Where To Travel To This Year? Your 2025 Travel Guide

Are you dreaming of your next great escape but unsure Where To Travel To This Year? SIXT.VN is here to help you discover the perfect destination for your 2025 adventures, offering expert advice and convenient travel solutions for exploring Vietnam and beyond. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, or relaxing beach vibes, we’ll guide you to the most exciting places to visit this year, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free trip with our comprehensive travel services.

1. Big City Thrills: Top Urban Destinations for 2025

Craving the energy of a vibrant metropolis? These cities offer a mix of culture, innovation, and exciting experiences.

1.1 Detroit, USA

Detroit is experiencing a resurgence, blending history with modern innovation. According to Mayor Mike Duggan, now is a magical time to visit, with adaptive-reuse projects injecting new energy into neighborhoods. The reimagined Book Tower downtown features a Roost hotel, Kamper’s Basque tapas bar, and high-end restaurants. General Motors’ future global HQ at Hudson’s, designed by Shop Architects and Hamilton Anderson Associates, will include a forthcoming Edition hotel. Ford’s $1 billion investment revived Michigan Central, transforming it into a hub for creativity in Corktown.

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Detroit’s Book Tower lobby atrium, showcasing its blend of historic architecture and modern design

1.2 Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China

Hong Kong is making a comeback with cultural offerings, upgraded luxury hotels, and top-notch infrastructure, especially in Kowloon’s West Kowloon Cultural District, home to Art Park, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and M+. The K11 Musea houses the Rosewood Hong Kong, and the Regent Hong Kong has been newly refurbished. High-speed trains offer overnight service to Shanghai and Beijing, and many residents visit nearby Shenzhen. Shenzhen is a modern metropolis known for its beaches and mountain views.

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Shenzhen’s skyline, a testament to its modern architectural achievements

1.3 Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is now more accessible thanks to a new nonstop United Airlines flight from Newark, NJ. A new Park Hyatt and a refurbished Four Seasons Resort are among the attractions. The Oberoi, Rosemary (a chic five-room riad), and the Nobu Hotel Marrakech Riad are worthwhile stays. The Selman Marrakech, voted the No. 5 hotel in the world by T+L readers, will soon feature a high-end restaurant in partnership with chef Jean-François Piège.

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The roof of Rosemary, a riad in Marrakesh, showcasing traditional Moroccan architecture

1.4 Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland appeals to outdoor lovers with over 250 public parks and multiuse trails. The city opened Cascada, its first underground thermal springs spa and eco-hotel, in late 2024. In 2025, the Portland Art Museum will gain 100,000 square feet, including new galleries and a Mark Rothko Pavilion. The Portland International Airport’s $2 billion redevelopment offers a nature-inspired main terminal.

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The new main terminal building at Portland International Airport, reflecting the city’s connection to nature

1.5 Rome, Italy

Rome will host the Jubilee in 2025, occurring every 25 years, attracting pilgrims globally. Andrea Grisdale suggests exploring lesser-known areas at a slower pace. Extravagant new hotels include Palazzo Talìa, Romeo Roma, and Casa Monti. The Corinthia Rome, Mandarin Oriental, Rome, and the Rosewood Rome are set to open soon. La Minerva, part of Orient Express, will reopen in 2025 after renovations. The new luxury train, La Dolce Vita Orient Express, launches in spring 2025, featuring cuisine from chef Heinz Beck.

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The iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome, a must-see attraction for any visitor

1.6 Sacramento, California, USA

Sacramento International Airport’s $1.3 billion renovation will be completed in 2025. The improved SMF will accommodate new nonstop flights to Mexico City, Orlando, Nashville, Austin, and more. Sacramento has 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants and a 2024 James Beard Award finalist in Billy Ngo. The Oakland Athletics will relocate to Sutter Health Park for the 2025–2027 MLB seasons.

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The Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento, a historical landmark and cultural venue

2. Cultural Immersion: Destinations for Enriching Experiences

Seeking a deeper connection with history and tradition? These destinations offer unique cultural encounters.

2.1 Budapest, Hungary

In 2023, the W Budapest opened in the Drechsler Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, signaling a more cosmopolitan Budapest. New luxury hotels include the Kimpton BEM Budapest and the Dorothea Hotel. Városliget (City Park) is undergoing a $1 billion restoration, including cultural spaces like the House of Music Hungary and the Museum of Ethnography.

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Városliget, or City Park, in Budapest, undergoing a significant restoration

2.2 Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara will host the first-ever Bukhara Biennial in September 2025. The event, titled “Recipes for Broken Hearts,” will bring together international creatives. The show aims to spotlight Bukhara, whose crafts and folk art traditions have gained international recognition, according to UNESCO.

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The Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, exemplifying its rich cultural heritage

2.3 Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Charleston is a favorite city in the U.S. Last summer, the International African American Museum opened. This September, the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston was introduced. The Cooper, the Holy City’s first five-star hotel, will welcome guests in 2025. The Charleston Place hotel will unveil completed renovations in 2025, and the new American Gardens park will debut in late 2025.

