Travel holds an extraordinary power to connect us, ignite our imaginations, and even transform our perspectives. Witnessing the raw force of a waterfall in Newfoundland or gazing at the majestic peaks of the Italian Dolomites reminds us of the incredible beauty and wonder our planet holds. However, recent years have also highlighted the potential negative impacts of tourism, with destinations worldwide grappling with the challenges of overtourism. As we look ahead to 2025, the focus shifts towards a more responsible and mindful approach to exploration, seeking out destinations that not only offer unforgettable experiences but also prioritize sustainability, community support, and the preservation of cultural heritage. This guide, curated with insights from BBC Travel journalists and leading sustainable travel organizations, unveils 25 exceptional locations that are not just welcoming visitors, but actively using tourism as a force for good. From hidden gems to iconic landscapes, these Best Travel Destinations for 2025 promise enriching adventures that contribute positively to the places and people you encounter.
1. Dominica: Swim with Sperm Whales in a Marine Sanctuary – A Top Travel Destination for Eco-Tourism
Imagine swimming alongside sperm whales in their natural habitat. Dominica, a Caribbean gem, makes this dream a reality, offering an ethical and sustainable encounter as part of its pioneering commitment to marine conservation and regenerative tourism. This island nation has recently established the world’s first sperm whale reserve, a protected marine sanctuary dedicated to safeguarding its resident whale population. Limited permits for whale swims ensure intimate and respectful interactions, providing visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to share the ocean with these magnificent creatures while simultaneously supporting research and creating sustainable tourism opportunities for local communities.
Dominica is enhancing its infrastructure to welcome travelers in 2025. Digital immigration forms will streamline arrivals, and a new cable car system will transport visitors from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the planet’s largest thermal springs. Accessibility is further improved with United Airlines launching direct flights from Newark starting February 15th, complementing existing American Airlines flights from Miami. Several new hotels are also opening, including the luxurious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa in Salisbury and the acclaimed eco-luxury Secret Bay. Dominica stands out as a best travel destination for those seeking authentic eco-tourism experiences, offering a unique blend of adventure and conservation.
Dominica is also at the forefront of marine research, hosting Project CETI, a groundbreaking international initiative led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber, aimed at deciphering whale language using AI. Beyond marine encounters, Dominica boasts hidden gorges, cascading waterfalls, and unique culinary experiences like farm-to-table dining at Lacou. Choosing Dominica for your 2025 travels means supporting a burgeoning model of eco-tourism that harmonizes biodiversity conservation with economic growth, ensuring your adventure contributes to preserving this natural paradise for future generations.
2. Naoshima, Japan: Art Island Adventure – A Premier Cultural Travel Destination in 2025
Naoshima Island in Japan, home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow Pumpkin sculpture, has transformed itself into a must-visit destination for contemporary art and architecture enthusiasts. Once recognized, if at all, for its copper smelting industry, the island’s remarkable rebirth is attributed to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has spearheaded the creation of major museums and site-specific artworks within the breathtaking Seto Inland Sea. This region, nestled between Japan’s main island of Honshu and Shikoku, offers a stunning backdrop to a vibrant art scene, making Naoshima a unique best travel destination for cultural immersion.
Spring 2025 marks the opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, who is also behind nine other projects on the island. This new museum, showcasing works by Asian artists, will be a highlight of this year’s Setouchi Triennale. This art festival, spanning 100 days across spring, summer, and autumn, unfolds across 17 islands and coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea, offering the largest iteration of the Triennale since its inception in 2010. The festival and Benesse Art Site Naoshima have played a pivotal role in revitalizing Naoshima and neighboring islands like Teshima and Inujima.
Visitors should book in advance to experience the Teshima Art Museum, a unique fusion of art, architecture, and nature by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa. On Inujima, the remnants of a historic copper refinery have been reimagined as an epic art installation. For accommodation, consider Roka, a contemporary ryokan on Naoshima, or the minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima. Naoshima and its surrounding islands offer an unparalleled art island adventure, solidifying its place as a premier cultural best travel destination in 2025.
