21 Places to go in 2025 - per the Travel Powers that Be

Happy New Years – well Lunar New Years - everyone and welcome to the 8th  annual “Best Places to Go According to the Travel Powers that Be” List. This list is not my personal recommendations on where to travel – I put that out earlier this month. Rather this is a snapshot of where top travel publications all agree people should go this year. (If you’re interested, here’s all the previous years’ lists).

If you are new to reading the annual Travel Powers That Be list, here is how it works: Every year I compile the “where to go” lists from top travel publications – this year Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, CNN, and The New York Times - into one massive list. Any location that multiple organizations mention is considered one of the Best Places to Go per the Travel Powers that Be. If a country is mentioned by one publication and a specific part of that country - like a region or a state – is recommended by another, that qualifies it for this list.

Asia was by far and away the most popular region for 2025 with over a third of the list located there (and multiple places in Central Asia in particular). On the other side of the spectrum there was nothing that overlapped for either Africa OR South America. The Travel Powers that Be really dropped the ball for those two continents in 2025.

Without further ado, here are the 21 places the Travel Powers that be recommend visiting for 2025 

The Caucuses
2025 is the year to visit the Caucuses countries Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, according to Travel and Leisure. The land between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea is slowly emerging as a tourist location, particularly the country of Georgia, which is known for its historic sites and excellent wine scene (it’s proudly the oldest wine producing region in the world). The New York Times recommends Kutaisi, Georgia, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Meanwhile, Lonely Planet recommends Armenia, which is the oldest Christian country in the world (adopted in 301 CE, 79 years before the Roman Empire). Armenia has nearly two thousand years of historic churches and monasteries, the most famous of which is the Geghard Monastery. Rounding out the trio is Azerbaijan, historic home of Zoroastrianism and where you can visit fire temples and Yanar Dag, a hillside outside of Baku with a natural continuously burning fire.

Greenland
One of the top picks by the Travel Powers that Be in 2024, Travel and Leisure, National Geographic, and the New York Times recommend going to Greenland in 2025. CNN specifies going to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, as the base of operations for the trip. So why 2025? First is increased accessibility. The new international airport in Nuuk just opened and in this summer there will be nonstop flights from the US to the autonomous region. Second reason: climate change. Greenland is losing billions of tons of ice mass every year and that is only likely to continue. You can visit the Icefjord Center in Ilulissat for both incredible views of nature and exhibitions on the area and the peoples who live there. There are and increasing number of tours to explore the incredible wildlife and nature in Greenland.

Tasmania, Australia
If 2025 is the year you’re hoping to visit Australia, Travel and Leisure recommends you check out the island of Tasmania. Specifically, they recommend taking a cruise along the coast of the island. One place to check out is Maria Island, which is home to almost all of Tasmania’s endemic bird species and also the Painted Cliffs. On the main island, Lonely Planet recommends you visit Launceston and the Tamar Valley. Go hiking along the Cataract Gorge or mountain biking in the Hollybank Nature Reserve. And the Tamar Valley is the Tasmania’s largest wine region. Check out cellars along the Tamar Valley Wine Trail – the area is particularly known for Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Osaka and the Kansai Region, Japan
If you’re thinking of going to Japan in 2025, Osaka is the place to go. A Travel and Leisure, New York Times, and Lonely Planet pick, Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city and emerging from the shadows of Tokyo and Kyoto. Osaka is a foodie city – personally I recommend okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that is a staple street food – which has a reputation for being vegetarian and vegan friendly. In between eating adventures, visit the Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and the city’s famous nightlife (which will probably also involve food). Osaka is also the perfect base for excursions to other parts of the Kansai Region, which is CNN’s pick. Per the NYT, Osaka also opened a Pride Center in 2022. Take a day trip to Himeji Castle, otherwise known as the White Egret Castle, one of if not the finest historic castles in Japan. You can also visit Nara, which is known for the Todaiji Temple, and Kobe, which is a major producer of sake.

