National Geographic revealed 25 best travel destinations for 2025
Tengrinews.kz - National Geographic has released its annual list of the 25 best places to visit in 2025.
This year, experts, photographers, and editors from the magazine selected the most exciting destinations for the upcoming year, ranging from extreme adventures to relaxing scenic trips. Topping the list is Antigua, Guatemala, renowned for its picturesque colonial streets and stunning volcanoes.
Travelers are presented with a unique opportunity to conquer one of the world's most active volcanoes, Volcan de Fuego, known for its frequent eruptions observable from the nearby Acatenango Volcano. The hike to Acatenango is not easy, as it passes coffee plantations and cloud forests, ascending to an elevation of 3,976 meters. However, for those ready for the challenge, this journey promises unforgettable experiences and fantastic views of the smoking peak.
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Occupying the second spot is the Ocala National Forest in Florida, a natural oasis offering visitors the chance to see manatees, black bears, and rare plants while strolling along scenic trails among lakes and natural springs. Ocala is famous for its 600 lakes and crystal-clear natural springs, making it an ideal spot for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, takes third place, attracting millions of travelers each year. The city is a vibrant mix of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, traditional cuisine and contemporary dining, making it a must-visit destination in 2025.
Among European destinations, monasteries in Italy ranked highest, offering travelers a unique experience of staying in ancient abodes. These monasteries secured the sixth position and allure tourists with their authentic charm and tranquility.
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Greenland claimed the eighth spot, renowned for its unique Arctic landscapes, icebergs, and polar lights.
The city of Brasov in Romania ranked eleventh, enchanting visitors with its medieval streets, castles, and the Carpathian Mountains.
National Geographic's ranking also includes several exotic destinations. Raja Ampat in Indonesia, in fourth place, promises incredible adventures for divers and underwater enthusiasts, featuring coral reefs and a rare diversity of marine life.
Ninth place goes to the Eastern & Oriental Express in Malaysia, a luxury train that allows travelers to enjoy picturesque views of jungles and rivers while passing through the stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia.
Other interesting destinations in the ranking include Cerrado in Brazil, ranked twelfth for its unique flora and fauna.
Senegal also made the list, attracting travelers with its cultural and natural authenticity, while Barbados invites visitors to enjoy a laid-back Caribbean getaway.
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The Murray River in Australia offers unique water adventures and exploration of vast vineyards and coastal towns. The KwaZulu-Natal region in South Africa is known for its stunning beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the Zulu people.
In North America, Boise, Idaho, stands out due to its rapidly developing culture and access to outdoor activities year-round.
In Scandinavia, experts highlighted the Stockholm Archipelago in Sweden, comprising over 30,000 islands and islets that can be explored by boat. This year, the British Isles are represented by the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, captivating with their wildlife, white sandy beaches, and ancient monuments.
The complete list of National Geographic's best destinations for 2025 is as follows:
Antigua, Guatemala
Ocala National Forest, Florida, USA
Bangkok, Thailand
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Guadalajara, Mexico
Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy
Los Angeles, California, USA
Greenland
Kanazawa, Japan
Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia
Brasov, Romania
Cerrado, Brazil
Northland, New Zealand
Senegal
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
Barbados
Suru Valley, India
Boise, Idaho, USA
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Murray River, Australia
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Cork, Ireland
Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Tunisia
Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Earlier, Kazakhstan was included in the ranking of the best countries for travel by an international publishing company.
International trains operating through Kazakhstan
This year, experts, photographers, and editors from the magazine selected the most exciting destinations for the upcoming year, ranging from extreme adventures to relaxing scenic trips. Topping the list is Antigua, Guatemala, renowned for its picturesque colonial streets and stunning volcanoes.
Travelers are presented with a unique opportunity to conquer one of the world's most active volcanoes, Volcan de Fuego, known for its frequent eruptions observable from the nearby Acatenango Volcano. The hike to Acatenango is not easy, as it passes coffee plantations and cloud forests, ascending to an elevation of 3,976 meters. However, for those ready for the challenge, this journey promises unforgettable experiences and fantastic views of the smoking peak.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by National Geographic (@natgeo)
Occupying the second spot is the Ocala National Forest in Florida, a natural oasis offering visitors the chance to see manatees, black bears, and rare plants while strolling along scenic trails among lakes and natural springs. Ocala is famous for its 600 lakes and crystal-clear natural springs, making it an ideal spot for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, takes third place, attracting millions of travelers each year. The city is a vibrant mix of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, traditional cuisine and contemporary dining, making it a must-visit destination in 2025.
Among European destinations, monasteries in Italy ranked highest, offering travelers a unique experience of staying in ancient abodes. These monasteries secured the sixth position and allure tourists with their authentic charm and tranquility.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Visit Greenland (@visitgreenland)
Greenland claimed the eighth spot, renowned for its unique Arctic landscapes, icebergs, and polar lights.
The city of Brasov in Romania ranked eleventh, enchanting visitors with its medieval streets, castles, and the Carpathian Mountains.
National Geographic's ranking also includes several exotic destinations. Raja Ampat in Indonesia, in fourth place, promises incredible adventures for divers and underwater enthusiasts, featuring coral reefs and a rare diversity of marine life.
Ninth place goes to the Eastern & Oriental Express in Malaysia, a luxury train that allows travelers to enjoy picturesque views of jungles and rivers while passing through the stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia.
Other interesting destinations in the ranking include Cerrado in Brazil, ranked twelfth for its unique flora and fauna.
Senegal also made the list, attracting travelers with its cultural and natural authenticity, while Barbados invites visitors to enjoy a laid-back Caribbean getaway.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Visit Barbados (@visitbarbados)
The Murray River in Australia offers unique water adventures and exploration of vast vineyards and coastal towns. The KwaZulu-Natal region in South Africa is known for its stunning beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the Zulu people.
In North America, Boise, Idaho, stands out due to its rapidly developing culture and access to outdoor activities year-round.
In Scandinavia, experts highlighted the Stockholm Archipelago in Sweden, comprising over 30,000 islands and islets that can be explored by boat. This year, the British Isles are represented by the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, captivating with their wildlife, white sandy beaches, and ancient monuments.
The complete list of National Geographic's best destinations for 2025 is as follows:
Antigua, Guatemala
Ocala National Forest, Florida, USA
Bangkok, Thailand
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Guadalajara, Mexico
Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy
Los Angeles, California, USA
Greenland
Kanazawa, Japan
Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia
Brasov, Romania
Cerrado, Brazil
Northland, New Zealand
Senegal
Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
Barbados
Suru Valley, India
Boise, Idaho, USA
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Murray River, Australia
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Cork, Ireland
Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Tunisia
Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Earlier, Kazakhstan was included in the ranking of the best countries for travel by an international publishing company.
International trains operating through Kazakhstan