“Common! You’re gonna be common!” Positive, possibly you’re a Depraved moviegoer belting these lyrics together with Ariana Grande’s Glinda within the again row of the theater. However we’re singing that very same tune to the most well liked locations of 2025. The curtain’s up, and these journey spots are able to take their flip within the highlight. Locations worthy of a standing ovation? Examine. Accommodations that steal the present? Completely. Whether or not you’re chasing the northern lights, scaling towering peaks or holding area for a historic coastal metropolis the place previous and current collide, there’s a vacation spot for each traveler seeking to make their 12 months one for the historical past books. So, with out additional ado, we current the ten finest locations to journey in 2025. Locations, everybody! Locations! The highlight’s on you—now take your decide and let the journey start.
Grenada
The tiny Caribbean island of Grenada is the one nation with a nutmeg on its flag—and for good cause. Together with its sister islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, it’s aptly nicknamed the Spice Isle. Some say stepping off the aircraft seems like getting into a aromatic haven, with the air perfumed by cinnamon and cloves. It’s no shock, then, that final 12 months, Six Senses selected this paradise for Six Senses La Sagesse, marking the famend wellness model’s debut within the Caribbean. Its 56 suites and 15 villas (every with a non-public pool, in fact) are set between two breathtaking seashores: L’Anse Pere and La Sagesse. The latter, a sandy crescent with shallow, heat waters embraced by verdant hills, is usually thought of one of many island’s most interesting. It’s the proper place to calm down after a go to to Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park—the world’s first underwater sculpture park—not too long ago upgraded with 31 new items of artwork. After a landmark 2024, marked by the celebration of fifty years of independence, a go to to the full of life capital St. George’s, with its colourful, boat-dotted harbor is a should. Whereas right here, dive into the longest infinity pool within the Caribbean at Silversands Grand Anse, a exceptional 100 meters lengthy, with buttery tender sand and clear waters as its backdrop. Past the posh resorts, infinite adventures await—hike by Grand Etang’s rainforest or rejoice Spicemas, the Caribbean nation’s very personal model of Carnival, held yearly in August.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Pura Vida—in Costa Rica, that’s what life is all about. The nation’s unofficial motto, that means “pure life,” thrives in Guanacaste province, the place the spirit of the phrase is alive and effectively. Actually, it’s house to the Nicoya Peninsula, one of many world’s famend Blue Zones—areas the place locals are identified for his or her exceptionally lengthy and wholesome lives. Whereas credit score goes to a healthful weight-reduction plan and habits, Guanacaste’s sun-drenched, 400-mile stretch of Pacific shoreline, world-class journey and that “pura vida” way of thinking may need one thing to do with it, too. On the peninsula, go to Tamarindo—or “Tama” because it’s identified amongst locals—a surf haven because the Nineteen Sixties. Past the waves, the province is a bonafide ecotourism paradise—seize a front-row seat to nationwide parks, marine reserves and wildlife retreats just like the Wild Scarlet Macaw Reserve and Camaronal Sea Turtle Refuge from ultra-luxe Punta Islita, Autograph Assortment. Additional south, there’s Santa Teresa, oozing bohemian attraction—“The brand new Tulum,” as Vogue as soon as referred to as it. And with Guanacaste quietly bordering Nicaragua to the north, the world’s attraction is simply set to develop as luxurious newcomer Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique prepares to debut on the secluded Playa Penca within the spring of 2025.
Charleston, South Carolina
In Charleston, Southern hospitality flows as freely as its candy tea. Constantly ranked among the many friendliest cities within the U.S., it’s one of many uncommon locations the place “charming” seems like an understatement. Discover the town’s historic district, together with its most photographed spot, Rainbow Row—an iconic row of 13 pastel homes. Close by, Emeline affords a contemporary boutique keep that nods to the Holy Metropolis’s golden previous. From right here, discover the open-air market or hop on a horse-drawn carriage proper outdoors the door. For a style of the town, savor native comforts like shrimp and grits or she-crab soup, or dive into the town’s acclaimed culinary scene on the Meals & Wine Traditional, returning November 14–16, 2025. Certainly one of America’s oldest cities, Charleston additionally embraces its complicated historical past. The newly opened Worldwide African American Museum—a $120 million undertaking twenty years within the making—thoughtfully examines the area’s layered previous. Simply 20 minutes outdoors of downtown, the coast beckons. On the Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes Resort—Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn—sits amongst dunes and plush greenery, showcasing only a fraction of South Carolina’s 2,876 miles of Atlantic shoreline.
