As the world opens up to new adventures, 2025 offers an exciting array of destinations for curious travellers. From untouched natural wonders to vibrant cultural hotspots, these places promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you're seeking rugged landscapes, rich history, or immersive wildlife encounters, these top picks should be on your radar.

1. Alaska, USA

Alaska remains a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. In 2025, its vast wilderness, towering glaciers, and diverse wildlife continue to draw visitors. Denali National Park offers stunning vistas and the chance to spot grizzly bears and moose, while Glacier Bay National Park showcases dramatic ice fields best explored by boat. For a unique experience, consider the Northern Lights viewing in Fairbanks or a cruise along the Inside Passage.

Denali National Park Spanning over six million acres, Denali National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. At its heart stands Denali, North America’s tallest peak, soaring to an impressive 20,310 feet. The park's vast expanse features tundra, forest, and glacier landscapes, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.

Visitors to Denali can explore the park via bus tours along the Denali Park Road, which stretches 92 miles into the wilderness. Along the way, it's common to see grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. For the more adventurous, backcountry hiking offers a chance to experience the untouched beauty of the park.

Glacier Bay National Park Located in southeastern Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for those drawn to marine life and glacier-carved fjords. The park covers over 3.3 million acres of pristine wilderness, with tidewater glaciers, coastal mountains, and deep fjords that captivate visitors.

A visit to Glacier Bay often begins with a boat tour, offering stunning views of massive glaciers calving into the sea. Humpback whales, sea otters, and puffins are commonly spotted along the icy waters. Kayaking is another popular way to experience the park up close, allowing visitors to paddle through fjords surrounded by towering ice walls.

2. El Salvador

Emerging as one of Central America's rising stars, El Salvador's volcanic landscapes and surf-friendly beaches are attracting intrepid travellers. El Tunco Beach is a must-visit for surfers, while the colonial town of Suchitoto charms visitors with its cobblestone streets and cultural festivals. Hike up Santa Ana Volcano for breathtaking views of Lake Coatepeque, or explore Joya de Cerén, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "Pompeii of the Americas."

Santa Ana Volcano, or Ilamatepeq, stands as the highest and one of the most active volcanoes in El Salvador, rising to 2,381 meters (7,812 feet) in the Apaneca-Ilamatepeq mountain range. Known for its stunning crater lake, Coatepeque Lake, the volcano offers incredible views of the surrounding area, including nearby volcanoes like Izalco and Cerro Verde. A popular spot for adventurous hikers, the trek to the summit rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas. The volcano’s eruptions, particularly the most recent one in 2005, have shaped both the landscape and the biodiversity around it, making the area an important site for scientific study and eco-tourism.

Joya de Cerén, often called the "Pompeii of the Americas," is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a rare and well-preserved glimpse into Maya life. Around 600 CE, a volcanic eruption from Loma Caldera buried the village in volcanic ash, preserving homes, tools, and everyday items in remarkable detail. Unlike many other archaeological sites, Joya de Cerén provides a snapshot of the Maya’s agricultural lifestyle, with evidence of crop cultivation, cooking methods, and domestic life. Visitors can explore the excavated structures and artefacts, which offer unique insights into Maya society, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark in El Salvador.

3. Colombian Amazon

The Colombian Amazon remains one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. A journey here offers the opportunity to disconnect from modern life and immerse yourself in pristine rainforest. Start in Leticia, the gateway to the Amazon, and embark on river cruises to spot pink dolphins, exotic birds, and indigenous communities. Night safaris and guided hikes offer deeper insight into the rich flora and fauna of this untouched paradise.

Leticia, the vibrant capital of the Amazonas department in Colombia, serves as the gateway to the vast and mysterious Amazon Rainforest. Located in the tri-border area where Colombia, Brazil, and Peru meet, Leticia is a small but bustling town that attracts eco-tourists, adventurers, and researchers eager to explore one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. Surrounded by dense jungle and the mighty Amazon River, Leticia offers unique access to boat tours, jungle treks, and indigenous villages, making it an ideal base for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the Amazon. The town itself is lively, with a mix of local culture, markets, and a warm, tropical climate that invites exploration of the surrounding forests and rivers.