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The College of Charleston campus, reflecting the city’s historic charm and architecture

2.4 Inverness and the Flow Country, Scotland

Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is becoming a significant destination. The Flow Country, a vast area of bogs and peatland, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in July. The Inverness Castle Experience, a restoration project, will transform the city’s former prison and courts into a venue for history, music, and regional cuisine. Cabot Highlands is also coming soon, offering play on the Castle Stuart Golf Links.

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St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, along the River Ness in Inverness

2.5 Lisbon and the Algarve, Portugal

Lisbon is marked by yellow trams, historic neighborhoods, and fado music. Six Senses Lisbon, Nobu Hotel Lisbon, The Standard, Lisbon, Kimpton Lisbon, and several Hilton properties are all opening in 2025. Portugal’s Algarve region is home to beautiful beaches and charming towns. United has a seasonal nonstop route from Newark to Faro in the pipeline for 2025. The eastern half of the Algarve’s coastline is a hidden gem.

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The Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lisbon

2.6 Luxor, Egypt

Luxor is famed for its collection of ancient temples, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. A new nonstop EasyJet flight from London will improve access. Notable hotels include Al Moudira and Beit Sabée, a 15-room guesthouse operated by Nour El Nil.

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The Karnak temple complex in Luxor, Egypt, showcasing its ancient architecture

2.7 Thailand

Thailand, T+L’s 2025 Destination of the Year, offers white-sand beaches, street food, and temples. In Bangkok, the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, The Ritz-Carlton, Six Senses The Forestias, and Hyatt’s Andaz will open soon. Season three of The White Lotus is set in the country. Kanchanaburi, a town in west Thailand, has scenery, places to stay, and history.

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A temple in Chiang Mai, reflecting Thailand’s rich cultural heritage

3. Adventurous Travelers: Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

For those seeking adrenaline and unique experiences, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures.

3.1 The Caucasus

Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia will gain attention with a new itinerary from Atlas Obscura and Intrepid. The two-week trip through cities like Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan includes winery visits, historical sites, and hikes.

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The Gergeti Trinity church and Mount Kazbek in Georgia, showcasing the Caucasus region’s natural beauty

3.2 Greenland

Greenland is experiencing increased tourism, with cruise arrivals up 74 percent in 2023. Greenland’s first international airport is slated to open in late 2024 in Nuuk. United will be the first U.S. airline to operate flights to the country come 2025. New tours offer wildlife watching and opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture.

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Kayaking in Greenland, offering a unique perspective on the Arctic landscape

3.3 Kumaon, India

Shakti plans to open Shakti Prana, a seven-cabin retreat, in Kumaon in October. The new property will be the latest in a string of mountain lodges from the brand. The area offers Himalayan hideaways with stunning views.

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Hikers at Khaliya Top, in India’s Kumaon Division, highlighting the region’s scenic trails

3.4 Madagascar

Madagascar is now more accessible, with new Emirates service linking Dubai and Antananarivo. New hospitality offerings include Namoroka Tsingy Camp and Voaara. Masoala Forest Lodge feels newly relevant.

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Masoala Forest Lodge, nestled in Madagascar’s lush rainforest

3.5 Nicaragua

A new 75-mile highway will connect towns and beach communities along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast by the end of 2025. United has doubled the number of flights from Houston to Managua. Resorts like Rancho Santana and Mukul offer access to surf breaks and rainforest hikes.

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Mombacho, a towering volcano, as seen from the waters of Lake Nicaragua

3.6 The Philippines

The Philippines offers sapphire-blue waters and a cosmopolitan capital. A pro-tourism government has made welcoming visitors a key piece of the nation’s economic future. A new nonstop Philippine Airlines flight from Seattle is another boost. A dozen hotels have opened in Manila alone.

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Nay Palad Hideaway, showcasing the Philippines’ island paradise

3.7 Universal Orlando, USA

Universal Orlando Resort will add Universal Epic Universe in 2025, with five new lands. Epic Universe is slated to open in May 2025, with Universal Helios Grand Hotel joining the theme park resort’s Signature Collection. In early 2025, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort will join the portfolio.

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Rip Saw Falls, a flume ride at Universal Orlando, reflecting the theme park’s adventurous spirit

4. For The Food and Drinks: Culinary Hotspots in 2025

Foodies, get ready! These destinations offer unique culinary experiences and vibrant nightlife.

4.1 Colorado’s Western Slope, USA

Colorado’s Western Slope is known for Rieslings and other cool-climate grapes. Wineries such as Carlson Vineyards, The Storm Cellar, and Sauvage Spectrum are worth visiting. The area may enjoy a hedge against climate change, situated as it is above 4,000 feet. The hiking, mountain biking, and paddling in this stretch of the Rockies is top-flight.

