According to National Geographic, these are the most thrilling travel destinations for 2025.

Choosing your next vacation destination has become simpler.

The "Best of the World 2025" list of top global destinations has been released by National Geographic, compiled by a team of travel experts and international editors.

The magazine's list aims to showcase unique destinations worldwide, emphasizing adventure, culture, dialogue, and sustainability.

"National Geographic editor Starlight Williams tells CNBC Make It that the purpose of celebrating travel locations is not only to inspire adventure but also to promote responsible and meaningful travel. The idea is that regardless of one's interests or background as a traveler, there is something to be inspired by, which can serve as a starting point to create one's own best of the world."

National Geographic showcased a list of 25 destinations, including Greenland, Japan, and India, but also highlighted some locations closer to home. Among the three American destinations on the list are Boise, Idaho; Ocala National Forest in Florida, and Los Angeles, California.

"Williams explains that the image is a depiction of the distinctive elements of American culture and the stunning natural landscapes that have a universal appeal. According to him, the photograph embodies the notion that one can experience a sense of global interconnectedness right from this location."

The National Geographic guide emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly travel destinations in addition to vacation spots.

She explains that this list is not only preserving the location for future generations but also respecting the local culture and environment, ensuring that the reason why it's epic now will still exist years from now.

These are National Geographic's top destinations for 2025.

The Americas

• Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
• Boise, Idaho
• Ocala National Forest, Florida
• Los Angeles, California
• Barbados
• Guadalajara, Mexico
• Greenland
• Antigua, Guatemala
• Cerrado, Brazil

Boise, Idaho may seem like an unlikely destination at first, but it was chosen because it provides travelers with a global experience without leaving the country.

Williams remarks that while the Midwest may be associated with potatoes and corn fields, there's much more to it than that.

Boise is celebrating the Basque population in the U.S. with Jaialdi, a festival held every five years, according to National Geographic. The Basque people are an ethnic group from Europe that can be found in parts of Spain and France. Idaho has the highest concentration of Basque people in the U.S.

The celebration, which spans several days, includes music, performers, sports, food, and dancing. In the city's renowned Basque Block downtown, daily street parties will take place, along with traditional Basque competitions such as wagon lifting and wood chopping.

Europe

• Cork, Ireland
• Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
• Outer Hebrides, Scotland
• Brasov, Romania
• Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy

Romania's first new airport in 50 years is making it easier to travel to Brasov.

The Via Transilvanica, a 870-mile hiking trail completed in 2022, allows travelers to explore the region around the medieval city and discover 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the painted monasteries of Sucevița and Moldoviței, which were constructed in the 16th century.

Asia

• Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Suru Valley, India
• Raja Ampat, Indonesia
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Kanazawa, Japan
• Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia

In 2024, the Eastern and Oriental Express resumed operations after a four-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The train's round-trip journeys originated in Singapore and traversed Malaysia, stopping at popular destinations such as Taman Negara National Park, Langkawi, and Penang.

The train cars have been updated with premium wood paneling and Malaysian silks to reflect the region's culture.

Williams states that these 15 train carriages will take you through an area that is not easily accessible via road trip or plane.

A four-day, three-night trip costs $3,410 per person and includes meals, drinks, and activities such as visiting a tiger conservation area, taking e-bicycle rides to ancient caves, and more.

Africa

• Tunisia
• Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
• Senegal

Kruger National Park, a world-renowned destination for safari seekers in South Africa, is not the only option for wildlife enthusiasts. National Geographic recommends exploring Kwazulu-Natal in 2025, which boasts the Babanango Game Reserve, a nearly 50,000-acre reserve that has recently introduced wildlife such as elephants, rare antelope, lions, and endangered black rhinos.

Australasia

• Northland, New Zealand
• Murray River, Australia

The Murray River in Australia is the world's third-longest navigable river, following the Amazon and the Nile.

In 2025, the area will launch a new river cruise from the Victorian town of Echuca, featuring multinight trips and itineraries that include wine tastings and wildlife spotting.

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