Travel holds immense power – it connects us, sparks inspiration, and transforms our perspectives. Witnessing a powerful waterfall or gazing at majestic mountain peaks reminds us of the world’s wonders. However, recent years have highlighted travel’s potential downsides, with overtourism straining beloved destinations. Many places are now implementing measures to manage these negative impacts.
This inaugural guide from travels.edu.vn spotlights destinations embracing visitors while utilizing tourism to uplift local communities, safeguard the environment, and preserve cultural heritage. Compiled with insights from travel experts and organizations like the United Nations World Travel Organization and Sustainable Travel International, these 25 locations promise incredible experiences with a positive impact.
As global tourism surpasses pre-pandemic levels, and climate change underscores the fragility of iconic destinations, thoughtful travel becomes crucial. Choosing destinations where your visit contributes to a greater good enhances your journey.
From exploring otherworldly landscapes in Bolivia to experiencing Arctic glamping in Greenland, your next unforgettable adventure awaits.
Explore the Unique Pink Lakes of Western Australia, a Must-See Travel Destination
1. Dominica: Ethical Whale Encounters and Caribbean Eco-Tourism
Dream of swimming with sperm whales? Dominica offers this incredible opportunity sustainably. This Caribbean island nation, committed to marine conservation and regenerative tourism, established the world’s first sperm whale reserve. Limited, ethically-managed swim permits allow respectful encounters with these magnificent creatures, supporting research and sustainable local tourism.
2025 brings improved infrastructure to Dominica. Digital immigration forms streamline arrivals, and a cable car system will ascend from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, a massive thermal spring. Accessibility is enhanced with new United Airlines direct flights from Newark starting February 15th, joining existing American Airlines flights from Miami. Nearly 500 new hotel rooms, a 25% inventory increase, include the six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa and established eco-luxury options like Secret Bay.
Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve: A Premier Place to Travel for Marine Conservation
Dominica is also home to Project CETI, a groundbreaking initiative decoding whale language. Beyond marine life, discover hidden gorges, towering waterfalls, and local flavors at farm-to-table restaurants like Lacou. Dominica is a leading example of eco-tourism, balancing biodiversity conservation with economic growth, ensuring your adventure supports this natural haven for future generations.
2. Naoshima, Japan: Art Island in the Seto Inland Sea
Naoshima Island, Japan, home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture, is a top destination for contemporary art and architecture enthusiasts. Once known for copper smelting, its transformation is thanks to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, creating museums and site-specific art in the scenic Seto Inland Sea.
Spring 2025 welcomes the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by Tadao Ando, adding to his nine existing island projects. This museum, showcasing Asian artists, is a highlight of the Setouchi Triennale, a massive art festival across 17 Seto Inland Sea islands and coastal areas. Spanning 100 days across spring, summer, and autumn, this Triennale is the largest since its 2010 inception, revitalizing Naoshima and neighboring Teshima and Inujima islands.
Naoshima, Japan: A Top Place to Travel for Contemporary Art and Island Hopping
Visit Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa’s Teshima Art Museum, a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature. On Inujima, explore a reimagined copper refinery as a large-scale art installation. Stay at 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, faces overtourism, particularly in Rome during the 2025 Jubilee. For an Italian adventure in 2025, escape north to the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains.
Beloved by Italians for family fun and luxury holidays, the Dolomites’ dramatic limestone cliffs span Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Charming villages, world-class skiing, epic hikes, and hearty Alpine cuisine attract Italians, but this classic destination is often overlooked by international visitors – until now.
The Italian Dolomites: An Unmissable Place to Travel for Mountain Scenery and Outdoor Adventure
Cortina d’Ampezzo, “Queen of the Dolomites,” co-hosts the 2026 Winter Olympics. 2025 preparations include extensive infrastructure upgrades and pre-Olympic excitement. Expect expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, modernized lifts in Alta Badia and Val Gardena, and improved public transport connections. New cable cars and gondolas will also be introduced throughout the region.
The Dolomites shine year-round. Spring, summer, and autumn offer excellent trails, like the new 170km Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), connecting remote villages. For relaxation, the luxurious Aman Rosa Alpina hotel reopens in 2025 with expanded accommodations. Visit the Dolomites now, before the Olympic crowds arrive.
