The 25 best places to travel in 2025

From brightly-coloured lakes in Australia, to a solar powered safari camp in Botswana – these are the top destinations for BBC journalists this year.

Travel can connect us, inspire us and even transform our lives. The world is a wonderful place. Peering out over the edge of the rushing waterfalls in Newfoundland showcases its beauty. The sawtooth spires rising in the Italian Dolomites reveal how amazing our planet can be.

While travel is supposed to be a positive force, it can also overwhelm and harm places that we love. Many destinations have now implemented new restrictions to combat the negative effects of Overtourism.

Exploring the Best Places to Travel in 2025

In our inaugural guide of the BBC’s best places to visit in 2018, we wanted to highlight destinations that are experiencing the opposite trend. These 25 destinations are not only great places to visit https://www.nextstopin.com/best-places-to-stay/. They also use tourism to help local communities and preserve their cultural heritage.

The list was compiled with the help of BBC Travel journalists and leading sustainable travel authorities, including the United Nations World Travel Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance, and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

Traveling thoughtfully is important. Tourism has soared past levels before the pandemic in many areas. Extreme weather and climate changes have revealed how fragile and impermanent many bucket list destinations are.

Your next adventure awaits, whether it’s a trek through Bolivia’s lunar landscape or a glamping trip in Greenland in the Arctic on the largest island in the world.

1. Dominica

Have you ever wanted to swim with sperm whales in the ocean? Dominica offers the opportunity to swim with sperm whales in an ethical and sustainable manner as part of its groundbreaking commitment to marine preservation and regenerative tourist. The island nation established the first sperm-whale reserve in order to protect its resident giants. Whale swims are limited to ensure intimate and respectful encounters. Visitors can enjoy a once in a lifetime experience of sharing the water with these amazing cetaceans.

In 2025, a new infrastructure will welcome visitors. This includes digital immigration forms that make it easier to arrive. A cable car system will take riders from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, the largest thermal spring in the world.

United Airlines will launch direct flights starting 15 February, in addition to existing American Airlines flights from Miami. In 2025, several new hotels will open, adding almost 500 rooms and a 25% increase in inventory. One of these is the six-star Hilton Tranquility Resort and Spa located in Salisbury.

Dominica also hosts Project CETI a pioneering international effort to Decode Whale Language, Clicks and Codas. This project is led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber. Visitors can also explore hidden gorges and towering waterfalls. They can also eat at local eateries such as farm-to table Lacou. Dominica is more than just a place to visit. It’s also a movement that supports a model of ecotourism that balances biodiversity preservation with economic growth.

2. Naoshima, Japan

The Japanese island of Naoshima is home to one of Yayoi’s yellow, polka-dotted Pumpkins. It has since become a destination of choice for those who appreciate contemporary art and architecture. Once known (if at all) for its highly polluting copper smelting industry, the island’s transformation is thanks to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has helped create major museums and site-specific artworks in the scenically stunning (and dramatically population-dwindling) Seto Inland Sea, located between Japan’s main island of Honshu and Shikoku.

The Naoshima New Museum of Art will open in spring 2025, designed by Tadao ando, the architect who has been responsible for nine other projects. This year’s Setouchi Triennale will feature a new exhibition of Asian art, including events and the unveiling of artworks on 17 islands in the Seto Inland Sea. This is the biggest edition of the Triennale, which has been running since 2010. It spans over 100 days, and includes spring, summer, and autumn, so that visitors can enjoy the area in all seasons. Benesse Art Site Naoshima has been instrumental in reviving not only Naoshima but also the nearby islands of Teshima, Inujima, and Teshima.

The remains of an historic copper refinery have been reimagined into a epic-scale artwork. Roka is a ryokan with a modern style on Naoshima. The elegantly minimalist Espoir Inn can be found on Teshima.

3. The Dolomites in Italy

It is hard to imagine that Italy needs more publicity, especially with Rome expecting to be overrun by tourists due to its 2025 Jubilee. If Italy is on your bucket list in 2025, consider a trip north to the Dolomite Mountains.

It is hard to imagine that Italy, a perennial fan favourite, needs any more publicity, especially when Rome will be more overrun by tourists due to its 2025 Jubilee. If Italy is still at the top of your bucket list in 2025, you might want to consider a trip north to Dolomite Mountains.

