Choosing where to go on your next vacation just got a little easier.
National Geographic has announced its “Best of the World 2025” list of the world’s top destinations, hand-picked by a team of travel experts and international editors.
The magazine’s list aims to “highlight special places around the world”, focusing on aspects such as adventure, culture, conversation and sustainability.
“We aim not only to celebrate these places, but also to inspire adventure and encourage responsible and meaningful travel,” National Geographic Editor Starlight Williams told CNBC Make It. “It’s the idea that no matter who you are as a traveler or what your interests are, there’s something that inspires you and you can use this as a springboard to create the best of your own world. .”
While the list includes far-flung places around the world, including Greenland, Japan, and India, National Geographic also features some locations closer to home. Of the 25 locales listed, 3 destinations are within the United States. Ocala National Forest in Florida and Los Angeles, California.
“Rather, it’s an expression of unique aspects of American culture and natural beauty that resonates around the world,” Williams said. “The idea is that here you can get a global feeling that connects you to the world.”
But National Geographic guides aren’t just about vacation destinations. We also focus on providing sustainable and environmentally friendly destinations for our travelers.
“This list not only preserves the place for future generations, but also provides people with a place that respects the local culture and environment and knows there’s a reason why it’s great now. “We want to make sure that it’s still there years from now,” she says.
These are National Geographic’s top destinations for 2025.
Americas
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Boisiokara National Forest, Idaho, Los Angeles, Florida, California, Barbados, Guadalajara, Greenland, Mexico, Antigua, Guatemala, Cerrado, Brazil
boise, idaho
Darwin Fan | Moments | Getty Images
Williams acknowledged that Boise, Idaho, may seem like a surprising choice to readers at first glance. But the city is successful because it offers travelers a slice of the world without leaving the United States.
“This is the Midwest, so people might think of just potato and corn fields, but it’s so much more than that,” Williams says.
According to National Geographic, Idaho has the highest concentration of Basques in the United States. The Basques are a European ethnic group spanning parts of Spain and France. In July 2025, Boise will honor the region’s Basque people with Jayardi, a festival held every five years.
The celebration spans several days and features music, performers, sports, food, and dancing. Street parties are held daily in the city’s famous Basque Block downtown, featuring traditional Basque competitions such as wagon-lifting and wood-splitting.
Europe
Ireland, Cork, Stockholm Islands, Sweden Outer Hebrides, Brasov, Scotland, Romania Cenobitic Monastery, Italy
Brasov, Romania is close to Romania’s first new airport in 50 years, making travel easier.
In this medieval city, travelers can explore the area along Via Transylvanica. The hiking trail, completed in 2022, is 1,370 miles long and features 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 16th-century Suteviša and Mordoviše Monasteries.
Asia
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Sur Valley, Indra Raja Ampat, Indonesia Thailand Bangkok, Japan Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia
abu dhabi, united arab emirates
Bojabo | iStock | Getty Images
After four years of suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Eastern & Oriental Express will resume operations in 2024. The round-trip train journey will depart from Singapore and travel through Malaysia, stopping at popular destinations such as Taman Negara National Park, Langkawi and Penang. .
The vehicles have been updated with premium wood paneling and Malaysian silk to reflect the region’s culture.
“These 15 vehicles will take you through areas that you might not be able to see just by traveling by car or flying,” Williams said.
Costs for the 3-night, 4-day trip start at $3,410 per person and include food, drinks, and scheduled activities such as a visit to a tiger sanctuary and an e-bike ride to an ancient cave.
Africa
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Emson | iStock | Getty Images
Tunisia KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Senegal
The world-famous Kruger National Park is a classic South African destination for safari enthusiasts, but National Geographic recommends visiting KwaZulu-Natal in 2025. It is home to the nearly 50,000-acre Babanango Game Reserve, which has been successfully introduced in recent years. Wildlife including elephants, rare antelopes, lions, and the endangered black rhinoceros.
Australia
Northland, New Zealand Murray River, Australia
Australia’s Murray River is the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Amazon and the Nile.
A new river cruise in the region is set to debut in 2025, offering multi-night trips from the Victorian town of Echuca. These guided cruise itineraries (3, 4, or 7 nights) include wine tasting and wildlife viewing.
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