National Geographic has presented its annual selection of the ideal destinations to visit next year, ranging from places filled with greenery to cities with skyscrapers.
THE travel It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new cultures, have exciting experiences and perhaps learn a new language.
Now, as we approach the end of 2024, National geographic published his list The best in the world 2025 , the annual list which presents the best destinations to visit next year .
The ranking, produced by the explorers and editors of the prestigious magazine, presents emerging destinations which stand out for their natural landscapes, their history, their culture, their architecture and even their typical gastronomy.
What are the best destinations with nature
Antigua, Guatemala was one of the corners of the world that gained a place in the ranking. Located in the central highlands of the country, this small town is characterized by being surrounded by volcanoes and its colonial buildings.
From National Geographic they praised the Guatemalan city for its powerful Fire Volcano which is currently one of the most active on the planet . “A hike to the nearby Acatenango volcano (Guatemala’s third highest, peaking at 4,000 meters above sea level) offers unparalleled views of the spectacular eruptions. The grueling hike passes through coffee plantations and cloud forests on mountain slopes,” they described.
The archipelago of islands Raja Ampat, Indonesia is another destination appreciated for its natural landscapes and which appeared in this selection. It is located in the center of the Coral Triangle, which is the area with the greatest marine biodiversity in the world.
According to the magazine, it is “a marine paradise with some 500 species of coral, more than a thousand species of reef fish and creatures like manta rays and dugongs” . This region can only be explored by boat, for example via tour operators.
Greenland the largest island in the world and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, also moved up a place in the rankings. It is famous for its giant ice cap which covers almost 80% of the island’s surface, and at the same time, is the second largest ice area in the world after Antarctica. Its striking landscapes are composed of mountains, tundra, fjords and glaciers.
Another natural destination that emerged was Australia Murray River . This river system originates in the Great Dividing Range until it flows into the Indian Ocean, making it one of the most important rivers in this country.
“The third longest navigable river in the world, surpassed only by the Amazon and the Nile,” details the magazine.
Which cities are among the best destinations
The selection of the best destinations to visit next year has not left aside the large cities that receive thousands of tourists every year.
One of them is Los Angeles, United States of which National Geographic highlighted the new energy available to its cultural scene.
Among the city’s new developments is Crenshaw Boulevard, a transformed space with community spaces with gardens and more than 100 artistic works. In addition, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which will open its doors in 2026 at the Parc des Expositions, will be able to exhibit works collected by George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars.
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok also gained recognition. This city is a “heady mix of old and new” and contains tall skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls.
According to National Geographic, Bangkok has become a center for art and design, hosting several important events such as the Bangkok Art Biennale. However, this does not prevent foreign tourists from observing the cultural heritage of the Asian country.
Another notable city was Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates which has museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and will soon celebrate the inauguration of new ones, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Slightly smaller towns also appeared, such as Guadalajara, Mexico which has its own mariachi festival. Every year, between August and September, the state capital of Jalisco celebrates this event with mariachi bands, parades, music workshops and charrería rodeo competitions, which is Mexico’s national sport.
Cork was also chosen for this ranking. This Irish town is commonly associated with Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy, as it is where he was born and raised.
But it is also distinguished by the urban renaissance this will soon be the case: in 2028 the work will be completed which will transform the port and the city’s quays, in addition to making changes to the art galleries. In September 2025, Cork will host Sounds from a Safe Harbour, a biennial festival curated by Murphy.
What are the main destinations to travel to in 2025
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Ocala National Forest, United States
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Cenobitic monasteries, Italy
- Los Angeles, United States
- Greenland
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia
- Brasov, Romania
- Closed, Brazil
- Northland, New Zealand
- Senegal
- Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- Barbados
- Suru Valley, India
- Boise, Idaho
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Murray River, Australia
- Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Cork, Ireland
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Tunisia
Source: Latercera
I am David Jack and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. As an experienced journalist, I specialize in covering sports news with a focus on golf. My articles have been published by some of the most respected publications in the world including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.