3. The Dolomites, Italy: Alpine Majesty and Olympic Buzz – An Unmissable European Travel Destination
Italy, a perennial favorite, hardly needs further introduction, especially in a year when its capital, Rome, anticipates even larger crowds due to the 2025 Jubilee. However, for those seeking an Italian escape in 2025, consider venturing north to the majestic Dolomite Mountains. These ruggedly beautiful mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a dramatic alternative to Italy’s more crowded destinations, making them a compelling best travel destination for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
For Italians, the Dolomites represent family fun and luxurious holidays. The sawtooth limestone cliffs extend across Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, attracting Italians year-round with charming villages, world-class skiing, epic hiking trails, and hearty Alpine cuisine. Often overlooked by international visitors, the Dolomites are poised to gain greater recognition.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics. Preparations throughout 2025 include significant infrastructure upgrades, creating a pre-Olympic excitement. Visitors can anticipate expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, modernized lifts in Alta Badia and Val Gardena, and enhanced public transport connections. New and upgraded cable cars and gondolas will also be introduced across the region’s towns.
The Dolomites are captivating year-round. Spring, summer, and autumn offer excellent hiking, including the new 170km Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way) trail connecting remote villages. For relaxation, the luxury Aman Rosa Alpina hotel will reopen in 2025 with expanded accommodations. Visit the Dolomites now, before the Olympic crowds arrive, and experience this unmissable European best travel destination.
4. Greenland: Arctic Wilderness and Inuit Culture – An Emerging Best Travel Destination for Adventure
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Spanning over two million square kilometers with a population of less than 57,000, this Arctic territory boasts a vast ice cap, dramatic mountains, and unspoiled wilderness. Its majestic fjords and unique Inuit culture offer adventures of a lifetime, making it a coveted best travel destination for intrepid explorers.
Greenland offers stunning hiking, captivating whale watching in summer, and traditional dog sledding and the aurora borealis in winter. Historically remote, expensive, and time-consuming to reach, Greenland is now becoming more accessible.
With the opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital, and two more planned for 2026, reaching Greenland has never been easier. The country welcomes mindful adventure travelers who appreciate its incredible nature and unique Inuit heritage. Greenland has adopted a “better tourism” pledge and new legislation directs tourism funds to benefit local communities.
Nuuk, a modern town with a historic waterfront, museums, and art galleries, serves as a gateway to hiking, fishing, and glamping trips in the Arctic territory. Further north in Ilulissat, visitors can marvel at the icebergs of Disko Bay and the UNESCO-recognized Icefjord. Southern Greenland, once settled by Vikings, features fjords and green hills dotted with sheep farms. Greenland’s increased accessibility and commitment to sustainable tourism position it as an emerging best travel destination for adventure in 2025.
5. Wales: Year of Croeso – Experience Welsh Culture in a Sustainable Travel Destination
Wales, though smaller than England and less visited than other UK destinations, is filled with stunning national parks, impressive medieval castles, and fewer crowds, enhancing its appeal. 2025 presents an even greater incentive to explore this up-and-coming European destination as Wales celebrates the Year of Croeso (“Welcome”). This year-long event showcases Welsh culture, language, and attractions, inviting visitors to “Feel the hwyl,” a Welsh word describing a profound sense of joy. Wales is a best travel destination in 2025 for those seeking cultural immersion and sustainable exploration.
In recent years, Wales has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable, culturally focused travel. Tourism plays a role in reviving the Welsh language, and a £5 billion program uses tourism funds to enhance environmental sustainability. For the Year of Croeso, Wales is investing in mobility bikes to encourage exploration of its wild landscapes. Wales is also home to the Wales Coast Path, the world’s only path encircling an entire country’s coastline.
