Travel has an unparalleled ability to connect us, spark inspiration, and even transform our perspectives. The sheer wonder of witnessing a powerful waterfall in Newfoundland or gazing at the majestic Dolomites in Italy reminds us of the Earth’s breathtaking beauty. However, recent times have highlighted that travel’s impact isn’t always positive. Overtourism is straining beloved destinations, leading to new regulations aimed at mitigating its harmful effects.
As global tourism surges past pre-pandemic levels, and the increasing impact of extreme weather and climate change threatens many iconic destinations, choosing to travel thoughtfully becomes paramount. Consider how your journey can contribute to a greater purpose.
From exploring surreal landscapes in Bolivia to experiencing Arctic glamping in Greenland, your next extraordinary adventure awaits.
Bubblegum pink lake in Western Australia, a unique and cool place to visit in 2025.
1. Dominica: Ethical Whale Encounters and Caribbean Charm
Dream of swimming alongside sperm whales in a responsible way? Dominica is making it a reality. This Caribbean gem is pioneering marine conservation and regenerative tourism, recently establishing the world’s first sperm whale reserve. This protected marine area safeguards these gentle giants, offering limited, ethical whale swim permits for unforgettable encounters. This initiative supports crucial research and creates sustainable tourism opportunities for local communities.
2025 brings enhanced infrastructure to Dominica, including digital immigration forms for smoother arrivals and a cable car system from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest thermal springs. Access is easier than ever with new United Airlines direct flights from Newark starting February 15th, joining existing American Airlines flights from Miami. Nearly 500 new hotel rooms are opening, a 25% increase, including the luxurious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa in Salisbury and the consistently top-rated eco-luxury Secret Bay.
Dominica is also the base for Project CETI, a groundbreaking project led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber, aiming to decode whale language using AI. Beyond whale encounters, discover hidden gorges, cascading waterfalls, and savor local flavors at farm-to-table restaurants like Lacou. Dominica is not just a destination; it’s a movement, championing eco-tourism that balances biodiversity with economic growth, ensuring your adventure contributes to protecting this natural paradise for future generations.
2. Naoshima, Japan: Art Island Awakening in the Seto Inland Sea
Naoshima Island in Japan, home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture, has transformed into a haven for contemporary art and architecture enthusiasts. Once known for copper smelting pollution, Naoshima’s rebirth is thanks to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has curated world-class museums and site-specific art installations within the stunning Seto Inland Sea. This area, nestled between Honshu and Shikoku, is a cool place experiencing a cultural and artistic revival amidst population decline.
Spring 2025 marks the opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by award-winning architect Tadao Ando, adding to his nine existing projects on the island. This museum, showcasing Asian artists, will be a highlight of the Setouchi Triennale. This art festival spans 100 days across spring, summer, and autumn, featuring artwork unveilings across 17 islands and coastal areas. The Triennale, since its 2010 inception, has revitalized Naoshima and neighboring islands Teshima and Inujima.
Book ahead to experience the Teshima Art Museum, a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa. On Inujima, explore a reimagined historic copper refinery transformed into an epic art installation. For accommodation, consider Roka, a modern ryokan on Naoshima, or the minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima.
3. The Dolomites, Italy: Alpine Majesty Beyond the Crowds
Italy, a perennial favorite, is always a draw, but in 2025, with Rome anticipating Jubilee crowds, consider venturing north to the Dolomites. These mountains offer a cool alternative Italian experience.
For Italians, the Dolomites embody family fun and luxury holidays. The dramatic sawtooth limestone cliffs stretch across Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. They attract Italians for charming villages, world-class skiing (“white week”), incredible hikes, and hearty Alpine cuisine. Often overlooked by international visitors, this classic Italian playground is poised for greater recognition.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, with preparations ramping up throughout 2025. Expect infrastructure improvements across the region, including expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, with modernized lifts and enhanced public transport connections in Alta Badia and Val Gardena. New cable cars, lifts, and gondolas will also be introduced.
