Where to go in 2025: when to visit our Best in Travel winners

If you’re anything like us, you want to cram as much adventure into 2025 as possible.

And if you want to be inspired, look no further than Best in Travel 2025 – a roundup of the best places to visit next year. With 30 destinations all over the world among our picks, there’s plenty to pack in. 

And the time for planning is now. Read on for a month-by-month guide to the best time to visit each of these incredible places in the coming year.

Where to travel in January 2025

Laos

Dry and relatively cool January is the perfect time to discover the cultural and natural wonders of Laos. With its gilt-roofed temples, Luang Prabang provides a jumping-off point for exploring the north, where clouded leopards and elephants roam protected areas and hill tribes preserve traditional lifestyles in remote villages. To the east, visit the Plain of Jars near Phonsavan; in the far south, you can discover the elaborately carved temples around Champasak and the laid-back charms of Si Phan Don – the “Four Thousand Islands” scattered across the Mekong River. 

Planning tip: The air at higher altitudes can get chilly on January nights – bring warm layers if you’re heading into the mountains.

Valais, Switzerland

January means skiing in Switzerland. But though the glitzy resorts – like St Moritz and Zermatt – attract the wealthy with perfect powder and a lively après-ski scene, elsewhere you’ll find peaceful valleys where winter walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing take you deep into the mountains, through fairy-tale chalet villages and snow-clad pine forests. Try Goms and neighboring villages in Valais to fully embrace the beauty of Swiss winter. 

Planning tip: Trains to Goms run from Brig, linked to Zürich and Geneva airports as well as cities including Lausanne and Basel by direct services.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

January is the middle of Thailand’s cool season and can be one of the best times to visit ⁠— particularly the ever-social city of Chiang Mai. Things get busy over the Christmas and New Year weeks – but this also means an increase in tours and day trips that provide enough options to thin out the crowds. The cooler temperatures mean that it’s a great time for outdoor pursuits, and parks that close in the rainy season will be open. If you prefer indoor activities, it’s still an ideal period to visit famous temples, drink up the coffee culture, take a cooking course or join the epic nightlife scene. 

Find out more of the best places to go in January.

Where to travel in February 2025

Puducherry, India

February is the perfect time to visit Puducherry (once called Pondicherry), as it sits outside the two monsoons and the weather is cool and dry. Use the great weather to explore the city’s captivating spiritual sites, temples and ashrams, contemporary art galleries, and French colonial architecture. You can even hit the beach, as Puducherry works to reclaim sandy beaches that were previously eroded, transforming this seafront city into a beachfront destination. 

Planning tip: Make sure to visit the nearby Auroville, a “universal township” where international residents live in an experimental community. 

Launceston and the Tamar Valley, Tasmania, Australia

In February, summer is at its tail-end in the Tasmanian city of Launceston, with temperatures averaging around 23°C (73°F). Stop by for the food-focused Festivale in City Park, which runs from January 31 to February 2, 2025. When you’ve had your fill of local food and wines, make sure to head to Narawntapu National Park to spot kangaroos and wombats before hitting the park’s incredible beaches. 

Planning tip: You can book direct flights to Launceston from almost all Australian state capitals. 

Find out more of the best places to go in February.

Where to travel in March 2025

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

With spring setting in and the days gradually warming, Palma in March is simply gorgeous. It’s also cheaper and more relaxed to visit the Mallorcan capital during the shoulder season. And without the red-hot temperatures of summer, it’s a better time to indulge in the city’s cultural offerings, independent shops and galleries; sample a delicious and unpretentious food scene; and stroll the newly upgraded seafront promenade, set to be unveiled in early 2025. 

Bansko, Bulgaria 

A small town tucked among the peaks of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko has long been a popular ski spot for Europeans. And thanks to a long season, travelers can enjoy Bansko’s winter sports in March, when it’s a lot quieter. But there’s a lot more to do in this Bulgarian town than ski. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, dine at a mehana (traditional tavern) and learn about local history. With a recent influx of digital nomads and international tourists, craft-beer shops, cafes and bakeries are popping up. Explore this spot now – before everyone else catches on. 

Planning tip: Direct buses run from both Sofia’s city center and its airport to Bansko. 

