The 10 best places to travel in 2025

2025-03-07 20:09:00, Kuriozitete CNA

The BBC article presents a guide to the best destinations to visit this year, focusing on countries that use tourism to support local communities, protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage. The list includes unique places, from pink lakes in Australia to solar-powered safari camps in Botswana.

As global tourism surpasses pre-pandemic levels and destinations face challenges such as overtourism and climate change, the BBC highlights the importance of conscious travel, choosing places where a visit can have a positive impact. Some of the suggestions include exploring unusual landscapes in Bolivia, Greenland and the Italian Dolomites.

The 10 best places to travel in 2025

1. Dominica

Dominica is emerging as a leading destination for eco-tourism and marine conservation, offering the unique opportunity to swim alongside sperm whales in an ethical and sustainable way. The island has created the world's first reserve for these whales, limiting permits to respectful encounters that support research and sustainable tourism. Visitors can explore the island's wild landscapes and enjoy local cuisine.

Dominica recently created the world's first sperm whale reserve (Credit: Alamy)

2. Naoshima, Japan

Naoshima, a Japanese island known for its contemporary art and architecture, has transformed from a polluting industrial hub into a cultural destination. In the spring of 2025, the New Naoshima Museum of Art will open.

The museum will be a highlight of the Setouchi Triennale 2025, an art festival held across 17 islands and coastal areas that helps revitalize local communities.

Visitors can also explore the Teshima Art Museum, a unique blend of art and nature, as well as Inujima Island, where a copper refinery has been transformed into an art installation.

Naoshima and other nearby islands have become major contemporary art destinations (Credit: Alamy)

3. Dolomites, Italy

If you're planning to visit Italy in 2025, avoid the crowds of Rome and explore the Dolomites, a stunning destination for adventure and luxury.

With preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the area is upgrading its infrastructure with modern ski lifts and new transport links.

Beyond the winter season, the Dolomites offer exceptional hiking, such as the Cammino Retico, a 170 km route between remote villages. For an exclusive stay, the Aman Rosa Alpina hotel will reopen in 2025 with luxury accommodations.

The stunning saw-toothed cliffs of the Dolomites are one of Italy's most dramatic landscapes (Credit: Getty Images)

Cortina d'Ampezzo is co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics and is a popular skiing destination (Credit: Getty Images)

4. Greenland

The world’s largest island, Greenland, is an adventurer’s paradise, from whale watching and the aurora borealis to dog sledding and exploring the majestic fjords.

With the opening of a new international airport in Nuuk and two others by 2026, the destination is becoming more accessible.

Greenland is promoting sustainable tourism, channeling revenue to support Inuit communities. Visitors can explore the icebergs of Ilulissat, spectacular fjords and Viking history in the south of the country.

Ilulissat Icefjord and other Arctic attractions will be easier to explore with the opening of Nuuk's new airport (Credit: Getty Images)

5. Wales

In 2025, Wales celebrates the Year of Croeso (“Welcome”), promoting its culture, language and beautiful nature.

Known for its medieval castles, national parks and wild paths, such as the Welsh Coast Path, the country has become a hub for sustainable tourism.

With investment in cycling and eco-friendly infrastructure, visitors can enjoy this undiscovered gem of Europe without the usual crowds.

Wales is launching a year-long campaign showcasing Welsh culture and language to visitors (Credit: Getty Images)

6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The opening of the Trans-Labrador Highway, after 25 years of construction, makes this remote region more accessible than ever.

With towering icebergs, majestic fjords and 9,000 years of history, the area attracts adventurers and cultural explorers. In 2025, Red Bay National Historic Site and L'Anse aux Meadows will introduce new visitor improvements, while Gros Morne National Park will feature new exhibits on geology and wildlife.

The Trans-Labrador Highway connects travelers to the windswept coastal villages of Labrador (Credit: Getty Images)

7. Tucson, Arizona, USA

In 2025, Tucson celebrates its 250th anniversary and 10 years as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
This American city with strong indigenous and Mexican roots offers its rich history, colonial architecture and stunning nature trails.

Celebrations include cultural events, traditional dances and exploring the region’s unique cuisine, which includes indigenous ingredients such as edible cactus and chili peppers. In addition, the city has been recognized for its environmental sustainability.

The area around Tucson is the oldest continuously cultivated land in the US (Credit: Getty Images)

8. Western Australia (WA)

Perth is positioning itself as Australia's western gateway and a global aviation hub. This region offers incredible scenery, such as pristine beaches, pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, and opportunities to explore Aboriginal heritage, including ancient petroglyphs and authentic Indigenous-led experiences.

Western Australia includes 12,500km of pristine coastline and several pink gum lakes (Credit: Getty Images)

9. Sri Lanka

After a difficult period, Sri Lanka is trying to recover through tourism. The country offers opportunities to explore tea plantations, ancient temples, and opportunities for activities such as train rides and the Pekoe Mountain Trail. Renovated resorts and sustainable tourism initiatives are also part of the project.

The 10 best places to travel in 2025

Aarunya Nature Resort is a prime destination for stargazing

10. Panama

On the 25th anniversary of gaining sovereignty over the Panama Canal, the country is offering opportunities to learn about local history and culture. Part of the trip includes walking tours of traditional neighborhoods like Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo, and the chance to explore mountain forests and pristine beaches. Panama is also developing a network of trails that promote sustainable tourism.

Panama City is Central America's most vibrant capital and a short drive from the Panama Canal (Credit: Getty Images)

Each destination offers a beautiful combination of nature, culture and opportunities for sustainable travel, making these places interesting to visit in 2025./Translated by CNA