The Dolomites are stunning year-round. Spring, summer, and autumn offer excellent trails, including the new 170km Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), connecting remote villages between Veneto and Trentino. For luxury relaxation, the Aman Rosa Alpina hotel reopens in 2025 with expanded rooms and suites. Visit now before the Olympic crowds arrive.
4. Greenland: Arctic Adventure Made Accessible
Greenland, unlike anywhere else on Earth, is a truly cool and unique place to travel to. This vast island, the world’s largest, boasts a small population and unspoiled wilderness. Its ice cap, majestic mountains, and stunning fjords offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Greenland offers incredible summer hiking and whale watching, and winter dog sledding and aurora viewing. Historically remote, expensive, and difficult to reach, Greenland is becoming more accessible.
The opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital, with two more airports following in 2026, simplifies travel to Greenland. The country welcomes mindful adventurers who appreciate its nature and Inuit culture. Greenland has adopted a “better tourism” pledge and a new law directs tourism funds to benefit local communities.
Nuuk, a modern town with a historic waterfront, museums, and art galleries, serves as a base for hiking, fishing, and glamping. Further north, Ilulissat offers breathtaking icebergs in Disko Bay and the UNESCO-recognized Icefjord. Southern Greenland, once settled by Vikings, features fjords and green hills with sheep farms.
5. Wales: A Year of Welcome and Welsh Culture
Wales, smaller than England and less crowded than other UK destinations, offers stunning national parks, medieval castles, and a unique cultural experience. 2025 is the “Year of Croeso” (“Welcome”) in Wales, making it a cool time to visit. This year-long celebration showcases Welsh culture, language, and attractions, inviting visitors to “Feel the hwyl,” a Welsh word for deep, in-the-moment joy.
Wales is committed to sustainable and culturally focused travel. Tourism supports the revival of 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 promote exploration. Wales is also home to the Wales Coast Path, the world’s only path tracing a country’s entire coastline.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Highway to the North
Labrador, mainland Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada, is a vast, rugged region with coastal villages, icebergs, subarctic forests, and waterfalls steeped in 9,000 years of history. 2025 marks the completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway, a 1,200km route 25 years and $1 billion in the making, making this remote area more accessible and a cool place to explore.
The new circular route (Expedition 51) connects Labrador to five Canadian provinces, with detours to the US and even France (via St Pierre and Miquelon). To promote sustainable tourism and celebrate local heritage, Canada has invested $180 million in Parks Canada sites in Western Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2025, Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO site and former Basque whaling station, will debut a boardwalk and visitor center. L’Anse aux Meadows, the first Norse settlement in North America, is enhancing ecological protections and visitor facilities. Gros Morne National Park will introduce exhibits highlighting its geology, wildlife, and landscapes.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US: Gastronomic Delights and Desert History
Tucson, Arizona, celebrates in 2025. It’s the 10th anniversary of becoming the first US UNESCO City of Gastronomy and the 250th anniversary of its founding. Originally part of Mexico, Tucson will celebrate its multinational history and Native American cultures with a free event on August 23rd at Presidio San Agustin del Tucson. Explore desert hiking trails and historic buildings like the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac. Tucson is set to receive a Sustainability Index Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS). It’s a cool place with a rich history and culinary scene.
Nearby gardens reveal the oldest continuously cultivated soil in the US, farmed 4,000 years ago by Tohono O’odham ancestors. Ancient herbs and crops remain staples in Tucson’s cuisine. Immerse yourself in the food scene at city-of-gastronomy-certified restaurants or Heirloom Farmers Markets, featuring local ingredients like chiltepin chilis and nopales.
8. Western Australia: Australia’s Western Gateway Opens Up
Perth, Western Australia (WA), known as the world’s most isolated big city, and the state itself, have long been overshadowed by Australia’s east coast. However, with Australia’s only direct flights to Europe, Perth is becoming Australia’s western gateway and a global aviation hub. A $5 billion Perth Airport redevelopment enhances the travel experience, and new connections to Asia position WA as a must-visit destination in 2025. This region offers a cool and diverse Australian experience.
