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From stunning bubblegum-hued lakes in Australia to a solar-powered safari camp in Botswana, these are some of the top destinations to consider this year.
Travel has a unique ability to connect us, inspire us, and even change our perspectives. Standing at the edge of a roaring waterfall in Newfoundland or climbing the jagged peaks of the Italian Dolomites showcases just how amazing our world can be. However, as much as travel can be a force for good, the past year has shown us that it can also overwhelm – and even harm – the very places we cherish. Many popular destinations are now implementing new restrictions as they try to cope with the adverse effects of overtourism.
In this guide to the best places to travel this year, we aim to highlight spots that are experiencing a different trend. Each of these 10 locations isn’t just welcoming visitors and providing amazing experiences, but they’re also utilizing tourism to uplift local communities, safeguard the environment, and preserve their unique cultural heritage.
As tourism in many areas surpasses pre-pandemic numbers, and as climate change and extreme weather expose the fragile nature of many must-see spots, traveling with intention means considering how your trip can contribute to the greater good.
Whether it’s trekking through a surreal landscape in Bolivia or enjoying an Arctic glamping experience in Greenland, your next great adventure awaits you.
1. Dominica
Have you ever dreamed of swimming alongside sperm whales? Dominica now offers a chance to do so in an ethical, sustainable manner, thanks to the Caribbean island’s innovative commitment to marine conservation and regenerative tourism. The nation recently set up the world’s first sperm whale reserve, a protected marine zone designed to safeguard these magnificent creatures. With limited permits available for whale swims, visitors can have unique, respectful encounters, creating unforgettable memories while supporting research and sustainable tourism for locals.
For 2025, the island’s infrastructure is expanding to welcome more visitors, including digital immigration forms to streamline arrival and a new cable-car system that takes riders from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the largest thermal springs worldwide. Getting to Dominica has never been simpler: alongside existing American Airlines flights from Miami, United Airlines is introducing direct flights from Newark starting February 15. Several new hotels are set to open in 2025, adding nearly 500 rooms, which represents a 25% increase in lodging options, including the prestigious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa in Salisbury. Or opt for the well-loved Secret Bay, a luxury eco-friendly property frequently recognized for its sustainable practices.
Dominica is also home to Project CETI, an exciting international project aimed at decoding whale language, led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber. Beyond whale encounters, visitors can explore hidden gorges, towering waterfalls, and enjoy local cuisine at charming eateries such as the farm-to-table Lacou. Dominica isn’t just a travel destination; it’s a movement to support a new kind of eco-tourism that balances biodiversity protection with economic growth, ensuring your visit protects this natural paradise for future generations.
2. Naoshima, Japan
Famous for Yayoi Kusama’s whimsical yellow polka-dotted Pumpkin sculpture, the Japanese island of Naoshima has transformed into a must-visit hotspot for lovers of contemporary art and architecture. Once primarily known for its environmentally harmful copper smelting industry, the island's rejuvenation is tied to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has fostered the creation of significant museums and site-specific artworks in the breathtaking – albeit rapidly depopulating – Seto Inland Sea, nestled between Japan’s main islands of Honshu and Shikoku.
In spring 2025, the new Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, will open its doors. This museum will showcase works by Asian artists and will be a major highlight during this year’s Setouchi Triennale, featuring events and art unveilings across 17 islands and coastal areas. The Triennale will span over 100 days, split between spring, summer, and autumn, allowing visitors to experience the area in all its seasonal glory. It’s the largest iteration of the festival since its inception in 2010. The efforts of Benesse Art Site Naoshima have not only revitalized Naoshima but also positively impacted neighboring islands like Teshima and Inujima.
Make sure to book in advance for the Teshima Art Museum, a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature; and on Inujima, prepare to be amazed by the remnants of a historic copper refinery transformed into a stunning art installation. For accommodations, try Roka, a modern ryokan on Naoshima, or the elegantly minimalistic Espoir Inn on Teshima.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
Italy is a timeless favorite that hardly needs more accolades – especially now, as its famously crowded capital, Rome, braces for even more visitors due to the 2025 Jubilee. But if Italy is on your travel wish list for 2025, consider heading north to the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains.
