Travel holds an incredible power – to connect us with different cultures, inspire awe, and even transform our perspectives. The sight of water cascading down a cliff in Newfoundland or the towering peaks of the Italian Dolomites reminds us of the world’s breathtaking beauty. However, recent times have highlighted that travel, while a force for good, can also strain the very destinations we cherish. Overtourism has prompted many locations to implement new restrictions to mitigate its adverse effects.
In this guide, we, travels.edu.vn, aim to spotlight destinations that are not only welcoming visitors but are also championing responsible tourism. Each of these 25 carefully selected Travel Places offers remarkable experiences while actively using tourism to uplift local communities, safeguard the environment, and preserve their unique cultural heritage. This list is curated with insights from travel experts and organizations dedicated to sustainable travel, ensuring you choose destinations that contribute positively to the world.
As global tourism rebounds and surpasses pre-pandemic levels, and as climate change underscores the vulnerability of iconic travel spots, the essence of thoughtful travel becomes paramount. Choosing where to travel is now also about considering how your journey can contribute to a greater good.
From traversing surreal landscapes in Bolivia to experiencing Arctic luxury in Greenland, your next extraordinary adventure awaits. Explore these top travel places in 2025 and be part of a positive travel movement.
Top Travel Destinations for 2025: Exploring Unique Travel Places
1. Dominica: Ethical Whale Encounters and Caribbean Eco-Tourism
Dominica emerges as a leading travel place for eco-conscious adventurers in 2025. Imagine swimming alongside majestic sperm whales in their natural habitat – Dominica now offers this unique opportunity through its pioneering commitment to marine conservation and regenerative tourism. The island recently established the world’s first sperm whale reserve, a protected marine sanctuary dedicated to these gentle giants. With limited permits for whale swims, visitors can experience intimate and respectful encounters, contributing to crucial research and sustainable tourism opportunities for local communities.
Dominica is enhancing its infrastructure to welcome visitors, including streamlined digital immigration processes and a new cable car system from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest thermal springs. Accessibility is further improved with new United Airlines direct flights from Newark starting February 15th, complementing existing American Airlines flights from Miami. Several new hotels are set to open, increasing room inventory by 25%, including the luxurious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa and the acclaimed eco-luxury Secret Bay.
Dominica is also the base for Project CETI, a groundbreaking initiative to decode whale language using AI, led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber. Beyond whale encounters, explore Dominica’s hidden gorges, towering waterfalls, and savor local cuisine at farm-to-table restaurants like Lacou. Dominica is more than just a destination; it’s a model for eco-tourism, balancing biodiversity conservation with economic growth, making it one of the best travel places to visit in 2025.
2. Naoshima, Japan: Contemporary Art and Island Revitalization
Naoshima Island in Japan has transformed from an industrial site to a premier travel place for contemporary art and architecture enthusiasts. Famous for Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture, Naoshima’s resurgence is thanks to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has established major museums and site-specific artworks in the scenic Seto Inland Sea.
Spring 2025 marks the opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, adding to his nine existing projects on the island. This museum will be a highlight of the Setouchi Triennale, a major art festival spanning 17 islands and coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea, taking place over 100 days across spring, summer, and autumn. The Triennale and Benesse Art Site Naoshima have revitalized Naoshima and neighboring islands like Teshima and Inujima, making them must-visit travel places.
Visit the Teshima Art Museum, a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature, and explore the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum, repurposing historic copper refinery ruins into an epic art installation. For accommodations, consider Roka, a modern ryokan on Naoshima, or the minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima. Naoshima and its surrounding islands offer a unique blend of art and nature, making them exceptional travel places for cultural enrichment.
3. The Dolomites, Italy: Alpine Adventures Beyond the Crowds
While Italy remains a popular destination, escape the crowds of Rome and venture north to the Dolomites, a stunning travel place for mountain lovers. These ruggedly beautiful limestone cliffs, popular among Italians for family fun and luxury holidays, are poised to become more recognized internationally.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, with preparations underway throughout 2025. Infrastructure improvements include expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, modernized lifts in Alta Badia and Val Gardena, and enhanced public transit connections. New cable cars and gondolas will also be introduced across the region, making it an even more accessible travel place.
