EXCLUSIVE REPORT — The world is more expansive and interconnected than ever before in human history. Modern air travel allows people to zip from New York to Singapore or London to Cape Town in hours—journeys that once took weeks or even months.
However, the abundance of choices can feel overwhelming. In this age of FOMO (fear of missing out), social media often makes it seem like everyone you know is off on an exotic adventure. So, how do we decide where to go next?
According to CNN Travel, their team of journalists has done an excellent job identifying the top destinations to visit in 2025.
1. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan, is quickly becoming Central Asia’s “Capital of Cool,” offering a mix of vibrant nightlife, a growing arts scene, and stunning landscapes at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. The city is home to artistic metro stations, world-class museums like the Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum, and a unique “Neo Nomad cuisine.” Almaty is easily accessible via direct flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with visa-free entry for many countries, including the U.S., UK, and Canada.
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India, have long been difficult to visit, with most Indians never setting foot there. However, this is changing with the launch of the archipelago’s first international passenger flight from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair in late 2024.
While the islands are sometimes linked to the tragic story of John Allen Chau, it’s important to note that access to North Sentinel Island is not only difficult but illegal. Instead, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands themselves offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm, welcoming locals.
Often compared to the Maldives before commercial tourism arrived, the islands boast locally-owned cafes, fresh juices, chai, and parathas. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and even visit Barren Island, home to India’s only live volcano. Swaraj Dweep, a short ferry ride from Port Blair, is a diver’s paradise.
Travelers from around the world have visited the Andaman Islands throughout history. According to the government tourism website, historical records show that:
- Arab travelers visited the islands in the 19th century.
- Marco Polo described the area as “Angamanian” during his visit in the 13th century.
- Friar Odoric passed through in the 14th century.
- Caesar Fredericke explored the islands in the 16th century.
Sylvain Sonnet/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images
3. Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
“Everybody dreams ah fi go England, my dream’s to go Bequia,” sings Marlo Benn in a soca song that captures the charm of this seven-square-mile island. Bequia (pronounced Beck-way) is a stunning destination known for its white sand beaches, warm year-round temperatures, and lush tropical landscapes.
Located just half an hour by air from Barbados, Bequia is one of the 32 islands that make up St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While nearby Mustique is more famous, Bequia’s allure is undeniable.
Despite being hit by Category 4 Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Bequia has recovered and seen a rise in visitors. The island’s most famous beach, Princess Margaret Beach, is known for its beauty and named after Queen Elizabeth II’s sister. Nearby, Friendship Bay and the Bequia Heritage Museum offer insight into the island’s history, including its long-standing whaling tradition.
4. Bolivia, South America
August 6 marks the 200th anniversary of Bolivia’s independence from Spain, led by Simón Bolívar, the country’s first president. While official plans for celebrations are still under wraps, 2025 is expected to be a year of festivity.
Though many travelers add Bolivia to a Peru trip, “the country is a destination in its own right,” says Laura Rendell-Dunn of Journey Latin America. “You can easily spend two weeks or more exploring its highlights.”
La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, is gaining recognition for its vibrant restaurant scene, with places like Gustu, founded by Noma co-founder Claus Meyer and now run by chef Marsia Taha. The restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on traditional Bolivian cuisine.
Luxury accommodations such as the Atix Hotel provide comfort at La Paz’s high altitude, while more remote areas offer unique stays like Airstream campers on the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. From the world’s highest navigable lake at Lake Titicaca to the pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanaku and the colonial beauty of UNESCO-listed Sucre, Bolivia offers luxury and fewer crowds compared to its neighbor Peru.
5. Chemnitz, Germany
Once known as Karl-Marx-Stadt, Chemnitz in East Germany is most famous for its massive bronze bust of Karl Marx, the “second-largest in the world,” erected in 1971. This sculpture, symbolizing the city’s complex history, remains a major attraction, though Marx never visited the city in his lifetime.
In 2025, the focus shifts to Chemnitz’s vibrant cultural scene, as it joins Nova Gorica, Slovenia, as a European Capital of Culture. Once one of Germany’s wealthiest cities, Chemnitz is now celebrating its diversity with festivals, street art, vintage car rallies, and exhibitions.
Visitors can also admire the city’s eclectic architecture, including the two-part Town Hall, which blends 15th-century and Art Nouveau styles. The city’s “C the Unseen” initiative champions projects like the Purple Path, an art and sculpture trail connecting Chemnitz with surrounding communities, and efforts to transform public spaces into cultural hubs.
6. England’s footpaths
England’s countryside is crisscrossed with ancient footpaths, bridleways, and byways, legally accessible to all. Despite lacking towering mountain trails, the country offers scenic paths just a short walk from most doorsteps, from green tunnels of trees to windswept moors. Iconic routes like the Pennine Way, Coast-to-Coast, and South Downs Way are popular, but quieter areas also feature marked trails. With an Ordnance Survey map, anyone can create their own adventure.
7. Eswatani and Mpumalanga province, South Africa
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has partnered with South Africa’s Mpumalanga province and Mozambique for the TRILAND 2024-2025 tourism initiative, aiming to create a cross-border tourism corridor in southeast Africa. While the U.S. government advises against travel to Mozambique, Eswatini and Mpumalanga are open for visitors.
Mpumalanga is home to Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, the third-largest canyon in the world, distinguished by its lush subtropical vegetation. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from God’s Window and easily combine their trip with a visit to nearby Kruger National Park.
8. Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk is renowned as the site where World War II began and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, which helped end communism in Poland. However, this Baltic port city offers much more. Formerly known as Danzig, Gdańsk was rebuilt after the war, emerging as one of Poland’s most colorful cities.
Notable attractions include the Museum of the Second World War, Artus Court, and St. Mary’s Church, one of the world’s largest brick churches. In 2023, Gdańsk was ranked among the best cities to live in Europe, with high resident satisfaction.
9. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
In the 1970s, Pakistan was a prime adventure travel destination, especially for travelers on the “Hippie Trail.” Though political instability halted tourism, the stunning peaks of the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Karakoram Mountains remain as breathtaking as ever. Home to five of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the region is a challenge to reach with unreliable flights and seasonal road closures.
With rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, hiking here is far more demanding than in the Himalayas. Solo hiking is not permitted, but organized trips from global tour operators like G Adventures and Intrepid make it accessible, with guided hikes starting around $3,000.
10. Italian trains
Luxury enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a super-luxurious train offering eight itineraries across Italy starting in April. The routes will include famous destinations like Venice and Tuscany, as well as lesser-known areas like Abruzzo, Basilicata, and Sicily to Rome.
For those on a smaller budget, Italy offers stylish travel options too. Trenitalia, ranked the best in Europe in December, operates high-speed Frecce trains connecting major cities efficiently. For a more luxurious experience, the Executive class offers large recliner chairs and butler service. Additionally, Treni Turistici Italiani (TTI) trains, often vintage, provide a more exclusive, comfortable ride. New 2025 routes include a Milan to Saint-Raphaël service and a seasonal night train from Rome to Lecce.
Stay tuned to our news site for updates on 10 more exciting destinations!
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