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A vineyard in Palisade, in the Grand Valley AVA of Colorado, showcasing the region’s viticulture

4.2 Crete, Greece

Crete is poised for its moment in the sun with the opening of the new InterContinental Crete, which opened in the summer of 2024 in Agios Nikolaos. JW Marriott will unveil its first Greece property in 2025, and the Rosewood Blue Palace is set to make its debut on Crete’s northern shore in 2026.

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Lunch at Kafeneio Fix, in the town of Chania, Crete

4.3 Osaka, Japan

Osaka is becoming a must-visit for its culinary scene and nightlife. Expo 2025, running April through October, will take place at venues across the city. The new Four Seasons opened in 2024, and the first Japan property from Patina Hotels & Resorts is opening in the spring. Air Canada has added seasonal nonstop flights from Toronto to the Kansai International Airport.

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Bota Bar, at the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, offering panoramic city views

4.4 Priorat, Spain

Priorat is a region southwest of Barcelona with gorgeous landscapes and vineyards. Wineries including Perinet and Clos de l’Obac are turning out world-class reds. Clos Mogador and Cellers de Scala Dei offer organic wine tastings and eco-tours. Restaurants such as Brots and Quatre Molins have nabbed Michelin recognition.

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Perinet, a winery in Priorat, showcasing modern approaches to vineyard tourism

4.5 San Antonio, Texas, USA

San Antonio has been on the cutting edge of culinary innovation for years, with nine of its restaurants, bars, and breweries in contention for James Beard Awards. Chef Jason Dady will be opening Mexico Ceaty in early 2025. The Pullman Market, a 40,000-square-foot dining complex, opened in 2024.

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San Antonio’s Pullman Market, exemplifying the farm-to-market ethos

4.6 San Diego, California, USA

San Diego is getting more exciting with new openings bolstering its culinary scene. Tara Monsod opened the modern French steak house Le Coq, and the city welcomed its first omakase yakitori restaurant, Yakitori Tsuta. Travis Swikard plans to open Fleurette in La Jolla next year, while chef Elijah Arizmendi is slated to debut Lucien in 2025.

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Le Coq, one of many new restaurants in San Diego, highlighting the city’s culinary cred

4.7 Slovenia

Slovenia offers beautiful scenery and a dynamic wine and culinary scene. Black Tomato introduces new experiences in Slovenia for 2025. A trip from Black Tomato will take wine lovers to three distinct regions. Slovenia has impressed the Michelin inspectors, with 63 restaurants earning recognition in 2024.

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Vineyards in western Slovenia, highlighting the region’s viticulture

4.8 Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

The vast majority of wine made in Mexico comes from Valle de Guadalupe. El Cielo Resort received 12 awards for its wines, and a new generation of Mexican vintners is shining a light on local winemaking through wine bars like Bloodlust. Banyan Group entered the scene this year with the opening of Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe.

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A tasting at a winery in Valle de Guadalupe, showcasing the region’s wine culture

5. Moments on the Water: Best Waterfront Destinations

Dreaming of ocean breezes and serene waters? These destinations offer unforgettable aquatic experiences.

5.1 Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, USA

The Apostle Islands offer boating, fishing, and camping. The Madeline Island Museum is undergoing a transformation, and Ojibwe chef Bryce Stevenson chose his home turf as the location for a restaurant, Miijim.

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Paddling in the Apostle Islands, a peaceful getaway for boating

5.2 Barbados

Barbados is the birthplace of rum and Rihanna. The island promises an unforgettable experience, with hiking, surfing, calm waters, and upscale restaurants. Barbados is also more accessible than ever, thanks to new daily American Airlines flights from New York and new once-weekly service from Philadelphia.

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Bridgetown, showcasing Barbados’ colorful architecture and harbor

5.3 The French Riviera

The French Riviera has been reinvigorated with chic hotels, including Hôtel du Couvent, Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, and Mama Shelter. Arev has brought a breath of fresh air to St.-Tropez, and Le Mas Candille reopened in June after a facelift by Hugo Toro.

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A guest room with a view at Arev, in St.-Tropez, reflecting the coastal location’s elegance

5.4 Iceland, by Cruise Ship

Iceland is seeing increasing tourism, and cruises offer a way to see the rarely visited northern reaches of the island. Cruise line Viking will offer several weeklong circumnavigations in 2025.

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Cruising the coast of Iceland

5.5 Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia is easier than ever to reach, with American Airlines launching daily service from New York’s La Guardia Airport to Halifax. The Muir Halifax is an ideal home base, and a detour to Sable Island National Park Reserve is worthwhile. Cape Breton Island is home to Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

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The coast of Nova Scotia, showcasing the province’s scenic beauty

5.6 Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is one of Australia’s most rugged islands. On Board Tasmanian Expedition Cruises launched its route around the state in the spring of 2024. In the year ahead, Silversea will visit the island with a series of Australia and New Zealand cruises, as will Disney Cruise Line.

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