Where to go in 2025: The year’s most intriguing destinations

As travellers seek out less crowded, more immersive experiences, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of sustainable, culturally rich, and off-the-beaten-path adventures

From the Arctic shores of Greenland to the vineyards of Uruguay and the mountains of Thailand, the ‘must visit’ destinations for 2025 cropping up across the web are a far cry from the overrun cities and beaches in the spotlight in the pre-Covid era. This year, travel authorities such as Expedia, Lonely Planet, Intrepid and Globetrender are highlighting places that offer fresh opportunities for meaningful travel, with a focus on exploration, environmental responsibility and deeper cultural connections.

Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or simply the chance to get under the skin of a new destination, these destinations offer something truly unique – minus the tourist throngs.

ASIA

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Phuket and Koh Samui might be in the limelight thanks to a certain cult TV show, but if you’d rather a slice of quiet, head north to Chiang Mai, where a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty await. Lonely Planet highlights the city’s majestic mountains and ornate temples in its ‘Best in Travel‘ list this year – including the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while the city’s vibrant art scene and traditional markets offer immersive experiences for travellers seeking authenticity.

Beyond its historical allure, Chiang Mai caters to adventure enthusiasts with activities such as kayaking, hiking, cooking classes, and zip-lining; and wellness warriors, thanks to its numerous spas and health-focused resorts.

EUROPE

Toulouse, France

Dubbed Lonely Planet’s Top City for 2025, Toulouse – often referred to as “Paris in miniature” – blends rich history with modern innovation. Known as “La Ville Rose” for its terracotta buildings, the city is France’s aerospace capital, home to Airbus and the Cité de l’Espace museum.

Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint-Sernin, stroll through the Capitole de Toulouse and enjoy a burgeoning gastronomic scene. As the city invests in green transport and sustainable infrastructure, it’s becoming an even more attractive destination​.

Reims, France

Expedia, meanwhile, touts Reims as a must-visit ‘Detour Destination’ in 2025, thanks to its rich blend of history and gastronomy. Located about 45 minutes north of Paris by train, this city is renowned for its champagne houses and grand architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral. Visitors can explore the city’s historical sites and indulge in its lauded culinary scene, which features three Michelin-starred restaurants and food festivals like Les Relais du Goût.

Girona, Spain

Just 40 minutes from Barcelona via the new Avlo high-speed train service, hilltop medieval stunner Girona offers beauty in spades, world-class cuisine, and far fewer crowds than the Catalonian capital. Stroll through the Jewish Quarter, explore the Girona Cathedral (a Game of Thrones filming site), and admire the Onyar River’s colorful houses. Girona is also a major culinary hotspot, boasting 12 Michelin-starred restaurants, including El Celler de Can Roca – one of the world’s best.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is often overlooked in favour of Stockholm and Copenhagen, but this Nordic capital is finally getting its due. With its new Munch Museum, a revitalized waterfront and world-class hiking just 30 minutes from the city, Oslo is redefining Nordic travel.

“Go to Oslo with zero expectations – and I promise you’ll leave with stories to tell,” says Liepa Adomaityte, an Intrepid Norway trip leader. The city is also on track to become the world’s first emissions-free capital by 2030, making it a leader in sustainable urban tourism​.

Vilnius, Lithuania

The European Green Capital for 2025 and one of Lonely Planet’s top destinations for 2025, it seems everyone is talking about Vilnius. Vilnius blends baroque beauty, artistic energy and a thriving food scene. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is packed with architectural gems like the Palace of the Grand Dukes and St. Anne’s Church, while the bohemian Užupis district offers quirky galleries and its own playful “constitution”.

The city also reflects its complex history at the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. Meanwhile, Vilnius’ food scene is booming, with Michelin-starred restaurants and local specialties making it Europe’s most surprising foodie city.

Disko Island, Greenland

As climate change reshapes tourism trends, Greenland’s Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island) is emerging as a top Arctic escape. Unlike mass-market cruise spots, this volcanic island is home to fjords, glaciers and diverse wildlife.

“Surrounded by icebergs and whales, the island embodies Greenland’s pristine beauty,” says Kristijan Svajnzger, Intrepid’s Nordics Regional Manager. “Imagine lounging on the black sand beach, hearing children play football while whales breach in the distance.” With a new international airport opening in Nuuk in 2025, Greenland is set to attract more visitors while managing its environmental impact.

NORTH AMERICA

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, long known as a cruise stop, is now being recognized as a world-class diving destination. With its pristine beaches and the Mesoamerican Reef, the island is attracting travellers seeking sustainable marine tourism.

Expedia highlights Cozumel for 2025 due to improved accessibility, new farm-to-table seafood restaurants and eco-friendly tourism initiatives. As the world’s second-largest coral reef, the island offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving experiences in the Western Hemisphere​.

The Adirondacks, USA

New York’s Adirondack Park – larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined – is a haven for nature lovers. Unlike national parks, it has no entrance fees or closing times, making it an ideal alternative for those seeking a remote wilderness experience. Set to launch in 2025, the Adirondack Rail Trail will connect Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, making the region more accessible for hikers, cyclists and winter sports enthusiasts​. Intrepid has dubbed this region as a top place to visit this year.

Santa Barbara, USA

Santa Barbara in California, meanwhile, makes Expedia’s list. While the beachside enclave has long been a coastal retreat for luxury travellers, a new generation of visitors is reshaping its vibe. With trendy, budget-conscious stays like Moxy Santa Barbara and an upcoming ‘hometel’ for digital nomads in a repurposed church, the city is becoming more accessible to Millennial and Gen Z travellers. At the same time, the legendary Four Seasons Biltmore is set to make a highly anticipated return in 2025 after an extensive renovation, bringing a fresh take on high-end hospitality to this iconic beach town.

SOUTH AMERICA

Maldonado, Uruguay

Long overshadowed by Argentina and Chile, Uruguay is now making waves in the wine world. Maldonado, home to the Tannat grape, is becoming a top wine tourism destination.

Michelin-starred chef Francis Mallmann has put the region’s gastronomy on the map, and Uruguay has recently introduced visa-free entry for 85 countries, making it easier to visit. The Garzón Art Festival is another reason to explore this emerging cultural hotspot​.

OCEANIA

Waikato, New Zealand

Just over the ditch and a short drive from Auckland, Waikato is a lush, green region known for its rolling farmland, dramatic caves and deep Maori heritage. Expedia flags Waikato as worthy of exploring thanks to its mix of peaceful retreats and unique outdoor experiences.

Visitors can explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, a must-see for Lord of the Rings fans, or venture underground into the Waitomo Caves, where thousands of glowworms light up the caverns like a starry night sky. The region is also rich in Maori culture, with sites like Pirongia Forest Park offering guided tours that share local legends and traditions.