Travel has the power to connect, inspire, and even transform us. From gazing over a stunning waterfall in Newfoundland to scaling the jagged spires of Italy’s Dolomites, these experiences show just how wondrous the world is. However, travel can also overwhelm and harm the very places we cherish, with many destinations now implementing restrictions due to overtourism.
In DNH’s (Daily News Hut) first guide to the best places to travel in 2025, we’re focusing on locations that not only welcome visitors but also use tourism to support local communities, preserve the environment, and protect cultural heritage. We’ve curated this list with input from DNH Travel journalists and experts from sustainable travel organizations, including the United Nations World Travel Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance, and the World Travel & Tourism Council.
As tourism continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels and climate change impacts many iconic destinations, it’s more important than ever to travel thoughtfully. The key is to choose destinations where your visit can contribute to a larger, positive impact. Whether you’re trekking Bolivia’s surreal landscapes or glamping in Greenland’s Arctic, the best places to travel in 2025 offer incredible experiences that make a difference.
BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2025
1. Dominica
Have you ever dreamed of swimming alongside sperm whales? Dominica now makes that dream possible in a sustainable, ethical way, thanks to the island’s commitment to marine conservation and regenerative tourism. The nation recently launched the world’s first sperm whale reserve, a protected marine area dedicated to preserving these majestic creatures. Limited whale swim permits allow for close, respectful interactions, giving visitors a unique opportunity to swim with these incredible cetaceans while supporting research and promoting sustainable tourism for local communities.
In 2025, Dominica is enhancing its infrastructure to better accommodate travelers. Digital immigration forms will streamline arrivals, and a new cable car system will take visitors from Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the largest thermal springs on the planet. Getting to the island has never been easier, with United Airlines launching direct flights from Newark starting February 15, in addition to existing American Airlines flights from Miami. New hotels, including the six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa, are opening, adding nearly 500 rooms, expanding Dominica’s accommodations by 25%. For those seeking luxury, Secret Bay, an eco-friendly resort known for its sustainability efforts, remains a top choice.
Dominica is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in 2025, offering a combination of natural wonders, conservation initiatives, and new travel infrastructure that makes it a must-visit destination.
2. Naoshima, Japan
Naoshima, a Japanese island famed for Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow, polka-dotted Pumpkin sculpture, has become a top destination for lovers of contemporary art and architecture. Once known for its heavily polluting copper smelting industry, the island’s dramatic transformation is due to the efforts of Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has helped establish world-class museums and site-specific artworks in the picturesque Seto Inland Sea, situated between Japan’s Honshu and Shikoku islands.
In Spring 2025, the Naoshima New Museum of Art will open, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, who has already designed nine other projects on the island. This museum, which will feature works by Asian artists, is set to be a major highlight of the Setouchi Triennale. The event, spanning 100 days and split between spring, summer, and autumn, will showcase art across 17 islands and coastal areas in the Seto Inland Sea. This iteration of the Triennale, the largest since its inception in 2010, promises to offer a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to enjoy the region’s beauty through all seasons.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima’s influence extends beyond Naoshima itself, revitalizing neighboring islands like Teshima and Inujima. Don’t miss the Teshima Art Museum, designed by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa, a stunning fusion of art, architecture, and nature. On Inujima, the remains of a historic copper refinery are now an impressive art installation. For accommodation, consider staying at Roka, a contemporary ryokan on Naoshima, or the minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima.
Naoshima is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in 2025, blending natural beauty with cutting-edge art and architecture for a truly unforgettable experience.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
Italy is always a favorite destination, but in 2025, with the Jubilee celebrations in Rome, the capital will be more crowded than ever. If you’re planning to visit Italy this year, consider venturing north to the stunning Dolomite Mountains instead.
For Italians, the Dolomites are synonymous with family vacations and luxurious getaways. The region, known for its dramatic sawtooth limestone cliffs, stretches across Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Each year, Italians flock to the area for its charming villages, world-class skiing during the “white week,” epic hiking trails, and hearty Alpine cuisine. While this classic Italian destination is beloved by locals, it remains relatively undiscovered by international tourists—but that’s about to change. The “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo, will co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics. The preparations for the event, taking place throughout 2025, include major infrastructure upgrades, creating a buzz around the region. Expect expanded ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area, along with modernized lifts and better public transit connections in towns like Alta Badia and Val Gardena. New cable cars, gondolas, and lifts will be introduced across the Dolomites to enhance access and enjoyment.
The Dolomites are a year-round destination, offering excellent hiking and trails throughout spring, summer, and autumn. One notable addition for 2024 is the Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), a 170km, seven-day trail connecting remote villages across the Veneto and Trentino regions. For those seeking relaxation, the Aman Rosa Alpina hotel will reopen in 2025, offering luxury accommodations, including 51 guest rooms, two presidential suites, and the exclusive Chalet Zeno.