Beyond Perth and the Swan Valley Wine Region, WA’s vast landscapes cover 2.5 million sq km, with 12,500km of coastline, pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, karri forests, wildflowers, and wildlife encounters like whale shark swims and quokka selfies. Explore sustainably on the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.
WA champions its cultural heritage through the A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, supporting Indigenous-led experiences and businesses. Learn about ancient cultures on a Rockingham walking tour or a Broome coast foraging tour. Visit ancient petroglyphs at Murujuga National Park (UNESCO consideration in 2025), explore the Houtman Abrolhos Islands with new disability-friendly infrastructure, and enjoy boutique hotels in Fremantle and unique stays in the Great Southern. WA is redefining Australian travel.
9. Sri Lanka: Resilient Island Rebirth
Sri Lanka, with its tea plantations, wild elephants, ancient temples, and surf, offers diverse attractions. Despite past economic challenges, Sri Lanka is rebuilding through tourism. It’s a cool and culturally rich place to support in 2025.
Kandy will see its first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, and Aarunya Nature Resort has a new stargazing family villa. A $1 billion mega-resort is opening in Colombo, and Sri Lanka’s new airline, Air Ceilão, will fly to Europe and Australia. The nation also launched the Good Travel Seal initiative, recognizing sustainable businesses.
Experience a legendary train ride into the mountains, or explore Colombo and Galle’s evolving cocktail scene with arrack, a 5th-century drink. Hike the 300km Pekoe Trail through tea plantations and villages in the Central Highlands. For independent exploration, rent a self-drive tuk-tuk, with proceeds going directly to the owner.
10. Panama: Canal Anniversary and Biodiversity Hotspot
Panama marks the 25th anniversary of Panamanian control over the Panama Canal in 2025. New exhibits at the Museo del Canal highlight this historic transition. Beyond the canal, Panama offers jungles, islands, and forests. It’s a cool place with history and nature.
The Meaningful Travel Map to Panama, launched with Tourism Cares, makes it easier to find local travel experiences. Explore Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods on a Localinpty walking tour. In La Pintada, discover UNESCO-recognized sombrero pintao hat weaving. Hike the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail in El Valle de Anton, named a UN Tourism Best Tourism Village in 2024, part of Panama’s 1,000 km of Trails project, boosting sustainable tourism and showcasing Panama’s biodiversity.
11. Rif Mountains, Morocco: Northern Morocco’s Undiscovered Beauty
Morocco, with its mountains, deserts, ancient cities, and culture, is a popular North African destination. After the 2023 earthquake, Morocco is rebuilding tourism infrastructure for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, aiming to double tourist arrivals. Escape the crowds and explore the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, a cool and less-visited region.
The planned High-Speed Rail (HSR) network expansion (2025-2027) will include a Rabat to Fez line. Fez, a 1,300-year-old walled Rif Mountain city with a UNESCO medina, will host Africa Cup of Nations 2025 games. From Fez, Moulay Idriss, an ancient hilltop village, is a short drive north. Visit Ouezzane, a Sufism center, and Talassemtane National Park for cedar forests, peaks, and swimming holes. Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” with blue buildings, is further north. Explore Mediterranean fishing villages like El Jebha and Tetouan along Morocco’s northern coast.
12. Bradford, England: UK City of Culture 2025
Bradford, in northern England, steps into the spotlight as the 2025 UK City of Culture, shedding the shadow of Leeds. A year-long program includes the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum and celebrations of local cultural icons. Bradford offers a cool and culturally vibrant experience in 2025.
Events showcase Bradford-born artist David Hockney, the Brontë sisters, and a diverse musical program. Bradford’s diversity is reflected in its historic enclaves like Little Germany and dramatic moors hosting an immersive sound walk. Local residents, a quarter under 20, bring youthful energy.
Bradford, a UNESCO City of Film, has served as a setting for Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack, and The Railway Children. In 2025, an interactive cookbook project celebrates recipes from local communities, showcasing Bradford as a destination for all tastes.
13. Jordan: Middle East Adventure Hub
Jordan, home to desert landscapes and Petra, the ancient Nabataean capital, evokes wonder. It’s emerging as the Middle East’s adventure destination. Despite regional tensions, Jordan remains a relatively safe and cool place for adventure travel.
