Top five travel destinations to explore in 2025

OregonLive describes in its article that some travel destinations stand out not only for their iconic landmarks but also for their unique charm and warm, welcoming communities. 

Christopher Elliott has traveled extensively, beginning in South America and journeying through Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East. However, there are only five destinations he’d revisit in 2025.

Berlin

Berlin stands out as one of the most walkable cities in Europe, with wide sidewalks that allow pedestrians to move freely without worrying about sharing space with bikes, motorcycles, or even cars. The city is incredibly diverse and international, offering some of the best shopping and dining in Europe. What’s even better is that it’s not overcrowded with tourists like other major European cities, giving you a more genuine experience.

The Futurium, a free museum near the Bundestag, invites visitors to explore the future through its innovative exhibits—just like Berlin itself.

Dublin

Like many European capitals, Dublin is brimming with culture. There are free museums like the expansive National Museum of Ireland, located right across the river from the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll also find plenty of shopping on Grafton Street and a thriving restaurant and theater scene in the Docklands. But what truly stood out to me were the people. No matter how relentlessly it rained—and it did a lot—the locals were always warm and welcoming, and genuinely happy to meet new faces.

The National Gallery of Ireland, which is also free, boasts a vast collection of Irish art and Renaissance masterpieces. It's the ideal spot to take shelter and dry off when the rain keeps pouring down.

Grenada

Grenada, famously known as the Spice Island, offers beautiful beaches, it also boasts incredible scuba diving at its unique underwater sculpture park, countless hiking trails in Grand Étang National Park, and even chocolate. The genuine warmth and hospitality are unmatched, making it stand out from other Caribbean destinations.

Don’t miss to head to Belmont Estate to learn how they cultivate cocoa beans, harvest them, and craft delicious chocolate.

Lucerne, Switzerland  

Lucerne may not be easy on the wallet, but if you ever have the chance to visit for a weekend, seize it. Take a stroll along the northern shore of the lake, find a bench, and take in one of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever experience.

Don’t miss: A ride on one of the many cogwheel trains, like the Vitznau-Rigi Kulm railway, to the top of one of the surrounding mountains. Hike to the summit and take in the spectacular view.

Turku, Finland  

Turku might not appear on many tourist maps, which is unfortunate. This college town is perhaps the ideal summer getaway. It boasts a vibrant cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and one of Europe’s best farmers' markets. But most importantly, it’s incredibly laid-back. While much of Europe struggles to cope with sweltering summer temperatures, Turku remains comfortably cool.

Additionally, Turku serves as a gateway to the stunning Finnish archipelago, a string of islands stretching across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. But once again, the true charm of Turku lies not in the place itself, which is steadily building a reputation as one of Europe’s most sustainable cities, but in the people. Finns may be reserved compared to Americans, but the residents of Turku were always eager to express how grateful they were that I took the time to visit their often-overlooked corner of the world. I almost hesitate to share this gem for fear it’ll become as overrun as Amsterdam.

A drive along the Archipelago Trail, a 155-mile loop that takes you from Turku to Naantali, through these extraordinary islands. Along the way, you’ll encounter farms, historic towns, castles, and abundant wildlife. There’s truly nothing like it on Earth.

By Naila Huseynova