Top 30 must-see travel destinations revealed for 2025 — No. 1 offers a ‘perfect weekend’

Couple with suitcases watching aircraft take flight at airport.
Lonely Planet recently released its list of the top 30 must-see travel destinations for 2025.

Already dreaming of next year’s vacation? This list will help you to book your 2025 getaway whether it be a weekend rendezvous or a summer getaway.

Lonely Planet recently released its list of the top 30 must-see travel destinations for 2025.

“Best in Travel 2025 is the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s annual love letter to the world,” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, content and executive editor, told The Post in a statement.

“Best in Travel 2025 is the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s annual love letter to the world,” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, content and executive editor, told The Post in a statement. REUTERS
“Best in Travel 2025 is the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s annual love letter to the world,” said Nitya Chambers, Lonely Planet’s SVP, content and executive editor, told The Post in a statement. REUTERS

“Wherever you are in the world, we’re confident Best in Travel brings fresh inspiration for the year ahead.”

The list was divided into the top ten cities, countries and regions to give avid travelers a range of travel destinations.

Toulouse, France

The city in the south of France was named the top city to visit next year thanks to its fast-expanding art scene —  it is a UNESCO City of Music — and winding riverways.

Often referred to as “Paris in miniature” the cute city is considered “a perfect weekend break destination, a real labyrinth of a city with art galleries, upcycled industrial venues (and) cafes,” Chambers told CNN.

The city in the south of France was named the top city to visit next year. FredP – stock.adobe.com
The city in the south of France was named the top city to visit next year. FredP – stock.adobe.com

Cameroon

If you want to explore more than just one locale, Cameroon was ranked as the top country to tour.

The West African nation was chosen for its stunning beaches, not-so-crowded national parks, and lively nightlife taking off in major cities.

The West African nation of Cameroon was ranked as the top country to tour. homocosmicos – stock.adobe.com
The West African nation of Cameroon was ranked as the top country to tour. homocosmicos – stock.adobe.com

Low Country and Coastal Georgia

If a whole country isn’t enough to satisfy your travel craving, check out the Low Country and Coastal Georgia region here in the US.

Charming cities including Charleston and Savannah, have been highlighted for their rich historical and cultural significance and vibrant food scene.

The Low Country and Coastal Georgia region along the south coast of the US was ranked the top region for 2025. Micah – stock.adobe.com
The Low Country and Coastal Georgia region along the south coast of the US was ranked the top region for 2025. Micah – stock.adobe.com

Two other US areas made the list although not typical internationally recognized American hotspots: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region in Oregon.

The ‘Burgh was mentioned for their mixing its “industrial past with its artisanal present” while the Pacific Northwest section is beloved for its incredible natural beauty.

Lonely Planet’s original list comes shortly after National Geographic published its annual list of “Best of the World” travel destinations for 2025, which also shouted out another American destination not frequented as often as NYC or LA — Boise, Idaho.

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 & Coastal Georgia

The Terai, Nepal

Chiriqui, Panama

Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia

Valais, Switzerland

Giresun & Ordu, Turkiye

Bavaria, Germany

East Anglia, England

Jordan Trail

Mount Hood & the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon, USA