Are you dreaming of your next getaway? Places To Travel For Vacation offer a diverse range of experiences, from vibrant cityscapes to tranquil natural retreats. SIXT.VN can help you plan your perfect vacation with ease. Discover the most sought-after destinations and create unforgettable memories with our comprehensive travel services. Explore these travel destinations, tour options, and vacation packages.
1. Big City Thrills: Where Urban Adventures Await
If you’re seeking excitement and cultural experiences, these cities offer a blend of history, innovation, and modern attractions.
1.1. Detroit: The Comeback City
Detroit is experiencing a resurgence, with new projects breathing life into its neighborhoods. Mayor Mike Duggan highlights the city’s magical atmosphere and invites visitors to witness the transformation firsthand. The reimagined Book Tower features a Roost hotel, Basque tapas bar, and high-end restaurants. According to Dan Gilbert, Detroit is growing faster than ever with creativity, talent, innovation, and opportunity. The Michigan Central campus, revived by Ford, symbolizes urban renewal and innovation.
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The lobby atrium of Detroit’s Book Tower showcases adaptive reuse and modern design.
1.2. Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China: A Tale of Two Cities
Foreign travelers are returning to Hong Kong, drawn by new cultural offerings, refreshed luxury hotels, and advanced infrastructure. Upgrades in Kowloon include world-class museums in the West Kowloon Cultural District, such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+. The Rosewood Hong Kong and Regent Hong Kong are standout hotels. High-speed trains connect Hong Kong to Shanghai and Beijing. Nearby Shenzhen is a modern metropolis known for its beaches and mountain views. According to a report by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in 2024, Shenzhen is attracting more tourists because of its diverse tourist attractions and tourist infrastructure.
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The skyline of Shenzhen shows the vibrant urbanization of China.
1.3. Marrakesh: A Moroccan Dream
A new nonstop United Airlines flight from Newark to Marrakesh offers U.S. travelers a direct link to this enchanting city. Stefanie Schmudde of Abercrombie & Kent notes the easier access and the new Park Hyatt and refurbished Four Seasons Resort. Other notable stays include the Oberoi, Rosemary, and Nobu Hotel Marrakech Riad. The Selman Marrakech was voted the No. 5 hotel in the world by T+L readers.
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The roof of Rosemary provides an authentic riad experience in Marrakech.
1.4. Portland: The Green City
Portland, Oregon, attracts outdoor lovers with its numerous parks and trails. The city is enhancing its appeal with new attractions like Cascada, Portland’s first underground thermal springs spa and eco-hotel. According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation, biking has increased by 5% since 2022. The Portland Art Museum is undergoing a $111 million renovation, adding 100,000 square feet of space.
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The main terminal building at Portland International Airport provides a modern and efficient airport experience.
1.5. Rome: A City of Celebration
Rome is preparing for the Jubilee in 2025, which occurs every 25 years. Andrea Grisdale of IC Bellagio suggests exploring lesser-known areas of Rome to avoid crowds. A number of new hotels are set to open, including Palazzo Talìa, Romeo Roma, and Casa Monti. The brand will also launch a new luxury train, La Dolce Vita Orient Express, in the spring of 2025. According to the Vatican, Rome is expected to welcome millions of pilgrims for the Jubilee in 2025.
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The Trevi Fountain remains a timeless icon in Rome.
1.6. Sacramento, California: The Undiscovered Gem
Sacramento International Airport’s $1.3 billion renovation will be completed in 2025, offering new food options, additional parking, and better traffic flow. Mike Testa of Visit Sacramento highlights the city’s transformation as a food destination and music festival hub. Sacramento boasts 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants and the Oakland Athletics will relocate to Sutter Health Park for the 2025–2027 Major League Baseball seasons.
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The Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento is a testament to the city’s cultural offerings.
2. Cultural Immersion: Dive Deep into Local Traditions
These destinations invite you to explore unique cultural landscapes and traditions, offering immersive experiences that enrich your understanding of the world.