The rugged Dolomites are synonymous with luxury and family holidays for Italians. These stunning limestone cliffs spread across Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Sudtirol, and Friuli – Venezia Giulia attract people each year.

They offer beautiful villages, “white week” skiing, epic hikes, and delicious Alpine cuisine. The classic Italian playground is often overlooked, but this is about to change.

Cortina d’Ampezzo has been selected to host the Winter Olympics in 2026. The preparations will be made throughout 2025 and include an extensive series of infrastructure improvements in the region, all set against a pre-Olympic backdrop. In the Dolomiti Superski region, the towns of Alta Badia & Val Gardena are launching modernised lifts & enhancing connections to the public transit within the area. In the towns of the region, new and upgraded cable cars and lifts will be introduced.

The Dolomites are a destination to visit at any time of the year. Visit in spring, summer or autumn and enjoy the excellent trails. For example, the new Cammino Retico (2024) will connect remote villages in the Veneto region and Trentino with a 170km trail that takes seven days. In 2025, the luxury Aman Rosa Alpina Hotel will reopen its doors for pure relaxation. The hotel will have 51 rooms, including two presidential suites. It also has the Chalet Zeno. Visit before the crowds descend.

4. Greenland

There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like Greenland. The world’s biggest island has a population of less than 57,000.

The vast icecap and mountains are covered by magnificent wilderness. Its majestic fjords and geopolitical entity offer adventurers a lifetime.

There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like Greenland. The world’s biggest island, Greenland, is more than 2 million square kilometers in size. It has a population less than 57,000. The vast icecap and mountains of the island are covered by a magnificent wilderness. Its majestic fjords and geopolitical entity offer adventurers a lifetime .

Greenland is a bucket list destination for many reasons. It offers breathtaking hiking, spellbinding whale-watching in the summer, traditional dog sledding in the winter and magical auroras in the summer. Greenland was remote, expensive, and took a long time to reach until now.

Greenland is now easier to reach than ever before. A new international airport will open in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland in 2020. Two more are planned for 2026. Greenland welcomes adventurers who are open-minded and enjoy exploring the country’s incredible nature. They also appreciate its unique Inuit culture. Greenland has adopted a pledge “towards better Tourism” and a new legislation aims to direct funds from tourism toward benefiting local communities.

Nuuk, a modern town with an historic waterfront, informative art galleries and museums, is a great place to start hiking, fishing, and glamping excursions, and it’s a good starting point for exploring the Arctic. Visitors can explore the stunning icebergs in Disko Bay, and the Unesco-recognised Icefjord further north in Ilulissat. The south is a region that was once settled by Vikings. There are beautiful fjords as well as green hills with sheep farms.

5. Wales

Wales, only one-sixth the size of England, boasts stunning national parks and medieval castles. It also receives far fewer tourists than other UK destinations, adding to its appeal. Wales celebrates 2025 as the Year of Croeso (Welcome) – a new reason for travelers to visit one of Europe’s hottest destinations.

This year-long celebration showcases Welsh culture and language. Visitors are invited to “feel the hwyl“, a Welsh phrase that describes joy when immersed in the present moment.

Wales has been at the forefront in recent years of culturally-focused, sustainable travel. Tourism has played a key role in the revival and development of the Welsh language. The nation is currently implementing a five-year programme to use tourism funds for the improvement of various destinations’ environmental sustainability. In its Year of Croeso program, Wales is investing in mobility bicycles so that more adventurers can explore the wild side of Wales. Wales also has the Wales Coast Path – the only hiking trail in the world to run the length of the country’s coast.

6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)

Labrador is the eastern portion of Newfoundland & Labrador, a vast and rugged region with a history of more than 9,000-years. The completion of the final stage of the 1,200km Trans-Labrador Highway in 2025 will transform this remote 294,330 square km landscape into an accessible destination.