4. Greenland: Arctic Wilderness and Inuit Culture
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is unlike anywhere else. With vast ice caps, spectacular mountains, and a population under 57,000, its unspoiled wilderness and majestic fjords offer unparalleled adventures.
Stunning summer hiking and whale watching, and winter dog sledding and aurora viewing make Greenland a bucket-list destination. Historically remote and expensive to reach, Greenland is becoming more accessible.
The opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital, and two more in 2026, significantly improves access. Greenland welcomes mindful adventure travelers keen to explore its nature and unique Inuit culture. The country promotes “better tourism” and directs tourism funds to benefit local communities.
Greenland: A Top Place to Travel in 2025 for Arctic Exploration and Cultural Immersion
Nuuk, a modern town with a historic waterfront, museums, and art galleries, is a base for hiking, fishing, and glamping. Explore the dramatic icebergs of Disko Bay and the UNESCO-recognized Ilulissat Icefjord further north. Southern Greenland, once settled by Vikings, features fjords and green hills with sheep farms.
5. Wales: Culture, Coastline, and the Year of Croeso
Wales, smaller and less crowded than England, boasts stunning national parks, medieval castles, and minimal crowds. 2025 is the “Year of Croeso” (“Welcome”), celebrating Welsh culture, language, and attractions, inviting visitors to “Feel the hwyl,” a Welsh word for deep joy in the moment.
Wales champions sustainable, culturally focused travel. Tourism aids Welsh language revival, and a £5 billion program uses tourism funds for environmental sustainability. The Year of Croeso includes investments in mobility bikes for exploring Wales’ wild side. Wales is also home to the Wales Coast Path, the world’s only path along a country’s entire coastline.
Wales: A Must-Visit Place to Travel in 2025 for Culture and Coastal Hiking
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Rugged Beauty and Accessible Wilderness
Labrador, mainland Newfoundland and Labrador, eastern Canada, is a vast, rugged region with coastal villages, icebergs, forests, and waterfalls, rich in 9,000 years of history. The 2025 completion of the 1,200km Trans-Labrador Highway, a 25-year, $1 billion project, makes this remote landscape more accessible.
The new circular route (Expedition 51) connects Labrador to five Canadian provinces, with detours to the US and France (via St Pierre and Miquelon). To promote sustainable tourism and celebrate cultural heritage, Canada 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, debuts a new boardwalk and visitor center. L’Anse aux Meadows, the first Norse settlement in North America, enhances ecological protections. Gros Morne National Park introduces exhibits highlighting geology, wildlife, and landscapes.
Western Newfoundland and Labrador: An Emerging Place to Travel for Road Trips and History
7. Tucson, Arizona, US: Gastronomy and Desert Heritage
Tucson celebrates its 10th anniversary as the first US UNESCO City of Gastronomy and its 250th founding anniversary in 2025. Originally part of Mexico, Tucson honors 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).
Tucson, Arizona: A Top Place to Travel for Culinary Experiences and Desert Landscapes
Nearby gardens boast the oldest continuously cultivated soil in the US, farmed 4,000 years ago by the Tohono O’odham’s ancestors. Ancient herbs and crops remain staples, blending with Mexican and Indigenous flavors. Experience Tucson’s food scene at gastronomy-certified restaurants or Heirloom Farmers Markets featuring local ingredients like chiltepin chilis and nopales.
8. Western Australia: Pink Lakes, Coastlines, and Indigenous Culture
Perth, Western Australia (WA), once overshadowed by eastern cities, is emerging as Australia’s western gateway and a global aviation hub. Australia’s only direct flights to Europe and new Asian connections, coupled with a $5 billion Perth Airport redevelopment, position WA as a must-visit in 2025.
Beyond Perth and the Swan Valley Wine Region, WA’s vast landscapes include 12,500km of coastline, pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, karri forests, wildflowers, and wildlife encounters. Explore sustainably on the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.
