Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

These 25 places should be on your radar for 2025 travel, according to Wanderlust Magazine

Head off the beaten path in 2025

By
Slovenia
detait / Pixabay

Wanderlust Magazine has just released its highly anticipated 2025 Good to Go List, spotlighting destinations that offer something truly special for the curious, intrepid, and responsible traveler. The list is full of lesser-known spots, chosen for their ability to take you off the beaten path and away from overcrowded tourist hotspots.

Popular spots to check out this year

Namibia
pvdberg / Pixabay

While well-known destinations like Japan, Germany, and Rio de Janeiro continue to top the list of must-visit places, there are also plenty of lesser-known gems to explore in 2025. For example, Namibia earns a spot with its breathtaking Namib Desert, which became the first wilderness reserve in Africa to receive Quiet Park status from Quiet Parks International.

Recommended Videos

Small-town Slovenia also makes an appearance, offering charming destinations like Piran, a Venetian-Gothic beauty perched on the Adriatic coast, and Novo Mesto, a medieval town featuring one of the finest castles in the country.

Related

Other unexpected yet exciting spots on the list include Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Vilnius, Lithuania, each offering unique cultural experiences.

The United States off the beaten path

Mississippi
clarencealford / Pixabay

The U.S. cities on this year’s list encourage travelers to step off the well-worn path of classic tourist spots like Los Angeles and New York City. Instead, the focus is on lesser-explored destinations.

New York State makes the cut, inviting visitors to go beyond NYC and discover gems like Buffalo and Long Island. Meanwhile, Mississippi shines for its deep musical heritage, being the birthplace of legends like BB King and Elvis Presley. In 2025, Tupelo will commemorate Elvis’s 90th birthday, while Indianola will host celebrations for BB King’s 100th birthday.

Other standout U.S. destinations include Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina, all offering something different from the typical travel experience.

The full list of the top 25 places to travel

mountains and river in Alberta, Canada
Pixabay / Pixabay
  1. Abu Dhabi, UAE
  2. Alberta, Canada
  3. Azerbaijan
  4. Bermuda
  5. Colombia
  6. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
  7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
  8. El Salvador
  9. Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina
  10. Germany
  11. Japan
  12. Malaysia
  13. Mississippi, USA
  14. Namibia
  15. New York State, USA
  16. Qatar
  17. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  18. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  19. Rwanda
  20. Salzburg and Vienna, Austria
  21. Singapore
  22. Small-town Slovenia
  23. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Australia
  24. Uzbekistan
  25. Vilnius, Lithuania

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Amanda Teague
Amanda Teague
Contributor
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Michelin Guide picks the world’s hottest food spots for 2025
Two American cities made the list this year.
Stubborn Seed

Michelin has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 guide, spotlighting the world’s most exciting food destinations for the year ahead. While a handful of U.S. cities earned their place, Asia dominated the rankings, with four of the ten featured cities showcasing the region’s growing influence on the international dining landscape. Here's a closer look at the destinations that food lovers won’t want to miss.
Michelin’s top American destinations

The Michelin Guide’s 2025 list highlights two standout food destinations in the United States: Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida.

Read more
Phoenix travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
The best parts to experience in the Valley of the Sun
Phoenix Arizona skyline at night. full moon over Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, officially recognized on May 4, 1868, has blossomed into one of the most dynamic destinations in the American Southwest. Known as the Valley of the Sun, this desert city basks in nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a perfect year-round escape.

With its warm desert breezes, iconic palm trees, and a culinary scene that draws inspiration from neighboring Santa Fe and beyond, Phoenix offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure in its landscapes, savoring Southwestern cuisine, or lounging at one of the area's best hotels, this Phoenix travel guide has you covered with the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in the Valley of Sun.
Where to stay

Read more
Don your best seaman’s cap and head to the most incredible lighthouse hotels in the U.S.
For ocean lovers and salty maritime souls, it hardly gets better than a stay at a genuine lighthouse hotel
View from the water of Maine's Portland Head Lighthouse at sunset

Beginning in the 17th century, as seafaring travel grew, lighthouses became vital beacons of safety, guiding mariners away from dangerous rocks, reefs, and powerful currents. By 1900, the U.S. had built nearly 1,000 lighthouses along its coasts and harbors. While modern navigation technology has since automated or rendered many obsolete, these iconic structures remain captivating landmarks.

Some have been restored as museums of playgrounds, but the most intriguing are those converted into lighthouse hotels. If you're looking for unique destinations far from ordinary luxury hotel chains, spend a night in a charming, rustic lighthouse. Here are the best lighthouse hotels in the U.S. for your next getaway.
Sitka Lighthouse - Sitka, Alaska

Read more