2025 is shaping up to be a game-changing year for travel! With a boom in interest for off-the-beaten-path destinations and longer getaways, this year promises to be filled with new experiences and unexpected discoveries.
Narrowing down the top 10 destinations for 2025 isn’t easy, as every traveler seeks something unique. Some may crave the peace of a lesser-known mountain hamlet, while others may want to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of a buzzing city.
Whatever type of trip you prefer, Jaya Travel & Tours has a curated list of the top 10 destinations you’ll want to explore in the New Year!
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Known as the home of K-POP, sizzling street food, stunning natural landscapes, and a buzzing nightlife, there is something for everyone in the capital city of South Korea–Seoul.
Top Places to Visit in Seoul:
- Lotte World Tower: The tallest building in South Korea, also known as Seoul Sky, offers stunning panoramic views of the city from 123 floors up.
- Insadong: An essential neighborhood lined with cozy cafes serving delicious Korean dishes and shops selling traditional handmade items like pottery, hanji paper, and tea.
- Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of three main sections: the public area, the royal family residence, and the rear garden.
Best Time to Visit Seoul: Spring and fall are the best seasons in Seoul to enjoy the outdoors.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: If you’ve seen the Smurfs movie, you shouldn’t miss the Smurfs Magic Forest Gangnam. The park offers a fun experience for all ages, from enjoying exciting rides and charming villages to themed dining and unique souvenirs.
TROMSØ, NORWAY
Noctourism is a top travel trend for 2025, and the charming city of Tromsø mesmerizes travelers with views of the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer.
Top Places to Visit in Tromsø:
- The Polar Museum: Immersive exhibits and authentic artifacts provide an overview of local hunting, overwintering, polar expeditions, and cultural history.
- Tromsø Fjords: A charming town nestled among breathtaking fjords, perfect for winter sports, aurora watching, and cozy campfire nights.
- Polaria: The world’s most northerly aquarium, equipped with educational exhibits, a panoramic theater, and seal pools with chances to feed and train the animals.
Best Time to Visit Tromsø: Between September and March for the northern lights, or May to July for the midnight sun.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: A visit to Camp Tamok offers a peek into the traditions, lifestyle, and history of the Sami—Norway’s indigenous people. You’ll enjoy exploring the camp, interacting with reindeer, and discovering the stories of the land.
VATICAN CITY, ROME
The smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City is the administrative center of the Catholic Church and boasts some of Italy’s most important buildings and artifacts.
Top Places to Visit in Vatican City:
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, this pilgrimage destination boasts some of the best Renaissance-style art and architecture.
- Sistine Chapel: In addition to serving as the Pope’s official residence, the ceiling frescoes by Michaelangelo are masterpieces of Renaissance painting.
- Museo Chiaramonti: This museum houses thousands of antique sculptures, ancient architecture, and fresco paintings within the Vatican Museums.
Best Time to Visit Vatican City: Avoid crowds and high costs during September to February, the shoulder season.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: The 2025 Jubilee will last until January 6, 2026. During the opening of the Holy Door ceremony, pilgrims who pass through receive plenary indulgence, meaning the forgiveness of sins.
TOKYO, JAPAN
Located in southeastern Japan, Tokyo is a stunning mix of towering skyscrapers, traditional shrines, technological marvels, and, in the spring, world-famous cherry blossoms.
Top Places to Visit in Tokyo:
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Stunning gardens with Japanese, French, and English themed greenhouses, highlighted by 400+ cherry blossom trees.
- Takaosan Yakuoin Temple: A scenic temple at the summit of Mount Takao with hot springs and a monkey park nearby.
- Tokyo Sky Tree: Japan’s tallest tower, standing at 2,080 ft (634 m), offers panoramic city views from 2 observation decks, plus a shopping center and aquarium.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo: Spring and autumn to enjoy pleasant weather, cherry blossom season, and the fall foliage.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: An up-and-coming activity for travelers of all ages is Cosplay Go-Karting, where you drive through city streets dressed as iconic characters. Be sure to bring an international driving permit, as it’s required for this fun experience.
CUSCO, PERU
As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco offers a unique opportunity to experience Peruvian culture through impressive Inca ruins, vibrant markets, and colonial architecture.
Top Places to Visit in Cusco:
- Machu Picchu: Also called the “Lost City of the Incas,” Peru’s most famous attraction served as a mountaintop citadel of the Inca Empire in the 15th-century.
- Rainbow Mountain: Layers of 14 different multicolored minerals on this mountain result in striking shades of pink, white, red, green, brown, and yellow stripes.
- Chinchero: A charming village in the Sacred Valley where you can watch local Peruvian women weave traditional textiles and purchase handmade souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit Cusco: The weather in Peru is mild with clear skies during the dry season, from May to October.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: Different from traditional museums, ChocoMuseo offers a chance to learn about Peruvian chocolate, enjoy free samples, try cocoa tea or flavored liqueurs, and even make your own chocolate.
ASSAM, INDIA
Listed as the 4th destination in the New York Time’s list of 52 Places to Go in 2025, Assam promises rich experiences, welcoming culture, and national parks crawling with India’s most striking animals—rhinoceroses, elephants, deer, primates, and tigers.
