Travel
Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist
Slide Nr 1From dazzling city breaks to serene nature escapes and immersive cultural experiences, these 25 top destinations will be shaking up the travel scene in 2025.
[Photo: Photo by FLASH/iStock]0/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 2Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – If luxury, heritage and culture are what you’re after, it doesn’t get better than the modern emirate of Abu Dhabi. The UAE capital has been expanding and enhancing visitor experiences for some time now, and while well-appointed properties, turquoise-tinted beaches and thrilling theme parks continue to be big draws, in 2025, visitors will also get a serious taste of Emirati art, history and culture. Among the much-anticipated new openings are the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The best time to visit is from October to February. – Purnima Shrinivas [Photo: EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/iStock]
1/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 3Atacama Desert, Chile – If you’re a stargazer, eclipse chaser or just astronomically inclined, Chile’s Atacama Desert is a must, providing a year-round opportunity to explore starry skies – either with the naked eye or at observatories open to the public. The dry, high-altitude climate and minimal light pollution create the perfect setting to wonder at the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds, enjoy crystal-clear views of constellations or get stunning shots of the upcoming lunar eclipses in March and August. Our tip for making the most of it all: book a guided tour offering astronomical and cultural insights. – Purnima Shrinivas [Photo: Anastasiia Shavshyna/iStock]
2/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 4Athens, Greece – Discover a new side of the Greek capital: chic micro-district Makrygianni melds into buzzing Koukaki just south of the Acropolis and Filopapou Hill, revealing pedestrian lanes and idyllic squares at every turn for a feel that’s cosy yet lively. It’s where you’ll find Wine With Eleni, a tiny wine bar and al-fresco-only spot that overtakes its plaza on warm days. Meanwhile, across from beloved family bakery Takis, Drupes Spritzeria – a hip all-day cafe inspired by the Venetian cocktail craze – serves every iteration of spritz and a perfect aperitivo. Natural wine at Materia Prima, exquisite cocktails and jam sessions at Feelin’ Good, and live traditional music and copious tsipouro (a distilled grape liquor) at To Potami Taverna embody the spirit of something new in a very old city. – Annie B. Shapero [Photo: Apostolos Giontzis/iStock]
3/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 6Brisbane, Australia – There’s a palpable change of pace in Queensland’s once-languid capital as it prepares for the 2032 Summer Olympics – and also a subtle reorientation. This subtropical city is finally fully embracing the river that winds through it, with new pedestrian bridges linking the two shores of the Brisbane River. Now dominating the waterfront, the striking entertainment precinct Queen’s Wharf is home to a clutch of buzzing restaurants (don’t miss the fresh Latin flavours at Azteca) and the Sky Deck, with its phenomenal views. Head downstream for more sophisticated riverside entertainment, booking ahead for a meal at the happening Supernormal and finishing with a nightcap at the al fresco Bar Miette or the magnificently moody Stan’s Lounge at Howard Smith Wharves. – Staff [Photo: tobiasjo/iStock]
5/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 7British Columbia, Canada – Canada’s westernmost province, between the Pacific and the Rockies, has always been a dream destination for travellers longing to explore the great outdoors. Now, they can increasingly do so responsibly and sustainably. RE:BC, a regenerative travel organisation for the region, is creating a network of communities dedicated to minimising ecological footprints and respecting local cultures; the highlights are easy to navigate through a dedicated app. In addition, Destination Canada is promoting a tourism corridor focused on the Juan de Fuca Strait, the rugged outlet from the Salish Sea to the Pacific Ocean, along Vancouver Island and the international border between Canada and the United States. – Fiona Odoj [Photo: Destination BC/Tanya Goehring]
6/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 8Costalegre, Mexico – A place whose name literally translates to “Happy Coast” should be on anyone’s travel list for 2025. Located in the state of Jalisco, this gorgeous stretch of Mexico’s Pacific shoreline boasts lush jungles, spectacular sunsets, rich biodiversity and surfable waves. Lined with lovely coastal towns, visiting Costalegre means you can splurge at stunning luxury resorts like Cuixmala, or unwind in charming Yelapa with a stay at eco-friendly wellness hotel Santuario Yelapa. Nature lovers should head to Chamela for a boat tour; it’s the perfect way to admire wild fauna like birds, sea turtles and, with any luck, migrating grey and humpback whales. – Cristina Alonso [Photo courtesy Cuixmala]
