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17 minutes readContents
- Paris
- London
- Rome
- Tokyo
- Maldives
- Yellowstone National Park
- Barcelona
- Dubai
- Budapest, Hungary
- Luxor, Egypt
- Madagascar
- Universal Studios, Orlando
- Turks and Caicos
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Bucharest, Romania
- Alaska
- Puerto Rico
- Washington D.C.
1. Paris
- Suited for: Couples and museum enthusiasts
- Where to stay: Hotel Monterosa – Astotel
- Rating: 3 stars
- Price per night: from $168
Paris is always a good idea. The French capital has something to offer every traveler. Set your sights on the Mona Lisa, indulge in decadent hot chocolate, and explore the flagship stores of the world’s most famous luxury fashion houses. There’s no shortage of memorable sights and photo spots, from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
Photo: maykeloenning / pixabay.com
Good news for 2025 travelers!
Notre Dame has finally reopened to the public after its fire in 2019, making a 2025 trip to Paris even more attractive. One of our favorite parts of this destination is its walkability. It’s part of the fun of being in Paris to get lost amongst its cobbled streets and explore its arcades with vintage stores and family-run bakeries.
Ready to book your trip to Paris? Check out our guide on ‘Where to Stay in Paris for a Memorable Trip’ for even more hotel recommendations.
2. London
- Suited for: A long weekend getaway or multi-city break
- Where to stay: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
- Rating: 4 stars
- Price per night: from $270
Pack your carry on! London is the perfect choice for a weekend getaway or exploring as part of a multi-city break across Europe.
Photo: pierre9x6 / pixabay.com
London continues to be one of the top vacation spots in the world, putting on new experiences and exciting attractions during every season. It’s the perfect choice for a long weekend getaway or a multi-stop break.
You can get from London to Paris in just over 2 hours with the Eurostar, without all the hassle of airport security.
Although famous for its royal historic palaces, including Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, don’t overlook London’s food credentials. While Borough Market is having a viral TikTok moment, you’ll find hidden gems and local favorites everywhere from Covent Garden to Shoreditch. Many of London’s most iconic museums, from the National Gallery to the British Museum, are free to the public. You can’t leave London without grabbing tickets to a West End show – usually available at a fraction of the Broadway price.
3. Rome
- Suited for: Those celebrating the Catholic Jubilee
- Where to stay: Napoleon Hotel
- Rating: 4 stars
- Price per night: from $157
2025 is a big moment for Rome. It is expecting more than 30 million visitors in 2025, a significant spike in tourism caused by the Catholic Jubilee. Although iconic landmarks like the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain will continue to attract visitors, you can expect most of the hustle and bustle to be happening at the Vatican.
Photo: Pexels / pixabay.com
Don’t get put off by the influx of tourists. Most pilgrims will be taking a day trip to the Vatican and there are plenty of other things to explore. See the city by jumping on a hop-on-hop-off bus, explore the Trastevere neighborhood, and check out the intimate art museums, including Galleria Borghese. You can even take a day trip to Pompeii or a drive along the Amalfi Coast.
Looking for more spots for your Rome itinerary? Here are 24 of the best things to do in Rome.
4. Tokyo
- Suited for: Fans of Michelin-starred dining
- Where to stay: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
- Rating: 4 stars
- Price per night: $293
While cities like London and New York will always attract millions of tourists, Tokyo is becoming a fierce rival in popularity. Japan’s capital is full of energy and feels like a city that never sleeps.
Although famous for its shopping and technology, Tokyo is a must-visit for those who book their vacations by following their taste buds. Tokyo is in a league of its own with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city with almost 200 eateries.
Photo: akiyoko / Shutterstock.com
Our list of the best things to do in Tokyo also includes visiting the iconic Shibuya Crossing and indulging in a traditional Sakurai Japanese tea experience.
5. Maldives
- Suited for: Honeymooners and island hoppers.
- Where to stay: Baros Maldives
- Rating: 5 stars
- Price per night: from $1064
When we think of paradise on Earth, few places can rival the Maldives. Its crystal-clear waters, thriving marine life, paradise views, and thatched-roof overwater bungalows make it an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime vacation. The Maldives is a popular choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway or as a luxury honeymoon with dozens of luxury island resorts.