Western Australia: A Premier Place to Travel for Diverse Landscapes and Road Trips
WA champions cultural heritage through the A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, supporting Indigenous-led experiences and businesses. Learn about ancient cultures on truth-telling walking tours or 4WD foraging tours. Discover ancient petroglyphs at Murujuga National Park (Unesco World Heritage candidate), disability-friendly infrastructure on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, and new hotels in Fremantle and tiny stays in the Great Southern. WA is redefining Australian travel.
9. Sri Lanka: Resilience and Island Rebirth
Sri Lanka, with tea plantations, wild elephants, ancient temples, and surf, offers diverse attractions. After economic challenges in 2022, Sri Lanka aims to rebuild through tourism.
Kandy will see its first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, while Aarunya Nature Resort has a new stargazing family villa. A $1 billion megaresort is opening in Colombo, and Sri Lanka’s new airline, Air Ceilão, will fly to Europe and Australia. The nation launched the Good Travel Seal initiative, celebrating sustainable businesses.
Sri Lanka: A Resilient Place to Travel for Culture, Nature, and Sustainable Tourism
Enjoy a scenic train ride into the mountains, or explore Colombo and Galle’s evolving cocktail scene featuring arrack. Hike the 300km Pekoe Trail through tea plantations and villages in the Central Highlands. Self-drive a tuk-tuk across the island through an innovative rental program supporting local owners.
10. Panama: Canal History and Biodiversity
Panama marks the 25th anniversary of its sovereignty over the Panama Canal. New exhibits at the Museo del Canal highlight this historical path.
Beyond the canal, Panama boasts jungles, islands, and forests. The Meaningful Travel Map to Panama launched in 2024, promoting locally led travel experiences. Explore Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods on a Localinpty walking tour. Visit La Pintada to see UNESCO-recognized sombrero pintao Panama hat weaving. Hike the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail in El Valle de Anton, a UN Tourism-recognized community tourism village, part of Panama’s 1,000 km of Trails project, showcasing Panama’s biodiversity.
Panama: A Historically Rich Place to Travel with Canal History and Nature Trails
11. Rif Mountains, Morocco: Beyond Marrakech, Into the Blue Pearl
Morocco, with mountains, deserts, ancient cities, and culture, is a popular North African destination. The 2023 Al Haouz earthquake impacted Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, affecting tourism. Morocco aims to double tourist arrivals in five years, preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Escape crowds by road-tripping through Morocco’s northern Rif Mountains. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) network expansion includes a 2025-2027 Rabat-Fez line. Fez, a 1,300-year-old Rif Mountain city with a UNESCO medina, hosts Africa Cup of Nations 2025 games. Drive north from Fez to Moulay Idriss, an ancient hilltop village, and Ouezzane, a Sufism center. Hike Talassemtane National Park’s cedar forests and red peaks. Further north, visit Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” with blue buildings. Explore Morocco’s northern coast and Mediterranean fishing villages like El Jebha and Tetouan.
Rif Mountains, Morocco: A Unique Place to Travel for Culture and Scenic Drives
12. Bradford, England: UK City of Culture 2025
Bradford, northern England, steps into the spotlight as the 2025 UK City of Culture. A year-long program includes the National Science and Media Museum reopening and celebrations of local icons: David Hockney works in a UNESCO World Heritage mill, digital interpretations of Brontë sisters’ fantasy worlds, and a musical program mixing electronic, folk, brass, and South Asian sounds.
Bradford’s diversity is reflected in Little Germany’s neoclassical warehouses and dramatic moors hosting an immersive sound walk mixing classical music with a sculpture trail. Local residents contribute to the city’s energy.
Bradford, England: A Culturally Rich Place to Travel as UK City of Culture 2025
Bradford, a UNESCO City of Film, is a setting for Peaky Blinders and The Railway Children. In 2025, an interactive cookbook project celebrates local recipes, making Bradford a destination for all tastes.
13. Jordan: Adventure in the Desert Kingdom
Jordan, with desert landscapes and Petra, the ancient Nabataean capital, evokes wonder. It’s quietly becoming the Middle East’s adventure destination.
Despite regional tensions impacting tourism, Jordan is considered relatively safe by travel advisories.
In 2023, the Wadi Rum Trail, a 120km hiking path, opened, traversing Wadi Rum’s iconic landscapes seen in Star Wars and Dune. This community tourism project promotes sustainable travel, protecting the desert ecosystem and Bedouin culture.