For Italians, the rugged beauty of the Dolomites is synonymous with family fun and luxurious retreats. The striking limestone cliffs extend across the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, drawing in vacationers from all over Italy each year for their charming villages, world-class skiing, amazing hikes, and hearty Alpine cuisine. While this classic Italian playground is often overlooked by international travelers, that’s about to change.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is preparing to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, with significant infrastructure upgrades planned for 2025 amidst all the Olympic excitement. Visitors can look forward to improved ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski region, where towns like Alta Badia and Val Gardena will roll out modernized lifts and better connections to public transport. New cable cars and gondolas are also on the way throughout the area.
The Dolomites are a thrilling destination year-round; whether you visit in spring, summer, or autumn, there are countless trails to explore, including the brand new 170km Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way) connecting remote villages between the Veneto and Trentino regions. And for a truly relaxing experience, the luxury Aman Rosa Alpina hotel will be reopening its doors in 2025, featuring 51 guest rooms, two presidential suites, and the private Chalet Zeno. Plan your visit soon, before the crowds arrive!
4. Greenland
There’s truly nowhere like Greenland. Covering over two million square kilometers, this world’s largest island is home to fewer than 57,000 people. With its magnificent ice cap and breathtaking mountains, this untouched wilderness and stunning fjords offer adventures of a lifetime.
In summer, explore incredible hiking and awe-inspiring whale watching; in winter, enjoy traditional dog sledding and the enchanting auroras. Greenland has long been a dream destination, but its remoteness and high costs made it challenging to reach – until now.
Thanks to the recent opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital city, and two more set to open in 2026, traveling to Greenland has never been easier. The country is embracing eco-conscious adventure seekers who appreciate exploration while respecting its extraordinary nature and unique Inuit heritage. Greenland has committed to “better tourism,” implementing laws that direct tourism funds toward benefiting local communities.
With its mix of modern amenities and a historic waterfront, Nuuk features informative museums and impressive art galleries while serving as a gateway for hiking, fishing, and glamping adventures. Further north, in Ilulissat, visitors can marvel at the magnificent icebergs of Disko Bay and the dramatic UNESCO-recognized Icefjord. In the southern region, once inhabited by Vikings, stunning fjords and picturesque green hills dotted with sheep farms await.
5. Wales
While it may be just one-sixth the size of England and less visited than its more well-known UK counterparts, Wales boasts stunning national parks, awe-inspiring medieval castles, and virtually no crowds, greatly enhancing its allure. This new year presents another great reason to explore one of Europe’s rising stars: Wales is declaring 2025 the Year of Croeso (“Welcome”). This year-long event highlights Welsh culture, language, and attractions, inviting visitors to “Feel the hwyl” – a beautiful Welsh word that encapsulates a deep sense of joy from being fully present in the moment.
In recent years, Wales has taken significant steps towards sustainable, culturally attuned travel. Tourism has played a pivotal role in reviving the Welsh language, and the country is currently engaged in a multi-year £5 billion initiative utilizing tourism funds to make various destinations more environmentally sustainable. As part of the Year of Croeso, Wales is investing in mobility bikes to help adventurous travelers explore its rugged landscapes. Plus, Wales is proud to feature the Wales Coast Path, the only hiking trail in the world that follows 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 area celebrated for its windswept coastal villages, impressive icebergs, subarctic forests, and massive waterfalls—all enriched by over 9,000 years of human history. By 2025, the completion of the final section of the 1,200km Trans-Labrador Highway—an undertaking that took nearly 25 years and $1 billion—will make this remote landscape of 294,330 sq km more accessible.
The new circular route, known as Expedition 51, will link Labrador to five Canadian provinces while also offering detours into the US and even France (via St Pierre and Miquelon). To promote sustainable tourism and honor the cultural heritage in this formerly isolated part of the north, the Canadian government is investing $180 million into Parks Canada sites in Western Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2025, the Red Bay National Historic Site—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Basque whaling station—will debut a new interactive boardwalk and visitor center. Meanwhile, L’Anse aux Meadows, which marks the first Norse settlement in North America, is enhancing its ecological protections and upgrading visitor facilities. Gros Morne National Park will also introduce new interpretive exhibits showcasing the park’s stunning geology, wildlife, and landscapes.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US
Tucson has plenty to celebrate in 2025. This year marks the 10th anniversary of its recognition as the first city in the US to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, as well as the 250th anniversary of its founding. Originally part of Mexico, Tucson will highlight its unique multicultural history and the deep-rooted Native American cultures that enrich the area with a free event on August 23 featuring traditional Mexican music and dancing at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson. Visitors can explore Tucson’s extensive desert hiking trails and historic sites—like the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac, affectionately known as the “White Dove of the Desert.” These preservation efforts have contributed to the city receiving a Sustainability Index Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) this year.
