From serene natural landscapes, to coastal bliss, to small-town vibes, these are the best destinations to travel to in 2025.
These are the destinations worth traveling to in 2025, from a travel professional.
Every new year offers the chance to embark on a new adventure. While you'll have a lot of travel influencers and content creators that swear you should travel to XYZ, I am going to give you the 411 on the best destinations to travel to in 2025 based on your personal travel style. This is a data-backed list based on travel market research and includes everything from hidden gems to bougie-on-a-budget escapes to classic destinations with a twist.
Sardinia
Perfect For: Beach Lovers, Hikers and History Buffs
This Italian island is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and is famed for its crystal clear waters, unspoiled landscapes and Bronze Age archaeological structures. Some have coined this gem the "Caribbean Island of Italy" and for good reason.
While Sardinia may be Sicily's little sister, it is a fairly large island with lots to do and explore. Renting a car is a necessity to be able to explore the different, towns and coastlines at your leisure. On Costa Smeralda (The Emerald Coast), you'll find some of the best beaches on the island. Other things to do on the island include: enjoying local wineries, joining a small-group catamaran tour or hiking its rugged terrain.
Thailand
Perfect For: Foodies, Wellness Travelers, Honeymooners
In 2025, Thailand is looking like THE travel destination (and you should be looking at booking now before the hit HBO show, White Lotus causes prices to surge). This is a place where the American dollar can give you luxury for less and at the same time introduce you to a unique cultural heritage, stunning beaches and out-of-this world temples that take you back centuries.
For a relaxing beach vacation, you'll want to head to Phuket where you can stay at COMO Point Yamu, for a charming boutique hotel with luxury feels or Intercontinental Phuket Resort for glamorous, 5-star experience. While here, take a trip to the Phi Phi Islands or jet off on a private Instagram tour for the best photo ops.
If you're a wellness lover, you will want to set your intentions on a luxurious escape in Ko Samui, recognized by Travel + Leisure as a global wellness destination. For the foodies and those that don't mind the hustle and bustle of big cities, Bangkok is your portal to world-class Thai cuisine, stunning temples and buzzing nightlife.
Bhutan
Perfect For: Active Travelers, Nature Lovers, Seekers
If you're looking for a far-flung destination to travel to in 2025 (that your friends haven't gone to), Bhutan is the answer. This small country in the Eastern Himalayas has only been open to foreign tourism for 50 years. With new luxury hotel openings and a whole host of adventures, it's a great place add to your travel bucket list.
The most famous attraction in the country is undoubtedly the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, which cannot be reached by road and requires a 4–6-hour roundtrip hike (moderate difficulty and at altitude). But if you're not up for the hike, Bhutan offers plenty to see and do. From majestic Buddhist temples, to cultural festivals and farm-to-table dining, it's a destination for the bold and daring.
To travel to Bhutan, you'll NEED a local guide for most (if not all) of your trip. It is highly recommended to use a destination management company and travel advisor to help organize your trip.
Kenya
Perfect For: Animal Lovers, Foodies, Art Lovers
Kenya is undoubtedly a must-see destination for those wanting to get up close and personal (or at least as close as you can get) with wildlife. What makes Kenya a top destination for 2025 is actually what happens beyond the bush.
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a haven for culinary delights and slow fashion. House of Treasures is a boutique where world-class Kenyan designers sell stylish clothing, print bedding, leather handbags and more. For an offbeat, fine dining experience you'll want to try Embark Restaurant that is famed for global cuisine using local ingredients.
Exploring Kenya is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most. You'll want to spend up to 14 days here to experience a good mix of safari tours, beach destinations, hiking adventures and city breaks,
Montana
Perfect For: Nature Lovers, Skiiers, Small-Town Vibes
While few are brave enough to embrace full-time living in The Treasure State (it's the 7th least populated state in the country), this year, even the non-outdoorsy crowd want a taste of this frequently forgotten gem.
Apart from the state's well-known headliners such as Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and Big Sky - Montana leaves much to be discovered. Small cities like Bozeman and Missoula are great for hanging out at local breweries or discovering the local arts scene. For even quainter towns, Kalispell features a restored downtown and miles of hiking trails.
One of the best things to do in Montana is partake on a private wildlife safari of Yellowstone National Park. While lions and elephants are not on the table, you'll be able to see plenty of waterfalls, volcanic thermal features, wild bison and grizzlies!
The Dolomites
Perfect For: Wellness Travelers, Nature Lovers
Since the Jubilee will be in full force starting at the tail-end of 2024, travelers are looking for alternate destinations to travel in Italy for 2025. With the wellness travel trend only gaining speed, the Dolomites is taking center-stage as THE Italian getaway destination.
The Dolomites is a region in northern Italy known as a premier ski destination for Europeans. Here you'll find stunning mountain ranges, charming small towns and spa-resorts like Forestis Dolomites or Rosapetra Spa Resort.