Chiriquí, Panama

It’s possible to visit Chiriquí all year round – but March is one of the warmest and sunniest months in this Panamanian region, on the Pacific coast. It’s also the perfect time for bird-watching (as is any time between January and April). And you’ll want to look hard for these creatures: Panama has more than 1000 species, the most famous being the quetzal, revered as a sacred symbol by the Maya and Aztecs.

Planning tip: The best way to get to Chiriquí is by flying from Panama City to the small airport in David. 

Find more of the best places to go in March.

Where to travel in April 2025

Jordan Trail

In April, Jordan can be very green. Humidity and rainfall are low, temperatures hover at a mild 20–23°C (68–73°F), the central valleys are lush after winter rains and wildflowers bloom everywhere. It’s a beautiful time to travel across the country ⁠– and a good time to hike the Jordan Trail. This 676km (420-mile) trail stretches from the top to bottom of the kingdom, but even covering a short section will show off a side of Jordan not many travelers see. 

Planning tip: The khamaseen (hot, sandy wind) can hit Jordan in spring; it usually only lasts a few days.

Vanuatu

April kicks off Vanuatu’s dry ⁠– and high ⁠– season. But with just 45,000 tourist arrivals each year, Vanuatu never gets overcrowded. With more than 80 islands in this archipelago, you’ll have endless spots for exploration, where you can scuba dive among reefs and wrecks, climb a volcano and swim in beautiful natural pools. In April, you can also travel to Pentecost Island on a Saturday (any Saturday between April and June) to take in the ancient Naghol (land diving) ritual that inspired modern bungee jumping. 

Planning tip: There are direct flights between Vanuatu and Australia (Brisbane and Sydney), New Zealand (Auckland), Fiji (Nadi), New Caledonia (Noumea) and Honiara (Solomon Islands).

Osaka, Japan

Early April is cherry-blossom (aka sakura) season in Osaka – a truly charming time to visit. These gorgeous blossoms will provide the perfect backdrop as you dive into this gastronomic paradise. The city is known for its food scene, offering up some of Japan’s top dishes such as okonomiyaki (a pancake-like omelet) and takoyaki (dough balls filled with octopus). Once you’ve fueled up on local treats, head out to explore the historic Osaka Castle or the ultra-cool Amerika-mura ⁠– Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku. 

Find more of the best places to go in April.

Where to travel in May 2025

Genoa, Italy

Genoa starts to warm up in May, but hasn’t yet reached the busy summer season. In other words, this is a great time to explore this captivating port city, before the crowds descend. Wander the historic center visiting museums, get lost through the winding caruggi (alleys), and sample aperitivos and pesto dishes in traditional Ligurian restaurants. Genoa is also a jumping-off point for the Italian Riviera, including the famous ⁠– and often busy ⁠– spots of Portofino and Cinque Terre.

South Carolina’s Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia, USA 

In this region, the heat and humidity can be oppressive during the summer – which is also hurricane season. (South Carolina and Georgia were both hit in September 2024’s Hurricane Helene.) Come in the spring for more-pleasant temperatures and ideal conditions for a hitting the road to pack in visits to beautiful beaches, windswept marshes and the wonderful cities of Savannah and Charleston. Make sure to stop by the new International African American Museum in the latter for a moving take on a vital piece of American history. 

Find out more of the best places to go in May.

Where to travel in June 2025

Paraguay

With far fewer visitor arrivals than its larger neighbors Argentina and Brazil, the diverse, landlocked nation of Paraguay will let travelers have its natural and cultural highlights all to themselves. In June the temperatures are mild, making it a great time to visit. Explore the spiky Chaco forest – home to jaguars and giant anteaters – and visit picturesque pueblos and plunging waterfalls. If you’re after urban pleasures, new tours are showcasing the eclectic architecture of Asunción, the charmingly time-worn capital. 

Planning tip: Although incredible Iguazú Falls straddles the Brazilian-Argentine border, it’s easily accessed from Paraguay via the crossing at Encarnación, providing a dramatic climax to a trip.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Pittsburgh’s winters can be biting and the summers often thick with heat humidity. Try visiting in June, when this dynamic city celebrates the start of summer yet hasn’t yet reached the season’s busy, sticky peak. Farmers markets will be in full swing and patios in its many neighborhoods are ready to be enjoyed. June is also when the Three Rivers Art Festival takes place, so you can enjoy 10 days of free art and music in the Cultural District. 

