The 8 trendy vacation destinations for 2025

As the new year approaches, it's the perfect time to plan those trips you've been looking forward to taking. And wEven though the world is your oyster, there are a few particular destinations that travel experts say are worth visiting in 2025.

Experts are currently seeing an explosion in popularity in a few places, in the United States and elsewhere. Here are the top destinations that travel experts say will be on everyone's radar next year ― and why you'll want to book a trip yourself:

“Book your trip to Thailand now,” said Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Journey. “This Southeast Asian country is well-known for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture and glamorous resorts, but 2025 will get an extra boost from the upcoming season of “The White Lotus.”

Duckworth says he saw an increase in travel to Hawaii and Sicily after the first two seasons of the HBO series, so he expects the same to be true for Thailand. “As far as we know, the hit series will take place on the island of Koh Samui and we hope fans will follow,” he said.

You don't need to stay at a luxury resort to enjoy the benefits of visiting Thailand. People also love traveling to the country for its experiences, including visiting Khao Sok National Park, tasting local cuisine, exploring Bangkok, getting a traditional Thai massage and much more.

If you want to travel to the United States, Jonathan Alder, founder and CEO of Jonathan's travelssaid it was worth considering Orlando because of the opening of Universal's Epic Universe in May 2025. It will be the first major theme park to open in Orlando in more than 20 years.

“Already an incredibly popular travel destination each year as the theme park capital of the world, this all-new park will be a major draw with five distinct lands across the largest park Universal has ever opened,” Alder said. “Fans will come from all over the world to experience Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter and The Battle at The Ministry and much more. »

The City Beautiful is also a gourmet’s dream; it was named the best food city in America in 2023. And it's pretty close to both coasts of Florida, which also makes a trip to the beach easy.

There are plenty of reasons to travel to Italy – hello pasta – but next year will have its own special draw. Duckworth expects Italy to see an even bigger boost with the 2025 Jubilee, which is a special Holy Year in Rome and Vatican City.

“An estimated 35 million people will travel to Rome throughout the year for the celebration, so prepare for extra crowds,” he explained. “Major works have taken place across the city in preparation for the Jubilee, so Rome will be more accessible and more breathtaking than we have seen in years.”

Travel to Japan skyrocketed last year and that trend is expected to continue through 2025, according to Duckworth.

“A positive exchange rate attracted many new travelers to the region and they returned home delighted with their wonderful vacation full of culture, beauty and delicious cuisine,” he said. “Tokyo and Kyoto are the two main destinations visited by our customers, and spring is a very popular time with cherry blossoms. »

Alder predicts that Kenya will be a popular spot for safari getaways, and he says 2025 is the perfect time for Americans to venture beyond Europe and explore more interesting destinations around the world.

“During the peak summer holiday season in July and August, visitors can witness one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the world: the Great Migration crossing the Mara River,” he said. “Imagine being surrounded by wildebeest and zebras.”

It's not exactly an experience you can have every day.

Traveling to New Zealand from the United States has been a challenge for many people, but Alder pointed out that visiting the country has become much easier thanks to “accessible routes from the United States available now more than ever, including including almost daily non-stop flights.”

As a result, he predicts more people will visit New Zealand in 2025 – and there will be plenty to enjoy once they arrive.

“This beautiful West Indian country is a paradise for adventure seekers as well as food, wine and hiking enthusiasts,” said Alder. “It’s an ideal destination to spend at least two weeks exploring diverse regions, breathtaking scenery including the famous settings of the Lord of the Rings films, and exciting activities.”

An example of an exciting activity? Skydivingwhich gives you a unique aerial view of New Zealand's forests, volcanoes and more.

Many popular destinations in Europe are teeming with tourists. If you're looking for a more peaceful getaway, Alder suggested heading to Scotland in the new year.

“Experience fascinating culture, breathtaking landscapes and, of course, the chance to enjoy world-class whisky,” he said. Visit a distillery, take great hikes, and visit fairytale castles.

The climate is also an advantage. “With much cooler and comfortable weather compared to the scorching heat of southern Europe during the summer holidays, Scotland offers a refreshing retreat,” said Alder.

Alder said Antarctica is considered a “must see while it’s still here” destination, as the white continent is one of the last truly untouched places on Earth and a must-see experience for any traveler.

“Unfortunately, with global warming rapidly changing its unique environment, now is the time to observe its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife,” Alder explained.

“For the ultimate experience, be sure to book a trip that includes South Georgia Island and the Falklands,” he continued. “South Georgia, in particular, offers what many consider to be the greatest wildlife encounters in the world. Imagine yourself in the middle of a colony of more than 450,000 penguins for an unforgettable close-up with nature.

If you want to plan a trip around new experiences, you may prefer to take a vacation based on emerging travel trends. Duckworth said he sees three types of trips growing in popularity, and he expects them to continue into next year.

The first is astrotourism or nocturnal tourism, which involves embracing the stars and celestial events, particularly the Northern Lights. “We're already seeing this across the country, with people posting photos of the Northern Lights from their backyards,” Duckworth said. “Many travel companies are helping to generate interest with special astronomical cruises, nighttime events and guided activities around the world.”

Another type of travel involves detour destinations, which are smaller, quieter cities outside of major metropolitan areas like Paris, London, and New York. “Travelers interested in this type of vacation will often only spend a day or two in the big city and then head to a smaller city for the remainder of their trip,” Duckworth said.

The latest trend he predicts will gain popularity in 2025 is the resurgence of resorts and all-inclusive vacations. “All-inclusive resorts range from budget to ultra-luxury, so there's usually something for every type of traveler,” Duckworth said.

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