Best travel destinations 2025 range from the vibrant, chewing-gum-colored lakes of Australia to the solar-powered safari camps in Botswana. This list highlights top spots to explore this year, curated by BBC Travel. Travel has the power to connect, inspire, and even transform people. It reveals how fascinating the world truly is. Yet, even though travel can be a force for good, last year showed that it can also strain or damage beloved destinations, with many places introducing new rules to manage the impact of overtourism. For this first BBC guide to the best travel destinations for 2025, we focus on locations tackling these challenges head-on. Each of the 25 destinations not only welcomes visitors and delivers exceptional travel experiences but also leverages tourism to support local communities, safeguard the environment, or preserve cultural heritage.

Top vacation spots in the world are drawing travelers with their breathtaking scenery and vibrant city life. Among them, Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis, Almaty, has recently earned the title of the region’s newest “Capital of Cool.” This city offers a rare combination of attractions — exceptional cuisine, lively nightlife, a flourishing arts and culture scene, and effortless access to some of the planet’s most pristine landscapes, thanks to its location at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. Almaty’s metro stations are true masterpieces, perfectly complementing its renowned museums, such as the Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum, home to over 20,000 works of art, and the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, which is relocating to a new site in 2025.

Must-visit cities for travellers are not easy to define, as beauty takes many forms and often depends on personal perspective. After all, what one traveller finds stunning – whether it’s pristine white beaches lapped by turquoise waters or awe-inspiring architectural wonders – may differ completely from another’s idea of perfection. We’re fortunate to live on a planet where just a short flight can transport you from Mexico’s rosy-hued flamingo lakes to Bolivia’s endless shimmering salt flats, or from Portugal’s vine-draped Douro Valley to Egypt’s timeless pyramids. For some explorers, it’s the people who make a city truly unforgettable – warm smiles, rich traditions, and vibrant communities that transform a destination from simply picturesque to profoundly beautiful. For others, beauty lies in the cuisine – fragrant curries served in Jaipur, crisp Greek salads in Athens, or heaping bowls of pasta enjoyed in Rome. And for many, it’s the history that captures their hearts – ancient carvings on stone walls, fading frescoes in historic centres, and centuries-old palaces that continue to stand proudly through time.

Beach holiday destinations don’t come more magical than French Polynesia. One of the most sought-after spots in the South Pacific, this tropical haven boasts 118 islands spread across five stunning archipelagos. The main island, Tahiti, belongs to the Society Islands — a paradise of powdery white beaches, tranquil lagoons, and gently rustling palms. Swim alongside friendly rays in Moorea, unwind on the deck of an overwater villa in Bora Bora, and trek through Huahine’s emerald-green peaks. Discover fragrant vanilla plantations on Taha’a, snorkel among vibrant marine life in Maupiti, and wander through the lush rainforests of Raiatea. You can even celebrate your wedding on a serene Bora Bora beach as the sky glows pink at sunset. For those craving a more secluded escape, French Polynesia offers countless hidden gems. Venture to the Tuamotu Islands to stroll along Tikehau’s rosy sands or dive with reef sharks in Fakarava. Fly north to the remote Marquesas Islands, where rugged cliffs, rich culture, and ancient traditions await. Or journey south to the Austral Islands, where calm lagoons meet soaring mountains — perfect for days spent hiking through orange blossom valleys or snorkelling alongside graceful whales.

Adventure travel destinations are rapidly emerging in Central Asia, and Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking Turkestan Range is set to become a prime draw for thrill-seekers. Nicknamed the “Asian Patagonia” for its dramatic rock faces and untouched wilderness, this region dazzles with crystal-clear glacial rivers and lakes, dense fir forests, and sweeping alpine meadows dotted with grazing yaks. The mountains and valleys of Turkestan truly deserve recognition among the world’s top adventure spots. Nestled deep within the Pamir-Alay mountain system, a recently opened trail now unveils this pristine and rarely explored area. The route leads through some of the most isolated and untouched landscapes in Central Asia, where travellers can immerse themselves in the serenity of raw, unspoiled nature.

