While some travelers make a spontaneous last-minute choice to throw their clothes in a suitcase and leave, others take advantage of pricing and plan a year in advance for an epic vacation. Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel list aims to capture forward-thinking travelers by suggesting next year’s great places to stay, based on trends and travel forecasts. The ‘Best in Travel 2025’ list includes 30 destinations comprising cities, countries and regions. This year, three of the 30 cities are in the US, with Pittsburgh being the only US city mentioned. Also on the list are South Carolina’s Lowcountry and Georgia’s coastal regions, as well as Oregon’s Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge regions. Let’s talk about each one!
Photo: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone Pittsburgh Cable Car
Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh made the list for its affordability, artisanal feel, and industrial history. There are plenty of shops, boutiques, breweries, and independent eateries to explore.
Lowcountry: Home to cosmopolitan cities like Charleston and Savannah, as well as miles of beaches and wetlands, the Lowcountry offers a great foodie scene. Learn about the area’s history at the International African American Museum, which opened last year. The site is located in Charleston, where an estimated 45 percent of enslaved Africans first set foot on American soil. About 30 minutes away is the cute Tybee Island Lighthouse.
Photo: Ron and Patti Thomas/Getty Images
Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge Region: Just 30 minutes from Portland is this ski and bike paradise with farm stands, breweries, and wineries. Dramatic Mount Hood is number one on the list of must-see gorgeous mountain views. Meanwhile, Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the United States.
In addition to listing next year’s global destinations, the report also identifies 10 travel trends to see in 2025.
Top travel trends for 2025 by Lonely Planet
Train Hopping – Everyone wants to ride a train. Take it easy – Leisurely travel, choosing natural spots instead of cities, will continue to be a trend. Follow the Music – Travelers build their trips by searching for music venues and concerts. Extreme Birding – Bird lovers travel to spots where they can see amazing birds. Marvelous Market – Travelers seek out locally made and made-to-order items. What a Drag – Drag shows can be a fun and inclusive destination. Underrated Parks – Some parks are overcrowded, so smart travelers look for less-visited parks. Local Taste – Food! yes! Become silent. Arboreal Adventures – Travelers will look for trees and forests worth mentioning as destinations in 2025. Best Beaches – Beaches will forever remain a popular spot for travelers, as most of us love the sound of waves and the chance to swim in Mother Nature’s pools.
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