Beautiful paradise beach in Angthong National Park, Koh Samui, Thailand | Image credit: fototrav/Getty Images
2025 is fast approaching and travelers are already starting to book their vacations for next year in earnest. American Express (AMEX) has announced its annual Trending Destinations list, featuring 10 must-see global hotspots. This list is based on cardmember bookings and year-over-year growth data.
In the United States, there is a clear focus on travelers who want to visit the great outdoors. “Moab, Utah, and Sun Valley, Idaho, are seeing an increase in bookings, especially from Millennials and Gen Z,” Audrey Hendry, president of American Express Travel, told Travel & Leisure.
This includes accommodations such as Ulum Moab, with its luxury safari glamping tents offering a tranquil stay near Canyonlands and Arches National Park, and Sun Valley Resort, with year-round outdoor adventures and a full-service spa. Contains.
Brisbane, Brittany and more on top AMEX 2025 destinations
Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah | Image credit: Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure
Both of these properties are part of Amex’s newest hotel collection, a portfolio of more than 1,000 luxury properties around the world. AmEx says it will add more than 300 new hotels in 2024. Hotel Collection guests can enjoy special benefits like late checkout and a $100 property credit when they book directly with Amex Travel and book with their Amex Platinum or Amex Gold Card.
“The number one question cardmembers ask Amex Travel is, ‘Where should I go next?'” Hendry added. This report helps answer that question. Here’s the complete list of trending destinations in 2025, according to data, in no particular order.
brisbane, australia
Located between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane has a vibrant dining and nighttime lighting scene, world-class museums and is a surfer’s paradise. Recommended hotel: Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude
Book your stay at Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Vree on Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley on Agoda.com
brittany, france
Located in the northwest corner of France, Brittany is part of a hilly region that stretches toward the Atlantic Ocean, with a unique culture, coastal landscapes, and miles of seaside promenades.
Recommended hotel: Le Grand Hôtel Dinard
Book your stay at Hôtel Barrière Le Grand Hôtel Dinard on Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Barriere Le Grand Hotel Dinard on Agoda.com
Franschhoek, South Africa
A jewel surrounded by mountains, Franschhoek is home to South African wine, with dozens of wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and the perfect addition to a hiking safari vacation.
Recommended Hotel: Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa
Book your stay at Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa on Booking.com
Book your stay at Delaire Graff Lodge and Spa with Agoda
Koh Samui, Thailand
This popular Thai beach with pristine white sand and turquoise waters will be featured in next season’s White Lotus. Set jetters are overjoyed.
Recommended hotel: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui on Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand on Agoda.com
Macau, China
Not only is Macau just off the coast of Hong Kong, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a unique Cantonese-Portuguese fusion cuisine. Of course, there’s also the nightlife and casinos that make it the “Las Vegas of the East.”
Recommended hotel: Mandarin Oriental Macau
Book your stay at Mandarin Oriental, Macau on Booking.com
Book your stay at Mandarin Oriental Macau on Agoda.com
Moab, Utah
With several national parks right outside of town, Moab is an ideal starting point for exploring the American Southwest. Outdoor adventurers will enjoy doing everything in their Hummer from mountain biking to rock climbing to off-roading.
Recommended hotel: Ulm Moab
Book your stay in Ulum Moab on Booking.com
Book your stay in Ulum Moab on Agoda.com
Nikko, Japan
It’s no longer just Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nikko is a mountain retreat with photogenic waterfalls and plenty of hiking trails.
Recommended hotel: Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Book your stay at Nikko Kanaya Hotel on Booking.com
Book your stay at Nikko Kanaya Hotel on Agoda.com
Paros island, Greece
According to AmEx, Greece will remain popular with Americans in 2025. But the more laid-back island of Paros, with its vibrant cultural scene and rocky coastline dotted with beaches and sea caves, has become a popular Greek island.
Recommended hotel: Avant Mar
Book your stay at Avan Mar Paros on Booking.com
Book your stay at Avant Mar Paros on Agoda.com
sao paulo, brazil
Rio may get more attention, but next year São Paulo will shine with its architectural heritage, the continent’s best museums and homegrown fashion. Don’t forget the F1 races there too.
Recommended hotel: Rosewood Sao Paulo
Book your stay at Rosewood São Paulo on Booking.com
Book your stay at Rosewood São Paulo on Agoda.com
sun valley idaho
From skiing to spas, Sun Valley appeals to a wide range of travelers, with less crowds than other Western resorts. Enjoy summer activities like trout fishing and whitewater rafting without having to spend the night at your destination.
Recommended hotel: Sun Valley Resort
Book your stay at Sun Valley Resort on Agoda.com
Buy the best travel experiences here
All currency conversions were made at the time of writing.
(Feature image credit: fototrav/Getty Images)
This article first appeared on travelandleisure.com.
Related: The Most Beautiful Road Trips to Take in Japan
Note:
Information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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author
Chris Don
