Discover the top destinations for your next adventure, from serene islands to vibrant cultural hubs, each offering unique and enriching experiences.
Travel holds an incredible power to connect us, broaden our horizons, and inspire personal growth. The awe-inspiring sight of a powerful waterfall in Newfoundland or the majestic peaks of the Italian Dolomites remind us of the wonders our world holds. However, recent years have highlighted the impact of travel, both positive and negative, on beloved destinations. Many places are now carefully considering how to manage tourism to protect their environments and cultures from the pressures of overtourism.
This inaugural guide to the best places to travel in the coming year focuses on destinations that are not only ready to welcome visitors with open arms but are also committed to using tourism as a force for good. Each of these 25 locations offers exceptional travel experiences while actively supporting local communities, safeguarding the environment, or preserving unique cultural heritage. This list is curated with insights from travel experts, including BBC Travel journalists and leading sustainable travel organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance, and the World Travel & Tourism Council.
As global tourism rebounds and even surpasses pre-pandemic levels, and as climate change increasingly impacts popular destinations, the importance of thoughtful travel becomes ever more crucial. Choosing where to travel is now also about considering how your trip can contribute to a greater good.
From exploring otherworldly landscapes in Bolivia to experiencing Arctic beauty in Greenland, your next unforgettable journey awaits.
1. Dominica
Imagine swimming alongside gentle giants of the sea – sperm whales. Dominica now offers this extraordinary opportunity in an ethical and sustainable manner, showcasing the Caribbean island’s dedication to marine conservation and responsible tourism. Dominica recently established the world’s first sperm whale reserve, a protected marine area dedicated to these magnificent creatures. Limited permits for whale swims ensure respectful and intimate encounters, allowing visitors a unique chance to connect with these cetaceans while supporting research and creating sustainable tourism opportunities for local communities. This makes Dominica one of the Best Places To Travel To for wildlife enthusiasts and conscious travelers.
2025 brings enhanced infrastructure to welcome visitors, including streamlined digital immigration processes and a new cable-car system that will transport visitors from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest thermal springs. Accessibility is also improved with United Airlines launching direct flights from Newark starting February 15th, complementing existing American Airlines flights from Miami. Nearly 500 new hotel rooms will be available, a 25% increase in inventory, including the luxurious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa in Salisbury. For an established eco-luxury experience, consider Secret Bay, a renowned sustainable property.
Dominica is also the base for Project CETI, a groundbreaking international project aiming to decode whale language using AI, led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber. Beyond marine life, Dominica offers hidden gorges, impressive waterfalls, and unique dining experiences like the farm-to-table Lacou. Dominica is more than just a destination; it’s a model for eco-tourism, balancing biodiversity conservation with economic progress, ensuring your visit helps protect this natural paradise for future generations.
2. Naoshima, Japan
Naoshima Island, Japan, home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture, has become a must-visit destination for contemporary art and architecture lovers. Once known for its copper smelting industry, Naoshima’s transformation is thanks to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has developed major museums and site-specific artworks in the scenic Seto Inland Sea. This remarkable shift makes Naoshima one of the best places to travel to for art and culture immersion.
Spring 2025 marks the opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by the acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, who has already contributed to nine other projects on the island. This new museum, showcasing Asian artists, will be a highlight of this year’s Setouchi Triennale. This art festival, spanning 17 islands and coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea, is the largest Triennale since its inception in 2010, running for over 100 days across spring, summer, and autumn. The festival and Benesse Art Site Naoshima have revitalized Naoshima and neighboring islands like Teshima and Inujima.
Plan ahead to visit the Teshima Art Museum, a unique fusion of art, architecture, and nature by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa. On Inujima, explore the remains of a former copper refinery reimagined as a large-scale art installation. For accommodation, consider Roka, a modern ryokan on Naoshima, or the minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
While Italy is a perennial favorite, and Rome anticipates even larger crowds due to the 2025 Jubilee, consider venturing north to the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains. For Italians, the Dolomites are synonymous with family holidays and luxury escapes. These stunning sawtooth limestone cliffs, stretching across Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, attract Italians annually with charming villages, excellent skiing, hiking, and hearty Alpine cuisine. Often overlooked by international visitors, the Dolomites are poised to gain wider recognition, making them one of the best places to travel to in Europe for outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics. Preparations throughout 2025 include significant infrastructure upgrades, creating a pre-Olympic buzz. Expect expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, with modernized lifts and improved public transit connections in Alta Badia and Val Gardena. New cable cars, lifts, and gondolas will also be introduced across the region.
