The best places to travel to in 2025 (plus, when to go and what to see)

Planning for next year? For a trip that is equal parts enjoyable and memorable, here is the list of the best places to travel to in 2025, from Italy to Tanzania.

Planning a vacation for next year and unsure what destinations to pick? Our curated list consists of some of the best places to travel to in 2025 that will help you pick a breathtaking spot that offers all the activities you desire. From beaches, fjords, and rivers to lagoons, snowy landscapes and underground caves, these destinations promise new experiences you must explore in 2025. Discover some of the top destinations for your upcoming trip by travelling the world with us.

Best places to visit in the world in 2025

Reykjavik, Iceland

Why not make 2025 your year to witness the Northern Lights in all their splendour? Visit Iceland for the fantastical, almost mystical Aurora Borealis at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the best place to spot the ethereal glow. Visit Reykjavik, the capital, for the museums, thermal baths, historical landmarks, and tranquil lakes. In Iceland, the choices are limitless, especially for the adventurous.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Things to do: Visit the Sun Voyager Sculpture and explore the Laugavegur hiking trail.

Best restaurants: Old Iceland Restaurant, Reykjavík Kitchen, and Himalayan Spice.

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand has announced that 2025 will be the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year”, which makes it an even more attractive destination for tourists, especially with visa-free status offered to several countries, including India. But that’s not the only reason to visit ‘The Land of Smiles’, one of the best places to travel to in 2025. Phuket offers excellent nightlife, splendid beaches, unending shopping opportunities, and many more things to explore.

Check out the best time to visit Thailand to elevate your trip.

Best time to visit: November to March.

Things to do: Go on an island-hopping tour across Phuket, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea from Promthep Cape, and explore Bangla Road.

Best restaurants: Silk Restaurant & Bar, Three Monkeys Restaurant, and Malika Sky Bar By Kalima Resort.

Xi’an, China

China has extended visa-free policies for several countries, including South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, among others, making it attractive to explore the country’s many attractions. On this trip, pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army in Xi’an. This is also where you can try authentic versions of Oriental classics, from Kung Pao Chicken to crispy wontons.

Best time to visit: April to May and September to October.

Things to do: Explore the many fortifications of Xi’an and spend time at the Bell Tower, where you can enjoy stunning views.

Best restaurants: FU(W Xian), Three Sisters Dumplings (East Mutoushi), and EN Chinese Restaurant (W Xian).

Puducherry, India

Puducherry is one of the most popular places to visit in India, with its historical spots, sunny beaches, and myriad water sports. If you are looking for a place with a relaxed vibe, tons of sun and surf, delicious seafood, and a tranquil escape, Puducherry is the place to be in 2025. Spend time at Sri Aurobindo Ashram for meditation and yoga, visit Rock Beach and Serenity Beach for stunning sunsets, and plan a day trip to the multi-themed Botanical Garden, where exotic trees from all around the world find a house.

Here’s our ultimate guide to shopping in Puducherry.

Best time to visit: October to February.

Things to do: Go scuba diving in Temple Reef, savour French-inspired cuisine in a South Indian setting, and explore the unique ecosystem of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.

Best restaurants: Pavilion, FinZ – Seafood & Barbeque, and Seashellz by Club Mahindra Puducherry.

Grand Baie, Mauritius

A tropical paradise, Mauritius is one of the best places to travel to in 2025, especially if you are looking for a luxurious beach holiday. Offering a rich blend of French and Creole influences, Grand Baie is an ideal place for renting a beach villa and simply enjoying the surroundings. Calm lagoons and white sand of the beaches, or enjoy spotting dolphins at Tamarin Bay. Mauritius is visa-free for several countries, including India, Bahrain, Canada, Hong Kong, and more, making it a viable vacation destination.

Best time to visit: April to June, and September to December.

Things to do: Enjoy a day at Pereybere Beach, and spend the evening shopping at Grand Baie Bazar.

Best restaurants: Blue Lagoon Cafe, La Rougaille Créole, and Le Capitaine.

Sardinia, Italy

Although a pretty popular destination in Italy, Sardinia is still relatively uncrowded. If you want to enjoy a languid summer in Italy, Sardinia is the place to be. With its pristine beaches, excellent surfing spots, natural wonders, museums with vast art collections, and ancient archaeological marvels, this part of Italy will surely make you fall in love with the country. Places like the Giant’s Tomb, Nereo Cave, and Gennargentu National Park are ideal for adventure lovers, history buffs, and nature lovers. You could also visit Cagliari and Sassari to enjoy museums, ornate squares, delicious local dishes, and plenty of shopping opportunities.

Also read: I’ve Lived In Italy For 15 Years — And These Are My Favourite Lesser-known Destinations

Best time to visit: April to June and September to October.