Stockholm Archipelago
Somehow I never fully realized that Stockholm, Sweden was actually on a series of islands, but not only is the city a number of islands, but there is an extended Stockholm Archipelago, which is a National Geographic, CNN, and New York Times pick. The archipelago has literally tens of thousands of islands and islets, dotted with forests, small villages, and historic architecture. Sweden recently opened the Stockholm Archipelago Trail -  a 270 kilometer (160 mile) series of hiking trails across 20 of the outer islands. The best time to go is early fall when it’s still warm but height of tourist season is over. Once you’ve gotten your fill of hiking, head to Stockholm proper and visit the Vasa Museum (for Viking history), the Royal Palace, and the ABBA Museum. Take a break for fika (coffee and pastry) and then end the day enjoying Stockholm’s food scene.

Bukhara, Uzbekista
Uzbekistan has been creeping up as an “it” place to go the last few years, and in 2025 Travel and Leisure and the New York Times recommend you specifically visit the city of Bukhara. Bukhara is one of Uzbekistan’s famed ancient Silk Road cities and the city center is a UNESCO world heritage site. The city is over 2000 years old, but most of the sites were built from the 10th and 17th centuries and particularly from the early 16th century onwards. The city is brimming with historic sites – including, but not limited to mosques, madrassas, mausoleums. Bukhara is also considered the weaving capital of Uzbekistan. One reason to visit in 2025 specifically, Bukhara is launching its first ever Bukhara Biennial this fall, which will showcase work from artists from Uzbekistan and around the world.

The Lowcountry, Southeast US
If you’re thinking of visiting the South in 2025, Lonely Planet recommends you visit the Low County, in South Carolina and Georgia. The Lowcountry is a stretch of land along the coast from Charleston, SC, to Savannah, Georgia. Both cities are well worth visiting (see my take on Charleston, and Savannah), with Travel and Leisure recommending Charleston in particular. However, there is more to the area than just those two cities. The Lowcountry also includes the Sea Islands and Beaufort, centers of the Gullah culture and history, and Hilton Head Island, famous for its beaches and golf. Please note if you do you, to be cognizant of the history of the region and the ethical considerations surrounding visiting certain historical sites, particularly plantations.

The Terai Region, Nepal
If you’re interesting in venturing to the Himalayan nations this year, Lonely Planet recommends the Terai region of Nepal. The Terai region is the southern lowlands of Nepal which border India and are actually subtropical. Within the Terai region, New York Times recommends you visit Lumbini, which is the birthplace of the Buddha, who was born there in 623 BCE (per UNESCO). The city has been an important pilgrimage site for thousands of years, and continues to be one this day, with both new, old, and restored temples, stupas, and meditation centers. The Terai is also home to Chitwan National Park, where you can see the one-horned rhinoceros – which will sometimes even go for a walk in the town next to the park. (If you choose to do an elephant ride/tour please do research to make sure it’s done in an ethical way). I did not visit this part of Nepal when I was there this past fall, but if you’re interested in a counterpoint to Kathmandu and the mountaineering part of Nepal, check out the Terai.

St Vincent and the Grenadine2025 is the year for lesser-known Caribbean getaways, and one of Travel and Leisure’s top places for Beach Vibes this year is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The archipelago is made up of 32 islands and cays and of all of those, CNN recommends visiting Bequia. First thing is first in any visit, which is enjoy the warm weather and the white sand beaches that are far less touristed (for now) than other islands. Bequia also offers a variety of diving opportunities. There are more than 30 easily accessible diving sites that rand from shallow reef dives to underwater cave dives to wreck dives. If you’re interested in history, you can also visit the Bequia Heritage Museum. Getting to St. Vincent and the Grenadines should also be easier in 2025, with new direct flights from New York and Charlotte.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Indonesia is home to around 17,000 islands, and in 2025 the top ones to visit are the Raja Ampat archipelago, per National Geographic and the New York Times. Raja Ampat is home to an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem, with more than 500 species of coral along with myriad tropical fish. Reef manta rays and zebra sharks are also making a comeback in numbers. Raja Ampat – to the marine ecosystem’s benefit, is remote and can only be reached by ship. There are new immersive high-end tours launching in 2025 from a couple different operators. If you do manage to reach Raja Ampat, you’re guaranteed an uncrowded visit to a marine ecosystem few tourists have seen.

