For those seeking fresh travel inspiration, you might need to check out some of the destinations mentioned in this article which explores 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025.
From scaling active volcanoes in Guatemala to cruising down Australia’s mighty Murray River, National Geographic has handpicked its top 25 must-visit locations for next year.
Whether you’re seeking a remote island escape, diving into an underwater wonderland, or immersing yourself in rich cultural heritage, these destinations are guaranteed to inspire wanderlust.
Antigua, Guatemala
Why Go Now: Summit a volcano
Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets and colonial charm, offers visitors a gateway to adventure.
The nearby Volcán de Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, regularly puts on a show of spectacular eruptions.
For a truly breathtaking experience, trekkers can climb the neighboring Acatenango Volcano, which stands at 13,045 feet.
This challenging hike offers an unparalleled view of the eruptions and passes through coffee plantations and lush cloud forests.
Local outfitters like OX Expeditions, Antigua Tours, and Casa Santo Domingo provide one or two-day guided trips, making it a thrilling yet accessible excursion.
Ocala National Forest, Florida
Why Go Now: Escape to one of Florida’s last wild places
Florida may be famous for its beaches and theme parks, but the Ocala National Forest, located in the center of the state, offers a vastly different experience.
Spanning 387,000 acres, this pristine wilderness is home to manatees, black bears, and 600 lakes and natural springs.
The National Forest Foundation has recently improved facilities, adding new fishing piers and hiking trails, while conservation efforts continue to restore the forest’s longleaf pine ecosystem.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape in one of the few remaining untouched natural areas in Florida.
Bangkok, Thailand
Why Go Now: Explore a temple reborn
Bangkok is a bustling metropolis where modern skyscrapers rise alongside ancient temples.
It’s a city full of energy, art and culture, but one of the most fascinating sites lies just outside the city limits.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, stands as a testament to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Despite significant damage from flooding and monsoons, this sacred site has been restored through modern technology, including 3D laser scanning and the construction of a flood wall.
Visitors can explore the Khmer-style pagodas that symbolize Mount Sumeru, believed to be the center of the universe in Buddhist mythology.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Why Go Now: Dive into a flourishing undersea ecosystem
For divers and marine enthusiasts, Raja Ampat in Indonesia is a dream destination.
This remote archipelago is home to an astonishing 500 types of corals and more than a thousand species of fish, including manta rays, dugongs and the returning zebra sharks.
The area is so remote that it’s only accessible by ship, making it a pristine environment largely untouched by human activity.
In 2025, tour operators like Abercrombie & Kent and Aqua Expeditions are offering immersive yacht trips, while Rascal Voyages provides traditional wooden phinisi sailing charters.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Why Go Now: Revel in the sound of mariachi
The birthplace of mariachi music, Guadalajara is a must-visit for fans of this iconic Mexican sound.
Each year, the city hosts the International Mariachi and Charrería Festival, where 500 bands perform in public squares and theaters, bringing the city to life with vibrant music.
The festival also includes rodeo competitions showcasing Mexico’s national sport, charrería.
UNESCO recognizes mariachi as an intangible cultural heritage, and experiencing it firsthand in its birthplace is unforgettable.
Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy
Why Go Now: Embrace the spiritual serenity of a monastic stay
Italy’s Cenobitic monasteries offer more than just a retreat; they provide a spiritual journey.
Scattered across the country, these medieval sanctuaries offer minimalist accommodations where travelers of all beliefs are welcome.
Guests can meditate, listen to Gregorian chants, and admire Renaissance art in peaceful, natural surroundings.
Notable monasteries include La Verna, perched atop a cliff near Florence, and Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where visitors can sample wine produced by the resident monks.
Los Angeles, California
Why Go Now: Get lost in L.A.’s new art offerings
The cultural landscape of Los Angeles is evolving, with major new developments reshaping the city’s art scene.
Destination Crenshaw, a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard, is becoming a hub for Black artists, with over 100 commissioned works.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is nearing completion of its David Geffen Galleries, and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas, is set to open in 2026.
These attractions offer a fresh perspective on the artistic future of L.A.
Greenland
Why Go Now: Journey with easier access to this extraordinary island
Once an isolated and difficult-to-reach destination, Greenland is now more accessible thanks to new international flights from North America and Europe.
United Airlines will begin flights from New York to Nuuk in 2025, and Canadian North is launching summer services from Nuuk to Iqaluit.
Visitors can explore the Ilulissat Icefjord, marvel at towering icebergs, and experience Greenland’s Indigenous Inuit culture in remote villages like Kulusuk.
Kanazawa, Japan
Why Go Now: Experience classic Japan without the crowds
While many travelers flock to Kyoto, Kanazawa offers a more peaceful and authentic Japanese experience. The city is renowned for its well-preserved geisha quarter, wooden teahouses, and Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Visitors can also explore Kanazawa’s samurai district and try their hand at decorating objects with entsuke gold leaf, an ancient art form unique to the region.
Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia
Why Go Now: Ride the rails in style
The Eastern & Oriental Express, a luxury train operated by Belmond, is back in service with a new look.
This elegant train offers three-night journeys through Malaysia’s lush landscapes.
One standout route is the “Wild Malaysia” itinerary, which takes travelers to Taman Negara National Park to learn about endangered Malayan tigers and experience the beauty of the Malaysian wilderness.
Brasov, Romania
Why Go Now: Trek the Transilvanica Trail
Brasov, the gateway to Romania’s Transylvania region, offers visitors the chance to explore ancient forests and medieval villages along the newly completed Transilvanica Trail.