Photo: SusannWeiss /pixabay.com
While there are ways to explore the various islands in the Maldives – with 187 of them being inhabited – on a budget, you can expect to pay top dollar for the full experience. You’ll also need to be ready to commit to a long flying day to reach this region of South Asia. However, there are plenty of bucket list experiences to enjoy, from scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach-front massages as the sun sets.
6. Yellowstone National Park
- Suited for: Nature enthusiasts and fans of the CBS show
- Where to stay: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
- Rating: 2 stars
- Price per night: from $392
Yellowstone is the original National Park, having celebrated its 150th birthday in 2022. Spread across 2.2 million acres in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, the National Park is also attracting tourists thanks to the popular CBS show of the same name.
https://pixabay.com/photos/yellowstone-national-park-wyoming-1760573/
Photo: Hobbyfotograf /pixabay.com
Although a trip to Yellowstone requires some intense planning, its 12 campgrounds and various lodges offer you a chance to get up close and personal with nature.
Make sure to pack your camera to catch wild bison, wolves, and elk along your journey.
There are several guided tours offered weekly and outdoor enthusiasts can get a new perspective of the National Park by exploring it on horseback. Fishing, boating, hiking, and stargazing are all activities you can add to your vacation itinerary.
7. Barcelona
- Suited for: Groups and city hopping
- Where to stay: Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
- Rating: 5 stars
- Price per night: from $393
Barcelona is a city often overlooked in favor of places like France and Italy, but this Spanish city is finally getting the attention it deserves. 2025 is the perfect time to visit Barcelona as the city prepares for the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia to finally complete its construction in 2026, almost a century and a half after construction began.
Photo: Songquan Deng /shutterstock. com
The famous basilica isn’t the only reason to make a stop in Barcelona. The city’s nightlife makes it popular with groups of younger travelers, while its nearby beaches make it the perfect option for a family vacation. Although you can expect temperatures to drop in autumn and winter, Barcelona is a destination appealing to tourists through every season.
8. Dubai
- Suited for: First-time travelers to the UAE
- Where to stay: Rove Dubai Marina Hotel
- Rating: 3 stars
- Price per night: from $150
The UAE is increasingly opening itself up to international tourists, many of whom are exploring the region for the first time. Dubai has quickly become the ultimate vacation destination as a city that seamlessly blends old and new with historical neighborhoods existing alongside modern skyscrapers like the Burj Al Arab.
Don’t head to Dubai expecting a desert. While you can head to the dunes for a day trip, Dubai has no shortage of tourist attractions, from Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to Dubai Mall with over 1,200 retail stores.
Photo: Charly-G /pixabay.com
Although it’s considered a year-round destination, the best time to visit Dubai is typically between November and March to avoid the extreme heat of summer. If you’re a fan of Formula One, take the short flight to Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix on 7th December.
Flying long-haul for the first time to visit Dubai? Check out these 13 tips on how to overcome anxiety when flying.
9. Budapest, Hungary
- Suited for: Budget-conscious city breaks
- Where to stay: Eurostars Palazzo Zichy
- Rating: 4 stars
- Price per night: from $83
Budapest has long been one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. While the city has been gaining in popularity as a weekend destination, its budget-friendly hotels and eateries are starting to attract visitors from beyond its neighboring countries.
Photo: pixabay.com
Budapest has experienced an influx in investment with the opening of several five-star hotels, including the Four Seasons.
You can navigate most of Budapest on foot – or even by boat! What makes Budapest stand out is its unique nightlife.
Most of its bars and nightclubs are located within so-called ‘ruins’ throughout the city. If you prefer a quieter vacation, you’ll be spoilt for choice with several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Banks of the Danube. Make sure to book an evening cruise along the Danube River to see the city’s classical architecture at golden hour.
10. Luxor, Egypt
- Suited for: Travelers interested in ancient history
- Where to stay: Sonesta St George Hotel Luxor
- Rating: 5 stars
- Price per night: from $150
Egypt is a spot that’s continuously finding itself landing a spot on the lists of must-visit places.