The Dolomites are captivating year-round. Spring, summer, and autumn offer exceptional hiking trails, such as the new 170km Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), connecting remote villages between Veneto and Trentino. For ultimate relaxation, the luxurious Aman Rosa Alpina hotel will reopen in 2025 with expanded accommodations. Visit now to experience the Dolomites before the anticipated crowds arrive.
4. Greenland
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a destination unlike any other. With a vast ice cap, dramatic mountains, and a population of fewer than 57,000, Greenland offers unparalleled unspoiled wilderness and majestic fjords. It’s a coveted destination for adventure and exploration, making it one of the best places to travel to for those seeking unique and remote experiences.
Greenland offers stunning hiking, whale watching in summer, and dog sledding and aurora viewing in winter. Historically remote and challenging to reach, accessibility is changing.
The opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital, with two more airports following in 2026, makes Greenland more accessible than ever. Greenland welcomes mindful adventure travelers who appreciate nature and Inuit culture. The country has adopted a “better tourism” pledge and aims to direct tourism funds towards local communities.
Nuuk, a modern town with a historic waterfront, museums, and art galleries, serves as a gateway to Greenland’s Arctic wonders, offering hiking, fishing, and glamping opportunities. Further north, Ilulissat features the breathtaking icebergs of Disko Bay and the UNESCO-recognized Icefjord. Southern Greenland, once settled by Vikings, boasts fjords and green hills dotted with sheep farms.
5. Wales
Wales, though smaller than England, is packed with stunning national parks, medieval castles, and fewer crowds, enhancing its charm. 2025 is the Year of Croeso (“Welcome”) in Wales, an ideal time to explore this up-and-coming European destination. This year-long celebration of Welsh culture, language, and attractions invites visitors to “Feel the hwyl,” a Welsh word describing deep, immersive joy. Wales is positioning itself as a sustainable, culturally rich destination, making it one of the best places to travel to for cultural immersion and natural beauty within Europe.
Tourism is supporting the revival of the Welsh language, and a £5 billion program uses tourism funds for environmental sustainability. As part of the Year of Croeso, Wales is investing in mobility bikes to enhance exploration of its wild landscapes. Wales is home to the Wales Coast Path, the only path globally that spans an entire country’s coastline.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Labrador, the mainland part of Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada, is a vast, rugged region known for coastal villages, icebergs, subarctic forests, and waterfalls, rich in 9,000 years of history. In 2025, the completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway, a 25-year, $1 billion project, makes this remote landscape more accessible. This improved accessibility makes Western Newfoundland and Labrador one of the best places to travel to for adventurous road trips and exploring untouched wilderness.
The new circular route, Expedition 51, connects Labrador to five Canadian provinces and offers detours to the US and St Pierre and Miquelon (France). To promote sustainable tourism and celebrate local heritage, the Canadian government has invested $180m in Parks Canada sites in Western Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2025, Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO site and former Basque whaling station, will unveil a new boardwalk and visitor center. L’Anse aux Meadows, the first Norse settlement in North America, is enhancing ecological protections and visitor facilities. Gros Morne National Park will introduce new exhibits highlighting its geology, wildlife, and landscapes.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US
Tucson, Arizona, celebrates significant milestones in 2025: the 10th anniversary of becoming the first US UNESCO City of Gastronomy and the 250th anniversary of its founding. With its rich multinational history and deep-rooted Native American cultures, Tucson is a unique destination. The city will host a free event on August 23rd at Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, featuring traditional Mexican music and dance. Tucson’s blend of culture, history, and culinary excellence makes it one of the best places to travel to in the US for a unique cultural and gastronomic experience.
Throughout the year, visitors can explore Tucson’s desert hiking trails and historic sites like the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac Mission. Tucson is also set to receive a Sustainability Index Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) this year.
The gardens near San Xavier del Bac Mission are the oldest continuously cultivated soil in the US, farmed by the Tohono O’odham’s ancestors 4,000 years ago. This rich agricultural history is reflected in Tucson’s food scene. Dine at city-of-gastronomy-certified restaurants or Heirloom Farmers Markets, featuring local ingredients like chiltepin chilis, nopales, and prickly pear.
8. Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia, known as the world’s most isolated big city, and the state of Western Australia (WA) are emerging as prime destinations. With Australia’s only direct flights to Europe and new connections to Asia, Perth is becoming a global aviation hub. A $5 billion redevelopment of Perth Airport will further enhance the travel experience. Western Australia’s improved connectivity and diverse attractions make it one of the best places to travel to for a comprehensive Australian experience beyond the East Coast.
Beyond Perth and the Swan Valley Wine Region, WA’s vast landscapes encompass 12,500km of coastline, pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, karri forests, wildflowers, wineries, and wildlife encounters. Sustainability-minded travelers can explore via the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.
WA champions its cultural heritage through the A$20m Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, supporting Indigenous-led experiences and business development. Learn about ancient cultures on a walking tour in Rockingham or a foraging tour in Broome. Murujuga National Park, under consideration for UNESCO status in 2025, features ancient petroglyphs. New infrastructure on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, boutique hotels in Fremantle, and unique stays in the Great Southern further enhance WA’s appeal.
9. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, with its tea plantations, wild elephants, ancient temples, and surf, offers a diverse range of attractions. Despite past economic challenges, Sri Lanka is rebuilding through tourism. The resilient island nation is hoping to get back on its feet through tourism, making it one of the best places to travel to in Asia to support local recovery and experience rich culture and nature.
Kandy will see the opening of its first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, while Aarunya Nature Resort has a new family villa with stargazing features. A $1 billion mega-resort is opening in Colombo, and Sri Lanka’s new airline, Air Ceilão, will launch flights to Europe and Australia. The nation has also introduced the Good Travel Seal initiative, recognizing sustainable businesses.
Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides into the mountainous interior, explore Colombo and Galle’s mixology scene, or hike the 300km Pekoe Trail through tea plantations. An innovative startup allows travelers to self-drive tuk-tuks across the island, benefiting local owners directly.
10. Panama
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal. While political discussions about the canal’s control continue, new exhibits at the Museo del Canal highlight Panama’s path to sovereignty. Panama offers more than just the canal, with vast jungles, islands, and forests. Its historical significance and natural beauty make Panama one of the best places to travel to in Central America, offering a mix of history, nature, and cultural experiences.
The Meaningful Travel Map to Panama, launched with Tourism Cares, makes it easier to find locally led travel experiences. Explore Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods with Localinpty walking tours. In La Pintada, witness the UNESCO-recognized sombrero pintao hat-making tradition. Hike the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail in El Valle de Anton, named a UN Tourism Best Community Tourism Village, for views of both oceans and Panama’s biodiversity. This trail is part of Panama’s 1,000 km of Trails project, promoting sustainable tourism in rural communities.
11. Rif Mountains, Morocco
Morocco, known for its mountains, deserts, ancient cities, and cultural heritage, is rebuilding tourism after the 2023 earthquake. As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, it aims to double tourist arrivals in five years. To avoid crowds, explore the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco. The Rif Mountains offer a less crowded, culturally rich experience, positioning them as one of the best places to travel to in Morocco for those seeking authenticity and natural beauty away from the typical tourist paths.
The expansion of Morocco’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) network will include a link from Rabat to Fez, a 1,300-year-old walled city in the Rif Mountains, hosting Africa Cup of Nations 2025 games. From Fez, visit Moulay Idriss, an ancient hilltop village, and Ouezzane, a Sufism center. Hike through Talassemtane National Park’s cedar forests and natural swimming holes. Explore Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl,” and coastal fishing villages like El Jebha and Tetouan.
12. Bradford, England
Bradford, England, is stepping into the spotlight as the 2025 UK City of Culture, moving out of the shadow of Leeds. A year-long program of events includes the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum and celebrations of local cultural icons like David Hockney and the Brontë sisters. Bradford’s recognition as the UK City of Culture makes it one of the best places to travel to in England in 2025 for a rich and diverse cultural experience.
The diverse program reflects Bradford’s variety, from Little Germany’s 19th-century architecture to the dramatic moors hosting an immersive sound walk mixing classical music and sculpture. Bradford’s residents bring diverse backgrounds and youthful energy.
Bradford, a UNESCO City of Film, has served as a backdrop for series like Peaky Blinders and films like The Railway Children. In 2025, an interactive cookbook project celebrates recipes from local communities, showcasing Bradford’s diverse culinary scene.