In 2023, the Wadi Rum Trail, a 120km hiking path, opened, traversing Wadi Rum’s iconic landscapes, featured in Star Wars and Dune. This community tourism project promotes sustainable travel and protects the desert ecosystem and Bedouin culture.
Jordan has 33 protected land and marine ecosystems. Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the world’s lowest nature reserve, offers canyoning and waterfall hikes. Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest, is home to diverse bird and mammal species. The Aqaba Marine Reserve, added to the IUCN Green List in 2025, features coral reefs and diving.
14. Haa Valley, Bhutan: Himalayan Seclusion and Sustainable Tourism
Bhutan, once isolated, is a sustainability leader. It’s the world’s first carbon-negative nation, with protected forests and a focus on Gross National Happiness. The Haa Valley, a pristine district bordering Tibet, has been Bhutan’s best-kept secret, culturally distinct and untouched by mass tourism. It’s a cool and secluded place for sustainable travel.
Once the last district to open to foreigners in 2002, Haa Valley is emerging, balancing preservation with development. Explore its beauty via the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, the new Haa Panorama Trail, and the Joy Bay Tsho Trek.
Haa’s sustainable tourism includes local homestays and low-impact accommodations like Katsho Eco Camp and Sangwa Camp. Experience Bon rituals and unique experiences like breakfast in Bhutan’s lone strict nature reserve. With Bhutan’s Sustainable Daily Fee halved through 2027, this paradise is more accessible while maintaining low-impact tourism.
15. Hawaii, US: Responsible Return and Island Rejuvenation
Hawaii, recovering from devastating Maui wildfires, is experiencing a visitor downturn. As communities rebuild, they welcome responsible travelers through the Mālama Hawaii program. It’s a cool place to support and experience responsibly.
Mālama Hawaii (“to protect”) offers over 350 volunteer opportunities, from forest restoration to supporting 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 (The White Lotus filming location).
16. Uzbekistan: Youthful Energy and Silk Road Revival
Uzbekistan has a young population, with over 60% under 30. A new generation is shaping the country, investing in tourism with new hotels, trains, flights, and cultural attractions. Uzbekistan is a cool and culturally rich place experiencing a modern revival.
Uzbekistan is launching its first major international biennial, the Bukhara Biennial, in September 2025. 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 visit Uzbekistan visa-free. The president aims to create a Global Green Tourism Startup Lab. Border crossing is easier, and the Silk Road railway tour connects Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
17. Haida Gwaii, Canada: Indigenous Culture and Nature’s Embrace
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off British Columbia, offers nature, culture, and history. Isolated, ecologically rich islands are home to diverse species and the Haida People for 15,000 years. It’s a cool and culturally significant place to experience in 2025.
The Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement recognizes the Council of the Haida Nation as the territory’s governing body, revitalizing Haida culture and environmental stewardship. Explore Haida villages like SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO site, and encounter unique wildlife. Guests learn Haida Laws, including Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid (“everything depends on everything else”), emphasizing Earth care.
18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua: Surfing and Coastal Highways
Nicaragua, Central America’s largest country, with rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and Granada, a UNESCO city celebrating its 500th anniversary, is less visited. This may change with the new Carretera Costanera highway, linking 53 beaches along the Pacific Coast. Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast is a cool and up-and-coming travel destination.
The $400 million, 350km highway, set to complete in 2025, improves access from Managua to surf hubs San Juan del Sur and Popoyo along the Emerald Coast. The Costanera aims to boost Nicaragua’s economy through tourism. Learn to surf at local surf camps, stay in rainforest treehouses, and visit Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor to see nesting turtles.
19. Isle of Man: Ancient Isle, Modern Sustainability
The Isle of Man, surrounded by the UK but not part of it, is self-governing with the world’s oldest continuous parliament, Tynwald. It’s committed to preserving its character and sustainable tourism. The Isle of Man is a cool and unique island travel destination.