7/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 9Curitiba, Brazil – For a 2025 escape that blends nature, culture and architecture, the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba is the place to go. Visitors will find ultra-modern urban planning, ample green spaces and thriving (and comparatively affordable) bohemian nightlife. Our top spots include the iconic glass greenhouse in the Jardim Botânico, the Wire Opera House ensconced in greenery, the famous Oscar Niemeyer Museum of art and architecture, and the Largo da Ordem, one of South America’s most renowned artisan markets with over 1,000 stalls. The magnificent train ride between Curitiba and Morretes, weaving through dramatic mountains and rainforests, is the cherry on top of the experience of Brazil’s “greenest city.” – María Elisa Gomez Sosa [Photo: vbacarin/iStock]
8/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 10East Africa – In recent years, East African countries have joined forces to present themselves as a single destination. Four of the region’s tourist attractions were chosen to represent the continent in a list of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa: Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, as well as the source of the River Nile in Uganda. A single tourism visa now eases travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, while talks to add more countries to the visa are ongoing. Perhaps most importantly, these countries are also collaborating to promote sustainable travel and re-invest income from tourism into conservation and community development. – Fiona Odoj
9/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 11Harlem, New York City, USA – In New York, the cityscape changes in the blink of an eye. By no means immune to novelty, Harlem remains a historical hold-out while wrapping newcomers into the fabric of its vibrant identity. Harlem stretches from east to west for 35 blocks, starting at the top of Central Park, but maintains a uniquely neighbourhood-like feeling, where locally owned and operated businesses thrive. At Clay, an exceptional wine and spirits programme flanks a seasonal menu. The owners of popular Neopolitan pizzeria Sottocasa know their customers by name and vice versa. Harlem Hops serves niche beers to a curious crowd, and the owners of Gin Bar walk to work, where they boast a list of over 60 bottles. – Annie B. Shapero [Photo: tatarac/iStock]
10/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 12Helsinki, Finland – The small but perfectly formed Finnish capital of Helsinki is an understated gem that ticks all the boxes: thought-provoking cultural sights, mind-blowing culinary experiences and breathtaking cityscapes. In the beautiful Nordic summer months, the Helsinki Festival – the region’s largest annual arts festival – takes place, and in 2025, the third edition of the Helsinki Biennale will turn the capital into a pivotal centre of contemporary art. On the food scene, the über-cool Kozeen Shiwan’s one-year-old The Room, a Michelin-designated 14-seater venue, offers gastronomic extravagance infused with Middle Eastern influences, while ingredient-focused restaurant Aoi’s playful simplicity is a song of praise to Mother Nature. – Hiroko Kamogawa [Photo: Vladislav Zolotov/iStock]
11/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 13Hong Kong – Hong Kong might be best known for its forest of sparkling skyscrapers, yet few realise that more than 60% of the territory is protected green land, encompassing 24 parks and 22 special environmental zones, which include golden beaches, hidden waterfalls, shimmering rock pools, coastal wetlands, mangroves forests and marine reserves. 2025 is the year to explore the city’s green scene for bird-watching, trekking and trail running in the mountains, or kayaking, snorkelling and cycling around the coast. There will be more exciting ways to reach the city, too, with new Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi, a United Airlines route from Dallas-Fort Worth, and the launch of Cathay Pacific’s swish Aria Business Class suites. – Lee Cobaj [Photo: ahei/iStock]
12/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 14Madhya Pradesh, India – India offers a lifetime of exploration, so it’s a joy to see a whole new region opening up to international travellers in 2025. Located in Central India, Madhya Pradesh is speckled with extraordinary temples, hilltop forts, enormous waterfalls and some of India’s best tiger reserves, like the new Ratapani Tiger Reserve, which joins the region’s other award-winning reserves that have doubled their wild tiger populations in recent years. In 2025, Madhya Pradesh will welcome two new luxury hotels from Indian heritage brand Oberoi, one of which – the Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Reserve – has 21 opulently decorated tents with private pools set on the edges of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. – Lee Cobaj [Photo: Prasanna S/iStock]
