2024 is coming to an end (seriously, how are we “so close” to the end of the year?!) and everyone is looking ahead to 2025. If you’re like me, you’re wondering where the new year will be take you. Now we all have more desire to travel because national geographic The much-anticipated list of the world’s best travel destinations for 2025 has just been released, featuring a new range of must-visit destinations.
Of course, you probably wouldn’t consider taking any major trips right now—everything feels too expensive right now, and many of us are cutting back on our budgets just to help cover the basics. But recent data shows that people are increasingly taking travel seriously, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s World Tourism Barometer predicting that international tourism will soon exceed pre-pandemic levels. That’s no small thing, considering that just a few years ago 2020 was “the worst year in the history of the travel industry” (not to mention the current economic challenges many are facing).
national geographic magazineThe World’s Best 2025 lists reflect both the intrinsic value people find in travel and shifts in the way people travel: Travel trends reports from Expedia and Booking.com show vacationers are looking for unique, authentic, and A little off the beaten path.
So whenever you’re ready to start making travel plans, here are the best places for you national geographic magazineA checklist to inspire your next big adventure.
Some of our favorites from this year’s list
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The five-star Mandarin Oriental at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi (pictured) is just a short drive from the quinquennial Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition. The collection of cultural institutions is planned to be completed by the end of 2025, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Photography: Amr Alfiky
Why national geographic magazine Said you should go now: “A glorious dream-day is brewing, with Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island Cultural Playground scheduled for completion in 2025. The area already houses the Louvre Abu Dhabi and will soon unveil the Zayed National Museum, named after the founder of the United Arab Emirates, displays on Emirates aviation and the country’s history and culture, and the long-awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; designed by architect Frank Gehry Traditional wind towers of the area.
Greenland
Travel northwest Greenland to see picturesque places like Uummannaq, famous for the heart-shaped Uummannaq mountain that towers above the town’s main center and port. The mountain is the centerpiece of adventure among the giant icebergs of Uummannak Fjord.
Photo by Cyril Jazbek
Why national geographic magazine Said you should go now: “Greenland is mostly frozen above the Arctic Circle and difficult to reach, but a new international airport in its capital, Nuuk, and flights to North America are making it easier to get to the world’s largest island. Canada’s Northern Airlines and Air Greenland has partnered to launch weekly nonstop flights from Nuuk to Iqaluit during the summer (with same-day flights to Ottawa and Montreal), and starting in June 2025, travelers can fly from Direct flights from New York to Nuuk.
Ocala National Forest, Florida
The sun rises over the juniper prairie wilderness of Ocala National Forest, highlighting the diverse ecosystems that provide critical habitat for threatened species such as dwarf jays, red-cockaded woodpeckers and gopher tortoises. The nearby Florida National Scenic Trail is a popular backpacking destination for hikers and adventurers.
Photo by Nick Conzoni
Why national geographic magazine Said you should go now: “Most visitors to Central Florida are drawn to the area’s theme parks and beaches, but there’s an oasis hidden among them. Ocala is the southernmost national forest in the continental United States and is home to manatees, black bears, and rare plants. The homestead, which encompasses 387,000 acres, features 600 lakes and natural springs. The National Forest Foundation is further expanding recreational opportunities for visitors through new fishing piers and improved trails, while also working to remove invasive species and plant seedlings. Restoring the preserve’s longleaf pine ecosystem.
Senegal
On the left, Senegalese fishermen release their nets from their colorful painted wooden boats in the hope of a plentiful fresh catch to sell at the local market in the morning. If ceebu jën (the country’s national dish made from fish) doesn’t suit your discerning palate, consider trying chicken yassa (right).
(L) Photo by Cem Ozdel, Anadolu/Getty Images; (right) Photo by Melissa Arsena
Why national geographic magazine Said you should go now: “Senegal’s West African cuisine is a fusion of Wolof and French influences. Must-try dishes include ceebu jën (the national dish of fish, rice and vegetables) and soupe kanja (Senegalese soup). Join Relish Africa for cooking in Dhaka Courses or street food tours, and be prepared to share – many of the dishes are enjoyed together in the spirit of teranga, the country’s culture of hospitality.
Brasov, Romania
Brasov has a new airport, making it easier for Romanian tourists to explore its historical landmarks, such as the Black Church, built in medieval times by the Transylvanian Saxon (German) community. While in the countryside, outdoor enthusiasts might consider hiking along the Via Transilvanica hiking trail.
Photo by Mathieu Paley
Why national geographic magazine Said you should go now: “The medieval city of Brasov is the gateway to the Transylvanian region of ancient forests, rustic villages and Carpathian peaks. With a new airport – Romania’s first in 50 years Airport, the home of Dracula, becomes more accessible. Explore the region along Via Transilvanica, a hiking trail completed in 2022 that stretches from the Ukrainian border to the Danube River on the 870-mile Terra Saxonum section of the route. hamlets and the 12th-century town of Sighişoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the Terra Dacica section winds between vineyards and Dacian fortresses.
the best of the rest
- Ancient times, Guatemala
- Bangkok, Thailand
- raja ampat indonesia
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Friars’ monastery, Italy
- Los Angeles, California
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Malaysia Orient Express
- Brasov, Romania
- brazilian cerrado
- new zealand northland
- Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- Barbados
- sulu valley india
- boise idaho
- Murray River, Australia
- KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Cork, Ireland
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Tunisia
for more national geographic magazineFor the 2025 Best of the World list, visit Natgeo.com/BestoftheWorld.