Things to do: Go exploring Tavilara Island, spend time admiring the stunning interiors of Neptune’s Grotto, and take in the sweeping views of one of the world’s only pink beaches, Spiaggia Rosa.

Best restaurants: Fogo Churrascaria – Sassari, Andycoc e il Moro, and La Piccola Cucina

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

A unique blend of mediaeval and modern, Luxembourg is a charming place to travel to in 2025. Full of hauntingly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Bock Casemates underground tunnels, Luxembourg is famed for its vibrant arts scene and cultural offerings. Many hiking trails such as the Mullerthal Trail, wine regions for miles such as the Moselle Valley wine region, a still-standing fortified Old Town, and the modern attractions of Luxembourg Town are sure to be an attractive prospect for any traveller.

Best time to visit: All-year-round destination.

Things to do: Take a ride on the Pfaffenthal’s Panoramic Elevator and visit some of the city’s many breweries.

Best restaurants: Rotisserie Ardennaise, Le Laboratoire, and Radici.

Victoria, Seychelles

Visit Seychelles for the picture-perfect photos! But the stunning shorelines, held by the white-sand beaches, are not the only things you should visit in the smallest country in Africa. A visa-free destination for the entire world, Victoria in Seychelles is the perfect place for an extended vacation amid nature. Visit the museums to look at historical and maritime artefacts, or laze around at the beach playing games and enjoying the freshest possible seafood.

Find out the best time to visit Seychelles.

Best time to visit: April to May and October to November

Things to do: Hike the lush trails of Copolia Trail and explore Victoria Botanical Gardens

Best restaurants: Del Place Restaurant, Marie Antoinette, and Ocean View Bar

Shop the best travel experiences here

Hawaii, USA

Stunning natural beauty, rich Hawaiian culture, plenty of outdoor activities, diverse wildlife and the chance to go island-hopping like nowhere else make Hawaii a must-visit place for your next vacation. One of the best places to travel to in 2025, Hawaii is home to a volcanic landscape full of lush forests, coral reefs, calm waters, and beaches perfect for sunbathing. Each Hawaiian island offers a different experience, such as the rugged beauty of Kauai, the laid-back air of Maui, the active volcano of Kilauea, and the gentle surf of Oʻahu. The fantastic cuisine of Hawaii, boasting fresh ingredients and unique cooking methods, is enough to make you want to revisit.

Best time to visit: December to March

Things to do: Explore Haleakalā National Park, go beach/island-hopping across Hawaii, and plan a visit to the historic site of Pearl Harbor.

Best restaurants: StripSteak by Michael Mina, Sweet E’s Cafe, and Duke’s Waikiki.

Phú Quốc Island, Vietnam

Even if you do not have a visa for the rest of Vietnam, you can enter Phú Quốc Island without one. You can arrive here by landing at Phú Quốc International Airport or by connecting to another Vietnamese international airport. The alluring beauty will melt hearts, with a vibrant night market, crystal clear water like green glass, abundant diving opportunities, the freshest possible seafood, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

Best time to visit: November to April.

Things to do: Ride the world record-holding cable car to reach Hon Thom Island, explore the splendid markets of Duong Dong, and enjoy the wildlife trails of Phú Quốc National Park.

Best restaurants: Lava, Ocean Club, and Laylow Phu Quoc.

Alajuela, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with its rainforests, volcanoes, national parks, and beautiful beaches full of exotic wildlife. Alajuela is where birders will surely have a thrilling time, especially in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Spot toucans of several varieties, macaws, vultures, hummingbirds, and falcons and indulge in exciting activities such as canyoning and zip lining.

Visiting other parts of Costa Rica? Go beach hopping with our guide in the best beach towns in Costa Rica.

Best time to visit: December to April

Things to do: Hike near the Arenal Volcano and go kayaking at Lake Arenal.

Best restaurants: Pesqueria da Limonta, Trattoria Ragú, and Rosti-Alajuela.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

If watching the Great Wildebeest Migration has always been on your mind, why not make 2025 the year you do it? Tanzania has many natural wonders, from the Serengeti National Park to Mount Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro Crater. Still, nothing is more spectacular than watching the migration up close. Visit the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, where hunting lodges offer incredible views of wildlife.

Best time to visit: June to October

Things to do: Spend a day enjoying the beautiful views from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and visit The Olduvai Gorge Museum.

Best restaurants: Lilac Cafe, Mambo Cafe Ngorongoro, and Happy Days Lounge & Lodge.

Nuuk, Greenland

Home to the world’s largest national park, Greenland is full of natural wonders in every direction you look. From the midnight sun to breathtaking Arctic landscapes to Northern Lights to the unique Inuit culture, this country is coming up top in many travel bucket lists. Visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, where the Godthåb Fjord looms high over the city. Expect tons of outdoor adventures, from glamping to fishing and more.

