Get your passport ready — the 2025 travel season is fast approaching, and now’s the perfect time to plan! Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, relaxation or a deep dive into new cultures, our handpicked 2025 travel destinations all share one key element: a rich sense of authenticity and local flavor that allows you to truly tap into their spirit. From sharing a meal with residents of a remote village to encountering exotic animals up close or seeing a view that makes your heart beat just a little faster, these experiences will leave you changed in some way for the better. Let this list inspire your next adventure — one that nourishes your soul, broadens your perspective and creates memories for a lifetime.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Cudillero is one of the most charming villages in Asturias. Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz

Where to Go Next: 2025 Travel Destinations to Put on Your List

Asturias, Spain

Tucked amid the lush green peaks and wild coastline of northwest Spain, Asturias feels a world away from sun-baked Sevilla or the cosmopolitan buzz of Barcelona and Madrid. While Spaniards have long come here on summer holidays for the cool climate and vast nature reserves, Asturias is still off-path for most U.S. travelers, and its integrity is well preserved. Stroll through sleepy seaside villages such as Cudillero and Llanes; hike to clifftop viewpoints or around mountain lakes; sample local delicacies such as Cabrales blue cheese and tangy cider (if you’re brave, try “throwing” it into the glass from high above the head to hone its flavor). If you’ve been longing to walk a stretch of the Camino de Santiago, two routes of this legendary trail run through the region — one cuts through the interior while the other hugs the coast.

TIP: In all of these destinations, our CB Family Travel Advisors work with hand-selected partners to craft a seamless trip tailored for your wish list, with access to one-of-a-kind experiences along the way. Reach out to us for more info or talk about ideas.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Gyeongbokgung Palace is an essential sightseeing stop in Seoul. Photo by Ross Javier

South Korea

Accessible and family-friendly with a well-equipped infrastructure for travelers, South Korea makes for a terrific first visit to Southeast Asia, or a next destination if you’ve already been to more popular countries like Japan. In June 2025, Delta will launch a new direct flight to Seoul from Salt Lake City, making it even easier to reach South Korea from the U.S. Start with a few days in the capital to explore its mix of ancient and modern culture, then head to the oceanfront city of Busan for a bit of beach time. Finish your itinerary amid the natural beauty of Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s also the perfect place to unwind.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
The idyllic landscape makes Peggy’s Cove a favorite Nova Scotia photo op. Photo by John Murray

Nova Scotia

With its evergreen-dotted cliffs, lobster boats and picturesque lighthouses, Nova Scotia holds much the same sort of charm as neighboring Maine, yet this Canadian province has a rich and unique heritage that sets it apart. Indigenous, Acadian and Gaelic influences are laced together in its local music, festivals and foodways. It’s a region tailor-made for road tripping — start in Halifax, the capital, and work your way toward the South Shore, the colorful town of Lunenburg, the Bay of Fundy (a prime spot for whale watching), the wineries of the Annapolis Valley and Cape Breton Island, where the Cabot Trail coastal drive offers scenic rewards around every hairpin turn. And if you’re an Anne of Green Gables fan, add a couple of days on Prince Edward Island, home to the farmhouse that inspired the novel.

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Top 2025 Travel Destinations
A herd of zebra grazes in Namibia’s early morning light. Photo by Joshua Kettle

Namibia

Sparsely populated with vast deserts and gravel plains amid brush-covered hills, Namibia is fast rising in popularity as a safari destination, thanks in part to a network of luxury lodges scattered across the country. In Sossusvlei, home to Namibia’s iconic red dunes, you’re likely to spot creatures like springbok, zebras and leopards; farther north, Etosha National Park is home to a salt pan so enormous that it’s visible from space, which draws black rhinoceros, elephants, lions, cheetahs and a vast assortment of other African wildlife. In between game drives, a typical Namibia safari itinerary offers other unforgettable adventures to punctuate your trip, like floating over the wilderness in a hot air balloon, paddling a sea kayak along the coast or hiking across the dunes.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
The caves of Kleftiko Beach on Milos invite swimmers and sailors. Photo by Lefteris Papaulakis

Milos and Folegandros, Greece

Although they belong to the Cyclades like their flashier cousins Mykonos and Santorini, these two Greek gems pair well for a lower-key island escape. Milos is relatively undeveloped, dotted with fishing villages and ringed by outlandishly beautiful volcanic rock formations that invite cliff jumping into the turquoise waves below. With a trove of archaeological sites and ancient treasures (the Venus de Milo statue was discovered here), it’s also a magnet for history buffs. Folegandros’ Chora, or Old Town, is among the prettiest in the Cyclades, with classic white buildings spilling down a steep cliff toward the shore. A hint of glamour has arrived in recent years with a surge of upscale boutiques and luxury accommodations, but the island remains mostly unspoiled and uncrowded.

