Travel holds an unparalleled capacity to connect us, ignite our imaginations, and even reshape our perspectives. Standing at the precipice of a roaring waterfall in Newfoundland or gazing up at the jagged peaks of the Italian Dolomites reminds us of the sheer wonder our planet holds. Yet, as much as travel should be a positive force, recent times have shown us its potential to strain and even damage the very places we cherish. Many popular destinations are now implementing new measures to address the negative impacts of overtourism.
As tourism rebounds beyond pre-pandemic levels in many regions, and as climate change and extreme weather events underscore the fragility of many iconic travel destinations, the essence of thoughtful travel lies in choosing journeys that contribute to a greater good.
From traversing otherworldly landscapes in Bolivia reminiscent of the moon to experiencing Arctic glamping in Greenland, your next remarkable adventure awaits.
1. Dominica
Imagine swimming alongside majestic sperm whales in their natural habitat. Dominica now offers this extraordinary opportunity in an ethical and sustainable manner, reflecting the Caribbean island’s deep 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 these resident giants. Limited permits for whale swims ensure respectful and intimate encounters, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience to share the ocean with these incredible creatures while supporting vital research and creating sustainable tourism opportunities for local communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dominica is enhancing its infrastructure to provide a smoother welcome to travelers. Digital immigration forms will streamline arrivals, and a new cable-car system will transport visitors from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest thermal springs. Access to this natural paradise has never been easier. In addition to existing American Airlines flights from Miami, United Airlines is launching direct flights from Newark starting February 15th. Several new hotels are set to open in 2025, adding nearly 500 rooms and increasing inventory by 25%, including the luxurious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa in Salisbury. For a proven eco-conscious choice, consider Secret Bay, a luxury eco-property consistently recognized for its sustainability efforts.
Dominica is also the base for Project CETI, a groundbreaking international initiative led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber, aiming to decode whale language, clicks, and codas using advanced technology. Beyond marine life, Dominica invites exploration of hidden gorges, towering waterfalls, and unique culinary experiences at farm-to-table eateries like Lacou. Dominica is more than just a destination; it’s a movement towards a thriving model of eco-tourism that harmonizes biodiversity conservation with economic prosperity, ensuring your adventure contributes to protecting this natural haven for future generations.
2. Naoshima, Japan
Home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow, polka-dotted Pumpkin sculpture, the Japanese island of Naoshima has transformed into a pilgrimage site for contemporary art and architecture enthusiasts. Once primarily known for its heavily polluting copper smelting industry, the island’s remarkable metamorphosis is thanks to Benesse Art Site Naoshima. This initiative has cultivated major museums and site-specific artworks within the stunning Seto Inland Sea, an area facing significant population decline, located between Japan’s main islands of Honshu and Shikoku.
Spring 2025 will witness the opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by the acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, who is also behind nine other significant projects on the island. This new museum, dedicated to showcasing works by Asian artists, will be a centerpiece of this year’s Setouchi Triennale. This art festival will feature events and art installations spread across 17 islands and coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea. Stretching over 100 days and segmented into spring, summer, and autumn to allow visitors to appreciate the region in different seasons, this edition is the largest Triennale since its inception in 2010. The festival and the ongoing projects of Benesse Art Site Naoshima have been pivotal in revitalizing not just Naoshima, but also neighboring islands like Teshima and Inujima.
Plan ahead to visit the Teshima Art Museum, a unique fusion of art, architecture, and nature designed by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa. On Inujima, be prepared to be amazed by the remnants of a historic copper refinery, reimagined as a monumental art installation. For memorable stays, consider Roka, a contemporary ryokan on Naoshima, or the elegantly minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
Italy, a perennial favorite, scarcely needs further promotion, especially in a year when its famously overtouristed capital, Rome, anticipates even larger crowds due to the 2025 Jubilee. However, if Italy remains on your list of destinations to travel to in 2025, consider a detour north to the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains.