Spanning 870 miles, the trail passes through UNESCO World Heritage sites like Sighişoara and the Terra Saxonum region, offering a journey through centuries of history and stunning landscapes.
Cerrado, Brazil
Why Go Now: Birdwatch and track wolves in a thriving biome
The vast Cerrado savanna is a haven for wildlife, with over 850 bird species and 12,000 plant species. Conservation efforts, such as those at Pousada Trijunção, are helping to preserve this unique ecosystem. Visitors can join wildlife guides to track the elusive maned wolf and support sustainable tourism efforts that protect the Cerrado from industrial agriculture.
Northland, New Zealand
Why Go Now: Spot rare wildlife
New Zealand’s Northland region is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Poor Knights Marine Reserve offers some of the best diving in the country, with species like mosaic moray and spotted black groper that are found nowhere else.
On land, the Kiwi Coast project is helping to create a safe corridor for the endangered kiwi bird, allowing visitors to spot these shy creatures in their natural habitat.
Senegal
Why Go Now: Savor a culinary journey
Senegal’s cuisine is a fusion of Wolof, French, and West African influences, and Dakar is the perfect place to experience it.
Take a street food tour or cooking class to sample local delicacies like ceebu jën (a fish, rice, and vegetable dish) and soupe kanja (gumbo).
In Senegal, food is often shared communally, reflecting the nation’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Why Go Now: Observe Haida traditions in a new location
Haida Gwaii, a remote archipelago off British Columbia, is home to the Haida Nation, whose cultural traditions are deeply intertwined with the land.
The Ocean House eco-lodge has recently relocated to Graham Island, where visitors can explore Naikoon Provincial Park, observe humpback whales, and learn about Haida art and traditions from local artists.
Barbados
Why Go Now: Encounter a new perspective on the slave trade’s history
In 2025, Barbados will open the Barbados Heritage District, an ambitious project designed to shine a light on the island’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Designed by British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye, the district will include a memorial with 570 timber poles representing the enslaved Africans buried at the site. It will also have a research institute focused on the history of slavery in the Americas.
Suru Valley, India
Why Go Now: Scale the world’s next big climbing destination
The Suru Valley in India’s Ladakh region is emerging as a new hotspot for rock climbers.
With its granite boulders and towering peaks, it offers challenges for climbers of all skill levels.
The Suru Outdoor Fest, held each August, attracts climbers from around the world for yoga, live music and bouldering competitions in the heart of the Himalayas.
Boise, Idaho
Why Go Now: Party with the Basques
Boise, Idaho, home to one of the largest Basque populations in the U.S., will host the Jaialdi festival in 2025.
This weeklong celebration includes street parties, traditional dances and Basque sports competitions.
Visitors can also explore the Basque Block, where restaurants like Bar Gernika serve authentic pintxos (Basque tapas).
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Why Go Now: Relish the city’s incredible new museums
Abu Dhabi is cementing its place as a cultural destination with the opening of two new museums in 2025, the Zayed National Museum and the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The Zayed National Museum will showcase the UAE’s history and culture, while the Guggenheim will house an extensive collection of contemporary art from the Middle East and beyond.
Murray River, Australia
Why Go Now: Cruise through the agrarian heart of Australia
Australia’s longest river, the Murray, winds through farmland and vineyards, offering a peaceful alternative to Australia’s famous coastal attractions.
The PS Australian Star, a historic paddle steamer, will begin offering multiday cruises in 2025.
It will take travellers through lush landscapes with stops for riverside barbecues, wine tastings and wildlife spotting.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Why Go Now: See the Big Five in a new safari spot
While Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most famous safari destination, KwaZulu-Natal’s Babanango Game Reserve is quickly gaining recognition as a travel destination.
The reserve’s ongoing rewilding project has reintroduced elephants, lions and rhinoceroses to the area, making it an exciting new safari destination.
Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Why Go Now: Island-hop to hike this extensive new trail
Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago, composed of more than 24,000 islands, has long been a popular spot for kayakers and boaters.
In 2025, the new 168-mile Stockholm Archipelago Trail will open, offering hikers a chance to explore 21 islands.
The trail connects traditional inns and guesthouses, many of which were once frequented by famous Swedes like actress Greta Garbo.
Cork, Ireland
Why Go Now: Immerse yourself in an emerging urban renaissance
Ireland’s second-largest city, Cork, is undergoing a cultural renaissance, thanks to a €500 million redevelopment of its docklands.
In 2025, the biennial Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival will return, featuring music, art, and conversations across the city.
Cork’s historic pubs, galleries and markets make it an ideal destination for culture lovers.
Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Why Go Now: Uncover the real stars of Scotland
The Outer Hebrides, Scotland’s remote chain of islands, are stepping into the spotlight thanks to a new BBC Gaelic-language drama set to air in 2025.
The islands offer visitors a chance to hike the 156-mile Hebridean Way which passes through remote landscapes of beaches, moors and mountains.
The islands are also home to the Hebridean Celtic Festival, a celebration of Gaelic culture held each July.
Tunisia
Why Go Now: Delve into a treasure trove of Roman ruins
Tunisia is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, with Dougga being the crown jewel.
This 2,000-year-old town features a forum, temples and an amphitheater that once seated 3,500 spectators.
Tunisia’s role in Roman history is often overshadowed by its beaches, but in 2025 more travelers are expected to discover its ancient past.
The Year to Explore
From the cultural hubs of Europe to the remote corners of the planet, 2025 is set to be an incredible year for travel.
Whether you’re diving with manta rays in Indonesia, trekking through Romania’s forests or experiencing the rebirth of Bangkok’s temples, these 25 destinations promise adventures that will leave lasting memories. – National Geographic