Top Places to Visit in Assam:
- Kaziranga National Park: Home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos, tigers, and diverse wildlife.
- Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden: Home to over 1125 animals, birds, and reptiles, representing over 115 species of creatures from around the world.
- Kakochang Waterfall: Just an hour from Kaziranga, this popular picnic spot in Northeast India is known for stunning beauty, natural charm, and roaring waters.
Best Time to Visit Assam: Cool winds, blooming orchids, and the Bihu festival add to the festive atmosphere from November to May.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: Bihu is a lively festival celebrated three times a year to mark the changing seasons. It’s a thrilling event filled with folk music, traditional dance, vibrant attire, and delicious food.
ST. GALLEN, SWITZERLAND
St. Gallen, the center of Eastern Switzerland, is one of the highest cities in the country and a source of raw scenic beauty coupled with important cultural and historical monuments.
Top Places to Visit in St. Gallen:
- Abbey Library of Saint Gall: One of the oldest libraries in the world, whose baroque hall and priceless manuscripts offer a fascinating journey through history.
- Old Town of St. Gallen: A historic area blending hundreds of years of culture and history with charming lanes, half-timbered houses, and 111 artistically carved bay windows.
- Mülenen Gorge: At the bottom of the valley, Saint Gall is said to have had a divine vision that led to the founding of the monastery, which is now a tourist site.
Best Time to Visit St. Gallen: From late June to late August, when the weather is warm, skies are clear, and long days are perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: An experience you shouldn’t miss during any visit to St. Gallen is the Peter & Paul Wildlife Park. Here, you can spend hours watching native animals like deer, lynx, and ibex. Located on a hill, it also offers stunning views of the Alpstein mountain range on clear days.
UMBRIA, ITALY
Known as Italy’s “Green Heart,” Umbria’s medieval hilltop towns, stunning landscapes, beautiful cathedrals, and charming streets filled with local restaurants make it a top destination of 2025.
Top Places to Visit in Umbria:
- Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria: Housing the largest collection of Umbrian art, this gallery showcases over 3,000 masterpieces from the 13th to the 19th century.
- Piazza Grande: A breathtaking open square at the heart of town, bordered by historic buildings on one side and the expansive ocean on the other.
- Assisi: A sacred city renowned for the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, the Basilica of Santa Chiara, and the Cathedral of San Rufino.
Best Time to Visit Umbria: During the shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: Explore nearby picturesque hilltop towns like Assisi, Perugia, and Gubbio—these areas are rich in history, art, and local culture. You’ll wander through cobbled streets, discover stunning churches and galleries, and enjoy delicious Umbrian cuisine.
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Baku is one of the oldest cities in the East, offering a captivating mix of modern skyscrapers alongside beautifully preserved historic buildings.
Top Places to Visit in Baku:
- Candy Cane Mountains: A stunning natural wonder with hues of red, pink, and white stripes formed by iron-rich sediments and clay.
- Little Venice: A popular tourist spot with artificial waterways and gondola rides, also featuring canals connected by stone bridges and islands.
- Flame Towers: An iconic trio of skyscrapers symbolizing fire, featuring bold, futuristic designs and soaring to impressive heights, with the tallest reaching 597 ft (182 m).
Best Time to Visit Baku: April to June and September to October is ideal for mild weather and outdoor activities.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: Make sure you visit the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, home to a stunning collection of carpets. From ancient 17th-century pieces to modern designs, you can discover the rich history and techniques behind this iconic art form.
THE PELOPONNESE, GREECE
The Peloponnese, a hidden Greek gem with over 1 million residents, combines vibrant cities, traditional villages, rich history, and peaceful seaside towns full of untold stories.
Top Places to Visit in Peloponnese:
- Elafonisos: A small island off the Peloponnese known for its turquoise waters, soft sands, and peaceful ambience.
- Koroni: Located on the southwest edge of the region, this is a charming town with Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture.
- Patras: A lively city in the Peloponnese, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning blend of ancient landmarks and coastal beauty.
Best Time to Visit the Peloponnese: The ideal times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is ideal for exploring the outdoors.
Jaya’s Travel Tip: Explore the Sunken City of Epidaurus at Kalymnios Beach, an extraordinary underwater archaeological site where you can snorkel through crystal-clear waters and discover the remains of an ancient city.
Ready To Explore the Top 10 Destinations of 2025?
Whether you’re drawn to rich history, vibrant culture, thrilling adventures, or tranquil relaxation, our Top 10 Destinations of 2025 have something for every type of traveler. When you’re ready to embark on your journey, Jaya Travel is here to turn your dream vacation into a reality.
With over 49 years of expertise, our in-house travel agents take care of every detail—from flights and hotels to cruises, tours, and travel insurance. We pride ourselves on crafting personalized experiences that cater to your needs, whether it’s accessible travel, unique activities, or unforgettable accommodations.
Are you ready to book your 2025 vacation? Contact us today and enjoy a 5% discount on your personalized tour. At Jaya Travel, we’re dedicated to ensuring your adventure is not just smooth—but extraordinary.
