Where will your travels take you in 2025? Will you return to the same destinations you know and love, or perhaps dip your toes into some new cultures and explore unknown cities? The choice is yours, and there’s a perfect destination for every traveler in 2025. So pack your bags and start exploring!
WINTER
Chiang Mai, Thailand
For travelers from the northern hemisphere who would rather escape the cold than grin and bear it, Chiang Mai, Thailand is guaranteed to be balmy and beautiful. Thailand was in fact just named Travel and Leisure’s destination of the year for 2025. Chiang Mai is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, and is beloved by travelers from around the globe. In the winter, it’s the perfect escape.
Zermatt, Switzerland
If you’d rather embrace the cold than avoid it, consider a mountain town like Zermatt, Switzerland. Zermatt offers access to all the wintry activities your heart desires. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and not to mention a location under the famous Matterhorn peak of the Alps. Pack your chunky sweaters and thermal wear because you won’t want to miss this chilly adventure.
SPRING
Santa Marta, Colombia
Anyone looking to go off the well-traveled tourist trail and pay a visit to this city by the sea will find lots to do. Santa Marta, in fact, is a historic, multifaceted small city that’s rich in culture and cuisine. It also happens to serve as a convenient gateway to some of the most beautiful natural areas along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Seoul, South Korea
There’s always something to do in Seoul and spring is definitely no exception. Between March and May visitors can enjoy all the usual perks of Seoul along with the cherry blossoms, which compete with those of Japan and Washington, D.C. Visit local palaces, parks and historic villages, go cycling along the Han River, hike along the old city walls, and enjoy colorful nightlife, karaoke, and sensational eats.
SUMMER
Copenhagen, Denmark
As southern Europe’s most popular destinations sizzle and sear in months like July and August, up north in the Nordic countries, more temperate climes beckons. Copenhagen continues to prove its chops as the perfect summertime retreat. A cool off is just minutes away at any time as lovely clear water courses through the city’s canals. Spend a summer afternoon here dining at top culinary restaurants, window shopping at boutique and vintage shops, stopping for a bite at a local food market, and taking a dip in the canals.
Iceland
Though Iceland offers varying advantages depending on the time of year you visit. The best time to enjoy the country’s beautiful green scenery is during the warm season. Summer offers an optimal window for hiking, exploring waterfalls, road tripping, and other outdoor activities. Though you might not catch the Northern Lights this time of year, you will leave with an excuse to return to the beautiful landscapes of Iceland again soon.
AUTUMN
Kyoto, Japan
Though the U.S. is brimming with prime destinations for leaf peeping, Japan is also famous for the fall foliage season. With parks, gardens, temples and pathways that gleam golden yellow, Kyoto invites visitors hoping to witness the transition in October.
Granada, Spain
Granada’s locals know that this city is magical year-round, but the crisp autumn air makes this city even more romantic and entrancing. There’s something about pulling on a sweater and warming up with a few glasses of wine at a favorite tapas spot by night and exploring cobblestone streets brimming with European and Moorish architecture by day that entices us.
