From beaches to mountains: 12 dream destinations to explore in 2025!

The Washington Post highlights in its fresh article that travel is evolving, with more people seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore. 

You’ve tackled the crowds at some of the world’s most iconic spots. Now, it's time to explore something unique. 

Brasov, Romania

Romania offers a fascinating option, providing a refreshing twist on the traditional Western European getaway. Carolyn Addison, head of product for luxury tour operator Black Tomato, was captivated by the country's rich history during her recent visit.

She particularly enjoyed Bucharest, the capital, with its impressive museums like the Ceausescu Mansion, stunning Orthodox churches, and scenic parks and countryside. Addison suggests using Brasov as your home base, where visitors can explore its well-preserved old town and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains.

Don't miss the chance to hike or cycle through the expansive, pristine forests of Transylvania, some of Europe's largest and most untouched ecosystems. For wildlife enthusiasts, Addison recommends visiting a "bear hide"—a safe spot for observing Carpathian brown bears, along with red foxes and boars, in their natural environment.

Out Islands, Bahamas

Among the many islands and cays in the Bahamas, 14 are designated as Out Islands by the local tourism authority. These islands are located "outside" of New Providence and Grand Bahama, which are popular tourist destinations and cruise ship hubs. Known locally as the Family Islands, they offer a relaxed atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and a steady supply of conch. However, each island has its own unique charm and characteristics.

Do not miss: On Cat Island, hike to the highest peak in the Bahamas, Mount Alvernia, standing at 206 feet. At the summit, you'll find the Hermitage, a medieval-inspired monastery constructed in 1939, offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is experiencing a pop culture moment—though former resident Laura Barlow, owner of Explore the Magic Travel, notes that while the shows may not accurately represent the culture, they certainly entertain. For those seeking an alternative to coffee, local “dirty soda” shops, like FiiZ, serve up creative drinks, with Barlow recommending a Dr. Pepper, coconut, vanilla, cream, and raspberry blend. 

Don’t miss: A visit to the Sundance Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford, just an hour from the city. Depending on the season, you can enjoy skiing, mountain biking, zip lining, or art studio classes.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains in northwestern Arkansas, Eureka Springs stands out as one of the quirkiest cities in the South. Known for its haunted hotels, “hobbit” cave accommodations, hidden hot springs. 

Don’t miss: A hike outside the city to explore the beautiful springs, lakes, and historic trails.

Valparaíso, Chile

In Santiago, Chile, the sprawling cityscape offers breathtaking views, with the white-tipped Andes Mountains and the towering Gran Torre Costanera — the tallest skyscraper in South America — always in sight. 

Though Valparaíso is a popular destination, it offers plenty of space to explore. Wander through cobblestone streets, parks, and funicular stations. The town is dotted with colorful houses in pastel hues, many adorned with artful murals, leading you to hidden art galleries and workshops. Enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes, indulge in empanadas, or sit down to savor dishes like ceviche or fried hake. For a unique drink, head to Oui Oui, a cocktail bar run by French expats, where you can try a kiwi twist on the classic pisco sour.

Don’t miss: Take the Metro from Valparaíso to Viña del Mar, a charming “Garden City” with more beachfront and vibrant neighborhoods filled with restaurants and hotels. The Plaza Vergara, with its palm trees and fountain, offers a warm welcome, just steps from the Viña del Mar station. From there, it’s a short walk to Museo Fonck, where you can get up close with a Moai statue from Rapa Nui.

Brisbane, Australia

It may seem unusual to feel a connection to a place because of cartoon dogs, but for parents worldwide, Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, springs to life — with its sun-dappled, subtropical, waterfront beauty — thanks to the hit show Bluey. 

Don’t miss: The Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout, Brisbane’s highest point, just a short drive from the botanic gardens. "It's the perfect spot to get a full view of the entire landscape," Tidbury said.

Swedish Lapland

Located near the top of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Lapland is an Arctic wilderness where you can truly experience the vastness of nature. The main distinction between the Finnish and Swedish sides? The scale of tourism. Finland embraces large-scale tourism, while Sweden tends to avoid it. “It feels quieter and less commercialized compared to its neighbors,” said Anna Hård, a destination specialist with 50 Degrees North, a Nordic tour company.

