Choosing where to go on your next vacation just got a little easier.
National geographic has just released its “Best of the World 2025” list of top global destinations, curated by a team of international travel experts and editors.
The aim of the magazine's list is to “highlight extraordinary places around the world” while emphasizing aspects such as adventure, culture, conversation and sustainability.
“It's not just about celebrating these places, but also about inspiring adventure and promoting responsible, meaningful travel,” Starlight Williams, editor-in-chief of National Geographic, told CNBC Make It. “It’s the idea that no matter who you are as a traveler or what you’re interested in, there is something that inspires you, and you can take that as a launching pad to create your own best of the world. “
Although the list includes far-flung places around the world, including Greenland, Japan and India, National Geographic has also highlighted some places closer to home.. Among the 25 locations listed, three destinations are in the United States: Boise, Idaho; Ocala National Forest in Florida and Los Angeles, California.
“It’s more of a representation of the unique aspects of American culture and natural beauty that resonates around the world,” says Williams. “It’s the idea that you can feel this sense of wholeness that connects to the world right here.”
But the National Geographic guide isn't just about vacation destinations. It also strives to provide travelers with sustainable and eco-friendly places.
“This list gives people places that not only preserve the location for future generations, but also respect the local culture and environment, so they know there's a reason it's epic now , and we want to make sure that years from now, that will still exist,” she says.
These are National Geographic's top destinations for 2025.
The Americas
- Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- Boise, Idaho
- Ocala National Forest, Florida
- Los Angeles, California
- Barbados
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Greenland
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Cerrado, Brazil
Boise, Idaho
Darwin fan | Instant | Getty Images
Williams admitted that Boise, Idaho, might seem like a surprising choice to readers at first glance. But the city made the cut because it offers travelers a part of the world without ever having to leave the United States.
“It’s the Midwest, so people might think of potato and corn fields, but there’s a lot more to it than that,” Williams says.
According to National Geographic, Idaho has the highest concentration of Basques in the United States. They are a European ethnic group found in parts of Spain and France. In July 2025, Boise honors the region's Basque population with Jaialdi, a festival that takes place every five years.
The celebration takes place over several days and includes music, artists, sports, food and dancing. The city's famous downtown Basque Block will host daily street parties and feature traditional Basques competitions like wagon lifting and wood chopping.
Europe
- Cork, Ireland
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Brasov, Romania
- Cenobitic monasteries, Italy
Brasov, Romania, is becoming increasingly easier to access thanks to its proximity to Romania's first new airport in 50 years.
The medieval city allows travelers to explore the region along the Via Transilvanica, a hiking trail completed in 2022 that runs 870 miles and features 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites like the painted monasteries of Sucevia and Moldoviţei , built in the 16th century. century.
Asia
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Suru Valley, India
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Bojabo | Istock | Getty Images
After a four-year shutdown due to Covid, the Eastern and Oriental Express was returned to service in 2024. The train's round-trip journeys depart from Singapore and travel through Malaysia, stopping at popular destinations such as the Taman Negara National Park, Langkawi and Penang. .
The carriages have been revamped with high-end woodwork and Malaysian silks as a nod to the culture of the region.
“These 15 wagons take you through an area that you can't often see by just taking a road trip or flying,” Williams says.
The cost of a four-day, three-night trip starts at $3,410 per person and includes meals, drinks and scheduled activities like a visit to a tiger conservation site, e-bike rides to ancient caves and more.
Africa
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Emson | Istock | Getty Images
- Tunisia
- Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Senegal
While the world-famous Kruger National Park is South Africa's must-see destination for safari enthusiasts, National Geographic recommends visiting Kwazulu-Natal in 2025. It is home to the Babanango Game Reserve of nearly 50 000 acres, which in recent years has successfully introduced wildlife including elephants, rare antelopes, lions and endangered black rhinos.
Australasia
- Northland, New Zealand
- Murray River, Australia
The Murray River in Australia is the third longest navigable river in the world after the Amazon and the Nile.
The region is about to launch a new river cruise in 2025 this will enable multi-night trips out of the Victorian town of Echuca. Itineraries for these guided cruises – which last three, four or seven nights – will include wine tastings and wildlife viewing.
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