Family-friendly travel spots around the world offer incredible opportunities for bonding, cultural discovery, and shared adventure. Exploring new destinations together allows your family to immerse in different traditions, visit historic landmarks, enjoy breathtaking natural scenery, appreciate global art, and even practice new languages. Hands-on learning through travel is one of the most engaging and memorable ways to educate children and teens. Embarking on a global journey as a family helps you navigate unfamiliar places, face challenges side by side, and create lasting memories. Experiencing other cultures firsthand nurtures empathy and broadens understanding, helping to dispel stereotypes and foster a more inclusive perspective. By introducing your loved ones to diverse lifestyles and customs, you inspire global awareness, compassion, and respect for people from all walks of life.

Affordable travel destinations in 2025 include places celebrating history and natural beauty. One highlight is the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal in upstate New York, marked by boat parades, festivals, and special events. Completed in 1825, this 363-mile canal connected the Hudson River with Lake Erie, once serving as a vital route for westward expansion before automobiles. Today, it attracts recreational boaters, while the towpath welcomes walkers and cyclists. The anniversary celebrations begin in Waterford, where the canal meets the Hudson River, featuring a grand boat parade, and continue to Fairport, near Rochester, hosting Canal Days (June 6–8) with a juried art fair. On September 24, a replica of the historic Seneca Chief, the boat used by Gov. DeWitt Clinton in 1825, will sail toward New York Harbor, stopping at towns along the route throughout the following month.For a breathtaking natural experience, head to Fairbanks, Alaska, an affordable northern lights destination offering long winter nights ideal for viewing the dazzling aurora borealis.

Romantic getaway destinations romantic getaway destinations don’t get much better than Waiheke Island, where vineyards blanket the rolling hills and most cellar doors welcome visitors all year round. Share a glass of the elegant Bordeaux-style Larose at Stonyridge Estate, or sample the refreshing Pinot Gris at Cable Bay Winery. For an indulgent experience, join a private wine tour and discover the island’s finest drops together. After finding your favourite vintage, unwind with a bottle in hand at one of Waiheke’s cosy beachfront cottages. With golden sunsets and the soothing sound of the ocean, it’s the perfect recipe for a dreamy couples’ retreat. For couples craving excitement, Rotorua offers the ideal romantic getaway destination. Ride the Skyline Gondola 487 metres up Mt Ngongotahā and spend the day embracing adventure. Race each other on the Luge, brave the thrilling Skyswing, or soar side by side down the 400-metre Zipline.

Eco tourism destinations like Costa Rica are among the most popular and frequently visited in the world. Known for its strong commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica is the ideal place for anyone seeking an authentic eco-friendly travel experience. Rich in natural beauty and covered with lush forests, this country is home to numerous national parks. There’s an endless variety of places to discover, and one of the most wonderful things about Costa Rica is that you don’t need to pay for or visit unethical zoos to see wildlife — animals are all around you. For instance, the country’s national symbol, the sloth, can often be seen while walking through the forests, along with playful monkeys and colorful birds. Costa Rica truly stands out as a perfect destination for eco tourism, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers

Hidden travel gems in Mexico attract not only international visitors but also locals who eagerly journey from every corner of the country in search of places that offer a refreshing escape from everyday life. Now that I call Mexico home, I’m gradually uncovering these lesser-known treasures—something I never imagined doing while living abroad. Friends and colleagues have introduced me to countless remarkable Mexican destinations beyond the typical Riviera Maya spots that usually captivate foreign tourists. I’ve discovered that Mexicans truly enjoy vacationing within their own borders, often favoring quieter, less commercialized locations. (Though it’s hard to beat the easy access and charm of Playa del Carmen for a quick weekend retreat.) As a result, many of these off-the-radar destinations remain hidden gems to international travelers—awaiting discovery by those seeking a more authentic connection to Mexico’s vibrant heart and spirit.