2.1. Budapest, Hungary: A Cosmopolitan Capital
The opening of the W Budapest in the Drechsler Palace signifies a more cosmopolitan Budapest. Gwen Kozlowski of Exeter International notes that Budapest can speak to a variety of travelers, from tiny vintners to food insiders to Jewish-history specialists. Városliget, or City Park, has undergone a $1 billion restoration, including new cultural spaces like the House of Music Hungary and the Museum of Ethnography.
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Városliget, or City Park, is now the recipient of a $1 billion restoration.
2.2. Bukhara, Uzbekistan: A Silk Road Gem
Bukhara is hosting the first-ever Bukhara Biennial in 2025, aiming to highlight the city’s crafts and folk art traditions. Larry Ossei-Mensah, a curator and cofounder of Artnoir, notes that the Bukhara Biennial serves as an incredible opportunity for artists and organizers to create moments where cultural legacies and contemporary ideas come into contact.
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The Kalyan Mosque showcases the architectural beauty of Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
2.3. Charleston, South Carolina: A Southern Favorite
Charleston is T+L readers’ favorite city in the U.S. for 12 years running. The International African American Museum opened last summer, and the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston brought together renowned chefs. Beemok Hospitality Collection will open the Holy City’s first five-star hotel, The Cooper, in 2025. According to the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, tourism continues to thrive due to the city’s historical charm and vibrant culture.
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The College of Charleston is a landmark of Charleston, South Carolina.
2.4. Inverness and the Flow Country, Scotland: Highland Magic
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is becoming a major destination. Chris Taylor of VisitScotland highlights Inverness as the perfect base for exploring the Highland scenery, castles, mountains, and wildlife. The Flow Country, a vast expanse of bogs and peatland, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The Inverness Castle Experience will transform the city’s former prison and courts into a venue for history, music, and regional cuisine.
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St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is situated along the River Ness in Inverness.
2.5. Lisbon and the Algarve, Portugal: A Tale of Two Regions
Lisbon is known for its yellow trams, historic neighborhoods, and fado music. Sheree M. Mitchell of Immersa Global notes the city’s soul and its influences from Portugal’s colonial past. Several new luxury stays are opening in 2025. Portugal’s Algarve region offers beautiful beaches and charming towns. According to Danilo Cerqueira of TempoVip DMC Portugal, 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, showcases Portugal’s rich architectural history.
2.6. Luxor, Egypt: Ancient Wonders
Luxor is famed for its ancient temples, many of which have been part of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Jacqui Gifford, T+L vice president and editor in chief, recommends spending more time in Luxor. A new nonstop EasyJet flight from London will improve access to the city. Al Moudira and Beit Sabée are notable hotels.
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The Karnak temple complex represents the historical and cultural richness of Luxor, Egypt.
2.7. Thailand: Land of Smiles
Thailand is T+L’s 2025 Destination of the Year, offering white-sand beaches, street food, and ancient temples. Globally recognized hotel brands are adding to Bangkok’s allure, and the premiere of season three of The White Lotus is set in the country. Grant Ekelund of InsideAsia Tours recommends Kanchanaburi, a town in west Thailand. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand continues to be a popular destination due to its diverse tourist attractions and welcoming culture.
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Temples in Chiang Mai and Bangkok showcase Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Adventurous Travelers: Embrace the Thrill
For those who crave excitement and exploration, these destinations offer unparalleled adventures and unique experiences that will push your boundaries.
3.1. The Caucasus: A Hidden Gem
The Caucasus, comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, is gaining attention with a new itinerary from Atlas Obscura and Intrepid. These trips make it possible to see these still-emerging destinations without having to tackle all the logistics independently. The tours will visit wineries, bakeries, and historical sites, as well as the countryside.
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The Gergeti Trinity church and Mount Kazbek provide a majestic view in Georgia.