The Dolomites are a year-round destination. In spring, summer, and autumn, enjoy trails like the new Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), a 170km trail connecting remote villages. For luxury, the Aman Rosa Alpina hotel reopens in 2025 with expanded facilities. Visit the Dolomites now to experience one of Italy’s most dramatic landscapes before the Olympic crowds arrive, solidifying its status as a top travel place.
4. Greenland: Accessible Arctic Wilderness and Inuit Culture
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is becoming an increasingly accessible travel place in 2025. With a population of fewer than 57,000 and vast unspoiled wilderness, Greenland offers unparalleled Arctic adventures.
The opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, with two more to follow in 2026, significantly eases travel to Greenland. The country is committed to sustainable tourism, inviting mindful travelers to explore its nature and Inuit culture responsibly. Greenland has adopted a “better tourism” pledge and directs tourism funds to benefit local communities, emphasizing its dedication to responsible travel places.
Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, serves as a gateway to hiking, fishing, and glamping trips. Explore the dramatic icebergs of Disko Bay and the UNESCO-recognized Ilulissat Icefjord further north. Southern Greenland offers fjords and green hills with sheep farms, once settled by Vikings. Greenland’s enhanced accessibility and commitment to sustainability make it a premier travel place for adventurous and responsible tourists.
5. Wales: Celebrating Culture and Sustainable Tourism
Wales, often overshadowed by its UK neighbors, is emerging as a captivating travel place, especially in 2025, designated as the “Year of Croeso” (Welcome). This year-long celebration highlights Welsh culture, language, and attractions, inviting visitors to “Feel the hwyl,” a Welsh word for profound joy in the moment.
Wales is at the forefront of sustainable, culturally focused travel. Tourism supports the revival of the Welsh language, and a £5 billion program uses tourism funds for environmental sustainability. As part of the Year of Croeso, Wales is investing in mobility bikes to enhance exploration. Home to the Wales Coast Path, the only path globally that spans an entire country’s coastline, Wales offers unique travel places for hikers and culture enthusiasts.
Explore stunning national parks, medieval castles, and experience Welsh hospitality. Wales’ commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation makes it an exceptional and welcoming travel place in 2025.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Rugged Landscapes and Accessible Wilderness
Western Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, a vast and rugged region, is becoming a more accessible travel place in 2025. The completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway, a 1,200km project 25 years in the making, opens up this remote landscape to travelers.
The new circular route, Expedition 51, connects Labrador with five Canadian provinces and offers detours into the US and France (via St Pierre and Miquelon). The Canadian government has invested $180m in Parks Canada sites to promote sustainable tourism and celebrate cultural heritage. In 2025, Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will debut a new interactive boardwalk and visitor center. L’Anse aux Meadows, the first Norse settlement in North America, enhances ecological protections, and Gros Morne National Park introduces new exhibits highlighting geology, wildlife, and landscapes. These improvements enhance Western Newfoundland and Labrador as prime travel places for adventurers.
Explore windswept coastal villages, towering icebergs, subarctic forests, and massive waterfalls. Western Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history and now-improved accessibility make it an exciting and unique travel place for 2025.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US: Gastronomy and Sustainable City Celebrations
Tucson, Arizona, celebrates significant milestones in 2025, making it a noteworthy travel place. It marks the 10th anniversary of becoming the first US UNESCO City of Gastronomy and the 250th anniversary of its founding. Tucson will celebrate its multinational history and Native American cultures with a free event on August 23rd at Presidio San Agustin del Tucson.
Tucson is set to receive a Sustainability Index Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) this year, recognizing its commitment to sustainability. Explore desert hiking trails, historic buildings like the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac, and immerse yourself in Tucson’s unique food scene. Visit city-of-gastronomy-certified restaurants and Heirloom Farmers Markets featuring local ingredients like chiltepin chilis and prickly pear. Tucson’s blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, combined with its sustainability efforts, positions it as a top travel place in the US.
8. Western Australia: Gateway to Natural Wonders and Indigenous Culture
Western Australia (WA), with Perth as its gateway, is emerging as a must-visit travel place in 2025. Perth is becoming a global aviation hub with new direct flights to Europe and enhanced connections to Asia. A $5bn redevelopment of Perth Airport will further improve the travel experience.