Rich in historical sites like Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen, the island is forward-thinking. A UNESCO Biosphere since 2016, it’s committed to environmental and cultural preservation. In 2025, visit the new Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre National Reserve and celebrate Okell’s Brewery’s 175th anniversary with tasting tours. Explore on foot, learning Manx Gaelic and using Manx pounds. Hike rolling fields, misty hills, and peaks like Snaefell mountain for panoramic UK and Ireland views.
20. Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region: Mountain Majesty and Responsible Tourism
Pakistan, populous yet surprising to travelers, hopes responsible tourism and sustainable efforts will attract eco-conscious visitors to its northern regions, home to five of the world’s 8,000m+ peaks, including K2. Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan is a cool and adventurous mountain travel destination.
Salam Pakistan, launched in 2023, simplifies e-visas and bookings, including mountaineering and trekking visas. Gilgit-Baltistan, “heaven’s gate,” offers lush valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Explore Hunza Valley’s cherry blossoms and apricot orchards, UNESCO-listed Deosai plains, and Shangri-La-esque lakes. Visit Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border, operational year-round from 2025.
21. Azores: Europe’s Marine Sanctuary
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, are known for hot springs, lakes, and lava tubes. They now boast Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary, a cool and nature-focused European travel destination.
The new Marine Protected Area, 287,000 sq km, safeguards deep-sea corals, sharks, and 28 whale and dolphin species. This benefits whale-watching and marine research. Furnas Valley features active volcanoes, hot springs, botanical gardens, and Terra Nostra Park. The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel offers 24-hour thermal pool access from January 2025. Sample cozido das Furnas stew and purple volcanic tea, and visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation.
22. Kansas City, Missouri, US: Cultural Rebirth and BBQ Capital
Kansas City, Missouri, is rebranding itself as a cultural destination in 2025, promoting its arts scene and BBQ status, with urban revitalization plans. Kansas City is a cool and culturally vibrant city travel destination in the US.
The Museum of BBQ, the world’s first dedicated to smoked meat, opens at Crown Center in spring 2025. The Berkley Riverfront is developing new dining, shops, and apartments. Kansas City International Airport completed renovations in 2023. The KC Streetcar extension, opening this summer, improves access to Union Hill and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Rock Island Bridge reopens in spring 2025 as a new entertainment district.
23. Bolivia: Bicentennial Celebrations and Andean Wonders
Bolivia celebrates its 200th anniversary in August 2025, with events throughout the year. Even if you’ve seen Uyuni salt flats and La Paz, Bolivia is worth visiting in 2025. It’s a cool and culturally rich travel destination celebrating a milestone year.
Visit the Oruro Carnival (February 24-March 5), a UNESCO Heritage folk-dance parade. In Potosí, try bicentennial singani. Chuquisaca (Sucre), Bolivia’s prettiest city, hosts many Quechua peoples and the Museo de Arte Indígena. The Aymara people of Isla del Sol welcome visitors. A new community-based tourism network includes Chalalan Ecolodge in Madidi National Park.
24. Botswana: Green Safari Leader
Botswana, Africa’s green safari tourism leader, with wildlife reserves and eco-tourism policies, is poised for growth in 2025. Visa-free entry for 104 countries boosts tourism. Botswana is a cool and ethical wildlife safari travel destination in Africa.
Explore Chobe National Park, the “Elephant Capital of the World,” and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta. New Okavango Delta openings include the solar-powered Mbamba Camp (April 2025) and Monachira Camp (May 2025), offering walking safaris and canoe rides. New Air Botswana routes connect Gaborone to Cape Town from April 2025.
25. Oslo, Norway: Sustainable City Escape
Oslo, Norway, known for modern architecture and sustainability, asks “Is it even a city?” in a viral ad, highlighting its walkability, dining, and access to fjords and landscapes. Oslo is a cool and sustainable city travel destination in Europe.
Oslo encourages responsible tourism through Visit Oslo Responsibly guidelines and the Green Oslo Guide. Hotels feature green roofs. Support local businesses like the Norwegian Adventure Company for sustainable experiences. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants like Michelin-starred Maaemo. Discover Oslo in 2025.
