What Are The Top Travel Destinations In 2025?

Planning your next adventure? Discover the top travel destinations in 2025 with SIXT.VN! Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, thrilling escapades, or serene beach getaways, we’ve curated a list of must-visit spots that promise unforgettable experiences. SIXT.VN makes your dream vacation a reality with seamless travel planning and exceptional services.

Let’s dive into the world of travel trends, tourist attractions, and hidden gems, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next great journey.

1. Big City Thrills: Urban Destinations for 2025

1.1 Detroit, USA: The Comeback City

Detroit is experiencing a magical renaissance, making it a top urban destination for 2025. According to Mayor Mike Duggan, adaptive-reuse and ground-up projects are revitalizing neighborhoods, injecting new energy into the city. The reimagined Book Tower downtown features a Roost hotel, a Basque tapas bar called Kamper’s, and several high-end restaurants.

Dan Gilbert, founder of Bedrock, notes Detroit is growing faster than ever with creativity, talent, innovation, and opportunity. General Motors is staking its future at Hudson’s, a mixed-use development designed by Shop Architects and Hamilton Anderson Associates, which will house the automaker’s global HQ and an Edition hotel. The Michigan Central campus, revived by a $1 billion investment from Ford, has transformed into a hub for innovation in the Corktown neighborhood.

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Alt Text: The grand lobby atrium of Detroit’s Book Tower, showcasing its architectural beauty and modern updates.

1.2 Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China: A Tale of Two Cities

Foreign travelers are returning to Hong Kong, discovering new cultural offerings, luxury hotels, and infrastructure. Many upgrades are on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour, including world-class museums in the West Kowloon Cultural District. This district features Art Park, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and M+.

The K11 Musea houses the flagship Rosewood Hong Kong and the refurbished Regent Hong Kong. On Hong Kong Island, the Hopewell and the Southside by Ovolo are welcoming guests. High-speed trains connect Hong Kong to Shanghai and Beijing, and residents often visit nearby Shenzhen. Like Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a modern metropolis known for its beaches and mountain views.

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Alt Text: Shenzhen, China’s modern skyline showcases its rapid economic growth and urban development, reflecting its status as a leading metropolis.

1.3 Marrakesh, Morocco: A Moroccan Rhapsody

A new nonstop United Airlines flight between Newark and Marrakesh offers U.S. travelers a direct link to the city. According to Stefanie Schmudde at Abercrombie & Kent, this route will make access much easier. A new Park Hyatt and a refurbished Four Seasons Resort are among the destination’s attractions.

Other 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 and will soon feature a high-end restaurant in partnership with Michelin-starred chef Jean-François Piège.

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Alt Text: The rooftop of Rosemary, a riad in Marrakech, offers a serene view of the city, embodying Moroccan charm and luxury.

1.4 Portland, USA: The City of Roses Reblooms

Portland has long appealed to outdoor lovers with its public parks and the Willamette River. According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation, biking has increased by 5% since 2022 due to the growing network of paved multiuse trails.

Late 2024 saw the opening of Cascada, Portland’s first underground thermal springs spa and eco-hotel. In 2025, a $111 million renovation of the Portland Art Museum will add 100,000 square feet, including new galleries and a Mark Rothko Pavilion. A $2 billion redevelopment of Portland International Airport makes the city more accessible.

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Alt Text: The new main terminal at Portland International Airport, nature-inspired and designed to enhance the travel experience.

1.5 Rome, Italy: Eternal City, New Celebrations

Rome will host the Jubilee in 2025, an event that occurs every 25 years, welcoming pilgrims worldwide. Andrea Grisdale, founder of IC Bellagio, advises travelers to consider lesser-known areas and enjoy traveling at a slower pace to avoid large crowds and long lines.

Extravagant new hotels are opening, including the Palazzo Talìa, designed by director Luca Guadagnino, and the Romeo Roma, set in a 16th-century palazzo updated by Zaha Hadid Architects. The Casa Monti celebrates art and Rome’s bohemian lifestyle. Other openings include the Corinthia Rome, the Mandarin Oriental, Rome, and the Rosewood Rome. La Minerva, part of Orient Express, will reopen in 2025 after a renovation.

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Alt Text: Tourists at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, a timeless symbol of the city’s beauty and cultural richness.

1.6 Sacramento, USA: California’s Capital Gains Recognition

Sacramento International Airport’s $1.3 billion renovation will be completed in 2025, with terminal expansions, new food options, additional parking, and better traffic flow. The improved SMF will accommodate new nonstop flights to Mexico City, Orlando, Nashville, Austin, and more.