Wales offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural richness. Explore Snowdonia National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for breathtaking scenery and hiking opportunities. Discover historic castles like Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle. Immerse yourself in Welsh culture through music, language, and local traditions. The Year of Croeso makes 2025 the perfect time to discover Wales as a best travel destination offering both cultural enrichment and sustainable tourism practices.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Explore Rugged Landscapes – A Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Destination
Labrador, the mainland part of Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada, is a vast, rugged region renowned for windswept coastal villages, towering icebergs, subarctic forests, and massive waterfalls, steeped in over 9,000 years of history. The completion of the final stage of the 1,200km Trans-Labrador Highway in 2025 transforms this remote 294,330 sq km landscape into a more accessible best travel destination for adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
The new circular route, known as Expedition 51, connects Labrador to five Canadian provinces, with detours into the US and even France via St Pierre and Miquelon. To promote sustainable tourism and celebrate the cultural heritage of this previously isolated region, the Canadian government has invested $180 million in Parks Canada sites in Western Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2025, Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Basque whaling station, will debut a new interactive boardwalk and visitor center. L’Anse aux Meadows, home to the first Norse settlement in North America, is enhancing ecological protections and upgrading visitor facilities. Gros Morne National Park will introduce new interpretive exhibits highlighting its geology, wildlife, and landscapes. Western Newfoundland and Labrador offer a unique best travel destination for those seeking raw, untouched nature and rich history, now made more accessible than ever.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US: Gastronomic Delights and Desert Hikes – A Unique US Travel Destination for 2025
Tucson, Arizona, has much to celebrate in 2025. It marks the 10th anniversary of becoming the first US city designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and the 250th anniversary of its founding. Originally part of Mexico, Tucson will commemorate its multinational history and deep-rooted Native American cultures with a free event on August 23rd featuring traditional Mexican music and dance at Presidio San Agustin del Tucson. Throughout the year, visitors can explore Tucson’s miles of desert hiking trails and historic buildings, including the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac Mission, the “White Dove of the Desert.” Tucson is a best travel destination in the US for a unique blend of culture, history, and gastronomy.
Preservation efforts, like those at San Xavier del Bac, contribute to Tucson receiving a Sustainability Index Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) this year. The mission’s gardens hold an even deeper history, representing the oldest continuously cultivated soil in the US. Four thousand years ago, ancestors of the Tohono O’odham farmed squash, beans, and corn here.
Over centuries, these ancient crops and herbs, blended with Mexican and other Indigenous flavors, remain staples in Tucson kitchens. Diners can immerse themselves in the city’s unique food scene at City of Gastronomy-certified restaurants or Heirloom Farmers Markets, featuring local ingredients like chiltepin chilis, nopales, and prickly pear. Tucson’s rich culinary heritage, combined with its desert landscapes and historical significance, makes it a compelling and unique best travel destination in 2025.
8. Western Australia: Pink Lakes and Coastal Wonders – An Iconic Australian Travel Destination to Explore
Perth, known as the world’s most isolated big city, and the state of Western Australia (WA) have long been overshadowed by Australia’s east coast cities. However, with Australia’s only direct flights to Europe, Perth is emerging as Australia’s western gateway and a global aviation hub, undergoing a $5 billion redevelopment of Perth Airport. New connections to Asia further position WA as a must-visit best travel destination in 2025.
Beyond accessibility, WA offers diverse attractions. Outside of Perth and the Swan Valley Wine Region, WA’s vast landscapes span over 2.5 million sq km, including 12,500km of pristine coastline, pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, karri forests, wildflowers, wineries, and wildlife encounters like swimming with whale sharks and quokkas. Sustainability-minded road trippers can explore via the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.
WA is also championing its cultural heritage through the A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, supporting Indigenous-led experiences and business development. Learn about the oldest living cultures on Earth on a truth-telling walking tour in Rockingham or a 4WD coast foraging tour in Broome.
Ancient petroglyphs at Murujuga National Park (UNESCO World Heritage consideration in 2025), disability-friendly infrastructure on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, boutique hotels in Fremantle, and tiny dream stays in the Great Southern further enhance WA’s appeal. Western Australia is poised to redefine Australian travel, solidifying its position as an iconic best travel destination in 2025.
9. Sri Lanka: Rebirth and Resilience – A Culturally Rich and Welcoming Travel Destination
Sri Lanka, with its misty tea plantations, wild elephants, ancient temples, and surf-friendly waves, offers a diverse appeal. Despite recent economic challenges, this resilient island nation is focusing on tourism to rebuild. Sri Lanka is a compelling best travel destination in 2025, offering a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, with a focus on sustainable recovery.
