8 Stunning Destinations That Are Set To Skyrocket In Popularity In 2025
With the new year around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan the trips you’ve been eager to embark on. And while the world is your oyster, there are a few particular destinations travel experts say are worth visiting in 2025.
Experts are seeing an explosion in popularity in a few places right now, both in the United States and elsewhere. Here are the top destinations travel experts think are going to be on everyone’s radar next year ― and why you’ll want to book a trip yourself:
Thailand
“Book your trip to Thailand now,” said Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation. “The Southeast Asian country is well known for its gorgeous beaches, stunning architecture, and glamorous resorts, but 2025 will get an extra boost thanks to the next season of ‘The White Lotus.’”
Duckworth says he saw an increase in travel to Hawaii and Sicily after the first two seasons of the HBO show, so he anticipates the same will be true for Thailand. “As far as we know, the hit show will be set on the island of Koh Samui and we fully expect fans to follow,” he said.
You don’t need to stay at a luxury resort to reap the benefits of visiting Thailand. People love traveling to the country for its experiences, too, including visiting Khao Sok National Park, trying local cuisine, exploring Bangkok, getting a traditional Thai massage and more.
Orlando, Florida
If you’re looking to travel within the U.S., Jonathan Alder, founder and CEO of Jonathan’s Travels, said it’s worth considering Orlando due to the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in May 2025. This will be the first major theme park to open in Orlando in over 20 years.
“Already an incredibly popular travel destination each year as the theme park capital of the world, this all-new park will be a major draw with five distinct lands across the largest park Universal has ever opened,” Alder said. “Fans will travel from all over to experience Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter and The Battle at The Ministry and more.”
The City Beautiful is also a foodie’s dream; it was named the best food city in America in 2023. And it’s fairly close to both of Florida’s coasts, making it easy to squeeze in a beach trip as well.
Italy
There are plenty of reasons to travel to Italy ― hello, pasta ― but next year will come with its own special draw. Duckworth expects Italy to see an even bigger boom with the 2025 Jubilee, which is a special holy year in Rome and the Vatican City.
“An estimated 35 million people will travel to Rome throughout the year for the celebration, so get ready for extra crowds,” he explained. “Major construction has been taking place all over the city in anticipation of the Jubilee, so Rome will be more accessible and stunning than we’ve seen in years.”
Japan
Travel to Japan skyrocketed last year and the trend is expected to continue through 2025, according to Duckworth.
“A positive exchange rate attracted many new travelers to the area and they came home raving about their wonderful vacations full of culture, beauty, and delicious cuisine,” he said. “Tokyo and Kyoto are the top two destinations our clients are visiting, and spring is a very popular time with the cherry blossoms.”
Kenya
Alder predicts that Kenya will be a popular spot for safari getaways, and he says 2025 is the perfect time for Americans to venture beyond Europe and explore more interesting destinations around the world.
“During the peak summer holiday season in July and August, visitors can witness one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles on Earth: the Great Migration crossing the Mara River,” he said. “Imagine being surrounded by wildebeest and zebras.”
Not exactly an experience you can have every day.
New Zealand
Traveling to New Zealand from the States has been challenging for many people, but Alder pointed out that visiting the country has become a lot easier thanks to “accessible routes from the U.S. available now more than ever before, including almost daily nonstop flights.”
As a result, he predicts more people will be visiting New Zealand in 2025 ― and there’s plenty to enjoy once you arrive.
“This stunning country down under is a paradise for adventure seekers as well as food, wine, and hiking enthusiasts,” Alder said. “It’s an ideal destination to spend at least two weeks exploring diverse regions, breathtaking scenery including the famed backdrops of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies, and thrilling activities.”
One example of a thrilling activity? Skydiving, which gives you a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view of New Zealand’s forests, volcanoes and more.
Scotland
Many of Europe’s popular destinations are crowded with tourists, so if you’re looking for a more peaceful escape, Alder suggested heading to Scotland in the new year.
“Discover fascinating culture, breathtaking scenery, and, of course, the opportunity to savor some world-class whiskey,” he said. Tour a distillery, go on stunning hikes and visit fairytale castles.
The climate is also a perk. “With much cooler and more comfortable weather compared to the scorching heat of southern Europe during the summer holidays, Scotland provides a refreshing retreat,” Alder said.
Antarctica
Alder said Antarctica is considered a “see it while it’s still here” destination, as the White Continent is one of the last truly untouched places on Earth and a bucket-list experience for any traveler.
“Unfortunately, with global warming rapidly altering its unique environment, now is the time to witness its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife,” Alder explained.
“For the ultimate experience, ensure you book a voyage that includes South Georgia Island and the Falklands,” he continued. “South Georgia, in particular, offers what many consider the world’s greatest wildlife encounter. Imagine standing amidst a colony of over 450,000 penguins for an unforgettable close-up with nature.”
Travel Trends Experts Are Also Seeing
If you’re interested in planning a trip around new experiences, you might want to take a vacation based on emerging travel trends instead. Duckworth said he’s seeing three types of trips grow in popularity, which he expects to continue into next year.
The first is astrotoursim or noctourism, which is all about embracing the stars and celestial events ― the aurora borealis in particular. “We are already seeing this around the country, with people posting photos of the Northern Lights from their backyards,” Duckworth said. “Many travel companies are helping to fuel interest with special astronomy cruises, nighttime events and guided activities all over the world.”
Another type of trip involves detour destinations, which are smaller, quieter cities outside major metropolitan areas like Paris, London and New York. “Travelers interested in these types of vacations will often spend just a day or two in the major city and then travel to a smaller town for the rest of their trip,” Duckworth said.
The final trend he sees growing in popularity in 2025 is the resurgence in all-inclusive resorts and vacations. “All-inclusive resorts range from budget to ultra-luxury, so there is typically something for every type of traveler,” Duckworth said.
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