Maui, Hawaii
In August 2023, Maui, Hawaii’s second-largest island, confronted devastating wildfires that deeply impacted its tight-knit group. But, the island’s indomitable spirit and unwavering aloha endured. Whereas Lahaina stays closed going into 2025, Maui as soon as once more opens its doorways, inviting vacationers to reconnect with its tradition, its folks and the kuleana (accountability) of a significant go to. In Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani—recent from an nearly two-year-long renovation accomplished in 2024—debuted its new Pilina restaurant and affords a “Rooted in Aloha” program the place friends can plant timber to help the reforestation of Haleakalā Nationwide Park. For these in search of methods to provide again in paradise, the Hawaii Tourism Authority lists quite a lot of voluntourism actions throughout the island. Lots of Maui’s different prime resorts have additionally undergone vital transformations, together with Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. With over $350 million invested, the property now boasts refreshed visitor rooms, the expansive Kilolani Spa—the most important in Hawaii—and can welcome the island’s first Nobu restaurant in summer season 2025. From Kihei’s golden seashores to Kapalua’s dramatic coastlines, the Valley Isle extends a heartfelt message to the world: Mākaukau Maui—“Maui is prepared.”
Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva could be identified for peace and diplomacy, however in 2025, this serene metropolis swaps quiet negotiations for fierce competitors. July kicks off with the UEFA Ladies’s EURO at Stade de Genève, and in September, the inaugural Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix sees high-speed catamarans racing throughout Lake Geneva’s jewel-toned waters. For an unique perch amidst the motion, La Réserve Genève affords lakeside luxurious with a twist—think about gliding into the town aboard Venetian-style motoscafo boats. Choose your class with a river view? Overlooking the Rhône, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva pairs its timeless façade with Swiss refinement and culinary excellence. From vibrant Mediterranean dishes to genuine Japanese delicacies, the eating is so distinctive you would possibly momentarily overlook the Swiss Alps lie simply past. Dialing up Geneva’s attraction, the United Nations’ Portail des Nations opens in summer season 2025 on the historic Palais des Nations, inviting guests to discover multilateralism by 3,500 sq. meters of interactive displays—all underneath the watchful flutter of the Alley of Flags. And if diplomacy leaves you craving one thing sweeter, seize a Choco Cross—a self-guided chocolate tour that’s mainly a passport to praline paradise.
Osaka, Japan
It’s solely becoming that Expo 2025, the world’s largest showcase of innovation and design, returns to Osaka—a metropolis famend for its dynamic power and open-minded spirit. From April to October, Yumeshima, a human-made island, will welcome 28 million guests wanting to discover exhibitions on every little thing from sustainable trend to AI-driven good cities. Referred to as Tenka no Daidokoro (“the nation’s kitchen”), Osaka’s forward-thinking spirit extends to its culinary scene, the place avenue distributors serve up takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). The town’s kuidaore tradition—consuming till you’re broke—ensures no urge for food goes unhappy. For one thing extra refined, head to InterContinental Osaka’s Pierre, a 2024 Michelin-starred gem. After indulging, wander Dōtonbori, the place neon lights and the Glico Operating Man make it really feel like stepping right into a live-action online game. For a chook’s-eye view of all of it, test into Conrad Osaka, perched above the motion with views from 40 flooring up. With an inflow of tourists on the way in which, extra luxurious resorts are sprouting up, together with Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Patina Osaka, simply steps from Osaka Citadel. And with Kansai Worldwide Airport’s smooth new Terminal 1 opening simply in time for Expo, attending to this high-energy metropolis has by no means been simpler.
Dolomites, Italy
In case you’re seeking to escape the crowds flocking to Rome for the Pope’s Jubilee 12 months in 2025 and like your divine experiences with a facet of recent Alpine air, the Dolomites are calling—in any case, even Popes and pontiffs sought refuge right here. Simply look to FORESTIS, an nearly heaven-sent, above-the-clouds sanctuary. As soon as upon a time, it was a hideaway for the Vatican’s prime officers. These days, with a front-row seat to the jagged Geislergruppe, it stands as an architectural marvel on the coronary heart of this mountain vary in northern Italy, which earned UNESCO World Heritage Website standing in 2009, because of its 18 spectacular peaks. However these mountains don’t simply ship peak (although Marmolada, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” actually impresses, towering at 10,968 toes). They ship drama, too. With vertical partitions, sheer cliffs and a labyrinth of slender, deep valleys, the mountains have a method of creating you’re feeling small—in probably the most awe-inspiring method potential. The right base for exploring all of it is Ortisei in Val Gardena, a city famend for its wooden carving. See it for your self at Gardena Grödnerhof Lodge & Spa. Turning 100 in 2023, it’s been underneath the watchful care of the Bernardi household since day one, proving that some issues—like superb vino and heat hospitality—solely get higher with age. Wooden paneling and Alpine stylish outline the interiors of each room, whereas its location—simply 200 meters from a cable automobile—makes reaching Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, a breeze.