Photo: Sergii Figurnyi /shutterstock.com
While there’s been lots of buzz around the influx of luxury options for Nile River cruises, don’t overlook more traditional options like Luxor. Do your due diligence and make sure to follow the relevant travel safety tips when visiting the region.
The region is continuing to improve its connectivity, especially from the UK with newly launched non-stop flights from London.
Luxor is a dream vacation for travelers interested in ancient history as the perfect base for exploring Egypt’s museums and monuments. While the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple will no doubt top your travel itinerary, make sure to stop by the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.
11. Madagascar
- Suited for: Outdoor explorers and adventure seekers
- Where to stay: Anjimarango Beach Resort
- Rating: 3 stars
- Price per night: from $88
Madagascar is a location you might not expect to see on a list like this. While your mind might go to the animated movie by the same name, Madagascar is finally getting the connectivity to start attracting an influx of tourists. Located in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar showcases the true beauty of the natural world with its rainforests, canyons, and wildlife. You might even be lucky enough to spot a lemur in the wild.
Photo: Dennis van de Water /shutterstock.com
2025 is a chance to explore Madagascar before it becomes a major tourist attraction. Although it’s possible to travel across the country, Antananarivo, the capital city, will be the best base for most visitors. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll want to head to the various national parks. If you’ve packed your hiking boots, set off towards the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of over 300 miles of forest
12. Universal Studios, Orlando
- Suited for: Theme park and movie fans
- Where to stay: Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
- Rating: 3 stars
- Price per night: from $193
If you’re a theme park enthusiast, you’ll already know that 2025 is the year Orlando finally gets a new theme park. Universal Studios is continuing its extensive expansion plans by opening its third park, Epic Universe, in May 2025 with three new on-site hotels. Make sure to bring your comfiest travel shoes. You can expect to clock in around 20,000 steps a day.
Photo: ksinanan67 /pixabay.com
Universal Studios is the hot ticket in Orlando for 2025, surpassing even Disney World, as it’s been almost a quarter of a century since the last major park opened. Epic Universe will consist of five lands – known as “portals” – featuring iconic franchises like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Nintendo’s Super Mario, alongside rides and attractions inspired by classic Universal monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man. Make sure to secure your park tickets early and take advantage of special offers from other theme parks, including Disney World.
13. Turks and Caicos
- Suited for: Sun worshipers and resort fans
- Where to stay: The Palms Turks and Caicos
- Rating: 5 stars
- Price per night: from $1085
Although it’s been dethroned by the Maldives as the “it” destination for luxury travel, Turks and Caicos continue to welcome over 1.5 million visitors annually. This overseas British territory enjoys an average temperature of 80 degrees year-round and hosts several high-end resorts and hotels. You can easily reach Turks and Caicos with a direct flight from Miami and check into a beachfront bungalow with stunning views for a romantic getaway.
Photo: Renise Peters /shutterstock.com
The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, family-friendly shallow bays, and Chalk Sound National Park. If you prefer to stay active on vacation, have a go with paddle boarding or kayaking on the calm blue waters.
14. Nashville, Tennessee
- Suited for: Die-hard country music fans
- Where to stay: Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown
- Rating: 3 stars
- Price per night: from $332
2025 is a milestone year for Nashville, the home of American country music. The Grand Ole Opry turns 100 with celebrations being hosted in the city throughout the year. Every country star of the last century has performed at the venue, from Dolly Parton to Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson. If you’re a fan of music, this is the year to finally visit Nashville.
Photo: djgmix /pixabay.com
It is also famous for being an epicenter for celebrity-owned bars. Most of the Broadway area is full of these bars, from Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa to AJ’s Good Time Bar by Alan Jackson. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere when you’re in Nashville.
Don’t worry! There’s more to Nashville than just its music scene. You can visit the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery, explore Centennial Park, or take a trolley tour through the city.
15. Stockholm, Sweden
- Suited for: Those seeking a taste of the ‘hygge’ lifestyle
- Where to stay: Nordic Light Hotel
- Rating: 4 stars
- Price per night: from $180
Are you planning a vacation to get some fresh air? You’ll struggle to find anything fresher than the air in Stockholm. The Swedish capital consists of 14 islands, linked by steamboats and bridges, with a stunning waterfront. This unexpected island paradise embraces the ‘hygge’ lifestyle that Scandinavia is famous for throughout the world.