13. Jordan
Jordan, home to breathtaking desert landscapes and Petra, the ancient Nabataean capital, is emerging as the Middle East’s adventure destination. Despite regional conflicts affecting tourism, Jordan is considered relatively safe to visit. Jordan’s blend of historical sites, adventure activities, and desert landscapes positions it as one of the best places to travel to in the Middle East for adventure and cultural exploration.
In 2023, the Wadi Rum Trail, a 120km hiking path, opened, traversing the iconic Wadi Rum desert. This community tourism project promotes sustainable travel and Bedouin cultural heritage.
Jordan boasts 33 protected ecosystems. At Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve, hike through sandstone gorges. Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest, is home to diverse bird and mammal species. The Aqaba Marine Reserve, added to the IUCN Green List, offers rich coral reefs and diving opportunities.
14. Haa Valley, Bhutan
Bhutan, once isolated, is now a leader in sustainability, the world’s first carbon-negative nation, measuring Gross National Happiness. Haa Valley, a pristine district bordering Tibet, is Bhutan’s hidden gem, untouched by mass tourism. Opening to foreigners in 2002, it remains largely undiscovered, making it one of the best places to travel to for off-the-beaten-path experiences and sustainable tourism.
Explore Haa’s beauty via the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, the new Haa Panorama Trail, and the Joy Bay Tsho Trek.
Haa’s sustainable tourism includes locally run homestays and low-impact accommodations like Katsho Eco Camp and Sangwa Camp. Experience Bon rituals and breakfast in Bhutan’s lone strict nature reserve. With Bhutan’s Sustainable Daily Fee halved through 2027, this paradise is more accessible while maintaining its commitment to low-impact tourism.
15. Hawaii, US
Hawaii is welcoming back responsible visitors after devastating wildfires impacted Maui. Tourism downturns have affected the entire state, and as families and businesses rebuild, they encourage travelers to return responsibly through the Mālama Hawaii program. Participating in the Mālama Hawaii program makes Hawaii one of the best places to travel to for a meaningful vacation that gives back to the community and environment.
Mālama Hawaii, meaning “to protect,” connects travelers with over 350 volunteer opportunities, from forest restoration to supporting Maui families. In exchange for volunteering, travelers receive discounted or free stays at hotels and resorts across the islands, including the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
16. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, with a young population, is investing in tourism, blending tradition with modernity. Tashkent’s metro, doubling as an art museum, showcases a new generation taking over. Uzbekistan’s blend of ancient Silk Road history and emerging modern culture makes it one of the best places to travel to in Central Asia for cultural discovery and unique experiences.
Uzbekistan is hosting its first major international event, the Bukhara Biennial, in September 2025. Other developments include the expansion of the State Museum of Arts and the restoration of the Palace of Prince Romanov.
Citizens of over 90 countries can now visit visa-free. The president aims to create a Global Green Tourism Startup Lab to combine green economy and tourism. Border crossing has become easier, with the new Silk Road railway tour connecting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
17. Haida Gwaii, Canada
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off British Columbia, offers breathtaking landscapes and a connection to nature, culture, and history. Isolated and ecologically rich, it’s home to over 6,800 species and the Haida People for 15,000 years. Haida Gwaii’s rich biodiversity and unique Indigenous culture, combined with groundbreaking recognition of Haida governance, make it one of the best places to travel to for cultural and nature-based tourism with a focus on Indigenous heritage.
Haida Gwaii stands out in 2025 due to the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement, recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation as the territory’s governing body, revitalizing Haida culture and environmental stewardship.
Explore Haida villages like SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO site, and encounter unique wildlife like the Haida Gwaii black bear. Guests are introduced to Haida Laws, including Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid (“everything depends on everything else”), emphasizing Earth care.
18. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua
Nicaragua, Central America’s largest country, is home to rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and Granada, a UNESCO-listed city celebrating its 500th anniversary. The new Carretera Costanera highway, a 350km route linking 53 beaches, is set to transform access to the Pacific Coast, making the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua one of the best places to travel to for surfing and exploring beautiful, accessible beaches.
The $400m highway, completing in 2025, improves access from Managua to surf hubs like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo along the Emerald Coast. This infrastructure project aims to boost Nicaragua’s economy through tourism.
Learn to surf at local surf camps, stay in rainforest treehouses, and visit the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor to witness turtle nesting between September and October.
19. Isle of Man
The Isle of Man, surrounded by the UK but not part of it, is self-governing with the world’s oldest continuous parliament, Tynwald, committed to sustainable tourism. The Isle of Man’s unique cultural identity, combined with its UNESCO Biosphere status and ancient sites, positions it as one of the best places to travel to for cultural immersion and experiencing a distinct island nation.
