Wondering where to travel in 2025? Here are all of the best places to travel in 2025, including the top upcoming travel trends, underrated destinations and hidden gems of the year.
Northern Ireland
Everyone talks about going to Ireland — seeing the Cliffs of Moher, sipping on a local pub Guinness and spying a flock of sheep along the way. But, no one talks about going to Northern Ireland. It may come as a surprise that Northern Ireland is a completely separate country from Ireland (AKA the Republic of Ireland) and is home to some of the most epic Irish landscapes.
It also happens to be my favorite place to travel on Earth to date. While in Northern Ireland, you have to visit the Causeway Coast, specifically Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge for some iconic Irish cliff and coastal views. My family lived in Ireland for a good portion of my childhood, and Northern Ireland has always been our favorite place to revisit. Read my full Northern Ireland itinerary here.
Norway
Also in northern Europe, Norway boasts epic fjords, friendly culture and some of the best pastries in the world (yes, even better pastries than France). Norway has certainly become a travel trend in recent years, and for good reason. If you want to see the legendary Norwegian fjords with minimal travel stress, consider taking a Norwegian fjords cruise to ports such as Olden and Flam. (Read everything you need to know about taking a Norwegian fjords cruise here.) Or, for more hiking and a better chance at seeing the northern lights, head to a northern Norway town like those in the Tromso region.
Iceland
Another trendy travel destination right now is Iceland, and rightfully so. Iceland offers some of the most incredible views in the world, such as impressive waterfalls, active volcanos, the northern lights, midnight sun, black sand beaches and more. Whether you’d love to do crazy Icelandic adventures on your trip or prefer a laid-back vacation with no hiking, Iceland has something in store for you. I personally suggest skipping Reykjavik and heading straight to the town of Vik, where you’ll see Reynisfjara Beach (the iconic black sand beach) Skogafoss waterfall and Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Other notable places to see on Ring Road include Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where you can see plenty of icebergs and yet another black sand beach. Read my ultimate Ring Road road trip itinerary here!
Antarctica
Furthermore, if you love adventure and don’t mind cold destinations (if you prefer hot beach destinations, keep reading), Antarctica is one of the most up-and-coming bucket list destinations of the year. Bloggers, influencers and journalists alike have been taking Antartica by storm, which means there will likely be a boom of travelers to Antartica in the next 5-10 years. I suggest you beat the crowd and visit while it is still untouched. It’s not cheap to visit Antartica, but it is definitely a bucket list place to travel.
The easiest and most affordable way to travel to Antartica is by taking a cruise sailing from Argentina. You’ll have to pass through the notorious Drake’s Passage, but don’t worry. Antarctic cruise ships like those on G Adventures or Seabourn Expeditions, are built to withstand the rough seas.
Utah, USA
Even though Antarctica is technically the largest desert in the world (fun fact), the otherworldly desert landscapes of Utah, USA, make this state worthy of this list of best places to travel in 2025. Utah is hands-down my favorite state in the U.S. to road trip through because you feel like you’re on another planet here. Pink lakes (yes, pink colored), rainbow mountains (yes, rainbow colored), Martian rock formations named hoodoos and massive mountains are scattered across Utah. If you want to take a Utah road trip and see all of these unique places, read my detailed 7-day Utah road trip itinerary here and complete Utah packing list here.
Namibia
Similarly, the African country of Namibia has plenty of incredible desert landscapes to see. From the brilliant salt pans at Sossusvlei to the mystical sand dune views at Deadvlei, there is no shortage of unique, epic desert exploration in Namibia. However, not only will you get to see mountainous dunes here, you can also witness legendary wildlife animals on a bucket list African safari through Etosha National Park. Needless to say, Namibia is a photographer’s paradise. This country is most definitely on my travel bucket list for 2025.
Maldives
Now, we’ll move on to a few beach destinations that I know you’ve been patiently waiting for, starting with the Maldives. The Maldives, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is a stretch of small islands that exude total water clarity, luxurious overwater villas and endlessly pristine white sand beaches. While many people may think that a luxury vacation to the Maldives is way out of budget, there are a variety of ways in which you can visit the Maldives in luxury on a budget.
Here’s proof: Kenny and I stayed in an overwater villa with our own private pool at the impeccable SO/ Maldives resort this past year for less than it would have cost us to vacation in the Caribbean. Most of our food was included, transportation to and from the Male airport was included, free massages were included and more. We found our cheap Maldives vacation package on the VIP Traveler website. You can read all about our affordable luxury trip here.
Sicily, Italy
Looking for Mediterranean paradise? Sicily is where to travel in 2025. Between the beautifully incorporated authentic Sicilian culture, warm beaches, breathtaking greenery and regal resorts, there is no surprise why Sicily draws wealthy celebrities and budget tourists alike. I stayed that the famous Adler Spa Resort Sicilia, and I would have a hard time returning to Sicily without staying there again. Not only did this secluded, sustainable resort produce delicious Sicilian delicacies from their on-site organic garden, but the spa amenities were to-die-for. Read all about what it’s like to stay at the Adler Spa Resort Sicilia here.
Kauai, USA
Are you looking for a combination of paradise and adventure? Kauai is where to travel in 2025. This Hawaiian island has it all: Hawaiian culture, breathtaking mountains, incredible coastlines and white sand beaches that rival the Maldives. Kauai is perfect for those of you wanting to expand your travel horizons without venturing across the world or needing a passport. When you visit Kauai, you can’t miss witnessing the legendary Na Pali Coast, Tunnels Beach or lesser known Anini Beach. Read how I got round-trip flights for my husband and I to Hawaii for free, and how you can too, here.
Tokyo Disneyland + DisneySea
Last, but certainly not least, I couldn’t complete this 2025 travel bucket list without adding at least a little Disney magic to the mix. We’re pro-Disney travelers over here, and it’s no secret that Tokyo Disneyland has broken through to be one of the biggest travel trends this year. Trips to Tokyo and Japan overall have become popular in the past few years for many reasons (namely the food and culture), but did you know the Tokyo DisneySea theme park underwent a massive expansion to include a plethora of new attractions? These attractions include but are not limited to Anna And Elsa’s Frozen Journey, Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure and more in the new Fantasy Springs area. We hope to visit in 2025 ourselves!
More Guides For Where To Travel In 2025
Utah Road Trip Itinerary: 7-Day Ultimate Tour Of Utah (With Map)
How To Fly To Hawaii For Free
Northern Ireland Itinerary You Need To Steal
What To Do In Olden Norway From Your Cruise Ship
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