Top 10 Travel Destinations to Explore in 2025, According to Experts

As travel rebounds with renewed vigor in 2025, one thing is clear: today’s travelers are seeking more meaningful, sustainable, and authentic experiences. According to industry experts, there’s a growing trend toward responsible tourism, solo adventures, and off-the-beaten-path destinations that combine luxury with low environmental impact.

Kristin Winkaffe, Founder and Lead Travel Designer at Winkaffe Global Travel, and Lynn Farrell, President of Foremost Travel Group, shared their top travel recommendations with Islands magazine—highlighting the places that best reflect evolving traveler values. Here are 10 of the best destinations to visit before the year ends:

1. Japan’s Hidden Mountain Towns

Move beyond Tokyo and Kyoto in 2025. Explore serene, lesser-known towns like Kanazawa, Naoshima, and Takayama—each offering fall foliage, traditional arts, and a glimpse into authentic Japanese culture. Kanazawa’s historic gardens, Naoshima’s art scene, and Takayama’s centuries-old festival make them must-visits.

2. French Countryside During Grape Harvest

Forget Paris—head to Bordeaux, Burgundy, or the Loire Valley during the August–October harvest. Celebrate local wine traditions, enjoy colorful vineyard landscapes, and join in grape-picking festivals like Burgundy’s Fête du Vin Bourru.

3. Botswana for Ethical Safari Travel

For a luxury safari that supports conservation, Botswana is unmatched. From elephant sightings to luxury eco-lodges, it offers "light footprint, high-end everything," according to Winkaffe. Many experiences fund wildlife preservation, including visits to the Jane Goodall Institute.

4. Croatia’s Autumn Escape

Skip the summer crowds and head to Croatia in the fall. With fewer tourists and stunning autumn colors, destinations like Plitvice Lakes National Park and Istria’s vineyards become even more magical. It’s also a peaceful season for romantic getaways.

5. Northern Argentina’s Cultural Wilderness

Looking for authentic adventure? Try Salta and Jujuy, regions rich in Indigenous culture and dramatic landscapes. From the Mountain of 14 Colors to local festivals like Pachamama, northern Argentina is ideal for cultural immersion and scenic exploration.

6. Italy’s Vineyards and Olive Groves

Autumn in Tuscany, Umbria, or Lombardy means grape harvests, olive picking, and wine tasting under fiery fall foliage. Enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds, plus options like 7-day bike tours through the countryside.

7. Turkey: A Hidden Gem of Variety

With ancient cities, balloon rides in Cappadocia, stunning coastlines, and a thriving food scene, Turkey offers tremendous value and variety. Istanbul alone is a feast of culture, while hot air ballooning is one of the most popular bucket-list experiences.

8. New Zealand in Spring

Visit in November or December (New Zealand’s spring) for wild beauty, luxurious nature lodges, and award-winning cuisine. As global tourism increases, Winkaffe recommends going now before it becomes even more crowded.

9. Portugal’s Underrated Alentejo Region

Trade touristy Lisbon for Alentejo’s tranquil vineyards, medieval villages, and rolling hills. With just 5% of Portugal’s population spread over 30% of its land, it’s peaceful, wine-rich, and ideal for a quiet fall retreat.

10. Biking Tours in Norway and Alaska

For active travelers, long-distance bike tours through Norway or Alaska are on the rise. Ride past fjords and mountains or through Denali’s wilderness. It’s an adventurous way to see nature and meet fellow travelers.

The Travel Shift in 2025

As both Winkaffe and Farrell emphasize, travel today is more than sightseeing—it's about cultural connection, environmental respect, and personal transformation. Whether solo or in a group, these destinations offer depth, adventure, and the chance to experience the world in a more intentional way.