While the architectural history is captivating, the nearby gardens offer an even deeper narrative: they are the oldest continuously cultivated soil in the US. Four thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Tohono O’odham were farming squashes, beans, and corn on this land. Blending traditional and Mexican flavors over the years, many of these ancient herbs and crops remain staples in local cuisine today. Diners can dive into the city’s unique food scene at one of its city-of-gastronomy-certified restaurants or Heirloom Farmers Markets, which regularly showcase distinctive local ingredients like chiltepin chilis, edible cacti known as nopales, and prickly pear.
8. Western Australia
Perth, recognized as the world’s most isolated major city, along with Western Australia (WA), has often found itself overshadowed by the east coast cities of Melbourne and Sydney. However, with Australia’s only direct flights to Europe, Perth is positioning itself as the country’s western gateway and a global aviation hub, thanks to a $5 billion redevelopment of Perth Airport aimed at improving the travel experience. With new routes to Asia, WA is gearing up to become a must-visit destination in 2025.
But it’s not just about how to get there—it’s also about what awaits visitors. Beyond the vibrant Perth and the beautiful Swan Valley Wine Region, WA boasts expansive landscapes covering over 2.5 million sq km, featuring 12,500 km of stunning coastline, bubblegum-pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, and towering karri forests. Adventurers can experience wildlife encounters such as swimming with whale sharks or snapping selfies with quokkas, known as the “happiest animal in the world.” Sustainability-focused road trippers can explore everything on the new 6,600 km Electric Vehicle Highway, the world’s longest EV charging network.
WA is also emphasizing its rich cultural heritage through the A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, which promotes authentic Indigenous-led experiences and supports Indigenous business growth. You could learn about the world’s oldest living cultures on a truth-telling walking tour in Rockingham or join a 4WD coastal foraging tour complete with a bush barbecue in Broome.
With ancient petroglyphs at Murujuga National Park (which is vying for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2025), new disability-friendly infrastructure on the beautiful Houtman Abrolhos Islands, boutique hotels in Fremantle, and cozy accommodations in the Great Southern, WA is set to redefine travel in Australia this year.
9. Sri Lanka
From its misty hilltop tea plantations and wandering wild elephants to ancient temples and rolling surf, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. In April 2022, the former prime minister declared Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy, but the new president aims to restore the nation’s fortunes after the challenges of the pandemic and civil unrest.
This resilient island nation is looking to bounce back through tourism. Kandy will celebrate the opening of its first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, while Aarunya Nature Resort has unveiled a new family villa with a stargazing oculus. A $1 billion mega resort is set to open in Colombo, along with the launch of Sri Lanka’s new airline, Air Ceilão, which will offer flights as far as Europe and Australia. The nation has also initiated the Good Travel Seal initiative, which recognizes local businesses that embrace sustainable practices.
For those seeking unique experiences, they can take a legendary train ride through the mountainous interior or visit Colombo and Galle to discover a new wave of mixologists giving a fresh twist to arrack, a drink that dates back to the 5th century. Adventurers can also trek the 300 km Pekoe Trail, which meanders through tea plantations and rural villages in the Central Highlands. For another unique experience, an innovative startup allows travelers to self-drive a tuk-tuk across the island, with the profits directly supporting the vehicle’s owner.
10. Panama
After managing the Panama Canal for decades, the US officially handed control over to Panama at the close of 1999 via a treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Panama’s sovereignty over its namesake waterway, and as President-elect Donald Trump suggests the possibility of military intervention to regain control, new permanent exhibits at the Museo del Canal that trace the canal’s path to Panamanian rule seem particularly relevant.
Yet, there’s so much more to explore in this nation of lush jungles, idyllic islands, and mountain ranges beyond just the canal. In 2024, the Meaningful Travel Map to Panama was launched in partnership with the non-profit organization Tourism Cares to help visitors discover locally led experiences throughout the country. After enjoying a Localinpty walking tour through Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods, visitors can journey southwest to the La Pintada district, where artisans handcraft traditional Panama hats—a UNESCO-recognized practice called sombrero pintao. In El Valle de Anton, celebrated as one of the best community tourism villages in 2024 by UN Tourism, you can hike the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail through a lush cloud forest for breathtaking views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea on a clear day from the summit. This newly opened path is part of Panama’s ambitious 1,000 km Trails project, aimed at enhancing sustainable tourism in rural communities while allowing hikers to appreciate Panama’s incredible biodiversity.
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