Kandy will see the opening of its first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, while Aarunya Nature Resort has a new family villa with a stargazing oculus. A $1 billion mega-resort is opening in Colombo, and Sri Lanka’s new airline, Air Ceilão, will launch flights to Europe and Australia. The nation also launched the Good Travel Seal initiative, recognizing sustainable local businesses.
Visitors seeking a “coolcation” can take a scenic train ride into the mountainous interior, or explore Colombo and Galle’s evolving cocktail scene featuring arrack, a 5th-century spirit. The island has opened the 300km Pekoe Trail for hikers through tea plantations and rural villages. For broader exploration, an innovative startup allows travelers to self-drive tuk-tuks across the island, directly benefiting local owners.
Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its diverse attractions, from cultural sites to natural landscapes, position it as a welcoming and enriching best travel destination in 2025.
10. Panama: Canal History and Biodiversity – A Central American Travel Destination with Diverse Attractions
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal. As geopolitical discussions around the canal resurface, new permanent exhibits at the Museo del Canal highlight Panama’s path to control, making this a timely moment to explore this landmark. However, Panama offers much more than the canal, including vast jungles, idyllic islands, and mountainous forests, establishing itself as a diverse best travel destination in Central America.
In 2024, the Meaningful Travel Map to Panama launched, partnering with Tourism Cares to facilitate finding locally led travel experiences. Take a Localinpty walking tour through Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods. In La Pintada, witness artisans weaving traditional Panama hats, a UNESCO-recognized practice known as sombrero pintao.
In El Valle de Anton, named a UN Tourism Best Tourism Village in 2024, hike the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail through a cloud forest with views of both the Pacific and Caribbean. This new path is part of Panama’s 1,000 km of Trails project, promoting sustainable tourism in rural communities and showcasing Panama’s biodiversity. Panama’s blend of history, culture, and nature, coupled with its focus on sustainable tourism, makes it a compelling best travel destination in 2025.
11. Rif Mountains, Morocco: Beyond Marrakech – Discover Morocco’s Hidden Gem Travel Destination
Morocco, with snowcapped mountains, deserts, ancient cities, and rich culture, is a popular North African destination. The 2023 Al Haouz earthquake impacted tourism, but as Morocco rebuilds for the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting, it aims to double tourist arrivals. Bypass the crowds and explore the Rif Mountains in Morocco’s less-visited north, a hidden gem best travel destination offering authentic cultural experiences and stunning landscapes.
The planned 2025-2027 expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network will include a link from Rabat to Fez, a 1,300-year-old walled city in the Rif Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage medina, and an Africa Cup of Nations 2025 host city. From Fez, drive north to Moulay Idriss, an ancient hilltop village, and Ouezzane, a Sufism center. Hike through cedar forests and natural swimming holes in Talassemtane National Park.
Further north, visit Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” known for its blue buildings. Explore the northern coast and Mediterranean fishing villages like El Jebha and Tetouan. The Rif Mountains region offers an authentic Moroccan experience, away from typical tourist routes, making it a unique and rewarding best travel destination in 2025.
12. Bradford, England: UK City of Culture 2025 – A Vibrant British Travel Destination to Explore
Bradford, in northern England, steps into the spotlight as the 2025 UK City of Culture, emerging from the shadow of Leeds. A year-long program of events includes the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum and celebrations of local cultural icons like artist David Hockney and the Brontë sisters. Bradford is a vibrant best travel destination in the UK for 2025, offering a diverse cultural experience and a chance to explore a city on the rise.
The program features over 400 Hockney works in a UNESCO World Heritage mill, digital interpretations of the Brontë sisters’ fantasy world, and a musical program blending electronic bass, folk music, brass bands, and South Asian sounds. This diversity reflects Bradford’s rich cultural tapestry.
Bradford’s historic Little Germany district and dramatic moors provide a unique backdrop, hosting an immersive sound walk mixing classical music with a sculpture trail. Bradford’s residents, representing diverse backgrounds and a young population, contribute to its dynamic energy. As Britain’s first UNESCO City of Film, Bradford has served as a setting for Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack, The Railway Children, and Wuthering Heights. In 2025, Bradford is a best travel destination offering a rich cultural program, historical sites, and natural beauty.