TIP: The traditional way to travel between Milos and Folegandros is by ferry, but our Greece partners can arrange a sailing excursion that turns the transfer into a lovely day on the water, complete with a homemade repast and stops to swim or snorkel. A much better use of time, we say!

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Iguazu Falls’ powerful impact has to be experienced firsthand to be appreciated. Photo by Amie O’Shaughnessy

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

There are no words that do justice to the sheer majesty of Iguazu Falls, one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. Overlapping the border between northeast Argentina and southwest Brazil, these thundering cascades of water plunge over a series of dramatic cliffs, surrounded by tropical rainforests that house an incredibly diverse ecosystem. You can visit either the Argentinian side, which offers better hiking trails and closer access to the falls, or the Brazilian side, known for its panoramic views; if possible, we recommend exploring both to get the full picture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s easiest to fly into the area from a larger city like Buenos Aires and spend a couple of nights — this is one destination that calls for more time rather than less.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
A Bennett’s wallaby, one of the most common local species, peeks from the grasslands of Tasmania. Photo by Phillip

Tasmania, Australia

Pristine and primal, Tasmania is set to become Australia‘s next hotspot. Almost half this island off the coast of Melbourne is protected from development, and its diverse landscapes range from rugged mountains and dense rainforests to white-sand beaches and craggy coastlines. Animal lovers come for the abundant wildlife, such as the namesake Tasmanian devil (a type of marsupial), wallabies, wombats, blue penguins and a wide variety of bird species. It’s also known for its temperate climate; clean, pure air; and local agriculture — farm to table takes on new meaning here, and the main town, Hobart, has an impressive number of excellent restaurants where you can sample the harvest.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Paired with the Colosseum next door, a tour of the Roman Forum is an ideal introduction to Rome’s ancient history. Photo by Lisa Frederick

Rome

Any year is a good year for a visit to the Eternal City. But thanks to the upcoming 2025 Jubilee, Rome is prepared to put its best face forward — monuments, public buildings and transport systems are spruced up and sparkling, and there’s a full calendar of cultural programming and special events on tap. While the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and classic attractions are likely to be jam-packed, it’s a great chance to get off the beaten path and tour lesser-known sites like Ostia Antica, a ruined seaport near the coast, or the Via Appia Antica, the ancient Roman road that led in and out of town. Bonus: Rome’s luxury hotel scene is better than ever, rife with brand-new or freshly renovated properties like the Bulgari Roma, Six Senses Rome, Anantaro Palazzo Naiadi and the Rome Edition.

TIP: CB Travel Advisors can book these and other hotels for our clients with exclusive perks and amenities to pass along, like free breakfast, complimentary upgrades upon availability, early check-in/late check-out and more. Connect with us for details.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
The coral reefs in Fiji offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the South Pacific. Photo by Michael

Fiji

Remote and unspoiled, Fiji‘s premier calling card is its tropical beauty: lucid blue water, coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and sugar-sand beaches fringed by palms. It’s renowned for surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and other watersports, and you could easily spend your vacation moving from chaise longue to kayak to catamaran and back. What truly sets this South Pacific archipelago apart, though, is its warm hospitality and culture — it would be a shame not to experience Fijian rituals such as a kava ceremony, in which guests sip a pepper-based drink from a shared bowl, or a lovo, somewhat like a Hawaiian luau. Make time also to visit one of Fiji’s local villages, where you’re bound to be greeted with smiles and a heartfelt “Bula!” as you learn more about traditional handicrafts, celebrations and ways of life.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
The views on a Telluride hike are jawdropping at every turn. Photo by Amie O’Shaughnessy

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is nestled in a stunning box canyon, surrounded by jagged peaks, waterfalls and wildflower-filled meadows, and the visual wow factor alone makes it worth the trip. This Colorado mountain getaway is a year-round destination — visit in winter and early spring if you’re a skier; hike and mountain bike to your heart’s content in summer; or make the trek in fall to see the leaves of the aspens burst into brilliant gold. Designated a National Historic Landmark, downtown Telluride remains true to its silver mining roots, though the Victorian buildings now house chic restaurants and art galleries rather than saloons and blacksmith shops. Want to take your stay over the top? Choose a luxury cabin in a restored ghost town as your home base — talk about atmospheric!

