Top 25 destinations to visit in 2025

According to its article, CNN unveils a list of exciting destinations and travel insights for 2025, offering a look at the top places to visit, aviation and rail trends, and even cautionary tales for travelers. 

An island resembling a lightning bolt. An archipelago offering Maldives-like charm without the influence of major international brands. The walking paths of England, the rail trails of Vermont, and Italy's elegant trains. There's an abundance of destinations to explore in 2025.

CNN Travel has curated a list of some must-see destinations, ranging from Bequia in the Caribbean to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

Take a look at the upcoming trends in aviation and rail travel for 2025, and also check out our roundup of the most poorly behaved travelers of 2024, offering valuable lessons on what to avoid in the year ahead.

As we gear up for another exciting year of travel and stories, the team at CNN Travel reflects on some of their standout assignments from 2024:

Lilit Marcus (Hong Kong) had the chance to explore one of Asia's most enigmatic destinations. "Bhutan is one of the most remarkable places I've ever visited, largely thanks to the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people. It was a privilege to share their voices with others."

Julia Buckley (Italy) had an insightful experience spending the day with Monica Poli, a volunteer working to protect tourists from pickpockets in Venice. "Living in Italy, I've seen a rise in petty crime, and it was rewarding to witness Monica and her team alerting tourists to potential threats that could have ruined their trip."

Forrest Brown (Atlanta) reflected on his favorite assignment, "American Food: The 20 Greatest Dishes." He enjoyed the research process, delving into the fascinating histories behind the dishes, even though narrowing down the list was difficult. "I also started eating poke bowls because of this," he shared.

Tamara Hardingham-Gill (London) cherished working on the "Living the Dream" series. One standout story featured a gay man and his female best friend, whose short-lived marriage led them to the same Italian town with their husbands, highlighting the power of friendship and chosen family.

Karla Cripps (Bangkok) explored the beloved Thai dessert, mango sticky rice, gaining a deeper appreciation after hearing from long-standing vendors in Bangkok. "After living in the city for over 20 years, I thought I knew everything about this dish, but these insights gave me even more respect for it."

Maureen O’Hare (London) fondly remembers her journey on the Caledonian Sleeper train, traveling from the bustle of London to the serene Scottish Highlands. "It was magical to be rocked to sleep by the train and wake up surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Highlands." She invites readers to join her in a video of her ride.

Francesca Street (London) enjoys writing love stories for "Chance Encounters," but this year, she was particularly moved by a friendship-based tale. "I loved speaking with the four friends who took a vacation photo in 1972 and then recreated it over 50 years later. Their enduring friendship was inspiring, and the recreated photo is simply incredible!"

Marnie Hunter (Atlanta) traveled down I-75 to Macon, Georgia, for the first installment of our "America’s Best Towns to Visit" series. "Macon is rich with history, featuring grand Antebellum homes and a strong musical legacy with icons like Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers. The Ocmulgee Mounds, a prehistoric Native American site, may soon become Georgia’s first National Park."

By Naila Huseynova