13. Jordan: Adventure in the Desert Kingdom – An Emerging Middle Eastern Travel Destination for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Jordan, home to breathtaking desert landscapes and the ancient city of Petra, evokes wonder. It is also quietly developing a reputation as the Middle East’s top destination for outdoor adventures. Jordan is an emerging best travel destination in the Middle East, offering a safe and captivating experience for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts.
In 2023, the new 120km Wadi Rum Trail opened, traversing the iconic Wadi Rum desert featured in films like Star Wars and Dune. This community tourism project promotes sustainable travel and protects the desert ecosystem while preserving Bedouin culture.
Jordan boasts 33 protected land and marine ecosystems. At Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, hike, swim, and climb through a sandstone gorge. Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest, is home to 180 bird species and 25 endangered mammal species. The Aqaba Marine Reserve, added to the IUCN Green List in January 2025, features rich coral reefs and a growing diving scene. Jordan’s diverse landscapes and adventure activities, combined with its historical significance, make it a compelling best travel destination in 2025.
14. Haa Valley, Bhutan: Sustainable Seclusion – An Exclusive and Eco-Friendly Travel Destination in the Himalayas
Bhutan, once largely isolated, has become a global leader in sustainability. It is the world’s first carbon-negative nation, with over 60% protected forest and a focus on Gross National Happiness. The Haa Valley, a pristine district bordering Tibet, has long been Bhutan’s best-kept secret, untouched by mass tourism. Haa Valley is a best travel destination for those seeking sustainable and exclusive travel experiences in a pristine Himalayan setting.
Haa Valley, the last district to open to foreigners in 2002, remains culturally distinct, with fewer than 2% of international travelers visiting. It is now balancing preservation with development, seeking more visitors while maintaining its unique character.
Travelers can explore Haa’s beauty via the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, the new Haa Panorama Trail, and the Joy Bay Tsho Trek. Haa’s sustainable tourism approach features locally run homestays and low-impact accommodations like Katsho Eco Camp and the luxury Sangwa Camp.
Visitors can experience Bon rituals and breakfast in Bhutan’s Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve. With Bhutan’s Sustainable Daily Fee halved through 2027, this once-secluded paradise is more accessible while remaining committed to low-impact tourism. Haa Valley offers an exclusive and sustainable Himalayan experience, making it a unique best travel destination in 2025.
15. Hawaii, US: Mālama Hawaii – Responsible Tourism in a Paradise Travel Destination
Over a year after devastating wildfires on Maui, Hawaii is experiencing a visitor downturn. As communities rebuild, they welcome travelers to return responsibly. Hawaii, particularly with the Mālama Hawaii program, is a best travel destination in 2025 for those seeking to support responsible tourism and contribute to the recovery of a beloved paradise.
The Mālama Hawaii program, meaning “to protect,” encourages stewardship and respect for the environment. It connects travelers with over 350 volunteer opportunities, from restoring native forests to assisting Maui families. In exchange, travelers receive discounted or free stays at hotels and resorts across the islands, including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
By participating in Mālama Hawaii, visitors can contribute to the islands’ recovery while enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty and hospitality. This initiative makes Hawaii a best travel destination for conscious travelers seeking to make a positive impact.
16. Uzbekistan: Silk Road Renaissance – A Culturally Rich Central Asian Travel Destination
Uzbekistan, with a young population, is investing in tourism to preserve traditions and attract visitors. New hotels, train routes, domestic flights, and cultural attractions are being developed. Uzbekistan is a culturally rich best travel destination in Central Asia, undergoing a tourism renaissance and offering a unique Silk Road experience.
Uzbekistan will host its first major international biennial, the Bukhara Biennial, in September 2025. Other cultural developments include an expansion of the State Museum of Arts and restoration of the Palace of Prince Romanov.
Citizens of over 90 countries can now visit Uzbekistan visa-free. The president aims to create a Global Green Tourism Startup Lab, aligning green economy initiatives with tourism. Border crossings with neighboring countries have become easier, and the new Silk Road railway tour connects Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s increasing accessibility and cultural investments make it a compelling best travel destination in 2025.