Mike Testa, president and CEO of Visit Sacramento, notes the city’s transformation as a food destination and music festival mecca has flown under the radar. Sacramento has 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants and a 2024 James Beard Award finalist in Billy Ngo of Kru. The Oakland Athletics will relocate to Sutter Health Park for the 2025–2027 Major League Baseball seasons.

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Alt Text: The Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento, a vibrant venue that enriches the city’s cultural and entertainment landscape.

2. Cultural Immersion: Destinations for Experiential Travel in 2025

2.1 Budapest, Hungary: A Cosmopolitan Awakening

In 2023, the W Budapest opened in the Drechsler Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Andrássy Avenue, signaling a more cosmopolitan Budapest. New luxury hotels complement venerable stalwarts like the Four Seasons. The Kimpton BEM Budapest launched in a former 19th-century residence, and the Dorothea Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, opened in November 2023.

Budapest’s Városliget (City Park) has undergone a $1 billion restoration, including new cultural spaces like the House of Music Hungary and the Museum of Ethnography. According to T+L A-List advisor Gwen Kozlowski, time and investment have transformed Budapest into a very exciting city.

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Alt Text: Városliget, or City Park, in Budapest, a revitalized green space offering cultural and recreational activities.

2.2 Bukhara, Uzbekistan: Ancient Silk Road Charm

The first-ever Bukhara Biennial, titled “Recipes for Broken Hearts,” will take place in September 2025, aiming to bring together creatives from around the world. The event, directed by Diana Campbell, will feature artists like Laila Gohar, Antony Gormley, Delcy Morelos, and Wael Shawky.

The show aims to highlight Bukhara, whose crafts and folk art traditions have gained recognition on the international stage, according to UNESCO. Larry Ossei-Mensah, a curator and cofounder of Artnoir, believes the Bukhara Biennial serves as an opportunity for cultural legacies and contemporary ideas to come into contact in unexpected ways.

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Alt Text: The Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, an iconic example of the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

2.3 Charleston, USA: Southern Hospitality and History

Charleston has been T+L readers’ favorite city in the U.S. for 12 years running. Last summer, the International African American Museum opened, and in September, the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston brought together chefs from around the U.S.

The Beemok Hospitality Collection will open the Holy City’s first five-star hotel, The Cooper, on the downtown waterfront in 2025. Charleston Place hotel will unveil its completed renovations in 2025, and the new American Gardens park will debut in late 2025. On Johns Island, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, opened in August 2024 with 72 guest rooms and suites.

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Alt Text: Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, embodying the city’s architectural charm and academic heritage.

2.4 Inverness and the Flow Country, Scotland: Highland Heritage

Inverness is fast becoming a big-time destination, serving as the perfect base to explore the stunning Highland scenery, iconic castles, mountains, and wildlife. According to Chris Taylor, the destination development director for VisitScotland, the Flow Country is a must-see.

The Flow Country, a massive sweep of bogs and peatland, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in July. The area covers more than 700 square miles and is home to an abundance of wildlife. The city will unveil the Inverness Castle Experience, transforming the former prison and courts into a venue for history, music, storytelling, and regional cuisine. Also coming soon is the first U.K. property from the Cabot Collection, Cabot Highlands.

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Alt Text: St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Inverness, Scotland, along the River Ness, a historical landmark in the Scottish Highlands.

2.5 Lisbon and the Algarve, Portugal: A Tale of Two Regions

Lisbon is a city marked by trams, historic neighborhoods, and fado music. According to T+L A-List advisor Sheree M. Mitchell, Lisbon is unlike any other European capital, with direct influences from Portugal’s colonial past and its present-day status as an international hub.

New luxury stays are opening, including Six Senses Lisbon, Nobu Hotel Lisbon, The Standard, Lisbon, Kimpton Lisbon, and several Hilton properties. For a coastal getaway, the Algarve region is home to beaches, cliffs, and towns, all getting easier to reach. United has a seasonal nonstop route from Newark to Faro in the pipeline for 2025.

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Alt Text: The Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lisbon, showcasing Portugal’s architectural splendor and historical significance.

2.6 Luxor, Egypt: Ancient Wonders Unveiled

Luxor is famed for its ancient temples, many of which have been part of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. A new nonstop EasyJet flight from London will improve access to the city.

Two vibey hotels, Al Moudira and Beit Sabée, enhance Luxor’s growing reputation. Nour El Nil also operates a fleet of chic dahabeahs, including the newest, Poppee, which sets sail in November 2024.

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Alt Text: The Karnak temple complex in Luxor, Egypt, an awe-inspiring site of ancient history and architectural grandeur.

