Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025: Unforgettable Destinations & Trends
A global guide to the top cities, countries, regions, and travel trends shaping exploration in 2025.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025
With travelers seeking fresh perspectives and meaningful experiences, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 delivers a comprehensive guide to the world’s most rewarding places and trends for the year ahead. Now in its fifteenth edition, this celebrated annual collection ranks the essential countries, cities, regions, and introduces for the first time a list of the top travel trends, ensuring that every spirit of adventure, culture, and discovery is inspired, wherever you roam.
Meticulously curated by leading experts and informed by local voices, these recommendations encourage mindful, responsible travel and celebrate true diversity—from bustling metropolises to tranquil nature escapes and emerging cultural hubs.
How Destinations Are Selected
Each year, dozens of travel writers, industry insiders, and local experts pitch their favorite destinations, which are then rigorously evaluated for their uniqueness, traveler appeal, sustainability, and up-to-date relevance. The selections highlight the blend of both well-known icons reinventing themselves, as well as underappreciated gems ready to take the spotlight.
This year, the collection is distinguished by its commitment to sustainability, community impact, and immersive local experiences.
Best in Travel 2025: Top 30 Destinations
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 is divided into three definitive lists: Cities, Countries, and Regions, each featuring ten must-visit destinations from around the world.
| Cities | Countries | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Toulouse, France | Cameroon | Low Country & Coastal Georgia, USA |
| Pondicherry, India | Lithuania | The Terai, Nepal |
| Bansko, Bulgaria | Fiji | Chiriquí, Panama |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | Laos | Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia |
| Genoa, Italy | Kazakhstan | Valais, Switzerland |
| Pittsburgh, USA | Paraguay | Giresun & Ordu, Türkiye |
| Osaka, Japan | Trinidad & Tobago | Bavaria, Germany |
| Curitiba, Brazil | Vanuatu | East Anglia, England |
| Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Slovakia | Jordan Trail |
| Edmonton, Canada | Armenia | Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge, USA |
Top Cities for 2025
- Toulouse, France: Dubbed “La Ville Rose,” Toulouse earns the top city spot in 2025 for its ever-blossoming art scene, laid-back riverside promenades, and array of unmissable landmarks.
Why visit? Enjoy the region’s vibrant mix of historic charm, aerospace innovation, and bustling markets. - Pondicherry, India: Atmospheric seaside lanes echo the city’s French colonial legacy and peaceful ambiance, with a growing focus on holistic wellness and slow travel.
Highlights: French Quarter strolls, gourmet cafés, and serene beaches. - Bansko, Bulgaria: A dynamic ski hub transforming into a year-round adventure getaway amid the majestic Pirin Mountains.
Tip: Enjoy winter slopes or summer hiking and traditional eateries in the old town. - Chiang Mai, Thailand: Known as Thailand’s cultural and spiritual capital, Chiang Mai offers budget-friendly escapes, with ornate temples, lively markets, and community-led wellness.
Not to miss: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, bustling night bazaars, and elephant sanctuaries. - Genoa, Italy: Distinguished by old-world allure, maritime heritage, and far fewer crowds than Italy’s coastal hotspots. Genoa is ideal for a “slowcation” exploring local boutiques and fresh cuisine.
Experience: stroll Porto Antico with focaccia in hand. - Pittsburgh, USA: Reinvented as a hotbed of culture, tech, and creative spirit, the Steel City’s food scene and urban innovation are drawing global attention.
Explore: Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz History Center, and vibrant local breweries. - Osaka, Japan: Boasting culinary delights, neon-lit nightlife, and rich historical districts, Osaka’s welcoming, fun-loving vibe makes it a perennial favorite.
- Curitiba, Brazil: A model of green urbanism and innovative architecture, Curitiba is famed for its parks, modernist heritage, and cultural diversity.
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Beyond summer crowds, Palma shines with a dynamic off-season culinary scene and lively waterfront promenades.
Sustainable tourism: Enjoy beaches, scenic cycling, and traditional markets. - Edmonton, Canada: A creative enclave in Alberta, Edmonton brims with festivals, art spaces, and a lively river valley.
Top Countries for 2025
- Cameroon: Recognized for pristine beaches, uncrowded national parks, and nightlife-rich cities.
Ecological variety: Explore volcanic rock formations, wildlife reserves, and a vibrant mix of cultures. - Lithuania: One of Europe’s most underappreciated escapes, Lithuania impresses with medieval castles, wild forests, and avant-garde capital Vilnius.
- Fiji: Famed for turquoise lagoons and traditional island life, Fiji is at the forefront of sustainable, regenerative tourism.
- Laos: Defined by slow travel, spiritual river journeys, and warm hospitality.
- Kazakhstan: Central Asia’s vast steppe, dynamic cities, and mountains offer immersive, crowd-free adventure.
- Paraguay: A hidden South American gem where natural wonders and indigenous traditions await curious explorers.
- Trinidad & Tobago: Experience the Caribbean’s most vibrant rhythms and astonishing biodiversity in unspoiled landscapes.
- Vanuatu: Pacific paradise combining volcanic drama, underwater adventures, and distinctive local culture.
- Slovakia: Majestic castles, unspoiled national parks, and thermal springs set among welcoming mountain towns.