Find out more of the best places to go in June.

Where to travel in July 2025

Lithuania

July brings long sunny days, short nights and a warmer Baltic Sea ⁠to Lithuania – meaning you can see the best of this beautiful country in ideal conditions. Start your trip in Vilnius, the forward-looking capital, exploring its cathedral and Old Town; then head west to the magnificent island castle of Trakai and on to Klaipėda, gateway to the sandy beaches and dunes of the Curonian Spit National Park. 

Planning tip: Since July and August bring crowds to the supremely scenic beaches and forests of the Curonian Spit, consider staying in the smaller villages of Preila and Pervalka rather than the tourist hot spot of Nida.

Slovakia

High summer is a popular time to travel to Slovakia. This is when temperatures reach toward the low 30°sC (mid-90°sF) and endless rounds of Zlatý Bažant beer arrive at tables lining cobbled old-town streets. Conditions are ideal for grabbing a zmrzlina (ice cream) and strolling around Bratislava’s statue-lined squares or the stately medieval town of Banská Štiavnica. Summer is also a hotly anticipated window for high-altitude hikes in the High Tatras. Slovakia’s highest peaks, including Rysy (2501m / 8205ft) and Kriváň (2495m / 8185ft), only open to hikers in mid-June – and early snow has been known to cut the hiking season short. 

Kazakhstan

Though Kazakhstan is never really crowded, summer is the high season. And for good reason: the warm weather makes it possible to explore deep into the mountains, with snow having cleared most of the passes by mid-June. While many Kazakhs decamp to the shores of Lake Issyk-Köl in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, many others visit their own vast lake at Burabay National Park. While Burabay village and the beginning of the lake can draw crowds, once you set out on the walking trails through birch forests you’ll soon find yourself practically alone. 

Find out more of the best places to go in July.

Where to travel in August 2025

Curitiba, Brazil

Curitiba’s subtropical climate is pleasant year-round, with the winter months (June–August) the coolest and driest. The comfortable weather makes it a good time to visit Brazil’s “green” city, which is known for its commitment to mass transit and innovative urban planning. Its well-kept green spaces and truly elegant botanic garden are well worth lingering in. In between all the greenery, a small historic downtown district boasts some beautiful art nouveau and neoclassical buildings.

Edmonton, Canada

There’s no better time to connect with Edmonton’s artsy side than in August, when the International Fringe Festival takes over the city. The 11-day event fills the town with live shows in parks, theaters and even on the streets. The weather will be hot, making it great for enjoying the boutique shopping and multicultural food options on Whyte Ave. Now’s the time to explore this rapidly revitalizing city. 

Planning tip: It’s well worth driving 80 minutes north to Métis Crossing, a new cultural gathering center and high-end lodge offering overnight stays and tours. 

East Anglia, England, UK

The counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire that make up East Anglia offer a taste of postcard England. Filled with villages of half-timbered 16th-century houses and unexpectedly arty wool towns, they also back onto a coastline studded with beaches. It’s lovely in late summer, when long evenings demand trips to pub gardens and walks along the foreshore. Book ahead for accommodation. 

Planning tip: From London, there are fast and frequent train services to Cambridge, Norwich and Lowestoft. While local bus services connect most towns and villages, renting your own car will make exploring easier.

Giresun and Ordu, Türkiye

With their lush hills that bump up against the Black Sea coast, Giresun and Ordu provide a respite for travelers from around Türkiye and the Middle East in summer, making this a wonderful if busy time to visit. Temperatures hover around the mid-20s°C but can reach the low- to mid-30s°C (around 77–95°F) with summer humidity to mach – so it’s worth heading for the region’s cooler mountain areas. August also heralds the beginning of the hazelnut harvest, which is celebrated with local village festivals.  

Find out more of the best places to go in August.