For anyone looking for a unique escape in 2025, the Dolomite Mountains are definitely one of the best places to travel, combining natural beauty, adventure, and luxury all in one.
4. Greenland
There’s no place on Earth quite like Greenland. Spanning over two million square kilometers, it’s the world’s largest island, yet its population is under 57,000. With vast ice caps, towering mountains, and untouched wilderness, Greenland’s natural beauty and majestic fjords offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
From breathtaking summer hikes and incredible whale-watching to traditional dog sledding and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in winter, Greenland has long been a bucket-list destination. However, its remoteness and high costs have made it difficult to visit—until now.
With a new international airport opening in Nuuk, the capital city, and two more scheduled for 2026, traveling to Greenland is becoming much easier. The country is actively welcoming mindful adventurers who want to explore while respecting its pristine environment and rich Inuit culture. Greenland is committed to “better tourism,” with a new law directing tourism revenues towards benefiting local communities.
Nuuk, a modern city with a historic waterfront, museums, and art galleries, is the perfect starting point for hiking, fishing, and glamping experiences. It’s also the gateway to Greenland’s incredible Arctic landscapes. Further north in Ilulissat, visitors can marvel at the colossal icebergs of Disko Bay and the UNESCO-listed Icefjord. In the south, a region once home to Vikings, you’ll find scenic fjords and lush green hills dotted with sheep farms.
For anyone seeking a unique adventure, Greenland is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in 2025, offering a blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences.
5. Wales
Though it’s just one-sixth the size of England and often overshadowed by its more popular UK neighbors, Wales is brimming with natural beauty, from stunning national parks to medieval castles—all without the crowds, making it even more appealing. In 2025, Wales offers an extra reason to visit: it’s celebrating the Year of Croeso (“Welcome”), a year-long celebration of Welsh culture, language, and attractions. This event invites travelers to “Feel the hwyl,” a unique Welsh word that expresses the deep joy of being fully immersed in the moment.
In recent years, Wales has become a leader in sustainable, culturally-focused tourism. The tourism sector has helped revive the Welsh language, and the country is currently investing in a £5 billion program to enhance environmental sustainability across its destinations. As part of the Year of Croeso celebrations, Wales is also introducing mobility bikes, allowing adventure seekers to explore its rugged landscapes more easily.
Wales is also home to the Wales Coast Path, the world’s only continuous hiking route that spans the entire length of a country’s coastline. With its mix of rich heritage, eco-conscious travel, and breathtaking landscapes, Wales is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in 2025, offering an authentic and rewarding experience for every type of traveler.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Labrador, the mainland portion of Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada, is a vast, rugged region known for its windswept coastal villages, towering icebergs, subarctic forests, and stunning waterfalls. With over 9,000 years of human history, this remote and wild destination is a must-visit. In 2025, the completion of the final stage of the Trans-Labrador Highway—an ambitious 1,200 km project that took nearly 25 years and $1 billion to build—will make this expansive 294,330 sq km landscape far more accessible for travelers.
The newly completed circular route, called Expedition 51, links Labrador with five Canadian provinces, and offers scenic detours into the US and even France (via St Pierre and Miquelon). To encourage sustainable tourism and highlight the rich cultural heritage of this previously isolated region, the Canadian government has invested $180 million in enhancing Parks Canada sites across Western Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2025, visitors can explore Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Basque whaling station, which will debut an interactive boardwalk and a new visitor center. At L’Anse aux Meadows, home to North America’s first Norse settlement, new ecological protections and upgraded facilities will enhance the visitor experience. Meanwhile, Gros Morne National Park will introduce new exhibits to showcase its dramatic geology, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.
Labrador is definitely one of the best places to travel in 2025, offering travelers an opportunity to explore an untouched natural landscape steeped in history and culture.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US
Tucson stands out among the best places to travel in 2025 with plenty to celebrate. This year marks the 10th anniversary of its recognition as the first Unesco City of Gastronomy in the US, as well as the 250th anniversary of its founding. Once a part of Mexico, Tucson will highlight its unique multinational roots and its strong Native American heritage with a free celebration on 23 August. Held at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson, the event will showcase traditional Mexican music and dancing.
Throughout the year, visitors can explore Tucson’s scenic desert hiking trails and historic landmarks, including the 250-year-old San Xavier del Bac, famously known as the “White Dove of the Desert.” Tucson’s commitment to heritage and preservation has also earned it a Sustainability Index Award from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) in 2025.