While the Amazon Rainforest is more commonly associated with jaguars, monkeys, and countless species of birds, it is also home to a surprising population of flamingos. These elegant birds are often found in the region's wetlands, particularly in areas near the riverbanks and marshes of the Amazon Basin. The pink flamingos, with their striking plumage and graceful presence, contrast beautifully against the green backdrop of the rainforest. Their presence in the region is part of a larger migratory pattern, where they travel from coastal areas to the Amazon, particularly during the dry season, when water levels drop and the wetlands provide an ideal feeding ground. Observing these flamingos in their natural habitat adds a stunning element to the biodiversity that makes the Amazon such a unique and captivating destination.

4. Tartu, Estonia

Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, will shine brightly in 2025 as it takes on the title of European Capital of Culture. Known for its vibrant arts scene and prestigious university, Tartu blends historic charm with contemporary creativity. Visit the Tartu Art Museum, stroll through the Old Town, and don't miss the annual Hanseatic Days festival celebrating the city's medieval roots. The lush Emajõgi River provides a picturesque setting for cycling and boat rides.

The Tartu Art Museum, located in the historic city of Tartu, Estonia, is one of the country's most prominent cultural institutions, dedicated to showcasing both Estonian and international art. Housed in a neoclassical building that dates back to 1803, the museum has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate its growing collection. It hosts a wide range of exhibitions, from contemporary art to historical works, and is known for its emphasis on the works of Estonian artists, particularly those from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum serves as a hub for art enthusiasts and is a key player in Tartu’s vibrant cultural scene. It also regularly organizes educational programs, events, and workshops aimed at engaging the public with art and creative expression.

The Emajõgi River, flowing through the heart of Tartu, is one of the most significant waterways in Estonia. Stretching for about 100 kilometres, it connects Lake Võrtsjärv to the larger Gulf of Finland, playing an essential role in the region's history, transportation, and ecology. The river is a defining feature of Tartu, offering picturesque views and recreational opportunities, such as boat rides, kayaking, and scenic walks along its banks. The Emajõgi is also home to various species of fish and birdlife, contributing to the area’s natural beauty. It plays a central role in the city’s identity, and during summer, locals and tourists alike enjoy the river's vibrant atmosphere, often reflected in festivals, cultural events, and gatherings.

5. Siem Reap, Cambodia

While famous for the Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap continues to evolve beyond its ancient wonders. In 2025, visitors can delve deeper into Khmer culture through immersive experiences in local villages and artisan workshops. Angkor Archaeological Park remains a top draw, but don't overlook Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm, where nature intertwines with history. After temple-hopping, unwind in Siem Reap's lively night markets and riverside cafes.

The Angkor Wat Temple Complex, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is one of the most renowned and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Originally built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. The complex covers an area of over 162 hectares, making it the largest religious monument in the world. Its architectural grandeur, with intricately carved bas-reliefs and towering spires, reflects the sophistication of the Khmer Empire at its peak. Angkor Wat is not only a symbol of Cambodia's cultural and historical heritage but also an architectural masterpiece, renowned for its harmony, precision, and sheer scale. The temple’s central tower rises to 65 meters and is designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical centre of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The site attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most visited cultural landmarks globally.

Banteay Srei, often referred to as the "Citadel of Women," is a stunning temple located about 25 kilometres north of the main Angkor complex in Cambodia. Built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II, Banteay Srei is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is renowned for its exceptional level of detail and the delicate carvings that adorn its pink sandstone walls. The temple is smaller than other Angkor structures but stands out for its intricate reliefs, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology, showcasing the skill and artistry of the Khmer craftsmen. Banteay Srei is particularly famous for its finely detailed carvings of female figures, which are believed to be the inspiration behind its name, "Citadel of Women." The temple’s preservation and remarkable artistry make it a gem of Khmer architecture, offering a more intimate and serene experience compared to the larger temples of Angkor.

From the icy expanse of Alaska to the steamy depths of the Amazon, 2025 promises a wealth of travel experiences. Each of these destinations offers a blend of adventure, history, and culture, ensuring that your next journey will be one to remember.

TOP PLACES TO GO IN 2025

1. Alaska, USA

2. El Salvador

3. Colombian Amazon

4. Tartu, Estonia

5. Siem Reap, Cambodia

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