Best Travel Destinations 2025 as dawn breaks over Tashkent, a massive Soviet-era train groans into the station before coming to a slow, shuddering stop. I’ve journeyed on several packed trains across Uzbekistan, but this one—headed east to Margilan, the gateway to the lush Fergana Valley—has no other foreign travelers aboard. Inside the carriage, I find myself seated next to a family of three. The mother, Gulnora, wears a beautifully patterned headscarf covered in bold geometric designs. I point to it and say, “Ajoyib!”—the Uzbek word for “wonderful.” She beams and explains that she bought it in the very valley we’re on our way to explore. The day before, while wandering through Tashkent’s iconic blue-domed Chorsu Bazaar — one of Central Asia’s most historic marketplaces — I stumbled upon a heap of strawberries. Though tiny, each one exploded with the taste of springtime sweetness. With juice-stained fingers, I asked the vendor via Google Translate, “Where do these come from?” Without hesitation, he replied, “Fergana.”

Top Vacation Spots in the World Tripadvisor Unveils 2025’s Must-See Destinations Chosen by Travelers Every year, Tripadvisor analyzes millions of traveler reviews shared by its global community to uncover the most reliable recommendations — helping future adventurers craft unforgettable journeys. The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations highlight seven major categories: Top Destinations, Trending Destinations, Cultural Hotspots, Food Lover Favorites, and Honeymoon Escapes. For 2025, Tripadvisor has added two exciting new categories: Best Solo Travel Destinations and a special 25th Anniversary Collection celebrating the Top Destinations of the Last 25 Years, determined by all-time traveler reviews. These awards honor destinations that have earned the highest praise and ratings from visitors around the world in the past year, spotlighting the places that truly resonate with real travelers.

Must-visit cities for travelers this year include Brazil’s “Little Japan,” the São Paulo neighborhood of Liberdade, one of Chambers’ top recommendations. “Brazil is home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan, with around 2 million people of Japanese descent,” she explains. Liberdade, she adds, is “full of unexpected delights — from anime-themed street art to tranquil oriental gardens. It’s even said to serve the best ramen beyond Tokyo, though that’s always up for debate.” Another standout destination is Mexico City, which Chambers praises enthusiastically: “It’s amazing — the history, the cuisine, the culture, the art! And it’s so walkable. Truly unforgettable.” The colorful, bougainvillea-draped neighborhoods of Coyoacán, La Roma, and La Condesa are all highlighted by Lonely Planet this year.

Beach holiday destinations don’t get any better than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Every moment of our family’s week on this enchanting island was absolutely unforgettable. Vieques stands at the top of our list of the best beach holiday spots for families, as its entire shoreline is lined with stunning beaches. During our stay, we spent each day discovering the endless beauty of Vieques’ pristine and often secluded beaches in our rental 4×4. The island’s free-roaming horses added a touch of wonder and adventure to every beach outing. A family strolls through the gentle waves of Playa La Plata — one of the most breathtaking beaches on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. Beyond its incredible beaches, Vieques also boasts another world-renowned natural wonder ideal for a family getaway — the brightest bioluminescent bay on the planet! As you glide your hands through the glowing water, it lights up in a dazzling blue hue. Believe me, witnessing the Vieques Bioluminescent Bay from a glass-bottom kayak is an experience your family will cherish forever.

Adventure travel destinations are places that attract tourists seeking exploration and experiences involving a certain level of risk (whether real or perceived), often requiring special skills and physical endurance. In the United States, this form of tourism has expanded significantly from the late 20th to the early 21st century, as travelers look for unique, unconventional, and less-traveled vacation spots. However, the absence of a precise definition has made it difficult to accurately assess the market’s size and growth. The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) in the U.S. defines adventure travel as any type of tourism that combines physical activity, cultural interaction, and engagement with nature and the outdoors. Adventure travelers are often driven by the desire to experience heightened emotional states such as excitement or flow, which arise from stepping beyond their comfort zones. This could occur through exposure to unfamiliar cultures or by engaging in physically demanding activities that involve an element of danger or perceived risk.