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Traditional pletna boats are used to ferry passengers to the island at the center of Slovenia’s Lake Bled. Photo by Lisa Frederick

Slovenia

Our Advisor team is just back from exploring this Balkan gem, and it’s safe to say we have a crush! For a small country, Slovenia packs in an unbelievable mix of pristine natural beauty, outdoor adventure, charming towns, warm hospitality, and delectable food and wine. Stroll the beautiful streets of Ljubljana and soak up the local cafe culture; raft the crystalline waters of the Soça River; hike amid the Julian Alps; forage for mushrooms to use in a cooking class; cruise across Lake Bled in a wooden pletna boat. Venice is only a 4-hour drive away, so the two destinations combined make for a perfect weeklong or 10-day escape. It’s only a matter of time before Slovenia fully explodes onto the travel scene — get there now before everyone else catches up.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
At Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo in Costalegre, amenities like hammocks, private plunge pools and outdoor showers enhance the connection with the open-air world. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo

Costalegre, Mexico

South of busy Puerto Vallarta, Costalegre — a remote enclave in Jalisco on Mexico‘s Pacific coast — offers a pitch-perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility. The area remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, and the handful of landowners and developers who built resorts here took pains to preserve its untamed atmosphere and ecological integrity. One of the best reasons to go: Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, a destination-worthy escape that integrates beautifully with its jungle surroundings. Accommodations blur the lines between indoors and out, showcasing vistas of the sea and the natural reserve that wraps around the property. The slate of classes and excursions on offer is designed to showcase local wildlife, handicrafts, culinary traditions and more, or you can set out for a whale-watching cruise or a round of golf.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Rugged green hills rise from the clear water around Mauritius. Photo by Xavier Coiffic

Mauritius

For a destination to deserve a full day or more of travel time, it has to be truly phenomenal, and Mauritius measures up. Perched in the Indian Ocean far to the east of Madagascar, it was completely isolated until Portuguese explorers came ashore in the 16th century. In that time it developed an ecosystem of such astounding biodiversity that it beguiles nature lovers from across the globe (there are more than 200 varieties of palm trees alone). There are beaches and water activities galore, of course, but Mauritius’ appeal lies in the wealth of activities made possible by its varied landscape, from rainforests and volcanic peaks to sugarcane fields and impeccably preserved natural parkland. The island is well known for its collection of posh resorts, so travelers who prefer a side of pampering with their outdoor adventures will be spoiled for choice.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Boats cluster in the harbor below Bodrum Castle. Photo by Ilker Ozmen

Bodrum, Turkiye

At first glance, what catches the eye in Bodrum is its see-and-be-seen dazzle: yachts gliding along the Aegean coast, stylish luxury resorts, splashy boutiques and restaurants. But dig deeper and you’ll get to the heart of this Turkish city, whose long and layered history is still evident in sites such as Halicarnassus Mausoleum, Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Balance the cultural sites with lazy days sunbathing or sailing on a traditional wooden gulet boat, or perhaps indulging in a Turkish bath. If you feel the urge to wander a little farther, hop over to a different country for the day — the Greek island of Kos is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Bodrum.

Top 2025 Travel Destinations
Situated in a valley below the Alps, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the Dolomites’ premier resort towns. Photo by Gianluca

The Dolomites, Italy

Since Italy’s Dolomites are set to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, all eyes will be on the region as next year gets closer, and 2025 is the perfect chance to beat the crowds. With a healthy dollop of Tyrolean flavor folded into its Italian charm, this gorgeous stretch of the Alps is a paradise for adventure lovers in snow and sun alike. In the colder months, one of our favorite ways to experience it is a guided ski safari that’s a bit like hut-to-hut hiking, while summertime is ripe for trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, rafting and other adventures. When you need a rest, wander sweet small towns such as Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo, and learn about the history of the local Ladin people, who to this day preserve cultural traditions that include a distinctive spoken dialect.

Relevant Links:

Pick your passion: Family vacation ideas for every interest

72 hours in Seoul with kids

Top Greek islands for families: How to choose the best match

Essential tips for planning a trip to Argentina with kids

Travel guide to the 2025 Rome Jubilee

Best things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia with kids

The best itinerary for a family vacation to Turkiye

Skiing the Dolomites on a guided ski safari

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented. 

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