This year, we picked several emerging destinations that offer a unique and authentic experience different from the tourist hot spots. These hidden gems are just starting to shine on the travel radar. Enjoy their unspoiled nature and in-depth cultural engagement opportunities that you might not get at some of the more well-traveled destinations. Our 2025 picks offer a break from the ordinary and a chance to truly connect with the heart of a destination. Whether you long for awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, or a bit of both, these destinations are poised to deliver unforgettable moments in 2025. 

Located on Costa Rica’s northeast Caribbean coastline near the border with Nicaragua, Tortuguero National Park is one of the wildest and most biodiverse regions on the planet. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, river otters, macaws, toucans, caiman, and more. One of its biggest draws, however, is its hyper-active sea turtle nesting area, with large numbers arriving during nesting season and hatchings from July to February. Seek out the wildlife and explore the canals and lagoons of the park via guided boat tours.

Also consider The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Mendoza, Argentina for your 2025 travels.

With five distinct biogeographical and topographical regions, the natural beauty of the Eastern Cape is truly a sight to behold and a stark contrast to its highly developed counterparts in the Western Cape. Historically, this region is the birthplace and home of South Africa’s brightest son, Nelson Mandela. For safari-goers, undulating plains nestled between amphitheaters of mountains set the stage for bushvelds with far-reaching views, indigenous flora, and various mammal species, including Cape mountain zebra, rhino, buffalo, and cheetah. Even a walk along the beaches of the region provides an opportunity to discover the rare oystercatcher bird, explore caves and rock art created by early man, and view the annual migration of the southern right whale, a spectacle that is not to be missed as mothers birth their calves and care for them among the craggy shores of the coastline. 

Other contenders for 2025 travel in Southern Africa include the Madikwe and Kalahari regions and the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks, both in Zambia. 

Georgia is still very much an undiscovered gem in Europe’s crown. Kakheti, often referred to as the "land of wine," is a region in Georgia that offers a captivating blend of ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class viticulture. Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, Kakheti boasts rolling vineyards, picturesque monasteries, and charming villages that exude a timeless charm. The region has been cultivating grapes and making wine for over 8,000 years. The family winery tradition is strong, with over 100,000 micro-wineries producing wine in Georgia by an ancient method of filling huge clay urns called qvevri with grapes and burying them underground to ferment. You can also find wines produced using European-style maturation in oak barrels. Whether you're a wine enthusiast seeking to sample unique grape varieties or an adventurer yearning to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, Kakheti promises an unforgettable experience.

Traveling to Europe in 2025? Also consider Andermatt, Switzerland; Bologna, Italy; and Berat, Albania.

Krabi, Thailand is a coastal paradise on the Andaman Sea boasting pristine white-sand beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, karst towers, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a dream destination for beach lovers and adventure-seekers alike, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. Snorkel in turquoise lagoons and explore hidden caves and nearby islands. Feast on fresh, local Thai cuisine and spend time wandering the vibrant night markets. Local fishing villages offer a glimpse of authentic Thai culture. 

Additional suggestions for 2025 travel in Asia include Kerala and Rajasthan in India and Sri Lanka.

South Australia offers travelers a variety of experiences. From the rugged outback landscapes of the Flinders Ranges and the pristine coastlines of the Eyre Peninsula, to the wilds of Kangaroo Island, South Australia promises immersive experiences for nature and wildlife lovers. In the wine regions like the Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale, enjoy vineyard tours, tastings, and gourmet dining under the stars. And the cultural hub of Adelaide offers festivals, a thriving art scene, and is emerging as a foodie destination. Whether you're sipping wine, spotting wildlife, or stargazing in the outback, South Australia offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and luxury experiences. 

Also consider the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand for your 2025 travels.

Because of its location along the Pacific Northwest region of the western United States, Oregon offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and urban culture. Outdoor and nature enthusiasts will be drawn to the state’s natural wonders, such as the majestic Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake’s clear blue waters are surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests. Oregon’s Painted Hills feature a spectrum of red, yellow, and orange colors. Explore the rugged coastline, where crashing waves meet sandy beaches, and picturesque lighthouses dot the horizon. Yet Oregon’s allure is not solely in its natural splendor. For those who enjoy the performing arts, traveling to Oregon for the esteemed Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the oldest and largest theater festival in the United States, is a must-do experience. Oregon’s towns and cities enjoy their own unique character, from Portland’s vibrant arts scene to Bend’s outdoor adventures. 

Other contenders for 2025 travel in North America include Merida, Mexico; St. Lucia, Caribbean; and Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda constitutes one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. Set in the western branch of the Great Rift Valley, this scenic park in western Uganda has lovingly become known as “The Pearl of Africa” for its varied natural wildlife and landscape. The world’s largest concentration of hippo populates the shorelines of the Kazinga Channel, part of a vast wetland system. The park also features a few of Western Uganda’s iconic prehistoric volcanic explosion craters—known as the “Mountains of the Moon”—which line the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and serve as huge amphitheaters sheltering massive herds of elephant and buffalo. Some of these craters have even formed salt-water lakes in which flamingos from as far away as Kenya come to gather like pink dust. With over 600 different species of birds, it is one of the best places for bird watching in all of Africa. Finally, in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park live the region’s famous tree climbing lions, which can usually be spotted resting in the branches of large fig trees near the Ishasha River.

South Georgia is a remote, pristine Antarctic wilderness in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island is accentuated with snow-capped mountains and fjords, creating a dramatic and beautiful landscape. For intrepid explorers and wildlife lovers, it’s a bucket list excursion. The island is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a vast population of Antarctic fur seals, king penguins, gentoo penguins, and macaroni penguins. The king penguin colony at St. Andrew’s Bay is one of the largest penguin colonies in the world. South Georgia also has a rich whaling history, and travelers can visit the historic whaling station at Grytviken. Traveling to South Georgia is an adventure in itself since it is so remote and difficult to reach, but the trip is definitely worth it. 

Looking for more ideas in the polar regions? Also consider 2025 travel to Greenland; Churchill, Canada; and the Lyngen Alps in Norway.