The new circular route, known as Expedition 51, connects Labrador to five Canadian provinces and offers detours in the US or even France (via St Pierre & Miquelon). The Canadian government invested $180 million into Parks Canada in Western Newfoundland & Labrador to encourage sustainable tourism in this previously isolated part of northern Canada. In 2025 Red Bay National Historic Site will unveil a new interactive visitor centre and boardwalk. L’Anse aux Meadows is upgrading its visitor facilities and improving the ecological protections. Gros Morne National Park introduces new interpretive displays that highlight the park’s dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and geology.

7. Tucson, Arizona (US)

Tucson will have a lot of reasons to celebrate in the year 2025. In 2025, Tucson will celebrate its 250th birthday and the 10th anniversary of becoming the first US city to be awarded the Unesco City of Gastronomy designation. The area that is now Tucson, originally part of Mexico, will celebrate the unique multi-national past, as well the deeply rooted Native American cultures, at a free event held on the 23rd August, featuring traditional Mexican dance and music. Tucson is home to miles of hiking trails in the desert as well as historic buildings, including the 250-year old San Xavier del Bac. This kind of preservation is why Tucson will receive the Sustainability Index Award this year from the Global Destination Sustainability movement.

The nearby gardens are even more impressive. They’re the oldest continuously cultivated land in the US. The Tohono O’odham’s ancestors cultivated squash, beans, and corn here four thousand years ago. Many of these ancient crops and herbs are still used in the kitchens throughout the city after centuries of mixing with Mexican and Indigenous flavours. Diners can immerse themselves in the city’s unique food scene at one of its city-of-gastronomy-certified restaurants or Heirloom Farmers Markets, which regularly feature unique local ingredients such as chiltepin chilis, edible cacti called nopales and prickly pear.

8. Western Australia

Perth and Western Australia have been regarded as the most isolated cities in the world. They are often compared to east coast cities like Sydney and Melbourne. With Australia’s only direct flight to Europe and a $5bn redevelopment at Perth Airport, Perth is positioning itself to be Australia’s Western Gateway. With new links to Asia and WA poised to be a must-visit in 2025, the state is well on its way to becoming a destination that everyone wants to visit.

It’s not only about the journey, but also what lies ahead. WA’s landscapes are vast, covering more than 2.5 millions sq km. This includes 12,500kms of coastline, bubblegum pink lakes, horizontal falls, towering Karri forests, wildflowers and wineries. Wildlife encounters include swimming with whalesharks and taking selfies with quokkas – the ” Happiest Animal in the World“. Sustainability-minded road trippers can explore it all on the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.

9. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka ticks many boxes. From its rolling waves and ancient temples to its hilltop tea plantations, the country has it all. The former Prime Minister announced Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy in April 2022. But a New President hopes to rebuild the fortunes of the country after it

Tourism is the way to go for this resilient island nation. Kandy is getting its first seven-star resort, Aviyana Private Chalets. Aaruny Sri Lanka is launching a new airline Air Ceilao that will fly to Europe and Australia. Recently, the nation launched the Good Travel Seal Initiative which recognizes local businesses that have adopted sustainable practices.

If you’re looking for a coolcation, take a legendary rail ride into its mountainous interior or visit Colombo or Galle The island also has the 300km Pekoe trail which takes hikers along tea plantations, rural villages and the Central Highlands. A new startup offers a way for travellers who wish to travel further to drive a tuk-tuk around the island. The money goes

10. Panama

The US managed the Panama Canal for many decades before handing it over to Panama in 1999, through a treaty that was signed by Jimmy Carter. The 25th anniversary of Panamanian sovereignty over the canal is this year. As President-elect Donald Trump suggests that he may use military force to retake

There’s still more to explore in this country of lush jungles, picturesque islands, and mountainous forest beyond the canal. The Meaningful Map to Panama will be launched in 2024 as a partnership with Tourism Cares. This map is designed to help visitors find local travel Then, after a Localinpty tour of Panama City’s CascoAntiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods, travel The Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail is located in El Valle de Anton, a village that was named one This recently opened trail is part of Panama’s ongoing 1000 km of Trails, which aims to boost sustainable tourism while bringing hikers in

11. Rif Mountains, Morocco

Morocco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Africa. Its sweeping deserts and ancient cities, as well as its rich culture, have The Al Haouz Earthquake of September 2023 devastated not only parts of Marrakech, but also the Atlas Mountains. It also had In preparation for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 and building (and rebuilding) its tourism infrastructure, Morocco is working to increase its tourist arrival

