Next stop, the Spud State?
National Geographic has published its annual list of “Best of the World” travel destinations for 2025 — and it’ll have you jetting everywhere from obscure Indonesian islands to less exotic locales, like Idaho.
The picks reflect what the publication said is a hunger for more obscure destinations over the usual tourist haunts.
The pronouncement comes at a time of extreme fatigue related to overtourism in popular spots like Italy and Spain.
An emphasis was placed, editors said, on “locations where visitors are welcomed and support the destination’s environment and community.”
The rationale is that visiting these specific destinations will be “beneficial for both locals and travelers,” they said.
“I like to think of Best of the World as National Geographic’s annual invitation to get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world,” said editor-in-chief Nathan Lump, who added, “that through travel, we can connect with joy and hope.”
Here is a glimpse at some of the more unexpected picks on the lengthy list.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
This beautiful archipelago is making a splash for having thousands of reef fish, manta rays, dugongs, zebra sharks, plus 500 coral species. And, the highly remote region is becoming more accessible to adventurers as yacht tours are slated for 2025.
Boise, Idaho
National Geographic tapped Idaho’s fast-growing capital as a center of Basque-American culture, dating back to the 1800s. Join the locals as they celebrate their heritage during next year’s Jaialdi festival, returning after a ten-year hiatus.
Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
Linger for the lingonberries. The 30,000 islands that comprise the Stockholm Archipelago are an enchanting and cozy opportunity for a unique take on Nordic life, according to the outlet.
It’s best to go between late summer and early fall, a time locals call the magic season for being still warm but very calm.
Barbados
The Caribbean island is taking new initiatives to revisit, in an informative light, the nation’s involvement in the slave trade centuries ago. A new heritage district is slated to open next year in an area where several enslaved people had been buried.
Antigua, Guatemala
It’s the ultimate walk to blow off steam. Antigua is home to one of the most fiercely active volcanoes on the globe named Volcán de Fuego. When hiking up nearby 13,045-foot-high Acatenango Volcano, you will see unparalleled views of its massive and awesome eruptions.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Sorry Steely Dan, but Guadalajara will do.
Nat Geo lauds the Mexican city for its rich roots in mariachi that run so deep it is on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Cork, Ireland
It’s more than luck that Ireland makes the cut. South on the Emerald Isle in the county Cork there has been a huge, $128B development initiative to renovate art galleries and waterfronts so that they may be much more welcoming to host concerts and festivals.
Next September, the city of Cork will be hosting its music festival Sounds from a Safe Harbour, co-founded by Christopher Nolan’s pride and joy, local native Cillian Murphy.
Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy
Your prayers have been answered.
Italy’s deeply rooted history in ancient and modern Catholicism is worth venturing into as 200 Cenebotic monasteries from the Middle Ages are still open for business — filled with renaissance artwork — and will house travelers just as they did centuries ago.
Just be prepared to get woken up by monks belting out Gregorian chants in Latin.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai has had its time in the sizzling desert sun, apparently — Abu Dhabi is being talked up for focus on culture. The wealthy emirate has acquired itself branches of both the Louvre and Guggenheim museums.
Tunisia
More than a piece of the Roman empire and “Star Wars” filming location, Tunisia is praised for its archeological history and ruins — including a newly discovered 2,000-year-old shipwreck off its African shores.
Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Have your game face on when looking at big game in the new safari at KwaZulu-Natal province. The close-to-50,000-acre Babanango Game Reserve has successfully reintroduced rare species like endangered black rhinos, antelope kinds like oribi and klipspringer, plus elephants and lions.
Senegal
Senegal is a one-stop shop for some of the best West African cuisine there is for its mix of Wolof and French influence. National Geographic suggests taking cooking classes in Dakar.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital is undergoing a renaissance, the outlet said.
Along with a great deal of art and design inspiring its skyline, NatGeo says the festival scene in Bangkok is also a way for tourists to better experience local traditions.
Kanazawa, Japan
Noting that places like Kyoto are at their wit’s end with tourists, National Geographic writes that Kanazawa is a wonderful palate cleanser only two hours away — still providing a peek at traditional Japanese culture and architecture.
Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia
All aboard! The luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express has reportedly returned to service after a four-year pandemic pause.
Now back and better than ever, folks can enjoy cherry wood paneling and fine Malaysian silks within the 15 train cars, which include an open-air cabin for observation.
