Lonely Planet has announced its top destinations to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025.
The 15th edition features 30 must-visit destinations from around the world, and for the first time, the title includes the top 10 travel trend predictions for the year ahead. In addition to the print edition, Lonely Planet also unveiled a curated collection of digital and social media content, presented in partnership with new eSIM service, Saily.
Lonely Planet’s team curated the 30 must-see global destinations across three categories: cities, countries and regions. Each category features 10 destinations, chosen for their topicality, unique attributes and experiences, including food, history, architecture, art, vibrant local culture and natural beauty, along with their ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025
Cities
- Toulouse, France
- Pondicherry, India
- Bansko, Bulgaria
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Genoa, Italy
- Pittsburgh, USA
- Osaka, Japan
- Curitiba, Brazil
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Edmonton, Canada
Countries
- Cameroon
- Lithuania
- Fiji
- Laos
- Kazakhstan
- Paraguay
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Vanuatu
- Slovakia
- Armenia
Regions
- Low Country and Coastal Georgia (US)
- The Terai, Nepal
- Chiriqui, Panama
- Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia             Â
- Valais, Switzerland
- Giresun & Ordu, Turkiye
- Bavaria, Germany
- East Anglia, England
- Jordan Trail
- Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon, USA
Top Travel Trends for 2025
In addition to naming the 30 must-visit destinations for the upcoming year, for the first time, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 is unveiling the top 10 travel trends for the year ahead. The list is accompanied by a selection of the best destinations for travellers to experience these trends in real life.
Train Hopping – From cross-continental epic voyages to slow travel branch lines, rail-based adventures are more popular than ever with contemporary travellers.
Taking it Easy – Slow travel emphasizes the value of being present in the natural world, to escape from the stress and worry of an always-on digital world.
Following the Music – Experience-based travel continues to resonate with music-lovers in search of iconic venues around the world.
Extreme Birdwatching – Now more than ever, bird enthusiasts are planning entire vacations around viewing their favourite feathered friends, or adding to the list of species seen.
Marvellous Markets – Interest in local markets continues to soar as travellers seek sensory ways to immerse themselves in local life.
What a Drag – The most spectacular drag shows in the world are celebrations of inclusivity and connection, bringing people together through artistic and human expression.
Underrated Parks – Intrepid adventurers are vying to find the most under-the-radar parks and reserves, reclaiming the outdoors from the masses to experience the natural world without waiting in line.
Local Flavours – Eating and travel are inextricably linked, and more and more travelers are seeking out destinations where distinctive and delicious cuisine and local food culture get top-billing.
Arboreal Adventures – Places known for their remarkable trees and forests are in high demand as tourists discover novel approaches to connecting with their surroundings.
Best Beaches – Offering relaxation, unspoiled beauty and a connection with nature, beach vacations will always be on trend.
“Best in Travel 2025 is the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s annual love letter to the world. While mindful of our responsibilities and impact as travelers, we’re proud of the destinations, journeys and experiences featured here, and we are excited to share the local expertise and insight at the heart of these recommendations,” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, content and executive editor.
“Wherever you are in the world, we’re confident Best in Travel brings fresh inspiration for the year ahead.”
Available globally for purchase at shop.lonelyplanet.com, the Best in Travel 2025 hardcover book features photography, local advice and insider experiences for each of the destinations on this year’s list. To accompany the print edition, travellers can check out Lonely Planet’s website and follow social media accounts to engage with interactive digital content from each of this year’s selections, including immersive video showcasing Chiang Mai, Genoa, Vanuatu and Armenia.
