17 Must-Visit Travel Destinations Lonely Planet Recommends for 2025
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine.
Do you want to see the beauty this planet has to offer? Picture discovering destinations off the beaten track, sites handpicked with days of head-scratching knowledge, promising adventure, culture, and awe.
Here is the 2025 list of destinations you have to visit, as picked out by Lonely Planet, and it’s a collection of wanderlust-worthy destinations for you globetrotters out there. The locations have been carefully picked to keep them unique and relevant to the times and offer experiences that will make you remember your time here.
Bhutan, The Fortress of Happiness
Bhutan is famously one of the happiest nations on the planet, hidden away in the Himalayas. Travelers attracted to living green would find an unspoiled playground in these carbon-negative landscapes.
Its popular places are the iconic Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and Punakha Dzong.
Pro Tip: Paro is best visited during the Paro Tshechu Festival for a vibrant mask dance and religious ceremonies experience, which is once in a lifetime.
A Symphony of Tradition and Modernity from Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto’s historic charm has no comparison. Over 1,600 temples, stunning cherry blossoms, and geisha traditions that still very much exist make Kyoto a must-see for those after a cultural experience.
Why Now? Local artisans are starting collaborations with modern businesses to provide workshops that immerse you in kimono craftsmanship, tea brewing, and calligraphy.
Taylor Glacier, Antarctica – The Untamed Frontier
If you’re an adventure seeker, this one’s for you. Taylor Glacier is one of the less-traveled regions of Antarctica, known for its alien-like “Blood Falls,” a natural phenomenon of iron-rich red water streaming from ancient ice.
Insider Insight: Your visit will have no trace, and tour operators will focus more on sustainable expeditions.
Puerto Rico’s Vibrant Caribbean Metropolis, San Juan
An old-world charm and contemporary energy fusion, San Juan provides colorful streets, historic Spanish forts, and sparkling beaches. Over recent years, the city’s food scene has exploded with the opening of exciting restaurants by James Beard-nominated chefs.
Must-Do: Try mofongo in an eatery and walk through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.
Turquoise Coast, Turkey to a Mediterranean Paradise
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is like Greece, but without the overwhelming tourist crowds; it’s cupped by rugged cliffs and dazzling sea. There are sprawling beaches like Ölüdeniz, and you can get amongst ancient Lycian ruins.
For the best experience, hop on a gulet and chill out on a chilled-out cruise on the Dead Sea-like waters.
Angola’s Emerging Urban Gem, Luanda
This coastal capital, known for mixing colonial history with an up-to-date skyline, made for the perfect excursion. Cemented as a cultural hotspot in Africa, Luanda’s growing arts and music scene is hard to miss.
Expert Recommendation: You won’t want to miss the Museu de Antropologia and see the museum’s local traditions and art.
Alaska, USA
Alaska is unbeatable for experiences as wild as they come. Whether hiking through Denali National Park or kayaking along Glacier Bay, the state lets you directly experience nature in its purest form.
Fun Fact: With a record in environmental sustainability cruise offerings, 2023 is the perfect year for your next cruise.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Amalfi is a natural haven for lovers of Mediterranean beauty and remains timeless. Narrow, winding roads reach Cliffside towns framed by turquoise seas. Recently, Amalfi has become more accessible as it widens its public transport, connecting visitors to its hidden gems.
Top Tip: May is the high season’s quiet cousin when spring’s verdant beauty brings fewer crowds.
New Zealand – Auckland, Nature’s Playground
It’s New Zealand’s big, bad city that delivers epic landscapes with cosmopolitan energy wrapped up in Kiwi charm. Now, you will find new Indigenous Maori tours. They bring cultural and educational adventures. Ideal Activity Mount Eden, a volcanic cone, makes for good climbing and gives panoramic city views.
The Jewel of the Caribbean, Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is every culture buff’s dream. It is rich with colonial architecture and a bouncing nightlife. Its warm waters and proximity to the Rosario Islands make it a great blend of history and relaxation.
Must-See: Explore the historic castle of San Felipe, and a guide ‘will ‘enable you to hear stories of pirates and revolutions.
Marrakech, Morocco’s ‘Red City’
The maze-like souks of Marrakech are a guaranteed sensory overload. Every street corner offers beautiful, fragrant spices and delicately designed riads. With record tourism numbers in Morocco, places even as attractive as Jardin Majorelle added advanced booking options to make the visit seamless.
Fun Fact: Newly opened exhibits nearby still draw art lovers to Yves Saint Laurent’s legacy.
Ecuador – A Natural Wonderland of the Galápagos Islands
There’s nowhere better for wildlife enthusiasts. With apex predators, playful sea lions, orchids, and giant tortoises, the Galapagos is a time capsule of biodiversity.
Pro Travel Insight: Ecuador now restricts the number of visitors per year to promote eco-friendly tourism. Plan to secure a spot.
Seville, Spain
Seville is unforgettable, with flamenco dancing under starlit skies, tapa culture, and Moorish architecture. It will be even more popular in 2025 when several electric bike tours debut in the city to keep carbon footprints low.
Must Visit: Spend a day in Plaza de España, the Most Instagrammable place in Seville.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is one of the few places with surreal beauty. Svalbard, where polar bears and endless Arctic vistas are routine, is ground zero for sightseeing that will be on your bucket list forever.
Insider Tip: The Sun never sets from April to August—visit then for neverending photo opportunities.
Helsinki, Finland-A Modern Green Marvel
As a global leader in clean, green living, Helsinki is on the path to sustainability. It’s perfect for tech-savvy travelers and combines innovation with Nordic hospitality.
Finlandia Hall has just reopened, looking stunning following a modern revamp.
South Africa | Cape Winelands – Vineyard Dreams
Cape Winelands is less crowded than Europe’s wine circuits, which is every sommelier’s dream. Surround yourself with world-class wines and unbeatable views of rolling hills and rocky mountains.
Must-Do: If you want an unforgettable sensory treat, book a private wine tasting in Stellenbosch.
Kerala-India
Kerala is a lush paradise of backwaters, tea plantations, and Ayurvedic retreats. It is one of the most serene places around. It comprises a collection of soothing landscapes with many cultural traditions.
Prime experience: Why not stay overnight in a kettuvallam (houseboat) drifting your way through Kerala’s backwaters?
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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