For Italians, the dramatically beautiful Dolomites are synonymous with family holidays and luxury escapes. The imposing sawtooth limestone cliffs stretch across the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. They annually attract Italian vacationers in large numbers, drawn by their charming villages, world-class skiing (“white week”), exceptional hiking, and hearty Alpine cuisine. This classic Italian playground often remains undiscovered by international visitors, but this is about to change.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is set to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics. Preparations throughout 2025 will bring significant infrastructure upgrades across the region, creating an exciting pre-Olympic atmosphere. Visitors can look forward to expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, with towns like Alta Badia and Val Gardena launching modernized lifts and improved public transport links within the area. New and upgraded cable cars, lifts, and gondolas will also be introduced throughout the region’s towns.
The Dolomites are captivating in every season. Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal for enjoying trails like the new Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), a 170km, seven-day trail inaugurated in 2024, connecting remote villages between the Veneto and Trentino regions. For ultimate relaxation, the luxurious Aman Rosa Alpina hotel will celebrate its grand reopening in 2025, now offering 51 guest rooms and suites, including two presidential suites and the private Chalet Zeno. Visit soon, before the Olympic crowds arrive.
4. Greenland
There is truly no place on Earth quite like Greenland. Spanning over two million square kilometers, the world’s largest island is home to fewer than 57,000 people. Characterized by a massive ice cap and dramatic mountains, its pristine wilderness and majestic fjords offer adventures of a lifetime.
Greenland offers stunning hiking and captivating whale watching in the summer, and traditional dog sledding and the magical aurora borealis in winter, making it a bucket-list destination. However, its remoteness, high costs, and lengthy travel times have historically made it challenging to reach – until now.
The opening of a new international airport in the capital city of Nuuk, with two more airports to follow in 2026, is making Greenland more accessible than ever before. The country is welcoming mindful adventure travelers who appreciate exploration while respecting its incredible nature and unique Inuit culture. Greenland has adopted a “pledge towards better tourism” and implemented a new law to direct tourism revenue towards benefiting local communities.
Nuuk, a modern town with a historic waterfront, informative museums, and impressive art galleries, serves as a launchpad for hiking, fishing, and glamping trips, and a gateway to exploring this remarkable Arctic territory. Further north in Ilulissat, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking icebergs of Disko Bay and the dramatic, UNESCO-recognized Icefjord. In the south, a region once settled by Vikings, discover picturesque fjords and scenic green hills dotted with sheep farms.
5. Wales
Though only one-sixth the size of England and less frequented than its more famous UK neighbors, Wales is replete with stunning national parks, magnificent medieval castles, and a refreshing lack of crowds – enhancing its allure. The new year provides travelers with an additional reason to explore one of Europe’s rising destinations: Wales is celebrating 2025 as the Year of Croeso (“Welcome”). This year-long event will showcase Welsh culture, language, and attractions, inviting visitors to “Feel the hwyl” – a unique Welsh word describing a profound joy derived from being fully immersed in the moment.
In recent years, Wales has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable, culturally rich travel. Tourism plays a vital role in the resurgence of the Welsh language, and the nation is engaged in a multi-year £5 billion program utilizing tourism funds to enhance the environmental sustainability of various destinations. As part of its Year of Croeso, Wales is investing in mobility bikes to enable more adventure-seekers to explore its wild landscapes. Moreover, Wales is home to the Wales Coast Path, the world’s only hiking path that spans the entire length of a country’s coastline.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Labrador, the mainland part of Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada, is a vast, rugged region celebrated for its windswept coastal villages, towering icebergs, subarctic forests, and massive waterfalls – all underpinned by over 9,000 years of human history. In 2025, the completion of the final stage of the 1,200km Trans-Labrador Highway – a monumental project spanning nearly 25 years and costing $1 billion – transforms this remote 294,330 sq km landscape into a more accessible destination.
The new circular route, known as Expedition 51, connects Labrador with five Canadian provinces, offering detours into the US and even France via St Pierre and Miquelon. To promote sustainable tourism and celebrate the cultural heritage of this formerly isolated northern region, the Canadian government has invested $180 million into 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 unveil a new interactive boardwalk and visitor center. L’Anse aux Meadows, home to the first Norse settlement in North America, is enhancing its ecological protections and upgrading visitor facilities. Gros Morne National Park will introduce new interpretive exhibits highlighting the park’s dramatic geology, wildlife, and landscapes.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US
Tucson is poised for significant celebrations in 2025. This year marks the 10th anniversary of its designation as the first US city to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and the 250th anniversary of the city’s founding. Originally part of Mexico, Tucson will commemorate its unique multi-national history and the deep-rooted Native American cultures that define it, with a free event on August 23rd at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, featuring traditional Mexican music and dance. Throughout the year, visitors can explore Tucson’s miles of desert hiking trails and historic buildings, such as the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac, known as the “White Dove of the Desert.” This dedication to preservation is why the city is set to receive a Sustainability Index Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) this year.
