London, UK, 3 February 2025

The most exciting destinations for 2025

Whether you’re dreaming of multiple trips or just one unforgettable journey, here’s a list of incredible places to consider for 2025, recommended by TravelLocal.

Each offers a unique experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Kenya

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

Kenya is renowned for its majestic wildlife, but beyond the well-known parks lies a quieter, more intimate experience. Shaba, Samburu, and Buffalo Springs National Reserves in northern Kenya are lesser-known treasures brimming with wildlife yet blissfully uncrowded.

You can witness lions, elephants, leopards, and reticulated giraffes, among others, while exploring breath taking landscapes filled with volcanic formations and waterfalls. Shaba is particularly special for bird watchers, being home to the elusive Williams’s lark, found in only one other place on Earth.

TravelLocal offers a 6 night itinerary to Kenya priced from US$1,800pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Pakistan's Hunza Valley

Photo by Mehtab Farooq on Unsplash

For those who seek adventure, the Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan offers some of the most awe-inspiring mountain views in the world. With towering peaks of the Karakoram range, this region is a paradise for hikers of all levels. Trails lead to stunning sights like Borith Lake and the glaciers of Ghulkin and Batura.

While the local myths of long-lived inhabitants may be exaggerated, the serene, timeless pace of life in Hunza’s villages provides a rare chance to step back and experience a simpler way of living. Don’t miss the historic Altit and Baltit Forts, or the exhilarating drive through the Khunjerab Pass—the highest paved border crossing in the world.

TravelLocal offers a 12 day hiking trip in Pakistan (including the Hunza valley) priced from US$2,950pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Indonesia’s lesser-known islands

Photo by Itchy Feet on Unsplash

Indonesia is far more than just Bali. With 17,000 islands, the country offers countless opportunities to discover something new. For surfers, Kerewei Beach on Sumba is a hidden gem, while Walakiri’s soft waves invite those seeking peace and relaxation.

Nature lovers will find endless beauty in Flores, where coral reefs, hot springs, and lakes create a stunning natural playground. Nearby, Komodo National Park offers a chance to see the world-famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.

TravelLocal offers an 11 day trip to Flores and Komodo National Park in Indonesia priced from US$1,760pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Mexico’s “Magic Towns”

Photo by Guido HN on Unsplash

For a true taste of Mexican culture, leave the beach resorts behind and explore its “pueblos mágicos” (magic towns). These are places rich in history, culture, and charm. From the colorful guitar-making town of Paracho in Michoacán to the colonial beauty of San Cristóbal de las Casas, each offers its own unique glimpse into Mexico’s soul. These towns celebrate everything from craftsmanship to indigenous traditions, making them perfect for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Mexico.

TravelLocal offers a 13 day Mayan self-driving adventure around Mexico priced from US$2,080pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Latvia

Photo by Darya Tryfanava on Unsplash

Latvia may not be as famous as its Baltic neighbors, but it’s packed with history and natural beauty. The capital, Riga, offers a mix of medieval and Art Nouveau architecture that’s simply captivating. Beyond the city, you’ll find waterfalls, ancient castles, and pristine national parks. For music lovers, the Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Riga is a cultural highlight not to be missed.

TravelLocal offers a trip featuring the best of Latvia in 8 days which is priced from US$1,785pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Belize

Photo by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash

Belize’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are a dream come true for nature enthusiasts. Snorkel or dive in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, and encounter an array of marine life. Whether you’re swimming alongside sea turtles or exploring the depths of the Great Blue Hole, Belize’s underwater world offers a stunning escape into nature’s wonders.

TravelLocal offers a 15 day family adventure to Belize priced from US$3,444pp for 4 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Madagascar

Photo by Graphic Node on Unsplash

Madagascar’s biodiversity is unmatched—home to species found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs, chameleons, and the unique fossa roam this island paradise. Discover the lush forests of Ankarafantsika National Park, or take to the waters around Nosy Komba and Nosy Ve to witness an extraordinary mix of marine life. Every corner of Madagascar invites you to explore a world like no other.

TravelLocal offers a 7 night Madagascan adventure trip priced from US$1,184pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Iceland

Photo by André Filipe on Unsplash

If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, 2025 is the perfect year to visit Iceland. Thanks to an upcoming solar peak, the Aurora Borealis will be brighter than ever, providing an extraordinary display of dancing lights. But Iceland offers more than just the Northern Lights. Visit the dramatic landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, stand in awe before the Skogafoss waterfall, or explore the Vatnajokull glacier for an unforgettable journey.

TravelLocal offers a 6 night self-drive tour of Iceland's Ring Road priced from US$1,700pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Romania

Photo by Majkl Velner on Unsplash

Step back in time in Maramureș, Romania, where centuries-old traditions remain vibrant today. Tucked away in the Carpathian Mountains, this region is known for its wooden churches, charming villages, and lively festivals. Experience Romania’s rural heartland, where you can witness folk dances, traditional crafts, and timeless customs that have been passed down for generations.!

TravelLocal offers a 14 day trip exploring the UNESCO heritage of Romania priced from US$1,896pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Saudi Arabia

Photo by Abdulrhman Alkhnaifer on Unsplash

Saudi Arabia is a country where the ancient and modern coexist in perfect harmony. In cities like Jeddah and Riyadh, you’ll find ultramodern architecture alongside historic sites. But it’s the ancient wonders that truly captivate. Visit the rock art at Jubbah, dating back over 7,000 years, or explore the Nabatean ruins at Al-Ula. Saudi Arabia is a land of discovery, with layers of history waiting to be uncovered.

TravelLocal offers an 11 day cultural tour of Saudi Arabia priced from US$7,343pp for 2 travelers (excl international flights). All private trips are fully customizable and can start on any date.

Where will your travels take you in 2025? Whether it’s the wildlife of Kenya, the mountains of Pakistan, or the hidden gems of Mexico, there’s a destination waiting for you.. Let the adventure begin!

Note to Editors

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