Take a roadtrip through the Rif Mountains to avoid the crowds in Morocco’s northern region. The planned expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail network 2025-2027 will create a number of new train routes, including a connection from It’s 65km north of Fez to Moulay Idriss. This ancient hilltop village was once closed to non Muslims. Continue north through mountain villages and olive and almond groves to Talassemtane National Park, where you can hike through cedar forests and The town of Chefchaouen is located further north and is known as the “Blue Pearl” for its blue-painted streets and buildings. Cruise along the northern coast of Morocco, stopping in sleepy Mediterranean villages such as El Jebha, and whitewashed Spanish colonial architecture

12. Bradford, England

Bradford, a northern English city, is poised to finally step out of the shadow cast by its Yorkshire giant neighbour, Leeds. It will now take its place as UK City of Culture in 2025. The year-long program of events will include the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum as well as innovative celebrations local cultural icons. These include more than 400 Bradford-born works by Bradford-born David Hockney, held in an Unesco World Heritage 1850s Mill; new digital take on a fantasy-world dreamed up the famous literary Bronte Sisters; and a music programme mixing electronic bassline symphony with old factory folk, brass bands and South Asian sound.

The diverse offerings reflect the city’s eye-opening diversity. Historic enclaves, like Little Germany (where 19th-Century Teutonic Wool Merchants built a variety of neoclassical warehousing), are complimented by dramatic moors which host an open air immersive sound walk combining contemporary classical music with sculpture trails. The locals, who come from diverse backgrounds and are young (a quarter of them are under 20), also bring a special energy.

Bradford’s rugged countryside and historic streets helped it become Britain’s first Unesco City of Film, a distinction shared with Rome, Sydney, and Busan. It was the setting for BBC series such as Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack and classic films such as The Railway Children, Wuthering Height, and The Railway Children.

This year, there is even a interactive book project that celebrates recipes from the local community and shows how Bradford will be able to satisfy all tastes in 2025.

13. Jordan

Jordan is a land of wonders. It’s home to some of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the world, and it’s the ancient capital city of one of history’s mysterious civilisations. Take a closer glance and you will see that Jordan has quietly been building its reputation as the Middle East’s top destination for outdoor adventure seekers.

The Wadi Rum trail will open in 2023. It is a 120km, 10-day hiking path that weaves its way through the rusty walls of Jordan’s Wadi Rum. The trail traces the otherworldly scenery featured in Star Wars, Dune, and The Martian. The desert has been a popular destination for 4×4 tours in the past, but the community tourism project encourages , a slower and more sustainable way of traveling, which protects the delicate ecosystem of the desert while preserving the rich culture of the local Bedouin communities.

This Maine-sized country is also home to 33 protected marine and land ecosystems. The Wadi-Mujib Biosphere reserve is the world’s lowest nature reserve, at 410m under sea level. Visitors can climb, swim and slide their way down a sandstone canyon to the base a crashing waterfall in search of the desert-dwelling Nubian Ibex. Jordan’s largest biosphere reserve, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is home to 180 species of birds and 25 species of endangered mammals. The coral reefs of the Aqaba Reserve have more than 500 species of fish and are a growing dive scene.

14. Haa Valley, Bhutan

This former hermit kingdom in the Himalayas was almost completely closed off to the outside world until 1974. Since then, it has become a leader in sustainability. It is the first carbon-negative country and more than 60% its land is protected forest.

Haa Valley is a forested region along Bhutan’s western border with Tibet. It has been a well-kept secret in Bhutan, as it’s a unique cultural area that’s still undiscovered by mass tourism. The Haa Valley, the last district of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom to be opened to foreigners, was only open in 2002. Today, less than 2% international travellers visit this forgotten corner, even though it is just a few yaks’ graze away from Paro International Airport. The area is now coming out of the shadows and balancing preservation along with thoughtful development to attract more tourists.

Haa is a beautiful place to explore. The newly restored 400km Trans Bhutan Trail, the newly added 11km Haa Panorama Trail and the two-day Joy Bay Tsho Trek will allow you to see the raw beauty of Haa.