- Armenia: Ancient monasteries, dramatic highland scenery, and flourishing arts await in Europe’s oldest nation.
Top Regions for 2025
- Low Country & Coastal Georgia, USA: Including Charleston and Savannah, this region balances profound historical legacy with contemporary cultural vibrancy and hospitality.
Unique heritage: Acknowledges the past, embraces a better future. - The Terai, Nepal: Famed for wildlife-rich jungles, gentle landscapes, and access to sacred sites.
- Chiriquí, Panama: Cloud forests, coffee plantations, and adventure sports highlight this eco-rich haven.
- Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia: Tasmania’s fertile valleys and cultural boutiques reflect sustainable food and wine destinations.
- Valais, Switzerland: Alpine majesty defined by snow-capped peaks, ancient vineyards, and world-class hiking.
- Giresun & Ordu, Türkiye: Explore Turkey’s lesser-known Black Sea coast, rich in natural beauty and local hospitality.
- Bavaria, Germany: Fairytale castles, rugged mountains, and Bavarian tradition attract explorers year-round.
- East Anglia, England: Unspoiled coastline, quaint villages, and rural charm in England’s eastern reaches.
- Jordan Trail: A world-class hiking adventure tracing ancient trade routes, offering immersive landscapes and hospitality.
- Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA: A dynamic intersection of towering peaks, waterfalls, and local wineries.
Best in Travel 2025: Emerging Destinations & Experiences
Alongside the flagship lists, this year’s Best in Travel spotlights less-traveled locales such as Genoa, Lithuania, and the Valais region, where authentic heritage and local flavors offer refreshing alternatives to mainstream destinations. The list also emphasizes cities and regions redefining themselves with a creative renaissance—like Pittsburgh—or those debuting vibrant culinary scenes, such as Palma de Mallorca.
Introducing Top Travel Trends for 2025
This year, for the first time, Lonely Planet introduces a Travel Trends list, pinpointing the ten top passions shaping journeys this year. These trends highlight where travelers can indulge their favorite interests—from birdwatching to scenic train journeys, from exploring local markets to finding underrated outdoor adventures.
- Birdwatching: Destinations known for rare species and breathtaking habitats.
- Train Journeys: Rail travel experiences that combine slow adventure and panoramic landscapes.
- Local Markets: Places where culinary culture, crafts, and tradition converge in vibrant marketplaces.
- Underrated Outdoor Adventures: Unexpected places for hiking, cycling, and nature immersion, far from the crowds.
- Cultural Festivals: Cities and regions running unique events and celebrations reflecting local identity.
- Sustainable Tourism Hotspots: Destinations at the forefront of eco-conscious practices and regenerative travel.
- Food & Drink Innovation: Locations forging new culinary identities and revitalizing food scenes.
- Creative Hubs: Towns and cities supporting artists, designers, and digital nomads.
- Wellness Escapes: Destinations offering holistic, mindful experiences.
- Adventure for All Ages: Places with experiences tailored for families and multi-generational travel.
Expert Insights: Making the Most of Best in Travel
With each destination, the guidebook and website highlight expert tips, responsible travel advice, and local insights. Contributors emphasize fostering genuine connections and seeking out the stories of the places you visit. The digital companion includes immersive video content and interactive media so you can preview the beauty of places like Chiang Mai, Genoa, Vanuatu, and Armenia before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Lonely Planet choose the destinations for Best in Travel?
A: Destinations are nominated and researched by Lonely Planet’s global network of experts, then evaluated for topicality, uniqueness, sustainability, and traveler experience. Final selections aim to be diverse and inspiring for a wide audience.
Q: What is new in the 2025 edition?
A: For the first time, Best in Travel 2025 includes a dedicated list of travel trends, focusing on theme-based journeys and passions—from birdwatching to food innovation. Plus, the list highlights a broader array of emerging destinations in response to changing travel patterns.
Q: Where can I get more details or plan trips based on Best in Travel?
A: The hardcover book is available for purchase and is complemented by interactive digital content—featuring maps, videos, and local advice—on the Lonely Planet website and social media channels.
Q: Are these destinations suitable for responsible travel?
A: Yes, the 2025 list places strong emphasis on destinations and experiences that prioritize environmental sustainability and positive local impact. The selections encourage responsible and mindful travel choices.
Q: Can I visit these destinations year-round?
A: Many featured places are ideal in various seasons; however, some (like Bansko’s ski slopes or Palma de Mallorca’s off-season gems) are highlighted for visiting at specific times to avoid crowds and discover unique experiences.
Essential Tips for Planning Your 2025 Travels
- Research local customs and language basics for a respectful, enriching journey.
- Pursue slower, more immersive trips to foster authentic connections and deeper appreciation.
- Consider off-peak seasons and lesser-visited spots for a more intimate, sustainable experience.
- Support local businesses—from family-run cafés to community artists—wherever you travel.
- Leverage digital resources for up-to-date events, entry requirements, and insider suggestions.
Get Inspired
Ready to plan your next journey? From Toulouse’s dreamy riversides and Cameroon’s pristine shores to Bavarian forests and Panama’s cloud forests, let Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 spark your wanderlust—and guide you to unforgettable adventures, cultural treasures, and the most exciting new travel trends for a truly meaningful year of discovery.