17. Haida Gwaii, Canada: Indigenous Culture and Nature – A Unique and Meaningful Travel Destination
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off British Columbia, offers breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to nature, culture, and history. Isolated and ecologically rich, the islands are home to over 6,800 species and the Haida People for at least 15,000 years. Haida Gwaii is a unique and meaningful best travel destination in 2025, offering a profound experience of Indigenous culture and pristine nature.
The groundbreaking Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement in 2025 recognizes the Council of the Haida Nation as the territory’s governing body, revitalizing Haida culture and environmental stewardship.
Visitors can explore abandoned Haida villages like SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and encounter unique wildlife like the Haida Gwaii black bear and seabirds. Guests are introduced to Haida Laws, including Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid (“everything depends on everything else”), emphasizing environmental responsibility. Haida Gwaii offers a transformative travel experience, making it a distinctive best travel destination in 2025.
18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua: Surfing and Nature – An Up-and-Coming Central American Travel Destination
Nicaragua, Central America’s largest country, boasts rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and historic Granada. It remains less visited, but this may change with the new Carretera Costanera highway. Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast is an up-and-coming best travel destination in Central America for 2025, offering surfing, nature, and cultural experiences as it becomes more accessible.
The $400 million, 350km Carretera Costanera highway, set to be completed in 2025, links 53 beaches along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, from the Gulf of Fonseca to Playa El Naranjo. This infrastructure project improves access from Managua to the Emerald Coast, known for surfing hubs like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo.
The Costanera aims to boost Nicaragua’s economy through tourism. Learn to surf at locally owned surf camps, stay in rainforest treehouses, and visit Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor to witness turtle nesting between September and October. Nicaragua’s improved infrastructure and diverse offerings position it as an emerging best travel destination in 2025.
19. Isle of Man: Ancient History and Natural Beauty – A Self-Governing Island Travel Destination in the British Isles
The Isle of Man, located in the British Isles, is a self-governing island committed to preserving its distinct character and sustainable tourism. The Isle of Man is a best travel destination in the British Isles for 2025, offering a unique blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and self-governing charm.
Rich in ancient sites like Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen, the island is forward-thinking, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere for environmental and cultural preservation. In 2025, visit the new Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre National Reserve and celebrate the 175th anniversary of Okell’s Brewery with tasting tours.
Explore the island on foot to appreciate its unique character. Participate in walking events and discover diverse landscapes, from fields to hills to coastlines, and the Scottish Highland-esque Snaefell mountain. On clear days, Snaefell summit offers views of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Isle of Man’s distinct identity and natural beauty make it a compelling best travel destination in 2025.
20. Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan Region: Mountain Majesty – An Adventurous Travel Destination for Peak Seekers
Pakistan, despite being populous, remains a surprise for travelers. Responsible tourism initiatives and sustainable efforts aim to attract eco-conscious visitors to its northern regions, home to five of the world’s tallest peaks, including K2. Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region is an adventurous best travel destination for peak seekers and nature lovers in 2025.
Salam Pakistan, Pakistan’s first national tourism brand, launched in 2023, simplifies e-visa applications and bookings. The scenic Gilgit-Baltistan region, dubbed “heaven’s gate,” boasts lush valleys, lakes, and waterfalls.
Explore Hunza Valley’s cherry blossoms and apricot orchards, UNESCO-listed Deosai plains, and Shangri-La-esque lakes. Venture to the Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border, operational year-round starting in 2025. Pakistan’s unparalleled mountain scenery and growing focus on sustainable tourism position Gilgit-Baltistan as an exceptional best travel destination in 2025.
21. Azores: Marine Sanctuary and Volcanic Wonders – A Unique European Island Travel Destination
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, are known for hot springs, lakes, and lava tubes. They boast black-sand beaches and whale-watching, and now Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary. The Azores are a unique European island best travel destination in 2025, offering marine conservation and volcanic landscapes.
The Azores’ new Marine Protected Area, approved in October 2024, covers 287,000 sq km, safeguarding deep-sea corals, sharks, and 28 whale and dolphin species. This benefits sustainable marine research and whale-watching.