Rich in historical sites like Cashtal yn Ard and Castle Rushen, the Isle of Man is a UNESCO Biosphere, recognized for environmental preservation and cultural heritage. The new Manx Birdlife Point of Ayre National Reserve opened in 2024, and 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of Okell’s Brewery.
Explore on foot to appreciate the island’s unique character, participating in walking events and hiking to Snaefell mountain for panoramic views of the UK and Ireland.
20. Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region
Pakistan, a populous nation, is emerging as a surprise for travelers, hoping responsible tourism initiatives will attract eco-conscious visitors to its northern regions. Home to five of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including K2, Gilgit-Baltistan offers unmatched adventure opportunities, making it one of the best places to travel to for mountain scenery and adventure sports.
Salam Pakistan, Pakistan’s national tourism brand, launched in 2023, simplifies e-visa applications and bookings, including mountaineering visas.
Gilgit-Baltistan, dubbed “heaven’s gate,” features lush valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Explore Hunza Valley, UNESCO-listed Deosai plains, and Khunjerab Pass, which will be operational year-round starting in 2025, connecting Pakistan and China.
21. Azores
The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, are known for hot springs, lakes, and lava tubes. With black-sand beaches and whale-watching, the Azores now boast Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary, making them one of the best places to travel to in Europe for marine wildlife and sustainable tourism.
The Azores’ Marine Protected Area, approved in 2024, spans 287,000 sq km, safeguarding deep-sea corals, sharks, and 28 whale and dolphin species.
Furnas Valley features active volcanoes and hot springs. Visit Terra Nostra Park and stay at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, offering 24-hour access to thermal pools in 2025. Sample cozido das Furnas and purple volcanic tea at Chalet da Tia Mercês, or visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest tea plantation.
22. Kansas City, Missouri, US
Kansas City, Missouri, is rebranding itself as a cultural and arts destination in 2025, promoting its creative scene and barbeque culture. Urban revitalization includes new museums, entertainment districts, and hotels. Kansas City’s emergence as a cultural hotspot, combined with its famous barbeque scene, positions it as one of the best places to travel to in the US for a unique urban experience.
The Museum of BBQ, the world’s first dedicated to smoked meat, will open at Crown Center in spring 2025. The Berkley Riverfront continues to develop with new dining and shops.
Kansas City International Airport completed renovations in 2023. The KC Streetcar extension, opening this summer, will improve access to destinations like Union Hill and the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Rock Island Bridge will reopen in spring 2025 as a new entertainment district.
23. Bolivia
Bolivia celebrates its bicentennial in August 2025 with year-long events across its nine regions. Even beyond the Uyuni salt flats and La Paz, Bolivia is worth visiting, especially in its bicentennial year, making it one of the best places to travel to in South America for cultural festivals and unique landscapes.
Visit from February 24th to March 5th for the UNESCO-listed Oruro Carnival. In Potosí, sample bicentennial singani. Chuquisaca (Sucre), Bolivia’s prettiest city, is home to many Quechua peoples and the Museo de Arte Indígena. The Aymara people of Isla del Sol welcome visitors. Explore community-based tourism networks like Chalalan Ecolodge in Madidi National Park.
24. Botswana
Botswana, Africa’s leader in green safari tourism, is expanding its tourism sector with visa-free entry for 104 countries. With increased demand for sustainable travel, Botswana’s wildlife reserves and ecotourism policies position it as one of the best places to travel to in Africa for ethical wildlife encounters and luxury safaris.
Explore Chobe National Park, the “Elephant Capital of the World,” and the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta.
The Okavango Delta will see new openings like the solar-powered Mbamba Camp and Monachira Camp in 2025. New Air Botswana routes will connect Gaborone to Cape Town, improving accessibility.
25. Oslo, Norway
Oslo, Norway, promotes itself as a walkable, sustainable city with world-class dining and access to fjords and islands. Oslo’s commitment to sustainability, combined with its urban and natural attractions, makes it one of the best places to travel to for eco-conscious city breaks and experiencing Scandinavian culture.
Oslo encourages responsible tourism through Visit Oslo Responsibly guidelines and the Green Oslo Guide. Hotels feature green roofs, and local businesses like Norwegian Adventure Company offer sustainable experiences. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants like Michelin-starred Maaemo.