Jordan: An Adventurous Place to Travel for Hiking and Ancient Wonders
Jordan boasts 33 protected land and marine ecosystems. Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the world’s lowest nature reserve, offers canyoning and wildlife spotting. Dana Biosphere Reserve hosts 180 bird species and endangered mammals. Aqaba Marine Reserve, added to the IUCN Green List, supports coral reefs and diving.
14. Haa Valley, Bhutan: Sustainable Seclusion in the Himalayas
Bhutan, a historically isolated Himalayan kingdom, is a global sustainability leader: the world’s first carbon-negative nation with protected forests and Gross National Happiness as a metric.
Haa Valley, a pristine forested region bordering Tibet, is Bhutan’s best-kept secret, untouched by mass tourism. The last district to open to foreigners in 2002, it receives minimal visitors despite airport proximity. Haa balances preservation with thoughtful tourism development.
Explore Haa’s beauty via the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, the new Haa Panorama Trail, and the Joy Bay Tsho Trek.
Haa Valley, Bhutan: A Sustainable Place to Travel for Himalayan Treks and Culture
Haa’s sustainable tourism includes local homestays and eco-friendly accommodations like Katsho Eco Camp and luxury Sangwa Camp. Experience Bon rituals and unique experiences like breakfast in Bhutan’s lone strict nature reserve.
With Bhutan’s halved Sustainable Daily Fee through 2027, this paradise is more accessible while maintaining low-impact tourism.
15. Hawaii, US: Responsible Rebuilding and Mālama
Hawaii, rebuilding after devastating Maui wildfires, faces a visitor downturn. As communities rebuild, responsible travelers are welcomed through the Mālama Hawaii program.
Mālama, meaning “to protect,” embodies stewardship and respect. The program connects travelers with over 350 volunteer opportunities, from forest restoration to community support, in exchange for discounted stays at hotels and resorts across the islands, including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
Hawaii: A Meaningful Place to Travel to Support Recovery and Conservation
16. Uzbekistan: Youthful Energy and Silk Road Heritage
Uzbekistan, with a young population, blends tradition and modernity. Investing in tourism with new infrastructure and cultural attractions, Uzbekistan aims to grow its economy and attract visitors.
Uzbekistan hosts its first major international event, the Bukhara Biennial, in September 2025. Cultural developments include the expanded State Museum of Arts and the restored Palace of Prince Romanov.
Citizens of over 90 countries can visit visa-free. The president aims to create a Global Green Tourism Startup Lab, linking green economy and tourism. Border crossings with neighbors are easier, and the Silk Road railway tour now connects Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan: A Culturally Vibrant Place to Travel on the Silk Road
17. Haida Gwaii, Canada: Indigenous Rights and Nature’s Embrace
Haida Gwaii, a British Columbia archipelago, offers nature, culture, and history. Isolated, ecologically rich islands host over 6,800 species and have sustained the Haida People for 15,000 years.
The Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement in 2025 is groundbreaking, recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation as the territory’s governing body, revitalizing Haida culture and environmental stewardship.
Explore abandoned 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.
Haida Gwaii, Canada: A Place to Travel for Indigenous Culture and Unique Ecosystems
18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua: Surfing and Coastal Highways
Nicaragua, Central America’s largest country, with rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and Granada, a UNESCO city celebrating 500 years, is less visited. The new Carretera Costanera, a 350km highway linking 53 Pacific beaches, may change this.
The $400 million highway, completing in 2025, improves access from Managua to the Emerald Coast, popular with surfers, and aims to boost Nicaragua’s economy through tourism.
Emerald Coast, Nicaragua: A Place to Travel for Surfing and Coastal Exploration
Learn to surf at local camps, stay in rainforest treehouses, and visit Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor to see turtle nesting.
19. Isle of Man: Ancient Parliament and Biosphere Isle
The Isle of Man, surrounded by the UK, is self-governing, ruled by the Tynwald, the world’s oldest continuous parliament. Committed to preserving its character and sustainable tourism, it is a unique destination.
Rich in historical sites like Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen, the island is forward-thinking, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere for environmental and cultural preservation. The Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre National Reserve opened in 2024. 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of Okell’s Brewery, celebrated with tasting tours.