2.7 Thailand: A Land of Smiles and Culture

Thailand is T+L’s 2025 Destination of the Year, offering beaches, street food, and ancient temples. In Bangkok, new hotels such as the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok and The Ritz-Carlton will open later this year, followed by Six Senses The Forestias and Hyatt’s Andaz in 2025.

Season three of The White Lotus is set in Thailand and slated for early 2025. Grant Ekelund, a Thailand specialist at InsideAsia Tours, recommends Kanchanaburi, a town in west Thailand with beautiful scenery, cool places to stay, and fascinating history.

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Alt Text: Temples in Thailand, representing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

3. Adventurous Travelers: Destinations for Thrill-Seekers in 2025

3.1 The Caucasus: A Crossroads of Civilizations

The countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia will gain attention thanks to a new itinerary from Atlas Obscura and Intrepid. The two-week trip will visit cities including Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan, allowing travelers to see these emerging destinations.

The tours will open doors to wineries, bakeries, and crafts ateliers, and will also visit historical sites, mosques, and churches such as Gergeti Trinity. There will also be time in the countryside for farm visits, hikes, and scoping out the sauna scene.

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Alt Text: The Gergeti Trinity church and Mount Kazbek in Georgia, a stunning landscape highlighting the Caucasus’ natural and cultural beauty.

3.2 Greenland: Arctic Adventure

Greenland has seen a huge uptick in tourism, with cruise arrivals up 74 percent in 2023 compared with the year prior, and overall numbers up more than 30 percent. Greenland’s first international airport is slated to open in late 2024 in Nuuk, and two more airports are in the pipeline through 2026.

United will become the first U.S. airline to operate flights to the country come 2025. Outfitters are adding new tours that go beyond the southwest coast, offering wildlife watching, trips to the interior, and the opportunity to learn more about the island’s Indigenous culture. Intrepid and Natural Habitat Adventures have added new expeditions for 2025, and cruise operators like HX, Viking, Ponant, and Silversea are amping up their presence. According to NASA, the island is losing about 270 billion tons of ice mass each year.

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Alt Text: Kayaking in Greenland, with the HX cruise ship Fram in the distance, showcasing Greenland’s pristine waters and unique Arctic adventures.

3.3 Kumaon, India: Himalayan Hideaway

Shakti plans to open Shakti Prana in Kumaon in October, a seven-cabin retreat in the Himalayas. The new property will be the latest in a string of mountain lodges from the brand.

Founder Jamshyd Sethna promises you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the tranquility of these Himalayan hideaways. The location provides stunning views of the Great Himalayas and the Ramganga River valley.

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Alt Text: Hikers at Khaliya Top in India’s Kumaon Division, experiencing the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere of the Himalayas.

3.4 Madagascar: Biodiversity Hotspot

Outfitters including Abercrombie & Kent and Red Savannah are adding itineraries for 2025 that focus on Madagascar’s ecological riches: rainforests, canyons, the limestone formation known as the tsingy, and endemic wildlife.

According to Red Savannah’s Africa specialist Samantha Gordon, travelers want to see things their friends have not, to be among the first and to feel they are on a true adventure. A new Emirates service links Dubai and Madagascar’s capital city of Antananarivo. New hospitality offerings are popping up, including Namoroka Tsingy Camp and Voaara.

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Alt Text: Masoala Forest Lodge, an eco-lodge in Madagascar, showcasing the island’s unique biodiversity and sustainable tourism options.

3.5 Nicaragua: A Secret No More

A new 75-mile highway is slated to connect towns and beach communities along the Pacific coast by the end of 2025. According to Luke Maish, CEO of Rancho Santana, the Costanera Highway is one of the most significant projects in Central America.

United has doubled the number of flights it offers from its Houston hub to Managua. Resorts including Rancho Santana and Mukul offer access to surf breaks, wellness classes, rainforest hikes, and cultural experiences. Also worth checking out is Jicaro Island Lodge, part of the Cayuga Collection.

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Alt Text: Mombacho Volcano seen from Lake Nicaragua, a stunning view highlighting Nicaragua’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit.

3.6 The Philippines: Island Hopping in Paradise

The Philippines deserves a fresh look from travelers, given the destination’s affordability and a pro-tourism government. A new nonstop Philippine Airlines flight from Seattle is another boost.

A dozen hotels have opened over the past few years in Manila, including the Admiral Hotel, Okura Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott’s Westin brand. The island of Palawan will welcome several newcomers, including El Nido from Pavilions Hotels & Resorts. Nay Palad Hideaway, a rebuild on the island of Siargao, has re-emerged better than ever.