3.2. Greenland: Arctic Beauty
Greenland is experiencing a surge in tourism, with cruise arrivals up 74 percent in 2023. Stefanie Schmudde of Abercrombie & Kent confirms that now is the time to visit. Greenland’s first international airport is slated to open in late 2024. United recently announced it will become the first U.S. airline to operate flights to the country come 2025.
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Kayaking in Greenland allows you to admire the pristine landscapes and ice formations.
3.3. Kumaon, India: Himalayan Hideaway
Kumaon, a remote division in the state of Uttarakhand, is opening the seven-cabin retreat Shakti Prana in October. Jamshyd Sethna promises you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the tranquility of these Himalayan hideaways. The property offers stunning views of the Great Himalayas and the Ramganga River valley.
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Hikers at Khaliya Top enjoy breathtaking views of India’s Kumaon Division.
3.4. Madagascar: Biodiversity Hotspot
Madagascar is becoming more accessible, with new itineraries from Abercrombie & Kent and Red Savannah that focus on the country’s ecological riches. Samantha Gordon of Red Savannah notes that travelers want to see things their friends have not. A new Emirates service links Dubai and Madagascar’s capital city of Antananarivo. New hospitality offerings are also popping up. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, Madagascar is home to 5% of the world’s plant and animal species, with over 80% found nowhere else.
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Masoala Forest Lodge provides an immersive nature experience in Madagascar.
3.5. Nicaragua: A Surfer’s Paradise
Nicaragua has long felt like a well-kept secret among surfers and nature lovers. A new 75-mile highway will connect some 50 towns and beach communities along the Pacific coast by the end of 2025. Luke Maish, CEO of Rancho Santana, says the Costanera Highway is one of the most significant projects in Central America in recent decades.
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Mombacho Volcano offers a stunning backdrop to the waters of Lake Nicaragua.
3.6. The Philippines: Island Hopping
The Philippines offers sapphire-blue waters, limestone cliffs, 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. Tesa Totengco, a member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board, notes that this archipelago of 7,641 islands has a lot to offer if one is willing to go deeper.
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Nay Palad Hideaway is a stunning rebuild on the island of Siargao.
3.7. Universal Orlando: Theme Park Extravaganza
Universal Orlando Resort’s massive expansion will add Universal Epic Universe in 2025. Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, says this will transform Universal Orlando into a weeklong vacation destination. Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, will join the theme park resort’s top-tier Signature Collection of on-property stays.
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Rip Saw Falls, a flume ride at Universal Orlando, offers thrills and excitement.
4. Food and Drink Destinations: A Gastronomic Journey
These destinations celebrate the art of food and drink, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences for culinary enthusiasts.
4.1. Colorado’s Western Slope: Wine Country
Colorado’s Western Slope is gaining a reputation for Rieslings and other cool-climate grapes. Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine, notes that there’s definitely something there. The region, centered around the town of Grand Junction, may enjoy a hedge against a warming world, situated as it is above 4,000 feet.
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Vineyards in Palisade offer picturesque views and a taste of Colorado’s wine country.
4.2. Crete, Greece: Island Flavors
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is poised for its moment in the sun. The InterContinental Crete opened in the summer of 2024. JW Marriott will unveil its first Greece property in 2025. The island also has some of the most dramatic topography in Greece. According to a report by the Greek National Tourism Organization, Crete is increasingly popular due to its unique blend of cultural and natural attractions.
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Lunch at Kafeneio Fix in Chania showcases the culinary delights of Crete.
4.3. Osaka, Japan: Culinary Capital
Osaka is fast becoming a must-visit for anyone heading to Japan, thanks to its world-renowned culinary scene and electric nightlife. Expo 2025, running April through October, will be held at venues across the city. The new Four Seasons opened in 2024, and Patina Hotels & Resorts is opening its first Japan property.
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Bota Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka offers stunning city views.