You can easily spend up to 7 days in the Dolomites, embracing a healthy mixture of relaxing spa days, hiking adventures and perusing charming northern Italian towns. However, the Dolomites also make a great add-on destination for those traveling through Milan, Lake Garda, Venice or Verona.
Asheville
Perfect For: Romance Travelers, Nature Lovers, Beer Connoisseurs
Asheville, a city located in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, has flown under the radar for quite some time. However, it is arguably one of the most romantic destinations for a weekend getaway if you're on the East Coast.
Picture historic mansions from the Antebellum period, trendy boutique hotels, scenic mountain landscapes and plenty of arts workshops to create until your heart's content. In addition to breweries, the city also has an up and coming food scene with places like Luminosa and Soprana Rooftop earning top ratings on Yelp.
Morroco
Perfect For: Foodies, Desert Vibes
Get ready to cross Marrakech off your bucket list. With direct flights from the East Coast, there's no excuse not to experience the luxury hotels, bustling souks, unforgettable desert dinners, and the beauty of the Atlas Mountains.
Morocco is the kind of destination that makes affordable luxury travel a walk in the park. You can find boutique hotels and traditional riads for under $300 USD/night and a professional private guide or driver will not set you back as much as you would think. While here, be sure to take a trip to the Agafay Desert, explore Casablanca with a local and eat traditional Moroccan dishes on a small-group food tour.
Puglia
Perfect For: Beach Lovers, Slow Travelers and History Buffs
Another alternative Italian destination for those wanting to skip Rome and Florence in 2025. Puglia, located in southern Italy and forming the heel of the country's "boot," is renowned for its whitewashed hill towns, ancient farmland, and extensive Mediterranean coastline stretching for hundreds of kilometers.
In the capital city, Bari, you'll find sweet ladies making homemade orecchiette pasta in the streets. In Lecce, see stunning Baroque architecture by day and pop into cozy wine bars for tasting with locals by night. If you're feeling beachy you can take a trip out to Polignano a Mare to spend a day on the Adriatic cost. Puglia is like the best of Italy wrapped up in one region.
Comporta
Perfect For: Beach Lovers, Wine Addicts, Nature Enthusiasts
Crowned the "Hamptons of Europe", this gem in the Alentejo region is not to be missed on your next trip to Portugal.
Comporta is a tiny village located in the Setúbal district, south of Lisbon. Of all the places I visited on my three-week long trip to Portugal this past summer Comporta was by far, my favorite. From the understated bohemian luxury aesthetic, to the unspoiled beaches, to the nature preserves and fantastic wineries. Comporta is the perfect "do-nothing" destination for a truly relaxing vacation.
Plan to spend at least 5 days here to explore Comporta and other towns in the region like Melides, Carvalhal and Grandola. The best hotels in the are are Sublime Comporta, Alma Lusa Comporta (where I stayed on my recent visit), and Spatia Comporta.
New York City
Perfect For: Weekend Getaways, Art Lovers, Foodies
While New York City is far from what anyone would call an under-the radar destination, a new flurry of hotel shake-ups is inspiring travelers to flock back to the city like never before. The newly opened Fifth Avenue Hotel offers stylish rooms in close proximity to New York's high-end retail shops, while rooms at The Ned NoMad provide a nod to 1920's glamour.
Although New York City is big, crowded and sometimes overwhelming there is so much to be discovered. While many people have done the Statue of Liberty Tours and seen the quintessential Broadway show, there is always a new treasure lurking around the corner, And if you haven't been to New York since your undergrad internship it's worth heading back to now that you have real money to indulge.
Kyoto
Perfect For: History Buffs, Nature Lovers, Solo Travelers
With the U.S. dollar still going strong compared to the Japanese yen, now is a great time to take that bucket-list trip to Japan. Kyoto is often the city that leaves first-time travelers to Japan craving more.
Kyoto is considered the cultural and historical center of Japan. For anyone wanting to explore centuries-old temples, have tea with a geisha and understand the art of samurai, then Kyoto is a treasure chest waiting to be opened. It also makes for a great solo travel destination as you can find high-quality hotels for less than you would in Tokyo.
Guatemala
Perfect For: Wellness Travelers, Adventure Seekers
Guatemala has largely been a country suited for backpackers, brave enough to make the trek. By every definition, it's still a developing country, but there are some up and coming boutique hotels and touring companies that make the journey more comfortable for those wanting an authentic experience without the uncertainty. Places like Good Hotel Antigua and Kula Maya Boutique Hotel & Spa are perfect for discovering Guatemala in style.
Despite its sometimes negative reputation, Guatemala is a very unique destination to add to you 2025 travel bucket list. Antigua is a haven for cultural aficionados interested in learning about Mayan culture through its markets, artisan workshops and food culture. Nature lovers will love Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by lush forests and active volcanoes. Then there is Tikal, one of greatest Mayan structures still in existence.