Family-friendly travel spots are destinations that appeal to travelers seeking exploration and meaningful experiences that balance excitement with safety and accessibility. In the United States, this style of tourism has grown steadily from the late 20th century into the 21st century, as families look for memorable, engaging, and less conventional vacation experiences. However, the lack of a clear definition has made it challenging to measure the true size and growth of this travel sector. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), adventure-oriented travel generally combines elements of physical activity, cultural exchange, and interaction with nature and the outdoors. Family travelers are often motivated by the desire to create shared moments of joy, discovery, and connection while stepping slightly outside their everyday routines. These experiences can come from exploring new cultures or participating in outdoor activities that offer a sense of excitement and challenge. Examples include hiking, cycling, zip-lining, kayaking, rock climbing, wildlife safaris, snorkeling, and guided nature walks. Some travelers also explore more unusual forms of adventure, such as eco-tours or cultural immersion trips, while newer trends include community-based tourism and rainforest adventures designed to be educational and family-safe.

Affordable travel destinations don’t get much better than Mexico, where the colorful, energetic, and occasionally overwhelming capital stands out for its rich mix of culture, history, and cuisine. Stay in Centro Histórico, the city’s historic heart, filled with budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, or in the trendy Roma or Condesa districts. The city’s wide-reaching and low-cost metro system makes it easy and inexpensive to explore every neighborhood. Roaming through Centro Histórico, home to the Palacio Nacional, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Zócalo Square, won’t cost a cent, and neither will a relaxing stroll through Chapultepec Park. Entrance fees for major attractions like the National Museum of Anthropology, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the Teotihuacán pyramids are just a few pesos. You can also admire murals by Diego Rivera at the Mural Museum, Palacio de Bellas Artes, or scattered throughout Coyoacán, Roma, and Condesa — many at no cost. When hunger strikes, indulge in delicious street food, from tacos and tamales to quesadillas, all sold at unbeatable prices.

Romantic getaway destinations don’t get more enchanting than Venice, Italy—a timeless city of love famed for its winding canals and elegant historic charm. Venice transforms into a dreamlike paradise after sunset, when the crowds fade away, leaving the city quietly glowing under the moonlight. Share a magical gondola ride with your sweetheart as your gondolier hums a tune or flashes a cheeky smile. Glide past the graceful old palaces lining the Grand Canal or drift through the intimate waterways of Campo San Barnaba and San Polo. And of course, seal your love with a kiss beneath the Bridge of Sighs. Soak in breathtaking views from the Rialto Bridge and watch the sunset paint the Grand Canal—a moment that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Find a cozy spot for two at a candlelit café in St. Mark’s Square, where duelling orchestras fill the night air with romantic melodies. If you’re visiting in winter, immerse yourself in the magic of Venice’s Carnevale, where ornate masks, lavish costumes, and joyful celebration bring the city to life.

Eco tourism destinations aim to encourage responsible and sustainable travel, supporting the preservation of natural areas and the well-being of local communities. They focus on minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment while promoting ecological awareness among travelers. However, this approach isn’t always possible everywhere, as some regions still follow policies that do not prioritize eco-friendly tourism. For this reason, whenever possible, travelers should choose eco tourism destinations or, at least, take part in eco-friendly travel experiences. Eco tourism destinations work to maintain sustainability, support local populations, protect natural surroundings, and ensure that the area remains clean and safe. Examples of eco tourism experiences include contributing to local communities — for instance, by purchasing locally made products or supporting small local businesses instead of large international corporations.

Hidden travel gems in Europe await those who crave adventure beyond the usual tourist spots. From the majestic mountains of France and Switzerland, to the stunning Dalmatian Coast in Croatia and the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera, from epic Icelandic road trips to climbing expeditions in Norway, and exploring vibrant European capitals like Rome, Dubrovnik, and London, I’ve been fortunate to tick off many incredible European experiences. Europe is full of unique destinations, unforgettable experiences, and secret spots just waiting to be discovered. I feel lucky that so many of these wonders are just a short journey away. I’ve already shared two European road trip bucket lists on the blog (check them out here), but today I’m bringing you another list focused entirely on hidden travel gems—those unusual, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe. While Europe’s iconic sights are undeniably beautiful, there’s something special about uncovering places that few have explored, spots that both you and Instagram haven’t seen before. That’s where true adventure begins.