Destination X Final – Expert reveals tips on playing the game at home

Last Updated 3 months ago

🕒 Last Updated: 28 August 2025 — Odds and information correct at time of writing. This post covers the Destination X Series 1 finale.

After weeks of twists, deception and wild guesses, BBC One’s hit reality game show Destination X reaches its thrilling conclusion tonight, and fans at home can still get in on the action.

The gripping travel mystery, hosted by Rob Brydon, sees contestants journey through Europe in a blacked-out bus, with no idea where they are. Only those who can correctly pinpoint their location survive to the next round. Now, just three contestants remain and one of them will walk away with the £100,000 prize tonight.

Last night’s emotional penultimate episode came to a tearful end as Daren, who had been a fan favourite, was eliminated after incorrectly guessing the team’s location. He placed his X in Paris, but the correct destination was Monte Carlo, costing him a place in tonight’s final.

Who Will Win Destination X?

Out of the original 13 hopefuls, the three finalists competing in tonight’s grand finale (airing at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer) are:

• Josh, 26, a pilot from Dartford
• Judith, 28, a nuclear engineer from Bristol
• Saskia, 25, a marketing executive from Birmingham

“It’s been a brilliant run — high-stakes, unpredictable, and genuinely addictive,” says Dave James, TV expert at whataretheodds.co.uk. “You’re not just watching, you’re trying to outguess the players. That’s what makes it so compelling.”

How to Play Along at Home Tonight

Fans have also been getting in on the action via the official online Destination X game, which lets viewers unlock clues, make their own location guesses, and see how they measure up. Dave has shared his top tips to boost your chances of guessing the right location from your sofa:

1. Listen for local accents — Even background voices can offer major clues. The difference between Austrian German and Belgian French is key.
2. Analyse road signs — Fonts, shapes, colours. European road signs vary more than you think. Spot one and you’ve narrowed it down.
3. Scan the skyline — Architecture is incredibly revealing. From Eastern Bloc tower blocks to Alpine chalets, buildings speak volumes.
4. Consider the terrain — Flat farmland? Forested hills? Rugged coastlines? Match the visuals with a mental map of Europe.
5. Language hints — Shop signs, menus, or graffiti can help. One well-placed umlaut or cedilla can pinpoint a country.
6. Use game clues wisely — Don’t rush. The online game gives players unique clues not seen on TV — sometimes they only make sense later.
7. Observe the weather — Is it 18°C cloudy or 33°C scorching? Climate clues are more valuable than people think.
8. Watch for local brands — Spotted a petrol station or snack brand? Google it. It could tell you the country instantly.
9. Focus on food — Seen stroopwafels? You’re likely in the Netherlands. Regional food is a goldmine of subtle clues.
10. Team up — More eyes, more ideas, fewer missed hints. It’s a game best shared.

If you enjoyed Destination X, check out our coverage of other BBC reality shows including Celebrity Race Across the World and Celebrity Traitors.