Vietnam
In 2025, Vietnam will mark a major second in its historical past—the fiftieth anniversary of the top of the Vietnam Conflict and the reunification of the nation. Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (regionally nonetheless referred to as Saigon) will host a variety of occasions, displays and commemorations that mirror on this half-century milestone and showcase the nation’s wealthy cultural heritage and sweetness to the world. The town itself is a vibrant mix of Vietnamese, French and worldwide influences. The ornate French-built Saigon Opera Home, which opened in 1898, stands as a reminder of the town’s previous, whereas the up to date Lotus Gallery (one of many metropolis’s first non-public artwork galleries) showcases the work of contemporary Vietnamese and Southeast Asian artists. To completely immerse your self on this historic event, make Park Hyatt Saigon your base, the place the class of French-era Saigon is woven into the décor. For these touring throughout the nation, the upcoming opening of Tan Son Nhat Airport’s Terminal 3 in 2025 will make reaching Vietnam’s 2,000-mile-long shoreline extra accessible than ever. On the southeast coast, nestled inside Nui Chua Nationwide Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Amanoi—that means “peaceable place” in Sanskrit—affords beautiful views of Vinh Hy Bay. With clifftop eating, a lakeside Aman Spa and a non-public golden seaside, it really lives as much as its identify. On the southwest coast, Regent Phu Quoc is nestled on an island off Hà Tiên, providing suites and villas—every with its personal non-public pool.
Cartagena, Colombia
What do you get when European attraction meets Caribbean warmth? Cartagena—a 490-year-old jewel on Colombia’s coast the place historical past and vibrant streets collide. Enclosed by seven miles of historical stone partitions, the UNESCO-listed Previous City is finest explored on foot. Stroll its colourful streets, pop into native outlets and admire the colonial structure. Enjoyable reality: the town was designed to confuse pirates, in order that they’d actually get misplaced in its maze of similar blocks. On the middle sits Casa San Agustin Lodge, a boutique retreat with a peaceable courtyard, pool and a 300-year-old aqueduct—Cartagena’s unique waterworks nonetheless making waves. Simply up the highway, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, a former 1621 convent, oozes historical past. In 1949, Gabriel García Márquez visited the positioning whereas reporting on the invention of a crypt, inspiring the Nobel Prize-winning creator’s novel Of Love and Different Demons. And for a jungle repair, Tayrona Nationwide Pure Park is only a brief hop away. Anticipate epic hikes, lush rainforests and a solid of untamed locals—monkeys, toucans and possibly even a jaguar in case you’re stealthy sufficient.
Iceland
If chasing the aurora borealis is in your bucket record, 2025 is your 12 months—consultants say photo voltaic most will ship the last word gentle present. And the place higher to see it than Iceland? Perched on the Arctic Circle, this Nordic island really lives as much as its moniker—the Land of Fireplace and Ice. With a frozen panorama above a volcanic hotbed, count on lava eruptions so as to add a component of pure drama. Vacationers heading to Iceland in 2025 could discover latest volcanic exercise on the Reykjanes Peninsula, close to Keflavik Worldwide Airport and simply southwest of Reykjavik. Whereas flights stay unaffected and Iceland is secure to discover, it’s good to remain up to date. The Blue Lagoon, quickly closed resulting from seismic exercise, has since reopened. For an additional-luxe expertise, soak within the milky blue waters at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, an award-winning resort with 60 suites—some with non-public lagoon swimming pools. One other must-experience? The Golden Circle, a highway journey like no different, with Torfhús Retreat—a storybook-like escape impressed by the structure of an Icelandic Viking farm—at its coronary heart. Don’t miss Thingvellir Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage web site, the place the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly however absolutely tearing aside. And no journey to Iceland is full and not using a keep in Reykjavik. For a stylish base close to Laugavegur Road’s buying and eating places (make sure you go to the famed Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur scorching canine stand), test into Cover by Hilton Reykjavik Metropolis Centre. With a various vinyl assortment and moveable file gamers, you’ll be grooving to extra than simply the aurora’s rhythm.