4.4. Priorat, Spain: Wine Lover’s Paradise
Priorat is southwest of Barcelona, with gorgeous landscapes, ancient villages, and cutting-edge approaches to vineyard tourism. Marco Palermo of Authentic Explorations notes that 2025 is the perfect year to discover it before it truly explodes on the travel scene. Wineries including Perinet and Clos de l’Obac are turning out world-class reds.
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Perinet, a winery in Priorat, Spain, is producing renowned wines.
4.5. San Antonio, Texas: Culinary Innovation
San Antonio has been on the cutting edge of culinary innovation for years. Nine of its restaurants, bars, and breweries have been in contention for James Beard Awards. Chef and restaurateur Jason Dady will be opening Mexico Ceaty in early 2025. Pullman Market exemplifies the farm to market ethos.
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San Antonio’s Pullman Market highlights fresh, local produce and cuisine.
4.6. San Diego: Sunny and Savory
San Diego is getting even more exciting, as new openings further bolster San Diego’s global culinary cred. Tara Monsod, executive chef of Animae and the first San Diego chef to be a James Beard Award finalist, opened the modern French steak house Le Coq. The city also welcomed its first omakase yakitori restaurant, Yakitori Tsuta.
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Le Coq, one of many new restaurants in San Diego, offers modern French cuisine.
4.7. Slovenia: A Culinary Secret
Slovenia has long flown under the radar, in spite of its beautiful scenery and dynamic wine and culinary scene. Black Tomato is introducing new experiences in Slovenia for 2025. One trip will take wine lovers to three distinct regions. On the restaurant front, Slovenia has impressed the Michelin inspectors, with 63 restaurants earning recognition in 2024. According to the Michelin Guide, Slovenia’s cuisine blends Central European and Mediterranean influences, offering a unique culinary experience.
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Vineyards in western Slovenia create a scenic and productive landscape.
4.8. Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico: Baja’s Wine Oasis
The vast majority of wine made in Mexico comes from Valle de Guadalupe. This year, El Cielo Resort received 12 awards for its wines at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. A new generation of Mexican vintners is helping to shine a light on local winemaking.
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A tasting at a winery in Valle de Guadalupe allows visitors to savor the local flavors and views.
5. Moments on the Water: Discover Aquatic Adventures
Immerse yourself in the beauty of coastal and island destinations, perfect for those who love boating, sailing, and exploring marine life.
5.1. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin: Ojibwe History
The Apostle Islands are seeing their status as a spiritual and commercial hub for the Ojibwe come toward center stage. Mike Wiggins Jr., the new director of the Madeline Island Museum, is transforming the institution by incorporating artifacts into more contemporary exhibits. Ojibwe chef Bryce Stevenson, a key figure in the Indigenous Food Sovereignty movement, chose his out-of-the-way home turf as the location for a high-concept restaurant, Miijim.
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Kayaking in the Apostle Islands is a popular activity due to the serene waters and stunning rock formations.
5.2. Barbados: Island Paradise
A trip to Barbados is, for many travelers, several vacations in one. Kim Clarke, a manager at The Sandpiper, notes the island’s unforgettable experiences. 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 is a vibrant town on Barbados, known for its colorful buildings and harbor.
5.3. The French Riviera: Coastal Glamour
The French Riviera has been reinvigorated with a clutch of chic hotels, proving that when it comes to the Côte d’Azur, fashion may change, but style endures. Hôtel du Couvent, the latest property from Valéry Grégo, is set in a 17th-century monastery overlooking the city of Nice. Arev has brought a breath of fresh air to St.-Tropez, with a glamorous, playful aesthetic.
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A guest room with a view at Arev in St.-Tropez provides luxurious accommodations with nautical flair.
5.4. Iceland, by cruise ship: Maritime Adventure
Visiting Iceland by ship allows passengers to see the rarely visited northern reaches of the island. Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, the country’s Minister of Culture and Business Affairs, notes that cruises can help diffuse crowds in and around the country’s most popular landmarks. Cruise line Viking will offer several weeklong circumnavigations in 2025.
