond, Commercial Director at SCS Chauffeurs, explains: “As chauffeurs, we hear the travel highlights fresh from the runway. Passengers often tell us which destinations they’re already planning to revisit before they’ve even unpacked their bags. Costa Rica’s rise above Italy and Japan reflects how travellers are chasing authenticity, sustainability, and unique memories.”
Whether it’s a family returning from Faro or a couple flying back into Manchester after a second trip to Tokyo, SCS Chauffeurs sees first-hand how repeat journeys are reshaping travel behaviour. For many, the holiday begins the moment they step into the car—not just when the plane takes off.
Why It Matters
- Changing habits: Long-haul destinations like Costa Rica are now rivalling European classics and Far East icons for repeat visits.
- Eco-tourism impact: Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable travel is turning first-time visitors into loyal returners.
- UK tourism resilience: Britain ranks fourth globally, ahead of Portugal and Iceland, underscoring its enduring appeal.
SCS Chauffeurs analysed more than 8,000 traveller comments and upvotes from online forums and discussion boards, tallying the number of times a country was specifically mentioned as a place people “wanted to return to.” Mentions plus upvotes created the ranking score.
For full details, visit SCS Chauffeurs.