Haa is a beautiful place to explore. The newly restored 400km Trans Bhutan Trail, the newly added 11km Haa Panorama Trail and the two-day Joy Bay Tsho Trek will allow you to see the raw beauty of Haa.

Haa is committed to sustainable tourism, which means that you can find homestays and local hotels offering glimpses of centuries-old rural culture. The community-run Katsho Eco Camp was built by cooks and guides who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. It is located along the Haa Panorama Trail.

Bhutan’s Sustainability Daily Fee has been halved until 2027, and is now $100. This once-secluded haven will remain just as committed to low impact tourism.

15. Hawaii

Maui has been devastated by a series deadly wildfires. The entire state is now experiencing a dramatic decline of visitors. Families and local businesses are asking visitors to return to Hawaii, but they ask that they do so responsibly.

Enter the Malama Hawaii program. malama means “to protect”, “give back”, or “respect the environment”. It is a Hawaiian term that embodies a sense stewardship. The programme matches travellers with over 350 volunteer opportunities. These range from restoring Native Forests, cooking and sewing for Maui families, to preserving plant and animal habitats at the foot of Mount Kea. The program rewards travellers with discounted or free stays in hotels and resorts on the islands. This includes the famous Four Seasons Resort Maui, Wailea, where the first series of The White Lotus was shot.

16. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is home to one of the world’s youngest populations – over 60% of its population is under 30. You can see the new generation take over as you are surrounded by young people in Tashkent metros that double as art galleries with Soviet-era tiles. In order to preserve its traditions and cultures, the country invests in tourism, including new hotels, trains, flights, and cultural attractions. This will help to grow the economy, keep its youth, and attract more tourists.

The Bukhara Biennial will be held in Uzbekistan’s first international biennial, starting September 2025. The State Museum of Arts , designed by Tadaoando, is also undergoing a major expansion.

In May 2024 Citizens of over 90 countries Visa-free entry is available to all countries, including the UK, Canada and Australia. The president said that he plans to create a Global Green Tourism Startup Lab To combine the country’s commitment towards a greener economy with tourism. It is now easier to cross the border into neighbouring countries. The first international rail route in the region, the Silk Road Railway Tour Launched in November 2024, the new route connects Kazakhstan with Uzbekistan.

17. Haida Gwaii, Canada

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago consisting of 150 islands located off the coast British Columbia. It offers more than just breathtaking landscapes. It also provides a deep connection with nature, culture, and history. The ecologically rich islands, which are isolated from the mainland and home to over 6,800 species of birds, mammals, plants, and other animals, have been sustaining the Haida People at least for 15,000 years.

What makes Haida Gwaii a standout destination in 2025 is the groundbreaking Gaayhllxid/Giihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement. This legislation is a landmark in Indigenous rights for Canada. It recognizes the Council of the Haida Nation under federal law as the territorial governing body. This change is helping to revitalize Haida cultural heritage and improve their environmental stewardship.

The local dialect calls the black bear taan . Visitors can also see puffins, ancient murrelets and other seabirds. Haida Laws are explained to guests upon arrival. This includes the concept Gina’waadluxan Gud ad Kwaagid (“everything is interconnected”) which emphasizes the responsibility we all share to protect the Earth.

18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua

Central America’s biggest country is one of its least-visited. It’s home to mist-shrouded forests, emerald-colored lakes, towering volcanic peaks and one of America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Granada (which celebrated its 500th birthday in December 2024). The opening of the new Carretera Costera, a 400m-long, 350km highway connecting 53 beaches along the Pacific Coast of Central America, from the Gulf of Fonseca to Playa El Naranjo, may change that.

The ambitious project, which is set to be completed by 2025, will make it easier for backpackers to travel south from Nicaragua’s sprawling, capital Managua to the tropical rainforests and world-class surfing hubs of San Juan del Sur, Popoyo, along the 50km-long Emerald Coast. This coast has attracted backpackers to Nicaragua since years. Costanera aims to bring new life to the economy of the country, which is among the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, and sees its growing tourist sector key to its growth.