13/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 15Maui, USA – Travel can have incredible healing powers – not just for travellers, but for destinations as well. After wildfires devastated Lahaina in 2023, heading to Maui means bringing much-needed support to the island as the people there work to rebuild their lives. Of course, these trips should be made with respect and mindfulness for local communities; some services may still be a bit slow, so showing patience and appreciation is crucial, as is donating or volunteering if you can. While there, marvel at marine wonders at the Maui Ocean Center, restore your spirit at the Willow Stream Spa in the Fairmont Kea Lani, and soak in the beauty of the island’s beaches. – Cristina Alonso [Photo: wingmar/iStock]
14/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 16Melbourne, Australia – The capital of Victoria is a paradise for coffee fans and nature lovers who come to explore St. Kilda Beach and nearby Phillip Island, home to adorable little penguins. This year, you can add exciting new cultural happenings to your list of reasons to go. Open until 21 April 2025, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama takes over the National Gallery of Victoria with the largest exhibition of her work in Australia yet. Displaying almost 200 pieces, the exhibition includes a brand-new infinity mirror designed specifically for this event. Also not to be missed is the recently opened National Communication Museum, where the evolution of technology and the power of communication take centre stage in thought-provoking and interactive exhibitions. – Cristina Alonso [Photo: stanciuc/iStock]
15/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 17Nuuk, Greenland – Set to be one of 2025’s coolest destinations, both literally and climatically, Greenland’s capital will see a slew of air carriers open new routes this year, including United Airlines flying direct from Newark starting in June. What awaits intrepid travellers is a captivating blend of traditional Inuit culture and modern Scandinavian influences, all against a backdrop of some of the most stunning scenery on earth. Enjoy the tiny city’s charms, from museums to the historic harbour, before diving into an outdoor adventure in the encircling mountain ranges of Quassussuaq and Ukkusissaq. Those staying a little longer should visit Disko Island, a unique volcanic outcrop in Baffin Bay that’s home to diverse Arctic wildlife on land and in the water. – Andy Callan [Photo: KenWiedemann/iStock]
16/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 18Osaka, Japan – A heady mix of historic trading zones and bustling entertainment areas, Japan’s third-largest city, will welcome the world when Expo 2025 kicks off in April. In the run-up to the event, Osaka has received some noteworthy additions: the conveniently located Osaka Station Hotel, for one, and Four Seasons Osaka, offering a contemporary ryokan experience. Just a stone’s throw from these new bed-down options, the island of Nakanoshima is home to much must-see architecture, including the impressive Osaka City Central Public Hall, the soon-to-be-reopened Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, and the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest, designed by Osaka native Tadao Ando. Keen urban explorers should head to Kitakagaya, a rising creative hub with 50 art venues and public murals. – Hiroko Kamogawa [Photo: Sean Pavone/iStock]
17/25
Travel
Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 19Peruvian Amazon – For a truly wild experience, head to an overlooked region of Peru: its portion of the Amazon jungle. 60% of the country is covered by the Amazon rainforest, and it offers a lot more than just stunning views. Glide down the waters on a traditional riverboat, wake up among the treetops in a relaxing treehouse hotel, or spot exotic wildlife in their natural surroundings. You can also join night safaris, paddle through hidden lagoons or witness the spectacle of macaw clay licks. The best part? Tourism in this area supports local communities and conservation efforts, making your visit as adventurous as it is responsible, all while you connect with one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems, wrapping authentic adventures and creature comforts in one. – María Elisa Gomez Sosa [Photo: slowmotiongli/iStock]
18/25
Travel
Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 20Princípe – People in Príncipe describe their home as an island off an island off the coast of Africa. One of the most remote places in the world, Príncipe remains a land that time forgot, having seen very little development – aside from cocoa plantations – during its time as a Portuguese colony and in the decades that followed. Today, it’s emerging as a sustainable tourism success story thanks to a collection of small hotels that have put biodiversity protection and community involvement at the centre of their business model; many of the island’s roughly 8,500 residents work for the hotels or their foundation in one way or another. But that’s not why you visit. You come for the empty crescent beaches, the volcanic peaks shrouded in clouds, the waterfalls rushing down through the greenery – and the creature comforts at the newly redone bungalows of the Bom Bom beach resort. – Staff [Photo: Wirestock/iStock]
