Pack your bags and sunscreen Lonely Planet has unveiled its 30 must-visit destinations for 2025, along with a fresh list of the top 10 travel trends.
The renowned travel publisher’s selection spans cities, countries, and regions, highlighting urban favorites like Bansko in Bulgaria, Osaka in Japan, and Edmonton in Canada.
Among the standout country destinations are Cameroon, Lithuania, and Fiji, while Chiriqui in Panama and Valais in Switzerland are noted as vibrant regions.
‘Toulouse, France, tops our city list this year,’ says Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP of content and executive editor. Describing it as an ideal weekend getaway, she notes its charming labyrinth of art galleries, repurposed industrial spaces, and cozy cafés.
Puducherry, India, is also highlighted for its transformation into a sought-after destination for sun and surf, thanks to a beach reclamation project, and is easily accessible by train from the bustling city of Chennai.
This edition of Lonely Planet’s best-selling ‘Best in Travel’ book identifies train travel as the leading trend. Beach vacations, while ranking at No. 10, continue to be popular for their unspoiled beauty and connection to nature.
The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai embraces the trend of local flavors, with a culinary scene that offers exciting new experiences for food lovers.
Vanuatu, often overlooked as a Pacific destination, stands out for its commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation while offering thrilling activities like diving and volcano watching.
East Anglia in England is described as a hidden gem, featuring quaint villages and vibrant art towns along a stunning coastline dotted with beaches and bird reserves.
Extreme birdwatching ranks No. 4 on the trends list, reflecting the growing popularity of hobbies like birdwatching and hiking that gained traction during the pandemic.
In Turkey, the coastal cities of Giresun and Ordu serve as gateways to the breathtaking Black Sea region, often missed by tourists.
Lastly, Chambers highlights the picturesque Low Country and Coastal Georgia in the U.S., known for its beautiful beaches, marshlands, and historical African-American museum, all contributing to a unique culinary narrative.
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
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