While the mission’s history is impressive, the adjacent gardens reveal an even more profound history: they represent the oldest continuously cultivated soil in the US. Four thousand years ago, the Tohono O’odham’s ancestors farmed squashes, beans, and corn on this land. Over centuries, blending with Mexican and other Indigenous flavors, many of these ancient herbs and crops remain staples in kitchens across the city. Diners can immerse themselves in Tucson’s distinctive food scene at one of its City of Gastronomy-certified restaurants or Heirloom Farmers Markets, which regularly feature unique local ingredients like chiltepin chilis, nopales (edible cacti), and prickly pear.
8. Western Australia
Known as the world’s most isolated big city, Perth, and the state of Western Australia (WA), have long been overshadowed by the east coast cities of Melbourne and Sydney. However, with Australia’s only direct flights to Europe, Perth is establishing itself as Australia’s western gateway and a global aviation hub. A $5 billion redevelopment of Perth Airport is set to enhance the travel experience, and new connections to Asia are positioning WA as a must-visit destination in 2025.
But it’s not just about accessibility; it’s about the unparalleled experiences that await. Beyond the revitalized city of Perth and its beautiful Swan Valley Wine Region, WA’s vast landscapes encompass over 2.5 million sq km, including 12,500km of pristine coastline, bubblegum-pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, towering karri forests, wildflowers, wineries, and wildlife encounters like swimming with whale sharks and taking selfies with quokkas, the “happiest animal in the world.” Sustainability-minded road trippers can explore it all on the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.
WA is also championing its rich cultural heritage through the A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, supporting authentic Indigenous-led experiences and Indigenous business development. Learn about the oldest living cultures on Earth on a truth-telling walking tour in Rockingham or a 4WD tag-along coast foraging tour with a bush barbecue in Broome.
Add ancient petroglyphs at Murujuga National Park (under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2025), new disability-friendly infrastructure on the stunning Houtman Abrolhos Islands, boutique hotels in Fremantle, and tiny dream stays in the Great Southern, and WA is poised to redefine travel to Australia this year.
9. Sri Lanka
From its misty hilltop tea plantations and roaming wild elephants to ancient temples and rolling surf, Sri Lanka is a country that offers something for every traveler. Following economic challenges, Sri Lanka is focusing on tourism to rebuild its fortunes.
The city of Kandy will see the opening of its first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, while Aarunya Nature Resort has a new family villa featuring an oculus for stargazing. A $1 billion megaresort is opening in Colombo, and Sri Lanka’s new airline, Air Ceilão, will launch flights to Europe and Australia. The nation has also launched the Good Travel Seal initiative, recognizing local businesses committed to sustainable practices.
Visitors seeking respite from the heat can enjoy a legendary train ride into its mountainous interior or explore Colombo and Galle to discover a new generation of mixologists innovating with arrack, a 5th-century spirit. The island has also opened the 300km Pekoe Trail, guiding hikers through tea plantations and rural villages in the Central Highlands. For broader exploration, an innovative startup allows travelers to self-drive a tuk-tuk across the island, with proceeds directly benefiting local owners.
10. Panama
After managing the Panama Canal for decades, the US transferred control to Panama at the end of 1999. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Panama’s sovereignty over this vital waterway. A series of new permanent exhibits at the landmark’s Museo del Canal, highlighting its path to Panamanian rule, are particularly relevant.
However, Panama offers much more than just the canal, including vast jungles, idyllic islands, and mountainous forests. In 2024, the Meaningful Travel Map to Panama, in partnership with Tourism Cares, launched to facilitate visitors in finding locally led travel experiences across the country. After a Localinpty walking tour through Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods, travel southwest to the La Pintada district, where artisans hand-weave traditional Panama hats, a UNESCO-recognized practice known as sombrero pintao. In El Valle de Anton, named one of the best community tourism villages by UN Tourism in 2024, hike the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail through a lush cloud forest, where, on clear days, both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are visible from the summit. This recently opened trail is part of Panama’s ongoing 1,000 km of Trails project, aiming to boost sustainable tourism in rural communities and showcase Panama’s incredible biodiversity.