Then, after learning how to surf at a local Surf Camp, and spending the night in a Treehouse nestled in the rainforest, head to the Refugio de Vida Silvestre la Flor on the southern end of the highway, where thousands endangered olive ridley turtles and leatherbacks lay their eggs in September and October. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

19. Isle of Man

This cliff-fringed isle, surrounded on all four sides by the UK, does not actually belong to the Commonwealth. The self-governing island is ruled by Tynwald – the oldest continuously running parliament in the world. It is committed to maintaining its unique character and developing sustainable tourism.

The 85,000-resident island, which is awash with ancient historical structures such as Cashtal of the Height (the largest Neolithic Tomb in the British Isles), and Castle Rushen(one of the most completed medieval structures in Europe), is decidedly progressive. It was named a Unesco Biosphere in 2016 for its dedication to cultural and environmental preservation. The new Manx birdlife point of Ayre national reserve will open to the public on July 20, 2024. In 2025, Okell’s Brewery will celebrate its 175th birthday. To celebrate this historic Manx brew, there will be tasting tours throughout the year.

exploring the island on foot is the best way to learn about this British Crown Dependency. Hikers can take advantage of the island’s variety of organised walks to explore rolling English fields, misty Irish mountains, craggy Welsh coasts, and dramatic Scottish Highlands-esque peaks at the Isle’s high point, Snaefell Mountain. Trekkers can see all of the UK and Ireland from its wind-whipped summit on a clear day.

20. Pakistan’s Gilgi-Baltistan Region

Discover the best places to travel in 2025 for an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and sustainability.

Pakistan has a large population, but it is still a great surprise for travelers. The country hopes to change that soon, with a number of new sustainable initiatives and responsible tourist initiatives. It is home to five out of 14 peaks on the planet towering above 8,000m, including the second highest peak in the world, K2.

Salam Pakistan, Pakistan’s first national tourism brand (launched in 2023), allows travellers to apply for eVisas and book on the digital platform. This includes the highly coveted trekking and mountaineering visa. You only need to take a look at the list of mountain peaks or of treks in Pakistan to understand the sheer scale of the adrenaline-filled opportunities available.

Pakistan is more than just a mountainous country. Gilgit-Baltistan, also known as “heaven’s gate”, is home to lush valleys and pristine lakes. It’s also dotted with glacial waterfalls. Cradled between trails are the Hunza Valley’s fragrant cherry blossoms and apricot orchards, undulating Unesco-listed Deosai Plains and Shangri La-esque mirror lakes. Khunjerab Pass will be open all year round in 2025, if you head towards the Pakistan-China Border.

21. Azores

The Azores are already home to some of Europe’s best black-sand beaches and whale-watching opportunities. Azores is already home to some of Europe’s best whale watching and dramatic black sand beaches, but now the islands have another accolade: Europe’s largest protected maritime sanctuary.

A groundbreaking law approved in October of 2024 will create a Marine Protected Area on the Azores that will cover 287,000 sq km, an area larger than the entire United Kingdom. It will protect deep-sea reef corals, as well as sharks and 28 species of dolphins and whales. The long-term health of the coral reefs and their biodiversity will benefit travellers who want to take part in sustainable marine research and whale-watching expeditions.

Furnas Valley, located a scenic drive away from Ponta Delgada’s capital, is also home to two active volcanic cones. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Terra Nostra Park or spend some time hot-spring hopping across the bubbling geothermal Valley. The Terra Nostra Hotel, which dates back to 1775 is a true green retreat. Starting in January 2025, guests will have access to the newly upgraded thermal pools and Jacuzzis. Do not leave without trying the Cozido Das Furnas, a slow-cooked local meat stew cooked underground using the natural heat of the volcanic hotsprings. Try the purple volcanic tea in Chalet da Tia Merces or visit the family-owned Gorreana Tea Factory to see the oldest tea plantation of Europe.

22. Kansas City, Missouri, US

Kansas City will be glowing brightly in 2025. Kansas City, Missouri, formerly known as the “Paris of the Plains”, is busy promoting its creative art scene and its status as North America’s Barbeque Capital, while also launching a plan for urban revitalisation that includes new museums and entertainment districts, as well as hotels.