19/25
Travel
Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 21Shillong, India – There are several reasons why the picturesque hill station of Shillong in Northeastern India should be on your travel radar. Sitting pretty at an elevation of almost 1,520 metres, the aptly labelled ‘Scotland of the East’ boasts captivating lakes and waterfalls, blushing cherry blossoms, scenic hiking trails, adventure centres, a happening EDM and indie rock scene and tasty Khasi fare, in addition to a salubrious climate for most of the year. The best sights to see are Umiam Lake, Ward’s Lake, Wei-Sawdong Falls, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, David Scott Trail, and the Police Bazaar. – Purnima Shrinivas [Photo: Dhiman Ghosh/Wikimedia Commons]
20/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 22Sibiu, Romania – Considered Romania’s cultural capital, the fairy-tale city of Sibiu sits in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. And while it may still be an under-the-radar destination for many, it’s no secret to culture lovers who come for its premier music and art festivals, from rock music and visual arts extravaganza ARTmania, to Sibfest, the world’s third-largest performing arts event and host to a vast array of live productions including dance, theatre, opera, circus acts and concerts, as well as movie screenings, art exhibitions, conferences and street shows. – Andy Callan [Photo: SCStock/iStock]
21/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 23South Island, New Zealand – New direct flights from the United States will make New Zealand’s South Island more accessible in 2025. To make the journey even more enticing for overseas visitors, the island is adding several new trails to its already impressive network of world-renowned hikes. The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track in the island’s south just became New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk, while the less mountainous Wharehuanui Trail has been added to the Queenstown Trail network. In addition, the final stage of the Pounamu Pathway will open in late 2025. The driving tour brings Māori history to life in four visitor centres along the West Coast of the South Island. – Fiona Odoj [Photo: nazar_ab/iStock]
22/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 24Thailand – In case you’ve been living under a rock, the third season of the multi-award-winning HBO Max series The White Lotus is due to return to our screens on 17 February 2025 – moving on from Hawaii and Sicily to the Land of Smiles. Thailand was already seeing a surge in tourism before the trailer even aired, with flight bookings up 28% on last year, a figure that looks set to increase off the back of the blockbuster TV show. But there are plenty of reasons to visit even if you’re not a fan, including the return of direct flights from London with British Airways following a four-year hiatus, as well as a raft of impressive new luxury hotels opening across the year. Most notable are the Dusit Thani, Aman Nai Lert, The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok and Andaz One Bangkok. – Lee Cobaj [Photo: ppnmm/iStock]
23/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 25Tuscia, Italy – Food and wine lovers take note: the lush Tuscia countryside is an easy day trip from Rome or Florence. Once a thriving Etruscan settlement built into tuff stone grottos, Tuscia wraps the north of Rome into Tuscany and Umbria, resulting in a swirl of gourmet pleasures steeped in tradition and local flavour. Dine on black truffles, wild game and top-tier olive oil (Sabina DOP). White wine blends reign here, especially in the area surrounding Orvieto, a stunning hill town with an enviable wine bar scene. Aromatic, fruity and floral, a stiff mineral finish echoes on the palate, reminiscent of the volcanic stone that lies beneath your feet. – Annie B. Shapero [Photo: PK-Photos/iStock]
24/25
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Trending Travel: Our 2025 Destination Hotlist.
Slide Nr 26Venice, Italy – Attracting roughly 30 million visitors a year, Venice is indisputably one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. The quintessential view of San Giorgio Maggiore from St. Mark’s Square against the Adriatic Sea is enough to make you fall in love with this Unesco World Heritage Site many times over, but the city’s renowned biennales – five of which are planned this year – across myriad artistic genres plants La Serenissima firmly as a major art centre on the cultural map. The much-awaited rebirth of historical palazzos is also on the horizon: Airelles on Giudecca Island and Rosewood Hotel Bauer near St. Mark’s Square offer ideal escapes from the crowded alleyways. – Hiroko Kamogawa
25/25
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