Best time to visit: October to May.

Things to do: Cruise the ice fjords in a boat from Nuuk and go foraging and ice-fishing at a local camp.

Best restaurants: Sarfalik Seafood, A Hereford Beefstouw, and Restaurant Tunit.

The Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia had to be on our list of the best places to travel to in 2025. It is the world’s most extensive coral reef system (visible even from space) and will make you gasp at the underwater beauty of it all. Spot a wide variety of marine mammals, from dolphins and whales to more aggressive hunters, such as different types of sharks, vibrant corals and schools of tiny fishes darting past you. It is also one of the most suitable places for stargazing, with clear skies and minimal light pollution to make those constellations pop out.

Plan a great trip with our itinerary for Australia.

Best time to visit: May to October.

Things to do: Visit the Cairns Aquarium for a wondrous look at underwater life, go on a lagoon cruise, and hike through the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest.

Best restaurants: C’est Bon Restaurant Français, Tha Fish Restaurant, and A Touch of Salt.

Saadiyat Island, UAE

One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions and one of the best places to travel to in 2025, Saadiyat Island is home to many cultural spots, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi. From the pristine beaches to the adventure activities available here, this is an excellent destination for people from all walks of life. It can also be your luxury/leisure vacation for the year, thanks to the stunning resorts and beachside accommodations where you can get a tan.

Best time to visit: November to March.

Things to do: Explore the stunning museums, take a beach yoga class, and enjoy exhilarating water sports at Kai Beach.

Best restaurants: Mermaid Restaurant, Olea, and Sontaya.

Cork, Ireland

An ideal destination for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and history buffs, Cork is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. Also known as the culinary capital of Ireland, Cork is home to The English Market, a traditional market famous for its delicious food and fresh produce. Take a glimpse into Irish history with a look at its famous historic sites such as Blarney Castle, Cork City Gaol, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and Elizabeth Fort. Enjoy scenic landscapes from Daly’s Bridge, Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve, and Fitzgerald Park. You can also spend time at the rugged beaches, such as Inchydoney Beach and Barleycove Beach.

Best time to visit: May to August.

Things to do: Enjoy a traditional breakfast at The English Market, spend an evening amid nature at Fitzgerald Park, and pay a visit to Charles Fort for a culturally rich outing.

Best restaurants: The SpitJack, The River Club, and Elbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse.

Toulouse, France

Toulouse in France is a haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the popular cities. From leisurely wine tours to lush gardens that seem to go on for acres to the Théâtre du Capitole, where you could catch an opera, is what defines this French city, but not quite. Toulouse is more than just its ‘places to visit’; it is an experience. There are cruises on the River Garonne, cheeses and wines to be tasted, and historic canals to be explored. Indeed, one of the best places to travel to in 2025.

Explore more of France with our guide to places beyond Paris.

Best time to visit: April to October

Things to do: Stroll across the bustling Victor Hugo Market, enjoy the local nightlife at the many pubs and bars of the city, and explore the mysterious cave system of Grotte de Lombrives.

Best restaurants: Les Sales Gosses – Le Restaurant, Cécile, and L’Air de Famille.

Indio, USA

Located in Southern California’s Colorado Desert, Indio is on our list because of its renowned festivals, such as the Coachella Valley Music (April 11-20, 2025) and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival (April 25-27, 2025). Pleasant weather, desert landscapes, a growing art scene, and plenty of other places to visit apart from the festivals make it a well-rounded destination for all. Known as the ‘City of Festivals’, this place is a must-visit for those already in California or nearby.

Best time to visit: February to April.

Things to do: Explore the Coachella Valley History Museum, enjoy a relaxing spa day at a resort in the valley, and enjoy a music festival here.

Best restaurants: Pueblo Viejo Grill, The Cafe at Shields, and Pom.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

The rich history and culture of Scotland are reasons enough to visit Scotland. Add the stunning landscapes of jagged mountains, deep-blue lakes, isolated beaches, sweeping moors, and rolling hills, and you have a winner. Visit the Fairy Glen, which boasts a unique and wondrous landscape, the crescent-shaped Claigan Coral Beach with its laid-back air, and The Skye Bridge that connects it to the mainland. Plenty of distilleries and breweries mark the village, perfect for rubbing shoulders with the locals. A host of walking trails and birdwatching opportunities make it a nature lover’s dream trip and one of the best places to travel to in 2025.

Best time to visit: April to September.

Things to do: Go climbing across Cuillin Ridge, pay a visit to the Staffin Dinosaur Museum, and take a day trip to visit the Fairy Pools of the Isle of Skye.

Best restaurants: Cuchullin Restaurant, The View Restaurant, and Dulse & Brose.