Beyond Perth, WA’s vast landscapes offer 12,500km of pristine coastline, pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, karri forests, and unique wildlife encounters. Explore the Swan Valley Wine Region, swim with whale sharks, and take selfies with quokkas. Sustainability-minded road trippers can use the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network, to explore these diverse travel places.
WA is also championing its cultural heritage through the A$20m Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, supporting Indigenous-led experiences. Learn about ancient cultures on truth-telling walking tours and coast foraging tours. With new infrastructure, boutique hotels in Fremantle, and tiny dream stays in the Great Southern, WA is redefining travel to Australia, making it an unmissable travel place in 2025.
9. Sri Lanka: Resilient Island Nation Rebuilding Through Tourism
Sri Lanka, with its diverse attractions from tea plantations to ancient temples, is hoping to revitalize its tourism sector in 2025. Despite past economic challenges, Sri Lanka is resilient and eager to welcome visitors.
New developments include the opening of Kandy’s first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, and a new family villa at Aarunya Nature Resort with stargazing features. A $1bn mega-resort 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 sustainable businesses, enhancing Sri Lanka as a responsible travel place.
Take a scenic train ride into the mountainous interior, explore Colombo and Galle’s mixology scene, or hike the 300km Pekoe Trail through tea plantations. For adventurous travelers, self-drive tuk-tuk rentals are available. Sri Lanka’s blend of culture, nature, and new tourism initiatives makes it a compelling travel place to support in 2025.
10. Panama: Celebrating Sovereignty and Biodiversity
Panama marks the 25th anniversary of its sovereignty over the Panama Canal in 2025, making it a significant travel place to visit. New permanent exhibits at the Museo del Canal highlight this historic milestone.
Beyond the canal, Panama offers vast jungles, islands, and forests. The Meaningful Travel Map to Panama launched in 2024, making it easier to find locally led travel experiences. Explore Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods, visit La Pintada to see traditional Panama hat weaving, a UNESCO-recognized practice, and hike the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail in El Valle de Anton, named a UN Tourism Best Tourism Village in 2024. This new trail is part of Panama’s 1,000 km of Trails project, boosting sustainable tourism and showcasing Panama’s biodiversity, solidifying Panama as a diverse travel place in Central America.
11. Rif Mountains, Morocco: Northern Morocco’s Hidden Gem
Morocco, a popular North African destination, is aiming to double tourist arrivals in the next five years as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. To avoid crowds, explore the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, a less-frequented but equally stunning travel place.
The expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network in 2025-2027 will include a link from Rabat to Fez, a 1,300-year-old walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site. From Fez, explore Moulay Idriss, an ancient hilltop village, and Ouezzane, a center of Sufism. Hike through cedar forests in Talassemtane National Park and visit Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” known for its blue buildings. Cruise along Morocco’s northern coast, discovering Mediterranean fishing villages and Spanish colonial architecture in Tetouan. The Rif Mountains offer a unique and less crowded Moroccan experience, making them an off-the-beaten-path travel place for 2025.
12. Bradford, England: UK City of Culture 2025
Bradford, in northern England, is stepping into the spotlight as the 2025 UK City of Culture, making it a vibrant travel place to visit. 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’s diverse cultural scene includes electronic bassline symphonies, folk music, brass bands, and South Asian sounds. Explore historic enclaves like Little Germany and the dramatic moors hosting an open-air immersive sound walk. Bradford, a UNESCO City of Film, has served as a backdrop for hits like Peaky Blinders and Wuthering Heights. In 2025, Bradford’s interactive cookbook project celebrating local recipes highlights its diverse community, making it a culturally rich travel place in the UK.
13. Jordan: Adventure in the Middle East’s Desert Landscapes
Jordan is quietly establishing itself as the Middle East’s premier travel place for outdoor adventure. Home to breathtaking desert landscapes and Petra, the ancient Nabataean capital, Jordan offers wonder and adventure.
Despite regional conflicts, Jordan is considered relatively safe for tourists. In 2023, the Wadi Rum Trail, a new 120km hiking path, 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 and Bedouin cultural heritage.