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Alt Text: An aerial view of the beach at the Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines, showcasing its pristine beauty and luxurious accommodations.

3.7 Universal Orlando: Theme Park Revolution

Universal Orlando Resort’s massive expansion will add Universal Epic Universe in 2025, a state-of-the-art park with five new lands featuring classic monsters, Nintendo franchises, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more.

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. Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, notes Universal Epic Universe marks a huge transformational moment for the resort.

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Alt Text: Rip Saw Falls, a flume ride at Universal Orlando, offering thrill-seekers an exciting and immersive experience.

4. Food and Drink Destinations: Savoring the World in 2025

4.1 Colorado’s Western Slope, USA: Wine Country Rising

Colorado’s Western Slope has a growing reputation for Rieslings and other cool-climate grapes. According to Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine, there’s definitely something there.

The Grand Valley AVA may enjoy a hedge against a warming world, situated as it is above 4,000 feet. Top wineries include Carlson Vineyards, The Storm Cellar, and Sauvage Spectrum. The hiking, mountain biking, and paddling in this stretch of the Rockies is top-flight.

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Alt Text: A vineyard in Palisade, Colorado, set in the Grand Valley AVA, showcasing the region’s emerging wine scene and scenic beauty.

4.2 Crete, Greece: Island Flavors

With the Cyclades getting so much attention, Crete is poised for its moment in the sun. New openings include the InterContinental Crete, JW Marriott, and Rosewood Blue Palace.

All three newcomers will make great springboards for exploring Crete’s cultural riches, including the Palace of Knossos and the Minoan Palace at Phaistos. The island also has some of the most dramatic topography in Greece.

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Alt Text: Lunch at Kafeneio Fix in Chania, Crete, showcasing the island’s culinary delights and traditional flavors.

4.3 Osaka, Japan: Culinary Capital

Osaka is fast becoming a must-visit for anyone heading to Japan, thanks to its culinary scene and electric nightlife. Expo 2025, running April through October, will be held at venues across the city.

New draws include the Four Seasons, which opened in 2024, and the Patina Hotels & Resorts, opening in the spring. The city’s first Waldorf Astoria should open around the same time. Air Canada has added seasonal nonstop flights to the newly renovated Kansai International Airport.

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Alt Text: Bota Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, offering stunning city views and a sophisticated drinking experience.

4.4 Priorat, Spain: Spain’s Hidden Gem

Wine-world insiders have lately been buzzing about Priorat, where landscapes, villages, and vineyard tourism are poised to make it the next big thing. According to T+L A-List advisor Marco Palermo, 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. Clos Mogador and Cellers de Scala Dei have embraced sustainable winemaking practices. The culinary scene is booming, with restaurants such as Brots and Quatre Molins having nabbed Michelin recognition.

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Alt Text: Perinet, a winery in Priorat, Spain, blending modern architecture with scenic vineyards for a unique wine tourism experience.

4.5 San Antonio, USA: Texas Culinary Hotspot

The first Michelin Guide to Texas just dropped, awarding 15 stars across the state. San Antonio has been on the cutting edge of culinary innovation, with nine of its restaurants, bars, and breweries in contention for James Beard Awards in the past three years.

Chef and restaurateur Jason Dady will be opening Mexico Ceaty in early 2025. The concept is on trend, considering the 2024 opening of Pullman Market, a 40,000-square-foot dining complex that exemplifies the farm-to-market ethos.

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Alt Text: The entrance to San Antonio’s Pullman Market, a culinary destination highlighting fresh, local ingredients and diverse food offerings.

4.6 San Diego, USA: California Cuisine

San Diego is getting even more exciting, as new openings further bolster its global culinary cred. In the summer of 2024, Tara Monsod, executive chef of Animae, opened Le Coq. The city also welcomed its first omakase yakitori restaurant, Yakitori Tsuta, this year.

Coming soon are more projects from Travis Swikard and chef Elijah Arizmendi. The newcomers join an already impressive lineup of good eats, including Addison, Leila, and Quixote.

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Alt Text: A delectable dish from Le Coq, one of San Diego’s many new restaurants, highlighting the city’s vibrant and innovative culinary scene.

4.7 Slovenia: Central European Charm

The luxury travel company Black Tomato introduces new experiences in Slovenia for 2025, which the company says has never been more popular. One trip will take wine lovers to three distinct regions, including Primorska, Posavje, and Podravje.

Slovenia has impressed the Michelin inspectors, with 63 restaurants earning recognition in 2024. The country has also seen several hotel renovations and openings, giving visitors more choice for high-end stays.

![View of famous wine region Goriska Br