Rhode Island
Perfect For: Beach Lovers, History Buffs, Foodies
As someone that grew up in Rhode Island, I can confidently say that we did not get many visitors that were from outside of New England. For the past few years, the "coastal grandma" trend has had travelers flocking to coastal cities like Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod and Nantucket. However, the tides are shifting and the Ocean State is growing in popularity.
Rhode Island is tiny, and there aren't many cities worth vacationing there if I am being honest. However, Newport is a charming coastal town with great seafood restaurants, historic mansions and miles of coastline for those long walks on the beach. You'll want to take the ferry to Block Island where you can take a bike ride through the streets and catch baby seals hanging out at Sandy Point.
Chile
Perfect For: Nature Lovers, Wine Addicts, Adventure Seekers
When you think of Chile what comes to mind? If you're like most you are probably visualizing Patagonia's lush landscapes filled with mountain ranges, volcanoes and glaciers. While trekking through Patagonia is definitely a bucket-list feat, there is so much more to Chile.
Try the Atacama desert, an other-worldy destination on Chile's Pacific coast that looks more like Mars than somewhere you'd find on planet Earth. There is also Los Lagos, Chile's lake region fit for scenic hikes and charming alpine towns. And if you're a wine-lover, you'll be happy to know that Chile is on track to becoming a leader in sustainable wine production. All in all Chile has no shortage of vibes for multiple types of travel.
Mexico City
Perfect For: Foodies, Art Lovers, Socialites
While the resorts along Mexico's Riviera Maya (think Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen) are a spectacular way to spend a relaxing vacation, those looking for a little more get up and go mixed with authentic culture will love exploring Mexico City. From world-class cuisine to amazing day trips to places like Tolantago, CDMX is a place that needs to be on your 2025 bucket list.
Mexico City is a great place to travel solo or with friends. Compared to European cities of the same magnitude, it is relatively affordable to have a unique, luxury travel experience. As a Mexico travel expert, I would recommend staying in the Condesa neighborhood for a mix of hip cafes, boutiques, restaurants and parks. For a stylish, luxury stay try Mondrian or Andaz (and don't forget to take advantage of exclusive perks by booking with me).
Alaska
Perfect For: Nature Lovers, Cruisers, Adventure Seekers
A continuous theme of 2025 travel trends is trading big cities for untouched natural landscapes. For the nature lovers and the adventure seekers, Alaska is a destination that is capable of feeding all of the senses.
Imagine dog sledding through North Pole in winter or experiencing the magic of the northern lights at Borealis Base Camp in Fairbanks. The summer is perfect for mild temperatures and wildlife spottings. And if you don't mind cruising, you can bypass the hassle of transportation on a multi-stop Alaskan itinerary. My favorite cruise line, Virgin Voyages recently released Alaska itineraries for 2026 sailings.
Santa Monica
Perfect For: Weekend Getaways, Beach Lovers, Hikers
More and more travelers are prioritizing weekend getaways in between larger trips. If you're on the west coast, Santa Monica is a perfect Friday-Sunday escape for busy professionals looking for a change of scenery.
Beautiful boutique hotels like Santa Monica Proper or Viceroy Santa Monica offer luxe California vibes at a digest-able price point. While here, you can rent a bike and ride down the famous Santa Monica Bike Path. Or if you rather explore by foot, you can hike Temescal Canyon, Los Leones and Westridge for stunning views of the Pacific coastline.
While you can have a nice day in the sand at Venice beach, north of pier you'll find a more relaxed vibe at Sorrento Beach.
Isla Holbox
Perfect For: Water Lovers, Yogis
If you're looking for a chill beach destination to escape seasonal depression, Isla Holbox is your haven. Located between the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Yucatan, Isla Holbox is a car-free paradise where you'll find crystal clear waters, groves of hippy hammocks and majestic whale sharks.
In 4-5 days you can put your feet in the sand at Punta Mosquito Beach, explore bioluminescent algae by kayak and learn how to identify an authentic tequilla on this small-group tasting adventure. If you're visiting between mid-May and September don't miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with whale sharks on this snorkeling adventure. Just do NOT forget the bug spray.
The French Rivera
Perfect For: Beach Lovers, Honeymooners, Foodies
As a person with dozens of destinations under my belt, I have to say that the French Riviera is one of my favorite places on Earth. Also known as "The South of France", the French Rivera is a a collection of cities and towns on France's Mediterranean coast. Here you'll find colorful buildings, rocky beaches with cerulean blue water and some of the freshest seafood you'll find on the planet.
Popular cities include places like Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez. However, you'll find the real charm in cities like Villefrance-sur-Mer, Menton (a fairytale city that sits on the border of France and Italy) and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferat. I would suggest spending at least 7-10 days exploring the coast and hopping to different cities. While here be sure to spend time on the sea with a Private Sailboat Charter and make a day trip to Provence to explore the region's vineyards on a small-group wine tour.
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Hiring a travel designer.
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