Choosing where to go on your next vacation just got easier.
national geographic The “World’s Best 2025” list of the world’s top destinations, curated by a team of travel experts and an international editorial team, has just been released.
The aim of the magazine’s list is to “highlight extraordinary places around the world”, with a focus on adventure, culture, dialogue and sustainability.
“It’s not just about celebrating these places, it’s about inspiring a spirit of adventure and promoting responsible and meaningful travel,” National Geographic editor Starlight Williams told CNBC Make It. “Our philosophy is that no matter who you are, as a Travelers, no matter what you are interested in, there is always something that can inspire you. You can use this as a starting point to create the best world of your own.
While the list includes far-flung places around the world such as Greenland, Japan and India, National Geographic also highlights places closer to home. Of the 25 locations listed, three destinations are in the United States: Boise, Idaho; Ocala National Forest in Florida and Los Angeles, California.
“It represents more of a unique aspect of American culture and the natural beauty that resonates globally,” Williams said. “The idea is that you can get a global feeling of being connected to the world here.”
But National Geographic’s guide isn’t just about resorts. It also strives to provide travelers with sustainable and eco-friendly destinations.
“This list provides people with places that not only preserve this site for future generations, but respect the local culture and environment and let people know that it is as epic as it is for a reason, and we want to ensure that from now on Years later, it’s still very much there,” she said.
These are National Geographic’s top destinations for 2025.
America
- Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- boise idaho
- Ocala National Forest, Florida
- Los Angeles, California
- Barbados
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Greenland
- Antigua, Guatemala
- brazilian cerrado
boise idaho
Darwin Fan | Moment | Getty Images
Williams admits that at first glance, Boise, Idaho, may seem like a surprising choice to readers. But this city was chosen because it offers visitors a part of the world they can visit without leaving the United States
“This is the Midwest, so people might just think of potatoes and cornfields, but it’s much more than that,” Williams said.
According to National Geographic, Idaho has the highest concentration of Basques in the United States. In July 2025, Boise will host the Jaialdi Festival, a festival held every five years that honors the Basque people of the region.
The festivities last for several days and include music, performances, sports, food and dancing. The city’s famous Basque neighborhood city center will host daily street parties featuring traditional Basque Competitions such as horse-drawn carriage lifting and wood-cutting.
Europe
- Cork, Ireland
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Brasov, Romania
- Friars’ monastery, Italy
Access to Brasov, Romania has become even more convenient thanks to its proximity to Romania’s first new airport in 50 years.
Visitors can explore the medieval city along Via Transilvanica, an 870-mile hiking trail completed in 2022 that features 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the 16th-century Painted monasteries Sucevişa and Moldoviţei.
Asia
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- sulu valley india
- raja ampat indonesia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Malaysia Orient Express
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
bojabo | Stocks | Getty Images
The Orient Express will resume service in 2024 after four years of suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The train carriages have been transformed with high-end wood paneling and Malaysian silks as a nod to the region’s culture.
“These 15 train cars will take you through an area that you don’t often see just by traveling by road or flying,” Williams said.
Cost of a four-day, three-night trip Starting at $3,410 Per person, includes meals, drinks and scheduled activities such as a visit to a tiger reserve, an e-bike ride to an ancient cave, and more.
Africa
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Emson | Stocks | Getty Images
- Tunisia
- KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Senegal
While the world-famous Kruger National Park is a top destination for South African safari enthusiasts, National Geographic recommends heading to KwaZulu-Natal in 2025. Home to a wildlife sanctuary, which in recent years has successfully introduced the Baba Nango Wildlife Sanctuary.
Australia
- new zealand northland
- Murray River, Australia
Australia’s Murray River is the third longest navigable river in the world after the Amazon and the Nile.
The region will be launched for the first time new river cruise By 2025, multi-night trips will be allowed from the Victorian town of Echuca. The itineraries for these guided cruises (three, four or seven nights) will include wine tasting and wildlife viewing.
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