11. Rif Mountains, Morocco
Snow-capped mountains, sweeping deserts, ancient cities, and rich cultural heritage have long made Morocco a top destination in North Africa. The Al Haouz earthquake of September 2023 significantly impacted tourism in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. As Morocco rebuilds its tourism infrastructure in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the nation aims to double tourist arrivals in the next five years.
Venture beyond the usual tourist routes with a road trip through the Rif Mountains in Morocco’s less-visited northern region. The planned 2025-2027 expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network will include a new line from Rabat to Fez, the ancient 1,300-year-old walled Rif Mountain city, a UNESCO World Heritage medina, and a host city for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. From Fez, a short drive north leads to Moulay Idriss, an ancient hilltop village once forbidden to non-Muslims. Continue through olive and almond groves and mountain villages to Ouezzane, a center of Sufism, then north to Talassemtane National Park for hiking through cedar forests, climbing rugged peaks, and swimming in natural pools. Further north, discover Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl,” famous for its blue-painted buildings. Finally, explore Morocco’s northern coast, relaxing in Mediterranean fishing villages like El Jebha and Tetouan with its white-washed Spanish colonial architecture.
12. Bradford, England
The northern English city of Bradford is set to emerge from the shadow of its Yorkshire neighbor, Leeds, as it becomes the 2025 UK City of Culture. A year-long program of events includes the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum and innovative celebrations of local cultural icons. Highlights include over 400 works by Bradford-born artist David Hockney housed in a UNESCO World Heritage 1850s mill, new digital interpretations of the Brontë sisters’ fantasy world, and a musical program blending electronic bassline symphonies, old factory folk music, brass bands, and South Asian sounds.
The diversity of offerings reflects the city’s varied character. Historic enclaves like Little Germany, with its 19th-century neoclassical warehouses, contrast with dramatic moors hosting an extraordinary open-air immersive sound walk and sculpture trail. Bradford’s residents, representing diverse backgrounds and a young population, contribute to its vibrant energy.
Bradford’s historic streets and rugged landscapes earned it the title of Britain’s first UNESCO City of Film, a setting for screen hits like Peaky Blinders and The Railway Children. This year also features an interactive cookbook project celebrating recipes from local communities, demonstrating that in 2025, Bradford is a destination to satisfy all tastes.
13. Jordan
Jordan, home to breathtaking desert landscapes and the ancient capital of Petra, consistently inspires awe. It is quietly establishing itself as the Middle East’s premier destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Despite regional conflicts impacting tourism, Jordan is considered relatively safe for travel by international authorities.
In 2023, the Wadi Rum Trail, a stunning 10-day, 120km hiking path, opened, winding through the iconic rust-red desert of Wadi Rum, featured in films like Star Wars and Dune. Traditionally explored by 4×4 tours, this community tourism project promotes sustainable travel, protecting the desert’s delicate ecosystem and the cultural heritage of the local Bedouin community.
Jordan boasts 33 protected land and marine ecosystems. At the Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the world’s lowest nature reserve, visitors can spot the Nubian ibex while canyoning through a sandstone gorge to a waterfall. 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 vibrant coral reefs supporting over 500 fish species and a growing diving scene.
14. Haa Valley, Bhutan
Once largely isolated, Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas, began welcoming foreigners in 1974. It has since become a global leader in sustainability, being the world’s first carbon-negative nation, with over 60% of its land protected forest, and measuring Gross National Happiness instead of GDP.
The Haa Valley, a pristine forested region bordering Tibet, has long been Bhutan’s best-kept secret, culturally distinct and untouched by mass tourism. It was the last district to open to foreigners in 2002, and remains visited by less than 2% of international travelers, despite its proximity to Paro International Airport. Now emerging, it balances preservation with thoughtful development to attract more visitors.
Travelers can explore Haa’s natural beauty via the restored 400km Trans Bhutan Trail, the newly added 11km Haa Panorama Trail, and the two-day Joy Bay Tsho Trek.
