Don’t confuse trending travel destinations with overhyped and overcrowded. The best places to visit in 2025 span the globe, from classic European vacation spots to off-the-beaten-path surprises in Central Asia.
There’s something for everyone, no matter your travel style or budget.
1. The Balkans
Several countries make up the Balkan region in southeast Europe, but making the top of our list for 2025 are Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro.
The trio of countries make up much of the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and between the three of them, you have loads of beachfront and island territory to explore.
Croatia, which has nearly 4,000 miles of coastline, has been at the top of many travelers’ lists in recent years. This is largely because of the Dalmatian islands, mainly Hvar and Korčula. Yacht Week in Croatia is on our travel bucket list, too.
Because Croatia isn’t exactly flying under the radar anymore, though, you might want to branch out to Albania and Montenegro to avoid some of the worst crowds (and high prices).
If you’re still looking for beaches, head for Albania. Its coastline is much like Croatia’s and Greece’s — Mediterranean climate, warm waters, sunny — but where they differ is in overtourism. Fewer travelers make their way to Albania, giving you more choice for less money when you’re looking to explore.
Montenegro is emerging as a favorite destination for sustainable travel. The country has four national parks, including the popular Durmitor National Park and Biogradska Gora.
Despite being Montenegro’s smallest national park, Biogradska Gora has one of Europe’s only rainforests. Being in a mountainous region, you can also hike to glacial lakes.
2. Italy
If Italy ever falls off the map of best places to vacation, something has gone terribly awry. For art, head for Florence. Make sure the Accademia Gallery, which includes Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery, home of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, are on your itinerary.
For history, try Rome. This is where you’ll find the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum after all. We love how history, religion, and architecture intersect in this area, too. Make your way to Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
If you’re looking for food, simply open your eyes. Culinary tours can be found just about anywhere in Italy. You might be surprised by how diverse the cuisine is, too. From seafood to gelato, foraged truffles to farm-fresh mozzarella, and olive oil to wine, there’s something for every taste bud.
Venice is always popular and for good reasons. Those canals, Carnival, stunning bridges, Renaissance paintings ... it’s a one-of-a-kind destination. With that popularity, however, come crowds.
The city is working to counter overtourism, putting restrictions on cruise ships and instituting a tourist fee. Consider venturing to Genoa on the west coast instead, or spend most of your time on Venice’s nearby islands like Burano and Torcello.
3. France
France was one of the most popular destinations for Seven Corners customers throughout 2024, and we don’t see that trend slowing as we head into the next year. In fact, there seems to be just the teensiest of upticks in interest since Paris hosted the Olympics.
If you've never been to the City of Light, you won’t want to miss classic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the tourist trail, check out an underground tour of the Sewers of Paris.
Or go the other direction and climb all the way to the dome of Sacre Coeur, some 272 feet (83 meters) up. It’ll be a test of physical stamina — and mental fortitude if you’re afraid of heights — but the views of Paris from there are something you’ll never forget.
If you’re thinking of going beyond the capital and post-Olympic buzz, why not give Brittany a chance? You’ll find old towns and villages with a flavor unique to this region, not to mention plenty of coastal hiking trails, food (hello, sweets and seafood), and summer festivals worth writing home about.
4. Portugal
Most people who go to Portugal end up in Lisbon at one point or another, and it’s a logical place to start if you’re looking to work remotely in 2025.
Portugal is one of the best destinations for digital nomads with visas and other infrastructure already in place to make your transition simple. The cost of living is also relatively low, especially compared to the rest of Europe, which makes it an even more appetizing destination.
If you aren't going to Portugal for work, we recommend getting outside the typical cities and heading for the Douro Valley. The Douro River runs from Spain into Portugal, and the valley is filled with terraced fields for vineyards. It’s the natural beauty of this region that earned it UNESCO Heritage status.
All those vineyards also make the Douro Valley a great spot for enjoying a glass of wine or two. Stay at a quinta where they make the wine or take a river cruise along the Douro to get the full experience.
5. Spain
If you were watching the news in 2024, you saw some Spanish anti-tourist protests. This was primarily in heavily traveled areas like Barcelona and Mallorca.
Overtourism is certainly an issue to address, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid Spain entirely. In fact, more people than ever seem to be flocking to this diverse country.
Spain was the fifth-most popular destination among Seven Corners customers traveling in the last quarter of 2024. It was also the second-most popular European destination, trailing only Italy.
Outside of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, which includes Mallorca, you might love Northern Spain. This region includes cities like Bilbao in the Basque Country, Pamplona, and Santiago de Compostela.
Bilbao is one of the best cities on this list for good eats. It’s known for its bars serving pintxos, the regional version of tapas or small open-faced sandwiches and snacks. There’s also a Guggenheim Museum, the Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts, and loads of modern architecture to take in between meals.
To the east and west of Bilboa are Pamplona and Santiago de Compostela, respectively. You likely know Pamplona as home to the running of the bulls.
Personally, I think a week or two before the festivities is a great time to visit. You get a taste of the revelry; the barrier walls have already been erected, shops are gearing up for the fun. But you don’t have to contend with the overbooked hotels, crowds ... or risk of being trampled.
Santiago de Compostela is best known as the end point for pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago. Even if you aren’t walking for days, you can still enjoy the city. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Old Town and wealth of monuments.
6. Australia
While Sydney and Melbourne tend to get most of the love from travelers, we encourage you to branch out to Perth in Western Australia, especially if you’re a foodie.
Meat pie, a classic throughout Australia, and barramundi are a few favorites. Even if you aren’t typically a seafood fan, give barramundi a try as it’s native to the region and has a mild fish flavor.