Romania
2025 is the year to visit Romania, according to CNN. The eastern European country is of course best known for Dracula – for which tourists visit Bran Castle – but there is so much more to the country than that. The Carpathian Mountains cover roughly one third of Romania and have plenty of hiking, protected areas and dotted with other castles to check out. And maybe the vampires there just keep a low profile. National Geographic recommends thee medieval city of Brasov. Brasov is considered the gateway to the Transylvania region – home to the new Via Transilvanica which is a 870 mile trail through the region. Either via the trail or not, make sure to visit Sighisoara, a fortified medieval town built by German Saxons who emigrated to the area and is a UNESCO heritage site. If you have time also check out the capital of Bucharest, where you can see the architectural excesses – particularly the Palace of Parliament – of the former brutal dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Kazakhstan
Central Asia has been slowly getting more buzz over the past few years, and in 2025 one of Lonely Planet’s picks for the region is the country of Kazakhstan. CNN concurs and suggests you visit the country’s largest city Almaty (which is not the capital fyi – I made that mistake). The city has historical sites, such as the entirely wood (as in not even nails or screws) Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral and Soviet-era architecture. It is also home to the neo-nomad cuisine which – as a vegetarian not interested but it is making a splash in food travel news. The city is nestled at the base of the Tian Shan mountains, making the city a good location to plan a visit or trek in the mountains. West of Almaty and near the border with Uzbekistan, Lonely Planet recommends going to Sairam-Ugam State National Natural Park if you’re interested in hiking.

Barbados
Both National Geographic and Travel and Leisure recommend visiting Barbados this year, and the country has some very diverse offerings. Barbados was one of the major ports for bringing enslaved Africans into the Americas and Barbados plans to open the Barbados Heritage District in 2025. The Heritage District – which is designed by the famed Ghanian-British architect David Adjaye – will contain a memorial, a global research institute, and a museum. It will be located at the Newton Slave Burial Ground, the largest and earliest slave burial site discovered in Barbados. In an entirely related note, Barbados is known as the birthplace of rum. So once you’ve paid your respects and had your fill of history, head to one of Barbados’ beaches with a rum cocktail and enjoy the beauty around you.

Inverness and the Flow Country, Scotland
In the northern part of the Scottish mainland is Inverness and the Flow Country, a New York Times and Travel and Leisure pick for 2025. The city of Inverness is well situated for for visiting a number of Scottish Castles, including Balmoral. It's also a launching off point for the Orkney Islands. However, it's the Flow Country around Inverness that is getting all the buzz. The Flow Country is a mass of bogs and peatland, and was listed as a UNESCO heritage site last July. The peatland are home to a number of local museums, wildlife, and places to hike or cycle. It's not just the Highlands, it's the Northern Highlands, with all the extra prep and intensity that evokes.

Abu Dhabi, UAE
I might have recommended Doha for 2025, but National Geographic and the New York Times both say that Abu Dhabi is the place to go this year. The reason? A number of key museum openings are happening, including the Zayed National Museum, which is the National Museum of the UAE and will cover the thousands of years of Emirati history and culture. There is also the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the teamLab immersive art space and experience Phenomena. These openings are just on top of everything Abu Dhabi has to offer, such as the Grand Mosque, water parks, shopping malls and world class dining. You can also take a trip to Rub’ al Khali (also known as the Empty Quarter) which is the desert outside Abu Dhabi which has gold and red sand dunes hundreds of feet tall.

 Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
The Travel Powers that Be can choose places that would never occur to me and this year is the CNN and NYT pick of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. The main reason to visit this remote part of Pakistan is to climb the Karakoram Mountains. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to K2, which is the world’s second tallest mountain but considered #1 for difficulty and danger (Personal note: please explain to me why this is fun thing rather than terrifying). The New York Times specifically calls out Nangma Valley. New trekking routes are being offered to visit the valley, and there are now flights in the summer from Dubai to the regional airport. If you are interested in hiking in Gilgit-Baltistan, it is of course very important to go with a reputable, licensed guide.

Fiji
If you need to really get away from it all in 2025 – which, valid – what better place to go than Fiji, a pick this year from Lonely Planet and Travel and Leisure. The archipelago nation has more than 300 islands and 460 different protected marine areas. Snorkel or dive along the coral reefs or go surfing at one of the many world-class surf spots. But Fiji is more than it’s phenomenal beaches and marine life. Check out the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple – a Dravidian-style Hindu temple in Nadi that serves Fiji’s Hindu community. Different islands have extinct volcanic caters, tropical jungles you can hike through, and hot springs. Fiji is also launching a new initiative call Loloma Hour, which is a program to encourage tourists to use an hour of their stay to undertake an activity that helps preserve the Fijian culture or environment.

Nicaragua
If you're interested in the beaches, surf, and rainforests of Central America in 2025, Travel and Leisure and the New York Times recommend checking out Nicaragua. This year the 75-mile Costanera Highway is set to open on the country’s Pacific coast. The new highway links more than 50 beaches and communities along the Emerald Coast. In addition, visit the Masaya Volcano National Park, where you can see an active volcano and a lava lake. And if you're interested in history, stop by the historic city of Grenada, where you can enjoy both the Spanish colonial architecture and Lago Cocibolca.

Bulgaria
2025 is a good year to visit Eastern Europe, and New York Times recommends visiting Bulgaria this year. Start your trip in Sofia, where you can visit the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, which was first built in the 10th century CE and is known for it’s frescos. Then head over to Plovdiv, home to Ottoman-era townhouses, Ancient Roman ruins (including a stadium, a theatre, and a forum), and is also known for it’s food scene. In addition to those sites, Lonely Planet suggests visiting the town of Bansko. Bansko is known for it’s skiing and snowboarding, if a winter getaway is your thing. You also need to make a stop at the famed Rila Monastery, the spiritual center of Bulgaria. Finally, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t recommend checking out some of Bulgaria’s wineries and wines during your visit.

Thailand
Thailand was Travel and Leisure’s Destination of the Year for 2025, and the rest of the Travel Powers that Be agreed with that idea. The Southeast Asian country has long been hugely popular with tourists and backpackers (I’ve been there twice over my travels) and there are so many places to choose from for a trip. Lonely Planet recommends going up to mountainous northern Thailand and go to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is particularly known for its Buddhist wats. National Geographic suggests Bangkok, both to check out Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, and to enjoy the city’s art and design scene. Finally, the New York Times is excited about Season 3 of the TV show White Lotus, and is suggesting the tropical island of Koh Samui, which is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Wherever in Thailand you go – go hungry as Thai food is delicious.

Detroit
Detroit (as KISS would say “Rock City”) is the poster child for recent urban renewal in the US travel world and one of the places to go this year, per both Travel and Leisure and the New York Times. The city is full of recent and ongoing restoration projects. The Michigan central Building, a former train station, has recently reopened after a $950 million investment and is now a tech and cultural hub. On Detroit’s waterfront, the Ralph Wilson Centennial Park is in the process of transforming a 22-acre area along the riverfront. Detroit is also becoming known on the food scene. Detroit-style pizza is having a moment – deservedly so as its great – and you can't visit without enjoying some of its famed Middle Eastern cuisine, either in the city proper or outside in Dearborn.