The Museum of Barbeque is at the core of the rebrand. It’s the first museum in the world dedicated to smoked meat. The immersive experience is scheduled to open in spring 2025 at the Crown Center retail district. It will explore Kansas City’s deep barbeque tradition and lead visitors through interactive displays culminating in an all-BBQ gift shop.

Berkley riverfront continues to develop with new restaurants, shops and apartments.

Kansas City International Airport has completed major renovations by 2023. The $1.5bn expansion replaced outdated terminals, and improved passenger flow. The KC Streetcar will be upgraded this year. A 3.5-mile Main Street Extension is expected to open in the summer. This will make it easier for visitors to get to some of the city’s top destinations including the Union Hill retail district and the National WWI Museum & Memorial – home to the most comprehensive collection of World War One artifacts and documents. When Rock Island Bridge is reopened in spring 2025 it will be the site of an entertainment district 40ft above a river.

23. Bolivia

Bolivia in 2025 is still worth visiting, even if you have already viewed the stars on the world’s largest salt flats and walked around La Paz’s hilly capital (the highest). The country is celebrating its 200th birthday in August with events and attractions all year long.

From 24 February to 5th March, visit the Oruro Carnival. This multi-day folk dance parade has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site for its preservation of oral tradition. Sip on a bicentennial sangani in Potosi (Bolivian answer to Peru’s Pisco). In the 1500s, this strong spirit is credited with starting viticulture, and today it’s a national symbol.

Bolivia is home to the highest proportion of indigenous peoples in South America. Approximately two thirds of its population are directly related to their original inhabitants. Many Quechuas live in Bolivia’s prettiest town, Chuquisaca, also known as Sucre, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1825. Visit the Museo de Arte Indigena to get a close-up look at the ancient textile traditions of Bolivia. Isla del Sol, an island in the middle Lake Titicaca with a moon-like landscape is a great place to hike for a day. The Aymaras of the altiplano are happy to welcome visitors. A new community based tourism network brings work and attractions to some of these remote communities.

24. Botswana

As you explore the best places to travel in 2025, remember to travel responsibly and support local communities.

Botswana is Africa’s leading green safari destination due to its vast wildlife reserves, and the government’s emphasis on low-impact ecotourism with high income. This strategy has historically meant fewer tourists. As the country transitions to a new government, and recovers from the Covid-19 epidemic, the tourism sector in Botswana (and its sustainable cache) will only grow in 2025. This is due to the increased demand for sustainable, culturally immersive, and sustainable travel experiences. Botswana, in an effort to boost tourism and strengthen its economy, has allowed visa-free access to visitors from 104 nations, including the US, UK and Canada. The “Elephant Capital of the World”, Chobe National Park and the Unesco listed Okavango Delta are now accessible to more tourists.

The Okavango Delta will also see a number of new openings, including the 100% solar-powered Mbamba Camp in the delta’s lagoon-and-savannah-dotted north, a luxury lodge offering a blend of comfort and family-friendly wildlife adventures that’s slated to open in April 2025. Monachira Camp will open in May 2025. Visitors can enjoy walking safaris as well as mokoro canoe and chair safaris, while being face-to-face with elephants, lions, and Pel’s fishing owl.

Air Botswana will begin connecting Gaborone and Cape Town in April 2025. This will make it easier for visitors exploring Botswana’s magic nature.

25. Oslo, Norway

“Is this even a city?” A viral ad promoting Oslo, Norway, asked the question. The video was a tongue-in cheek reference to the over-tourism that has plagued other European capitals. It also highlighted Oslo’s exceptional walkability, top-notch dining and its easy access to nearby fjords and islands as well as serene postcard perfect landscapes. Known for its modern architecture, sweeping waterfront and no shortage of trees (it’s one of

The Green Oslo Guide and the Visit Oslo responsibly are both available to visitors. They break down sustainable tourism into four categories, including planet, people and prosperity, and partnership. Green roofs are common in hotels located in the centre of Oslo. They reduce energy consumption, manage rainwater, and promote urban biodiversity.

Supporting local businesses can help travellers make a positive contribution to the environment and residents. The Norwegian Adventure Company offers “life-changing experiences” in Oslo. Is it a city at all? In 2025, we’ll find out.