Haa’s commitment to sustainable tourism features locally run homestays and hotels, offering insights into centuries-old rural life. New low-impact accommodations include the community-run Katsho Eco Camp and the luxury Sangwa Camp. Here, visitors can experience local culture, like Bon rituals, and unique experiences such as breakfast in Bhutan’s only strict nature reserve, a biodiversity hotspot.
With Bhutan’s Sustainable Daily Fee halved through 2027, this secluded paradise is more accessible while remaining committed to low-impact tourism.
15. Hawaii, US
Over a year after devastating wildfires impacted Maui, Hawaii is experiencing a significant downturn in visitors. As communities rebuild, they are welcoming travelers to return responsibly.
The Mālama Hawaii program encourages responsible tourism. Mālama, meaning “to protect” or “give back,” is a Hawaiian value emphasizing stewardship and respect for the environment. The program connects travelers with over 350 volunteer opportunities, from restoring native forests to assisting Maui families and preserving habitats. In return, travelers receive discounted or free stays at numerous hotels and resorts across the islands, including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, featured in The White Lotus.
16. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has a young population, with over 60% under 30. A new generation is shaping the nation, blending tradition with modernity and investing in tourism with new hotels, train routes, domestic flights, and cultural attractions to boost its economy, engage its youth, and attract more visitors.
Uzbekistan will host its first major international event, the Bukhara Biennial, in September 2025. Other cultural developments include an expansion of the State Museum of Arts designed by Tadao Ando and the restoration of the Palace of Prince Romanov.
As of May 2024, citizens from over 90 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, can visit Uzbekistan visa-free. The president aims to create a Global Green Tourism Startup Lab, linking green economy commitments with tourism. Cross-border travel has also become easier with the new Silk Road railway tour, connecting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
17. Haida Gwaii, Canada
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, offers breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection to nature, culture, and history. Isolated from the mainland, these ecologically rich islands are home to over 6,800 species and have sustained the Haida People for at least 15,000 years.
Haida Gwaii is a standout destination in 2025 due to the groundbreaking Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement. This legislation recognizes the Council of the Haida Nation as the territory’s governing body, revitalizing Haida culture and strengthening 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. Upon arrival, guests learn about Haida Laws, including Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid (“everything depends on everything else”), emphasizing shared responsibility for Earth’s care.
18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua
Nicaragua, Central America’s largest country, is home to rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and Granada, a UNESCO-enshrined city celebrating its 500th anniversary. It remains one of the least visited countries in the region, but this is set to change with the new Carretera Costanera.
The $400 million, 350km-long Carretera Costanera highway will link 53 beaches along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, from the Gulf of Fonseca to Playa El Naranjo.
Set to be completed in 2025, this infrastructure project will improve access from Managua to the Emerald Coast, known for world-class surf hubs like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo. More importantly, the Costanera aims to revitalize Nicaragua’s economy, with tourism playing a key role in its growth.
After surfing at a local surf camp and staying in a rainforest treehouse, visit the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor at the highway’s southern tip, where thousands of turtles lay eggs between September and October.
19. Isle of Man
Despite being surrounded by the UK, the Isle of Man is a self-governing island not part of the Commonwealth. Ruled by the world’s oldest continuous parliament, the Tynwald, it is committed to preserving its unique character and developing sustainable tourism.
Rich in ancient historical sites like Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen, the island of 85,000 residents is also forward-thinking. In 2016, it was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere for its environmental preservation and cultural heritage. This year, explore native bird species at the new Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre National Reserve. 2025 also marks the 175th anniversary of Okell’s Brewery, with tasting tours throughout the year.
Explore the island on foot to appreciate its unique character. Hikers will find diverse landscapes, from English fields to Irish hills and Welsh coastlines, and Scottish Highland-esque peaks at Snaefell mountain. On a clear day, the summit offers views of each country in the UK and Ireland.
20. Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region
Pakistan, despite being highly populated, remains a hidden gem for travelers. With responsible tourism initiatives and sustainable efforts, the country hopes to attract eco-conscious visitors to its northern regions, home to five of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including K2.
Salam Pakistan, the country’s first national tourism brand launched in 2023, simplifies e-visa applications and bookings, including mountaineering and trekking visas. Pakistan offers unmatched adrenaline opportunities, but it’s also more than just mountains.