Where to travel in September 2025

Bavaria, Germany 

Ignore the renowned event’s name: Bavaria’s world-famous Oktoberfest actually kicks off in September, packing the region with travelers ready for the big beer party. Millions of people head to Munich to take part ⁠– which means pricy hotel rooms and a need to book early ⁠– but the excitement means the streets are thronged with revelers enjoying the fun. If you want to be a part of it, it’s the best time of year to visit. Yet if you hate crowds, it may be best avoided: consider hitting up one of Bavaria’s many other beer fests.

Armenia

Armenia does ancient like almost nowhere else. A little-visited crossroads of continents, this landlocked nation packed with churches, monasteries and caravanserais (inns) dating from the 1st century CE. After a sweltering high summer, the weather starts to cool in September – yet it’s still warm enough for hiking the hills. (This is the driest month, too.) From capital Yerevan’s appealing cafe culture to the cave village of Old Khndzoresk and hilltop monasteries such as Geghard, Tatev and Noravank, this mesmerizing, diverse land is not quite like anywhere else. 

Planning tip: Love (very) long walks? In 2024, the country unveiled the freshly mapped, 1000km (620-mile) Armenian National Trail, which is open to hikers. 

Find out more of the best places to go in September.

Where to travel in October 2025

Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon, USA

Want to soak up some autumnal glory, complete with colorful leaves and an apple-picking excursion? Head to Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Just 40 minutes outside Portland, this region offers plenty of sustainable cuisine and outdoor activities. The Hood River Valley is also home to around 30 different farm stands, orchards, wineries, cideries and brewers. Apple, pear and cherry trees have been cultivated here since the 1850s, with brewpubs, cider shops and farm-to-table dining coming along more recently.

Planning tip: Wander through a multi-generational family farm like Draper Girls or Kiyokawa Family Orchards in the hamlet of Parkdale to pick up some October apples and pears. 

Fiji

October is a shoulder-season month in Fiji, offering that sweet spot of fewer fellow tourists and pleasant weather. By the end of October, temperatures consistently warm up to the low 30s°C (low 80sºF) with relatively low humidity. October is also one of Fiji’s most festive months, kicking off with Fiji Day, which commemorates independence from British rule. Many Fijians will use this long weekend to head to the beaches, enjoy a hearty feast (called a lovo), and put on music and dance performances. 

Planning tip: At the end of October (or November depending on the year), Fiji also celebrates the Hindu holiday of Diwali, the festival of lights, when Fiji’s skies become alight with fireworks. 

Find out more of the best places to go in October.

Where to travel in November 2025

Toulouse, France 

France’s fourth-largest city, Toulouse is home to one of the biggest universities outside Paris, and is a lively proposition even in November. Known as La Ville Rose (the Pink City) on account of its blush-colored brickwork, it has a gorgeous Old Quarter chock-full of warm cafes, bars and restaurants serving local specials – not least cassoulet, the hearty slow-cook of pork, duck confit, lamb, white beans and local sausage that is tailor-made for cold days. 

The Terai, Nepal

The most comfortable time to visit the Terai is during the relative cool of winter, from November to February. The weather will make it easy to visit Chitwan National Park, a former hunting reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best wildlife-viewing parks in Asia. This is especially true if you want to catch sight of the park’s big three inhabitants: one-horned rhinos, wild Asian elephants and the ever-elusive Bengal tiger. Or head to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, and one of the world’s major pilgrimage centers.

Planning tip: Regular buses link the Terai’s main cities and towns with Kathmandu and Pokhara; tourist buses also run to and from Chitwan. There are several airports in the region and four border crossings with India.

Find out more of the best places to go in November.

Where to travel in December 2025

Cameroon

December is in the center of the dry season in Cameroon, making it the perfect time to explore, as the weather and road conditions will be ideal. Relax on Cameroon’s incredible (and under-the-radar) beaches and explore the intriguing architecture of capital Yaoundé. 

Planning tip: Air France, Royal Air Maroc and Ethiopian Airlines connect Cameroon respectively with Paris, Casablanca and Addis Ababa.

Trinidad & Tobago

The twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago lies at the southern end of the Caribbean. By December, it’s the end of the rainy season, making it a great time to head for a beach retreat. The best part of a December visit is Trini Christmas, when the islands will be in full festive swing, with incredible food and celebrations, all with a soundtrack of parang – folk music sung in Spanish.

Find out more of the best places to go in December.