Whether under the winter's dark skies or summer's endless daylight, the Arctic region is always bustling with activities. Visitors can try ice fishing, go reindeer sledding with Sámi guides, kayak around Bothnian Bay, enjoy a hot sauna followed by a cold plunge, or sleep in unique accommodations like treetop UFOs or the original Icehotel.

Don’t miss: In some areas, huskies outnumber humans, and these energetic dogs are always up for an adventure. Richardson, who ensures the animals are treated ethically, recommends bundling up for a sled ride or snowshoe trek with the dogs. When the snow melts, switch to a husky-drawn cart or hiking boots. The Swedish Lapland Visitors Board offers a list of operators on its site.

Trancoso, Brazil

The coastal village of Trancoso in Bahia state offers a wild yet serene escape, quite different from the bustling atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro. 

While the village has attracted Brazilian celebrities and high-end travelers in recent years, Fuzeti noted that it hasn't yet become an internationally hyped spot. The main square, Quadrado, is charming and lively, featuring boutique hotels, shops, and cozy restaurants offering Bahian dishes like acarajé (fried black-eyed pea fritters), moqueca (coconut milk fish stew), and cocada (a traditional dessert). 

Don’t miss: Kayaking or hiking in Rio do Brasil, a private nature reserve within the Atlantic Rainforest that’s home to hundreds of species, including capuchin monkeys, giant anteaters, sloths, and the rare Margaretta’s hermit hummingbirds.

Lion’s Head Mountain, Taiwan

Sacred to Taiwanese Buddhists and beloved by hiking enthusiasts, Shitoushan, also known as Lion’s Head Mountain, features a network of trails that connect temples nestled in the cliffs. 

Located about 60 miles southwest of Taipei, Shitoushan is popular for day hikes, but Schalkx recommends staying overnight. For instance, the Taoist Quanhua Temple offers a modest guesthouse, but as Schalkx points out, "few Taiwanese hotels can match that early-morning view of the valley draped in mist."

Don’t miss: Hiking to the summit of Lion’s Head via either the Kaishan Temple Trail from Quanhua or the Shishan Historic Trail.

New Brunswick

Nestled between Quebec and Nova Scotia, New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, with French and English as its official languages. Despite this cultural blend, much of your trip will be surrounded by the province's 85 per cent forested landscape, offering a peaceful, natural setting.

The beaches here, known for being the warmest saltwater north of Virginia, are calm and uncrowded. 

Don’t miss: At the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides, you can attend a unique three-course dinner party on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park from June to September. Afterward, take a kayak trip in the rising waters, which can reach up to 50 feet deep.

Nagano prefecture, Japan

After a surge of tourists flooded Japan in 2024, it appeared that the country was approaching the brink of overtourism. However, if you venture beyond the popular cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, a different story unfolds.

Located in the heart of Japan’s main island, Nagano Prefecture (similar to a state) is best known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. It’s also home to the "Japanese Alps," making it a top destination for skiing and hiking, depending on the season. In addition to its natural beauty, Nagano offers bustling cities, picturesque farm landscapes, and tranquil hot spring towns perfect for relaxation.

Don’t miss: Matsumoto, located about an hour by train from Nagano City. As the second-largest city in the prefecture, Matsumoto may be small, but it offers an abundance of incredible restaurants, cozy cafes with seasonal pastries, art museums (including one dedicated to Yayoi Kusama, a native of Matsumoto), a miso brewery, and one of Japan’s best-preserved historic castles.

Zambia

With 20 national parks and 34 game management areas, Zambia is brimming with wildlife, yet free from the large crowds typical of more tourist-heavy destinations. 

The essence of Zambia’s experience lies in its free movement, being the birthplace of the walking safari. (In South Luangwa, in addition to a guide, all walking safaris must have an armed government scout.) The national parks have no fences, and in South Luangwa, a government-enforced rule limits each wildlife sighting to just six vehicles.

Don’t miss: In Zambia, sunset is a sacred ritual, marked by a drink and a moment of quiet reflection. One of the best spots to experience this is on a boat on the Luangwa River, drifting past elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and hippos, all illuminated by a stunning red-orange glow.

By Naila Huseynova