In between dining and sampling local wines, enjoy any number of water activities since you’re on the coast and book a First Nations tour to experience Perth’s Aboriginal culture (the city’s Aboriginal name is Boorloo).
Take a day trip to Rottnest Island for the quokkas, the happiest little critters you’ve ever seen.
Even more importantly, take some time to learn about the Whadjuk Noongar people, the Traditional Owners of the island. Take a cultural tour and visit the Wadjemup Museum to learn more about the Aboriginal culture and the people’s connection to the land.
7. Thailand
Long a hotspot for backpackers, Thailand is emerging as a favorite for people who don’t want to live out of a duffel bag yet still want to travel on a budget. What you’ll find in this Asian oasis is natural beauty, history, and luxury for less.
Phuket is known for its tropical beaches. They’re bound to draw you in regardless of whether you’re looking for relaxation or a bit of adventure.
Koh Samui is one of the largest islands in Thailand. Even so, it’s small enough to drive all the way around in just a few hours. On your tour, you’ll find plenty of beaches for snorkeling or just enjoying free time in the sand. There’s also the Ang Thong National Marine Park, Wat Phra Yai (also known as the Big Buddha Temple), and Secret Buddha Garden.
While it’s possible to find inexpensive accommodations on the beach at Koh Samui, there’s also no shortage of four- and five-star resorts.
For those looking for big-city fun, you want to explore Bangkok. Visit a floating market, eat street food, and check out the epic nightlife.
And if history is what you’re after, head to Chiang Mai. It’s renowned for its Buddhist temples, fortified walls dating back centuries, and countless museums and landmarks — big and small — giving you a snapshot of Thai culture.
8. Japan
The cherry blossoms in Japan get all the attention, but ever since we learned about the Great Wisteria Festival, we’ve had Tochigi prefecture on our bucket list.
The travel rebound to Japan has been a long time coming since the pandemic, but heading into 2025, Japan was among the top destinations for Seven Corners customers. Many of those travelers will surely make their way to Tokyo, but keep going north and you’ll come to Tochigi.
The region is renowned for its flowers, from cherry blossoms to wisteria to azaleas. The Askikaga Flower Park is home to the Great Wisteria Festival where you’ll see more than 300 wisteria trees in a variety of colors (although we think the purple is most stunning). The park is considered one of the best wisteria gardens in the country.
Not too far away is Nikko. Not only is it the entrance town to the Nikko National Park, but it’s also home to Toshogu and other shrines that have long been a part of Buddhist and Shinto worship.
9. Kyrgyzstan
We’ve heard more than one person rave about the so-called ‘Stans (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan), but to lump them into one group does a disservice to Kyrgyzstan.
Perhaps the most unconventional destination on this list, Kyrgyzstan is packed with natural beauty and adventure. Hike, horseback ride, or visit the glacial lakes of the Tian Shan mountains. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a snow leopard.
Most of Kyrgyzstan’s population is rural, and nomadism is a way of life. You can get a feel for that life by doing a yurtstay where you’ll live and work alongside shepherds. Remember to visit responsibly; Kyrgyzstan is a poor country, and while nomadic communities welcome tourism, they are not performers there to entertain visitors.
Those brave enough to visit in the winter will find plenty of slopes for skiing, but summer is generally considered the best time to visit this Central Asian country. This is when you’ll have the most spectacular hiking and cultural festivals.
10. Ghana
African countries like Zambia and South Africa get much of the attention because of safari trips. If you want an up-and-coming travel destination that’s eager to welcome tourists, look to West Africa, particularly Ghana.
We named Ghana one of the best African countries to visit if you only speak English. It might also be the ideal destination if you’re looking for a new kind of voluntourism opportunity.
No matter why you decide on Ghana, be sure to visit key cultural sites to get a better understanding of the country’s past and present. Cape Coast Castle was one of the last stops on the continent for slaves in the transatlantic trade. Its dark history can make it difficult to visit, but that’s exactly why you should go.
Accra, the capital, is packed with monuments honoring Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule in the 1950s. It’s also a good place for markets when you want to support local artisans.
If you’re into responsible animal tourism, head to Mole National Park. Elephant safaris — on foot — are an unforgettable opportunity. Kakum National Park gives you a bird’s eye view of the country from suspension bridges in the rainforest.
And when you’re ready to relax on the beach, they’re ready for you. There’s more than 300 miles of coastline perfect for sun and surfing.
11. Woodstock, Vermont, USA
Vermont is best known for two things: gorgeous fall leaves and winter skiing. This northeastern U.S. state has much more to offer, though.
We hate to state the obvious, but those colorful leaves come from trees, and some of those trees also produce maple syrup. Visit a tree farm to see how the syrup is harvested and made. You won’t be able to stop yourself from buying yourself a bottle of pure Vermont maple syrup before you leave.
Vermont also has more than 600 dairy farms. The grazing land makes for some picturesque drives, and many of the farms do tours and cheese tastings.
12. Monterey, California, USA
U.S. News & World Report named Monterey one of the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA for 2023-24. Once you’re there, make your way to Cannery Row. It always makes the list of recommendations, so it’s a bit touristy. It’s worth following the crowd, though, as there are plenty of quirky shops and seafood restaurants to help you refuel.
Monterey also has a surprising number of museums given its size. Two of my favorites downtown are the Cooper Molera Adobe and the Colton Hall Museum and Jail.
Get Ready to Travel in 2025
Finding the time to visit all these amazing destinations might be your biggest challenge. Finding travel insurance to protect your trips shouldn’t be.
Visit SevenCorners.com to find the right coverage for your money, belongings, and health. We offer a variety of plans to visit almost any need, including single-trip and annual plans. Our licensed agents are also ready to answer any questions so you’re ready when trip happens.
