The 10 Best Places to Travel to in 2025

Although the year has just started it is never too early to start planning your vacations. Some might even say you're already late. When I worked in corporate, to ensure I got the dates that I wanted, I would start blocking my Christmas dates from now.

Benefits of planning ahead:

• Cheaper flight and travel options

• Better hotel deals

• Shop ahead for the trip for better prices

• Additional days to plan and prep

• More time to save for the trip

Credit: Angel Silva

So what are the best places for you to travel to in 2025?

Forget a European summer where the crowds are overwhelming and it's less relaxing and more chaotic. Let's travel off the beaten track to places that are more gorgeous, have not experienced negative effects of overtourism and have sustainable efforts towards the environment and preserving their culture.

(Countries chosen with reference to the BBC)

Credit: Bernd Reisen

1. Greenland If you love the outdoors and exploring nature then the world's largest island is the destination for you. With untouched wilderness there is plenty opportunity to hike and explore their vast planes. This stunning bucket list destination has plenty to offer like whale watching in the summer and in the winter take in traditional dog sledding and breathtaking views of the aurora borealis.

   "Greenland has adopted a pledge "towards better tourism" and a new law aims to steer funds from tourism towards benefitting local communities." - BBC

   
   
   
   

   

   
   

2. Trinidad and Tobago If the beach is more of your vibe then you need to checkout the gorgeous islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Spend a few days exploring the waterfalls, scenic mountain views and eating authentic Caribbean-Indian cuisine (such as roti or doubles) or try the popular bake and shark. Then take a small flight over to Tobago to enjoy the pristine waters, snorkeling, glass bottom boats and small island vibe.
   

   
   

   

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3. Dominica Another gorgeous island with breathtaking rainforest views, this island is a lot more nature involved with lots of wildlife surrounding it. Here you have the opportunity to swim alongside sperm whales in a sustainable and ethical way. This Caribbean island's commitment to marine conservation is noted in its establishing of the world's first sperm whale reserve. They limit the amount of permits allowed to view these exotic animals keeping the experience intimate and the animals safe. Besides swimming with whales you can take a luxurious soak in a hot spring, swim in a river, explore some of their many waterfalls and enjoy local, fresh cuisine.
   

   
   

   

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4. Botswana

   This country has been highly noted as Africa's leader in green safari tours due to their expansive wildlife reserves. Their government is also focused on ecotourism policies creating high-income and low-impact strategies. With numerous lodging facilities opening in 2025 there are plenty of new opportunities to explore the Okavango Delta area; take a walking safari, enjoy a canoe ride and come face-to-face with elephants. Go on a wildlife adventure solo, with a partner or with your family. There is something here for everyone.
   

   
   

   

   Credit: Ronald Kötz

5. Panama There is plenty to explore in this gorgeous country besides familiarizing yourself with the Panama Canal. In the La Pintada district you can find locals hand weaving traditional Panama hats (a UNESCO-recognized practice called sombrero pintao). The country is also on a mission to implement 1,000km of Trails project which seeks to bring tourists face-to-face with the country's biodiversity and their rural communities in a sustainable way. Panama has so much to offer from observing animals (like sloths, toucans, monkeys) in their natural habitat, relaxing on a beach, exploring the Soberanía National Park, scuba diving and surfing to name a few things.
   

   

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6. Wales If you're still in the mood for something in Europe I recommend traveling to the less visited, but arguably more stunning country of Wales. This small country boasts awe-inspiring medieval castles, beautiful national parks and gorgeous landscapes. Wales is also home to the Wales Coast Path, the only hiking path in the world that runs along the entire coastline of a country. "Wales is celebrating 2025 as the Year of Croeso ("Welcome"). The year-long event showcases Welsh culture, language and attractions while inviting visitors to "Feel the hwyl" – an untranslatable Welsh word describing a deep state of joy that comes from being immersed in the moment." - BBC.
   

   

   
   

7. Tucson, Arizona This city is celebrating their 250th anniversary of their founding and with that they are having "a free event on 23 August featuring traditional Mexican music and dancing held at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson." - BBC. Throughout the year visitors can explore the numerous hiking trails, take in the rich history and cultural experiences they have to offer. If you like the outdoors you'll love hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing here. If that isn't your scene take in the vast art scene or go stargazing under the dark Tucson sky.
   

   
   

   

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8. Sri Lanka From surfing to enjoying misty mountain peaks there is something for everyone here. Take a train ride into the mountain's interiors to experience mixologists' take on a variety of drinks. Rent and drive your very own tuk tuk around the island with the pay going directly to the owner. Take Pekoe trail through tea plantations and explore their rural communities in central highlands. This country is definitely something to put on your list for 2025 and make sure to safely go off the beaten track to fully immerse yourself in their culture.
   

   
   

   

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9. Isle of Man Another Europe find, but definitely worth putting on the list as it is vastly under visited and has plenty to offer every visitor. This cliff-fringed island is full of mesmerizing history, medieval castles and breathtaking ruins, such as Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen. In 2025 they are celebrating their 175th anniversary of the Okell' Brewery. Take part in the celebrations by joining a tasting tour. If you're lucky, you can see each surrounding UK country and Ireland on a clear day. "In 2016 it was recognized as a Unesco Biosphere (the world's only self-governing territory whose entire land and sea area has such designation) for its commitment to environmental preservation and cultural heritage." - BBC.
   

   
   

   

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10. Azores This 9 island archipelago is filled with stunning emerald lagoons, hot springs and surrounded by untouched nature. Here you can find the best whale watching and take in mesmerizing green landscapes. The capital also has 2 active volcanoes where you can soak in the natural hot springs and a local dish, cozido das Furnas, a meat stew, that you must try along with their purple volcanic tea. The islands are Europe's largest protected marine sanctuary spanning larger than the entire Great Britain. The island has approved a legislation that safeguards deep-sea corals, sharks and the 28 species of whales and dolphins found here.

These are the top 10 best places (in my opinion) to travel to in 2025. There are so many more countries that I could add, but this is the short-list. If you plan to go to any of these countries or you've already been let me know what you think and which place is your favorite.

Be sure to share this post with your travel buddy and stay tuned for the next post every Saturday!

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