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The hottest travel recovery trend for 2025? It would be “fun,” according to National Geographic editor-in-chief Nathan Lump, who spoke exclusively to CNN ahead of Tuesday's reveal. The best in the world 2025the brand's annual list of the most exciting and worthwhile travel experiences for the year ahead.
“This year, understanding the complexity of the times we live in and some of the challenges present in so many places on the planet, we wanted to look at things that we thought were really fun, that were really harnessed in joy of travel, the excitement of discovery,” says Lump.
Guadalajara, Mexicoearned a spot on the list thanks to its two-week mariachi festival in August and September, where some 500 groups perform at the Teatro Degollado and in public squares. “The streets come alive with music,” Lump explains. “It’s going to bring a lot of joy.”
Another festive destination full of culture is Boise, Idahowhich is home to the highest concentration of Basques in the United States. After a 10-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Jaialdi festival returns in 2025, with the city's Basque bloc organizing daily street parties, dance and music performances, as well as an evening sports with cutting wood and lifting carts. competitions.
At the other end of the scale, for what Lump calls “very zen entertainment,” there's Italythere are about 200 Cenobitic monasterieswhich date back to the Middle Ages. All visitors are welcome here for a monastic stay, regardless of their religious affiliation. It's a chance, Lump says, for visitors to connect with themselves or others “in a way that could be really moving and meaningful.”
THE Irish city of Corkhometown of 'Oppenheimer' star Cillian Murphy, is experiencing an urban renaissance thanks to a massive multi-billion development plan this is expected to be completed by 2028. Cork has “always been a fun city with a vibrant culture… and an incredibly friendly local population,” says Lump.
There are also some destinations on the list that never lack a visitor or two, like Bangkok And Los Angeles. In the Thai capital, National Geographic highlights ongoing restoration work at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a 17th-century Buddhist temple and one of the country's most important monuments.
At busy religious sites, like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, “it can be difficult to connect…to the spirituality of that place, even though it is obviously an incredible wonder.” It’s a destination in Bangkok that we don’t think has the same kind of overwhelming quality, but still gives you a connection to something really special,” says Lump.
Los Angeles is on the list of upcoming additions to its art scene, including the transformation of Crenshaw Boulevard with landscaped community spaces and more than 100 commissioned Black artists. Narrowly missing a launch next year, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open in 2026 in the Exhibition Center and display works collected by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas.
“One of my favorites on the list is Haida Gwaiia set of islands off the coast of British Columbia“, says Lump. Here, in the ancestral home of the indigenous Haida people, visitors will be able to experience “a very different type of cultural immersion,” with activities such as whale-watching excursions and meetings with local artists .
“We live a very fast life,” Lump says. “And there’s a lot to be said for getting out of that, connecting with nature and just slowing down.” The many fans of slow travel will be particularly interested in the return to service of the MalaysiaIt is Eastern and Oriental Expressby luxury rail operator Belmond. On Wild Malaysia trips, guests can learn about the critically endangered Malayan tigers and take a wildlife photography course.
“Our audience is really interested in active travel,” says Lump, “so we offer a few activities like that, like hiking the volcanoes of Guatemalaor climbing in India.” Volcán de Fuego, located in the town of Antiguais one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a hike to neighboring Acatenango Volcano offers unparalleled views of the action.
The Suru Valley in the northern Ladakh region is a growing hub of sport climbing in India, culminating with the annual Suru Outdoor Fest in August and September.
“We emphasize Greenland this year, because it becomes much more accessible,” says Lump, thanks to a new international airport and new flights to North America. It's “one of my favorite places I've been” and is “highly educational for people who want to understand how the planet is changing.”
In JapanNational Geographic's choice for 2025 is Kanazawaas an alternative to the popular but very touristy city of Kyoto. The country's gold leaf production center, “we think Kanazawa offers a very interesting alternative way to experience some of that traditional flavor of Japan and the true local culture of Japan, but in a slightly more peaceful way and a little calmer. less overwhelming.
To learn more about the 2025 list, including destinations in Florida, Sweden, Tunisia and Indonesia, visit The best in the world 2025.