Isle of Man: A Historically Significant Place to Travel with Unique Culture and Landscapes
Explore on foot to appreciate the Isle of Man’s unique blend of English fields, Irish hills, Welsh coastlines, and Scottish peaks. Hike to Snaefell mountain summit for panoramic views of the UK and Ireland.
20. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: Mountain Majesty and Responsible Tourism
Pakistan, a populous nation, is a travel surprise. Responsible tourism initiatives and sustainable efforts aim to attract eco-conscious visitors to its northern regions, home to five of the world’s 8,000m+ peaks, including K2.
Salam Pakistan, Pakistan’s first national tourism brand, launched in 2023, simplifies e-visas and bookings, including mountaineering and trekking visas.
Gilgit-Baltistan, “heaven’s gate,” offers valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Hunza Valley’s blossoms, UNESCO-listed Deosai plains, and Shangri-La-esque lakes are highlights. The Khunjerab Pass on the China border will be open year-round starting in 2025.
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: A Place to Travel for Mountain Adventures and Scenic Beauty
21. Azores: Marine Sanctuary and Volcanic Wonders
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, are known for hot springs, lakes, and lava tubes. Adding to black-sand beaches and whale watching, the Azores now boast Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary.
The Marine Protected Area, approved in 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 tourism.
Azores: A Place to Travel for Marine Life and Volcanic Landscapes
Furnas Valley, near Ponta Delgada, features active volcanoes. Enjoy hot springs, botanical gardens, and Terra Nostra Park. Terra Nostra Garden Hotel offers 24-hour thermal pool access in 2025. Sample cozido das Furnas, a volcanic stew, and purple volcanic tea, or visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation.
22. Kansas City, Missouri, US: BBQ and Cultural Renaissance
Kansas City, Missouri, “Paris of the Plains,” is rebranding as a cultural destination in 2025. Promoting its arts scene and BBQ culture, Kansas City launches urban revitalization with museums, districts, and hotels.
The Museum of BBQ, the world’s first BBQ museum, opens at Crown Center in spring 2025. The Berkley Riverfront continues development.
Kansas City, Missouri: A Place to Travel for BBQ and Urban Exploration
Kansas City International Airport completed renovations in 2023. The KC Streetcar extension opens this summer, improving access to destinations like Union Hill and the National WWI Museum. Rock Island Bridge reopens in spring 2025 as a new entertainment district.
23. Bolivia: Bicentennial Celebrations and Indigenous Culture
Bolivia celebrates its 200th anniversary in August 2025 with events throughout the year.
Visit for 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; visit the Museo de Arte Indígena. The Aymara people welcome visitors to Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca. A community-based tourism network includes Chalalan Ecolodge in Madidi National Park.
Bolivia: A Culturally Rich Place to Travel for Festivals and History in 2025
24. Botswana: Green Safaris and Wildlife Encounters
Botswana, Africa’s green safari tourism leader, emphasizes low-impact ecotourism. With a new government and post-pandemic recovery, Botswana’s tourism sector is poised for growth in 2025, with visa-free entry for 104 countries.
Explore Chobe National Park, the “Elephant Capital,” and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta, a cheetah and black rhino haven.
Botswana: A Top Place to Travel for Ethical Wildlife Safaris
New Okavango Delta openings include the solar-powered Mbamba Camp (April 2025) and Monachira Camp (May 2025), offering walking safaris and mokoro canoe rides. New Air Botswana routes connect Gaborone to Cape Town from April 2025, improving access.
25. Oslo, Norway: Sustainable City Life and Nordic Nature
Oslo, Norway, promotes itself as more than just a city, highlighting walkability, dining, and access to fjords and nature. Known for modern architecture and forests, Oslo attracts visitors seeking sustainability.
Oslo encourages responsible tourism through Visit Oslo Responsibly guidelines and the Green Oslo Guide. Hotels feature green roofs.
Oslo, Norway: A Sustainable Place to Travel for City and Nature Experiences
Support local businesses like the Norwegian Adventure Company for sustainable experiences. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants like Michelin-starred Maaemo. Discover if Oslo is “even a city” in 2025.