Yet the surrounding gardens tell an even deeper story—they’re home to the oldest continuously farmed soil in the US. For 4,000 years, ancestors of the Tohono O’odham cultivated crops like beans, squash, and corn here. Over time, these traditions have blended with Mexican and Indigenous influences, and many of those ancient ingredients remain staples in Tucson’s kitchens. Food lovers can experience this rich culinary heritage at restaurants certified under the City of Gastronomy title or at Heirloom Farmers Markets, where you’ll find unique local offerings such as prickly pear, edible cacti called nopales, and chiltepin chilis.
8. Western Australia
Often referred to as the world’s most remote major city, Perth — and the wider region of Western Australia — has long been overshadowed by Australia’s east coast stars like Sydney and Melbourne. But in 2025, it’s claiming its space among the best places to travel in 2025. Thanks to Australia’s only nonstop flights to Europe, Perth is becoming the country’s western gateway and an emerging global aviation hub, with a $5 billion redevelopment of Perth Airport promising a smoother travel experience. With growing connections to Asia, Western Australia is stepping confidently into the spotlight.
Of course, it’s not just about the journey — it’s about the destination. Beyond the trendy energy of Perth and the scenic Swan Valley Wine Region, WA covers over 2.5 million sq km of diverse beauty. You’ll find 12,500km of untouched coastline, candy-pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, towering karri trees, wildflower blooms, and unforgettable encounters like swimming with whale sharks or grabbing a selfie with a quokka — known as the “happiest animal in the world.” For eco-conscious adventurers, the new 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway — the longest EV charging route on Earth — makes exploring sustainably easier than ever.
Western Australia also honors its deep cultural roots through the A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan, designed to support Indigenous-led tourism and businesses. Discover the world’s oldest continuous cultures on meaningful experiences like truth-telling walks in Rockingham or a 4WD coast foraging tour with a bush barbecue in Broome. Add in ancient rock art at Murujuga National Park (which may gain Unesco World Heritage status this year), new accessible amenities on the breathtaking Houtman Abrolhos Islands, boutique stays in Fremantle, and charming escapes in the Great Southern — and Western Australia is ready to transform how you experience travel down under.
9. Sri Lanka
With mist-covered tea hills, wandering elephants, sacred temples, and surf-ready beaches, Sri Lanka easily earns its place among the best places to travel in 2025. Though the country declared bankruptcy in April 2022 under its former prime minister, a newly appointed president is working to restore stability after the impact of civil unrest and the global pandemic.
Tourism is at the heart of Sri Lanka’s recovery plan. In the cultural capital of Kandy, the country’s first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, is set to open, while Aarunya Nature Resort is debuting a new family villa complete with a stargazing oculus. Over in Colombo, a $1 billion megaresort is launching alongside Air Ceilão — the country’s brand-new airline that will offer routes to Europe and Australia. Sri Lanka is also promoting responsible tourism with the Good Travel Seal, highlighting local businesses that have embraced sustainable practices.
For those seeking a coolcation, a scenic train ride into the island’s mountainous heartland offers unforgettable views. Meanwhile, Colombo and Galle are experiencing a wave of creative mixology, as bartenders reimagine arrack, a traditional spirit dating back to the 5th century. Hikers can now explore the newly opened 300km Pekoe Trail, weaving through tea estates and rural villages in the Central Highlands. And for the adventurous, a local startup now allows visitors to self-drive tuk tuks across the island, with proceeds supporting the vehicle’s owner directly — a unique way to explore and give back.
10. Panama
Panama is earning its spot among the best places to travel in 2025, as it marks 25 years since gaining full control of the iconic Panama Canal. After decades under U.S. management, the canal was officially handed over at the end of 1999 through a treaty signed by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. This milestone is being honored with new permanent exhibits at the Museo del Canal, which explore the nation’s journey to sovereignty — a timely reflection as global politics stir discussion around its control.
But Panama’s appeal extends far beyond its famous waterway. This vibrant country, rich in jungle, islands, and forested mountains, offers travelers so much more. The 2024 launch of the Meaningful Travel Map to Panama, created in partnership with Tourism Cares, helps visitors find authentic, community-based experiences throughout the country. Start with a Localinpty walking tour through Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods. Then travel to La Pintada, where artisans craft traditional Panama hats — known as sombrero pintao — by hand, a craft recognized by Unesco.
Adventure seekers will love El Valle de Antón, recently named one of UN Tourism’s best community tourism villages for 2024. There, a hike up the Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail offers the rare chance to view both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on a clear day. This scenic trail is part of Panama’s ambitious 1,000 km of Trails project, a national initiative promoting sustainable tourism and helping rural communities thrive, all while showcasing the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.