The Galápagos Island, Ecuador

A gem for nature lovers, the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador are home to various endemic species, from birds to mammals to insects. With a dramatic volcanic landscape that undulates for miles, offering spectacular scenery in every direction, this place is one of the best places to travel to in 2025. From extensive marine biodiversity to being the perfect spot for studying evolution, the Galápagos Islands are also accessible on the eyes with their lush forests, stunning snorkelling spots, black lava shorelines, and plenty of adventure and nature activities.

Best time to visit: December to May.

Things to do: Hike up the Sierra Negra Volcano, visit the cute little seals of San Cristóbal Island, and spend a day exploring the El Chato Tortoise Reserve at Santa Cruz Island.

Best restaurants: Gracias Madre Galápagos, Darwin’s Secret, and FraFre GastroBar.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich Incan architecture and undeniable historical significance, Machu Picchu is an ideal place for a history buff and one of the best places to travel to in 2025. An ancient once-hidden city built high up in the Andes, Machu Picchu is a sight to behold, especially after the long Inca Trail trek (should you choose to take that route) to get there. Expect breathtaking scenery everywhere you look, the cute and friendly llamas, the city’s intricate architecture, and the opportunity to feel completely immersed in Peruvian culture, from the food to the traditions.

Best time to visit: May to September.

Things to do: Tour the Temple of the Sun ruins, witness a stunning sunrise from The Sun Gate, and cross the Inca Bridge.

Best restaurants: Ponchos Machupicchu Restaurant, Chullos Restaurant, and Pueblo Viejo Machupicchu Restaurant.

Napa Valley, USA

Napa Valley is the perfect destination for a leisurely, wine-fueled trip to lavish vineyards and equally luxurious resorts. It is particularly renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, and plenty of wineries offer wine tours that promise not just to take you through the entire process but never leave your wine glass empty. Imagine emerald-hued rolling hills, lush vineyards bearing down with succulent grapes, Michelin-starred restaurants for pairing tasty food with fantastic wine, resorts with spa facilities to feel rejuvenated after a wine tour, and the chance to enjoy a trip where sightseeing is secondary.

Best time to visit: August to October, and March to May.

Things to do: Go on a grape-picking tour, ride on a hot air balloon over the vineyards, and explore the Oxbow Public Market for handmade condiments.

Best restaurants: Bistro Don Giovanni, The Grove at CIA Copia, and Mustards Grill.

Lapland, Finland

If you are looking for an authentic Arctic adventure in the winter, Lapland is the place to be. One of the best places to travel to in 2025, it is known for its stunning natural beauty with the Northern Lights and layers of snow, making it look right out of a fairytale. Lapland is also ideal for those looking for snowy adventures. Visit the much-adored Santa Claus Village to check out where the Christmas gift-bearer lives and makes his toys, helped by the little elves. Or enjoy a day out in the snow, exploring the tranquil lakes and snow-topped mountainscapes.

Best time to visit: December to March.

Things to do: Stay in a glass igloo for a unique immersive experience, enjoy a wide range of snow sports, including ice fishing and snowmobiling, and explore Ranua’s Arctic Wildlife Park to see a polar bear.

Best restaurants: Santa’s Salmon Place, Nili Restaurant, and Restaurant Aanaar.

Rhine Valley, Germany

Rhine Valley is one of Germany’s premier locations, offering historic castles such as Rheinfels Castle and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, ancient ruins such as Burg Maus and Yburg Castle, and immense natural beauty in the form of rolling vineyards and dramatic cliffs. Rhine Valley is also famed for offering a gastronomic tour full of outstanding wineries and restaurants. Charming architecture across the historic towns of St Goar and Koblenz lets visitors enjoy getting transported to a world that seems to be suspended in time.

Best time to visit: May to October.

Things to do: Go on a wine-tasting tour, enjoy a river cruise to get a new perspective on Rhine Valley, and enjoy panoramic views from Loreley Rock.

Best restaurants: SauBar, Einstein Koblenz, and Cafe Guglhupf.

Cape Town, South Africa

A sunny place to end our list of the best places to travel to in 2025, Cape Town is where you can enjoy a leisurely luxury vacation or one that encompasses rigorous outdoor activities such as hiking, skydiving, and Go-Kart racing. You could choose to spend your day at the stunning beaches of Cape Town or Table Top Mountain, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Picturesque vineyards add to the allure of a leisurely escape. Cape Town is truly a place that will leave you flummoxed about which experiences to partake in.

Best time to visit: January to April.

Things to do: Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and Boulders Beach to see the huge colony of African penguins.

Best restaurants: Utopia Cape Town, Pigalle Restaurant, and La Colombe.

(Feature image credit: Pedro Szekely, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

This article originally appeared on Travel + Leisure Asia India.