Furnas Valley, near Ponta Delgada, features active volcanoes. Explore hot springs, botanical gardens, and Terra Nostra Park. The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel offers 24-hour access to enhanced thermal pools in 2025. Sample cozido das Furnas, a local stew cooked underground using volcanic heat, and purple volcanic tea at Chalet da Tia Mercês, or visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation. The Azores’ combination of marine conservation, volcanic activity, and unique culinary experiences make it a distinctive best travel destination in 2025.
22. Kansas City, Missouri, US: BBQ and Cultural Rebirth – An American Travel Destination on the Rise
Kansas City, Missouri, is rebranding itself as a top cultural destination in 2025. Known as “Paris of the Plains,” it promotes its arts scene and barbeque, launching urban revitalization with new museums, districts, and hotels. Kansas City is a rising best travel destination in the US for 2025, offering a blend of culture, cuisine, and urban renewal.
The Museum of BBQ, the world’s first dedicated to smoked meat, opens at Crown Center in spring 2025. The Berkley Riverfront will see new dining, shops, and apartments.
Kansas City International Airport completed renovations in 2023. The KC Streetcar extension, opening this summer, will improve access to destinations like Union Hill and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The Rock Island Bridge reopens in spring 2025 as a new entertainment district. Kansas City’s cultural investments and urban development make it a compelling best travel destination in 2025.
23. Bolivia: Bicentennial Celebrations and Andean Culture – A South American Travel Destination Rich in History
Bolivia celebrates its 200th anniversary in August 2025, with events throughout the year. Even if you’ve visited Uyuni salt flats and La Paz, Bolivia is worth revisiting in 2025 for its bicentennial and cultural experiences. Bolivia is a historically rich best travel destination in South America for 2025, offering cultural celebrations and unique Andean landscapes.
Visit for Oruro Carnival (February 24-March 5), a UNESCO Heritage folk-dance parade. In Potosí, sample bicentennial singani, Bolivia’s spirit, in a historic mining town.
Bolivia has South America’s largest Indigenous population. Visit Chuquisaca (Sucre), home to Quechua peoples and the Museo de Arte Indígena. Explore Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca. A new community-based tourism network includes Chalalan Ecolodge in Madidi National Park. Bolivia’s bicentennial celebrations and diverse cultural and natural attractions make it a rewarding best travel destination in 2025.
24. Botswana: Green Safari and Wildlife – An African Travel Destination for Ethical Wildlife Encounters
Botswana is recognized as Africa’s leader in green safari tourism, with expansive reserves and a focus on low-impact ecotourism. As Botswana recovers from the pandemic and welcomes a new government, its tourism sector is poised for growth in 2025, emphasizing sustainable and culturally immersive experiences. Botswana is a leading African best travel destination for ethical wildlife encounters and luxury safaris in 2025.
Botswana has granted visa-free entry to visitors from 104 countries, increasing accessibility to natural beauty like Chobe National Park and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta.
The Okavango Delta will see new openings, including the solar-powered Mbamba Camp (April 2025) and Monachira Camp (May 2025), offering walking safaris and mokoro canoe rides. New Air Botswana routes will connect Gaborone to Cape Town in April 2025, improving access. Botswana’s commitment to sustainable tourism and exceptional wildlife viewing make it a premier best travel destination in 2025.
25. Oslo, Norway: Sustainable City and Nordic Nature – A Leading Sustainable Urban Travel Destination
Oslo, Norway, promotes itself as more than just a city, emphasizing walkability, dining, and access to fjords and landscapes. Oslo is a leading sustainable urban best travel destination in 2025, offering a blend of city life and easy access to Nordic nature.
Oslo encourages responsible tourism via Visit Oslo Responsibly guidelines and the Green Oslo Guide. Hotels often feature green roofs. Support local businesses like the Norwegian Adventure Company, offering sustainable experiences like fjord kayaking and Northern Lights chasing.
Dine at farm-to-table restaurants like Michelin-starred Maaemo. Oslo’s dedication to sustainability, combined with its urban amenities and natural surroundings, makes it a compelling best travel destination in 2025.
—
If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features, videos and can’t-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week.
For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