Photo: Yory Frenklakh /shutterstock.com
Stockholm is topping the list of places to visit in 2025 due to its inclusivity. It’s a truly modern city and often considered one of the most visually stunning capitals across the Nordic islands. Stockholm is where new and old co-exist with a wealth of museums to be explored. If you’re a fan of music, make sure to stop by the interactive ABBA Museum. Prefer nautical history? Visit the Vasa Museum to see the shipwreck of Vasa, a 17th-century warship.
Follow our tips on how to get over jet lag to get the most out of your time in Sweden. Want to stay awake? Explore Stockholm’s culinary scene, from traditional Swedish food to Michelin-starred restaurants.
16. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Suited for: Backpackers who enjoy street food
- Where to stay: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
- Rating: 4 stars
- Price per night: from $120
Vietnam is one of the countries experiencing an influx of backpackers – and for good reason! Its breathtaking landscapes, affordable cost of living, and range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites make it a popular destination for all types of tourists. It’s a great alternative to more expensive destinations in Asia, such as Tokyo, without having any shortage of cultural experiences.
Photo: anek.soowannaphoom /shutterstock.com
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the country is now considered a tourist paradise. Ho Chi Minh City – often known by its previous name of “Saigon” – is expected to host several large-scale celebrations to mark 50 years of national reunification. The city is also about to benefit from several infrastructure changes, including the opening of a new terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
17. Bucharest, Romania
- Suited for: Those seeking a ‘hidden gem’ in Europe
- Where to stay: Novotel Bucharest City Centre
- Rating: 4 stars
- Price per night: from $130
Romania is a country in Europe that has often been overshadowed by its history. Now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Romania is starting to garner interest from tourists in Europe and beyond.
Photo: gavia26210 /pixabay.com
Bucharest, the capital, has a thriving cultural scene. This destination is likely on your bucket list if you’re a fan of Dracula adaptations, including the Oscar-nominated Nosferatu, which was filmed in Romani. While you can explore medieval castles, don’t miss out on other highlights like the Romanian Athenaeum and old town.
18. Alaska
- Suited for: Outdoor explorers who can brave the cold
- Where to stay: Best Western Grandma’s Feather Bed
- Rating: 3 stars
- Price per night: from $374
Although Alaska has more than 30 years to wait to celebrate turning 100 years old, many of its most popular tourist attractions are hitting the big three digits in 2025. The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a national monument with its 3.3 million acres of dynamic glaciers, wild coastlines, and rugged mountains.
Photo: pixabay.com
While Alaska is worthy of a stand-alone visit, the region is becoming a popular port for cruise lines with an increasing number adding Alaska sailings to their itineraries.
19. Puerto Rico
- Suited for: Culinary consignors who enjoy casual nightlife
- Where to stay: Hyatt House San Juan
- Rating: 3 stars
- Price per night: from $299
Have you already dreamed of going to the Caribbean? Put Puerto Rico at the top of your list. This self-governing Caribbean island is making a name for itself in the culinary world with the inaugural Puerto Rico Wine and Food Festival happening this April.
Photo: Ema.Otx /pixabay.com
You’ll get a taste of everything the Caribbean is famous for, from a tropical rainforest to oceanfront hotels and laid back nightlife.
20. Washington D.C.
- Suited for: History enthusiasts and weekend breaks
- Where to stay: Riggs Washington DC
- Rating: 5 stars
- Price per night: from $407
Washington D.C. is a great option if you’re traveling with young children and want to explore free museums and exhibitions. Cherry blossom season is a popular time for tourists with the National Mall turning a blush shade of pink between late March and early April. The U.S. Capital is a great option for a weekend getaway, especially if you live on an Amtrak route along the East Coast. Another walkable city, Washington D.C. is packed full of history with something to interest everyone.
Photo: Sean Pavone /shutterstock.com
Start your 2025 travel by booking accommodation with ZenHotels
Are you ready to make 2025 the year you explore new horizons? This list is only the beginning and serves to give ideas of some of the most popular places in the world that you can visit. At ZenHotels, we’re here to make your traveling dreams a reality – wherever in the world you’re heading.
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