Gilgit-Baltistan, dubbed “heaven’s gate,” is filled with lush valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Explore Hunza Valley’s cherry blossoms and apricot orchards, the UNESCO-listed Deosai plains, and Shangri-La-esque lakes. The Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border will be operational year-round starting in 2025.
21. Azores
Located in the mid-Atlantic, approximately 1,500km west of Lisbon, the nine-island Portuguese archipelago of the Azores is one of Europe’s most remote destinations. Known for hot springs, jewel-colored lakes, and lava tubes, the Azores boast dramatic black-sand beaches and whale-watching opportunities. Now, they can add Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary to their list of accolades.
In October 2024, the Azores designated a Marine Protected Area extending 287,000 sq km, safeguarding deep-sea corals, sharks, and 28 whale and dolphin species. This benefits travelers interested in whale watching and sustainable marine research.
Near Ponta Delgada, Furnas Valley features active volcanoes. Enjoy hot springs, botanical gardens, and Terra Nostra Park. The Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, dating back to 1775, is a green retreat offering 24-hour access to enhanced thermal pools starting in January 2025. Try cozido das Furnas, a local stew cooked underground using volcanic heat, and sample purple volcanic tea at Chalet da Tia Mercês or visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation.
22. Kansas City, Missouri, US
Kansas City, Missouri, is rebranding itself as a top cultural destination in 2025. Known as “Paris of the Plains,” it is promoting its arts scene and barbeque culture while launching urban revitalization plans with new museums, entertainment districts, and hotels.
The Museum of BBQ, the world’s first museum dedicated to smoked meat, is set to open at Crown Center in spring 2025. The Berkley Riverfront will see new dining, shops, and apartments.
Kansas City International Airport completed renovations in 2023, and upgrades to the KC Streetcar, with a 3.5-mile extension, will improve access to destinations like Union Hill and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The Rock Island Bridge will reopen in spring 2025 as a new entertainment district over a river.
23. Bolivia
Bolivia is celebrating its bicentennial in August 2025 with year-long events across its nine regions. Even if you’ve visited the Uyuni salt flats and La Paz, Bolivia is worth revisiting in 2025.
Visit from February 24th to March 5th for the Oruro Carnival, a UNESCO Heritage event featuring folk dances. In Potosí, try a bicentennial singani, Bolivia’s national spirit.
Bolivia has the largest proportion of Indigenous people in South America. Chuquisaca (Sucre), Bolivia’s prettiest city, is home to many Quechua peoples. Visit the Museo de Arte Indígena to see ancient textiles. The Aymara people of Isla del Sol welcome visitors to hike its moonlike terrain. A new community-based tourism network brings opportunities to remote communities, such as the Chalalan Ecolodge in Madidi National Park, home to diverse wildlife.
24. Botswana
Botswana is recognized as Africa’s leader in green safari tourism due to its wildlife reserves and low-impact ecotourism policies. As Botswana recovers from the pandemic and welcomes a new government, its tourism sector is set to grow in 2025, with increased demand for sustainable and immersive travel. Botswana now offers visa-free entry to visitors from 104 countries, making it easier to explore Chobe National Park, the “Elephant Capital of the World,” and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta.
The Okavango Delta will see new openings, including the solar-powered Mbamba Camp in April 2025 and Monachira Camp in May 2025, offering walking safaris and canoe rides.
Starting in April 2025, new Air Botswana routes will connect Gaborone to Cape Town, enhancing access to Botswana’s nature.
25. Oslo, Norway
“Is it even a city?” a viral ad for Oslo, Norway, questioned, highlighting its walkability, dining, and access to fjords and landscapes, contrasting it with overtouristed capitals. Known for modern architecture and sustainability, Oslo attracts visitors who appreciate its commitment to being one of the world’s most sustainable cities.
Visitors are encouraged to follow Visit Oslo Responsibly guidelines and the Green Oslo Guide. Hotels in the city center often feature green roofs.
Support local businesses like the Norwegian Adventure Company, offering sustainable experiences like fjord kayaking and Northern Lights tours. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants like Michelin-starred Maaemo. Discover Oslo in 2025 and decide for yourself if it’s “even a city.”