Jordan boasts 33 protected land and marine ecosystems. Visit Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the world’s lowest nature reserve, for canyoning and wildlife spotting. Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest, is home to diverse bird and mammal species. The Aqaba Marine Reserve, added to the IUCN Green List, offers rich coral reefs and diving opportunities. Jordan’s blend of history, culture, and adventure makes it a compelling travel place for 2025.
14. Haa Valley, Bhutan: Sustainable Seclusion in the Himalayas
Bhutan, a carbon-negative nation focused on Gross National Happiness, is a global leader in sustainable tourism. The Haa Valley, a pristine forested district bordering Tibet, is emerging as a unique travel place.
Once Bhutan’s best-kept secret, Haa Valley opened to foreigners in 2002 and remains untouched by mass tourism. Explore its beauty via the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, the new Haa Panorama Trail, and the Joy Bay Tsho Trek. Haa Valley’s commitment to sustainable tourism means locally run homestays and low-impact accommodations like Katsho Eco Camp and Sangwa Camp. Experience Bon rituals and rare nature reserve visits. With Bhutan’s Sustainable Daily Fee halved through 2027, Haa Valley is more accessible, offering a secluded and sustainable travel place in the Himalayas.
15. Hawaii, US: Responsible Return to the Islands of Aloha
Hawaii is welcoming back travelers responsibly after the Maui wildfires, making it a meaningful travel place to support in 2025. The Mālama Hawaii program encourages visitors to give back through volunteer opportunities, ranging from reforestation to cultural preservation.
In exchange for volunteering, travelers receive discounted or free stays at hotels and resorts across the islands, including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Participate in over 350 volunteer opportunities, contributing to Hawaii’s recovery and sustainability. By engaging in mālama, travelers can support local communities and enjoy Hawaii’s beauty responsibly, making it a conscious travel place to visit.
16. Uzbekistan: Modern Culture Meets Ancient Silk Road History
Uzbekistan, with a young and dynamic population, is investing in tourism while preserving its rich traditions, making it an emerging travel place in Central Asia. New hotels, train routes, domestic flights, and cultural attractions are being developed.
Uzbekistan will host its first major international event, the Bukhara Biennial, in September 2025. Cultural developments include an expansion of the State Museum of Arts and the restoration of the Palace of Prince Romanov. Visa-free travel is now available for citizens of over 90 countries. The Silk Road railway tour, launched in 2024, connects Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, enhancing regional travel. Uzbekistan’s blend of modern dynamism and ancient Silk Road history makes it a fascinating travel place to explore in 2025.
17. Haida Gwaii, Canada: Indigenous Culture and Nature in Harmony
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, offers a profound connection to nature and Indigenous culture, making it a unique travel place in Canada. Isolated and ecologically rich, Haida Gwaii is home to over 6,800 species and the Haida People for 15,000 years.
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. Explore Haida villages like SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and encounter unique wildlife. Guests are introduced to Haida Laws, emphasizing environmental responsibility. Haida Gwaii’s cultural significance and commitment to nature make it a deeply enriching travel place.
18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua: Surfing and Natural Beauty
Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, with rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and the UNESCO city of Granada, is becoming more accessible as a travel place with the new Carretera Costanera highway. This $400m highway, set to be completed in 2025, links 53 beaches along the Pacific Coast, enhancing access to surf hubs like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo.
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 witness turtle nesting. Nicaragua’s natural beauty and improved infrastructure make it an emerging travel place for adventure and nature lovers.
19. Isle of Man: Self-Governing Island with Ancient History
The Isle of Man, a self-governing island surrounded by the UK, is committed to preserving its distinct character and sustainable tourism, making it a unique travel place. Ruled by the world’s oldest continuous parliament, the Isle of Man is rich in history and forward-thinking.
Explore ancient sites like Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere for its environmental and cultural preservation, the Isle of Man is opening the Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre National Reserve in 2024. Celebrate the 175th anniversary of Okell’s Brewery in 2025 with tasting tours. Explore the island on foot, experiencing diverse landscapes from rolling fields to coastal cliffs. The Isle of Man’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty make it a distinctive travel place in 2025.
20. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan: Adventure in the High Mountains
Pakistan, often overlooked, is hoping to attract eco-conscious visitors to its breathtaking northern regions, making it an adventurous travel place. Gilgit-Baltistan, home to five of the world’s highest peaks, offers unparalleled adrenaline opportunities.
Pakistan’s Salam Pakistan tourism brand allows easy e-visa applications and bookings. Gilgit-Baltistan is filled with lush valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Explore the Hunza Valley, Deosai plains, and Khunjerab Pass, which will be open year-round starting in 2025. Pakistan’s stunning mountain scenery and growing tourism initiatives make it an exciting and surprising travel place for 2025.
21. Azores: Europe’s Largest Marine Sanctuary and Volcanic Wonders
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, is known for hot springs, lakes, and lava tubes. Now, it adds Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary to its list of attractions, enhancing its appeal as a nature-focused travel place.
Approved in 2024, the Azores’ Marine Protected Area spans 287,000 sq km, safeguarding deep-sea corals and marine life. Participate in whale-watching and sustainable marine research. Explore Furnas Valley with active volcanoes and hot springs, wander through Terra Nostra Park, and sample cozido das Furnas, a local stew cooked underground using volcanic heat. Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation. The Azores’ marine conservation efforts and volcanic landscapes make it a premier travel place for nature enthusiasts.
22. Kansas City, Missouri, US: Cultural Renaissance and BBQ Capital
Kansas City, Missouri, is rebranding itself as a top cultural destination in 2025, making it a surprising travel place in the US. Known as “Paris of the Plains,” Kansas City is promoting its arts scene and BBQ culture, launching new museums, entertainment districts, and hotels.
The Museum of BBQ, the world’s first dedicated to smoked meat, opens in spring 2025 at Crown Center. The Berkley Riverfront continues to develop with new dining and shops. Kansas City International Airport completed renovations in 2023, and the KC Streetcar extension will improve access to city attractions. The Rock Island Bridge reopens in spring 2025 as a new entertainment district. Kansas City’s cultural revitalization and culinary scene make it an exciting urban travel place in 2025.
23. Bolivia: Bicentennial Celebrations and Diverse Landscapes
Bolivia celebrates its 200th anniversary in August 2025, making it a culturally rich travel place to visit. Events and attractions will take place throughout the year in its nine regional capitals.
Visit from February 24th to March 5th for the Oruro Carnival, a UNESCO Heritage folk-dance parade. In Potosí, try bicentennial singani, Bolivia’s national spirit. Explore Chuquisaca (Sucre), Bolivia’s prettiest city, and visit the Museo de Arte Indígena. Hike on Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca. A new network of community-based tourism brings attractions to remote communities like the Chalalan Ecolodge in Madidi National Park. Bolivia’s bicentennial celebrations and diverse landscapes make it a culturally and naturally rich travel place for 2025.
24. Botswana: Green Safari and Wildlife Encounters
Botswana, Africa’s leader in green safari tourism, is becoming more accessible in 2025, making it a premier travel place for wildlife enthusiasts. With visa-free entry for visitors from 104 countries, Botswana’s tourism sector is set to grow.
Explore Chobe National Park, the “Elephant Capital of the World,” and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta, a haven for cheetahs and black rhinos. New openings in the Okavango Delta include the solar-powered Mbamba Camp and Monachira Camp, offering luxury and family-friendly wildlife adventures. New Air Botswana routes will connect Gaborone to Cape Town, improving accessibility. Botswana’s commitment to ecotourism and abundant wildlife make it a top safari travel place in 2025.
25. Oslo, Norway: Sustainable Urban Living and Natural Beauty
Oslo, Norway, is highlighted as a sustainable and walkable city, making it a responsible travel place in 2025. A recent ad campaign playfully questions if Oslo is even a city, emphasizing its walkability, dining, and access to fjords and islands.
Oslo encourages responsible tourism through Visit Oslo Responsibly guidelines and the Green Oslo Guide. 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 modern architecture, waterfront, and commitment to sustainability make it a unique urban and nature-connected travel place to explore in 2025.
Explore these exceptional travel places in 2025 and embark on journeys that are not only unforgettable but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible world. Your next great adventure awaits in one of these remarkable destinations.
