Top 10 Places to Visit in 2025 (Year of Travel)

Hey everyone, it’s Rupnath here! Most countries are open for tourism again. I can feel the excitement in the air as we prepare to explore new places in 2025. I’ve travelled a lot this year, and I’m excited to share my top 10 places to visit in 2025. Dreaming of New Zealand’s stunning views? Or maybe you want to cliff jump in Greece? Either way, this year offers an exciting travel adventure. Tourism’s back to normal, and I hope you can all safely hit the road to discover some new spots. Let’s dive into my list, starting with a European gem that stole my heart.

1. Slovenia: Europe’s Compact Treasure

I kicked off my 2025 travel list with Slovenia, and let me tell you, it’s a country that packs a punch. In Europe, I doubt there’s a more compact place that has every type of landscape—mountains, sea, and more. From Ljubljana, the capital city, it’s just an hour’s drive to the Alps or the Adriatic Sea. I spent some time here this year, and it quickly climbed to the top of my favorite European countries.

Why I Loved Slovenia

Lake Bled: This is hands-down the most famous spot in Slovenia. Picture a stunning lake with an island in the middle, topped by a scenic church. We hiked to a lookout point and enjoyed stunning views of Lake Bled and the area around it. It looked just like a postcard.
River Soča: I couldn’t get over how clean and turquoise this river was. Swimming in it and riding the current as I floated along was pure bliss. It’s one of those experiences that sticks with you.
Postojna Cave: This was wild! To get in, we hopped on a train that took us nearly 4 km underground. I felt like I was riding into Gringotts from Harry Potter. Once inside, the cave’s massive chambers blew me away—it’s a must-see.
Hilltop Churches: Slovenia is home to many charming churches. One that caught my eye was the Church of St. Thomas, though I might have confused the name. Perched on a hill with the Alps in the distance, it’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop and stare.

Slovenia’s diversity and charm made it an unforgettable start to my 2025 travel journey. Next, we’re heading north.

2. Austria: Alpine Charm Without the Price Tag

Next, we headed to Austria, a land of Alps, charming villages, and lovely vibes. If you love Switzerland’s beauty but not its hefty cost, Austria’s your spot. It’s got all the charm without breaking the bank, and I had an absolute blast exploring it.

My Austrian Highlights

Hallstatt: This fairy-tale village sits on the edge of a lake, and it’s as magical as it sounds. We took a ferry across, which gave us an incredible view of Hallstatt from the water. Wandering through its alleyways felt like stepping into a storybook.
Dachstein Mountains: I think I meant “Dachstein” when I said “shaur” in the video—sorry about that! We rode Austria’s steepest train up to this peak, and I couldn’t believe the incline. At the top, the views of the surrounding lakes were unreal—perfect for exploring.
Sky Ladder via Ferrata: Feeling adventurous? This climb near Gosau (a 20-minute drive from Hallstatt) was a thrill. I took a gondola up, hiked to the start, and spent two hours climbing to the Sky Ladder. It was massive and a bit wobbly, but I was hooked in the whole time, so it felt safe. Reaching the end after a few minutes of climbing was an adrenaline rush I won’t forget.

Austria’s mix of serene beauty and heart-pumping adventure had me hooked. Next, we’re off to Africa.

3. Namibia: Otherworldly Landscapes in Africa

Namibia was a game-changer for me. Located in southern Africa, its landscapes are straight out of another world. If you’re planning your first trip to Africa, consider Namibia. It’s one of the safest countries there, plus it has great roads and infrastructure. We flew into the capital, Windhoek (not “vind hook”—my bad!), rented a 4×4 truck, and hit the road.

What Blew Me Away in Namibia

Dead Vlei: This clay pan with dried tree skeletons, dead for 700 years, was surreal. A river once flowed here, but it dried up, leaving these eerie trees frozen in time. Walking among them felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie.
Big Daddy Sand Dune: Overlooking Dead Vlei, this is the tallest dune in the Sossusvlei area at 325 meters. We hiked along the ridge for an hour and a half to the top, and the 360-degree views of the Namib Desert were mind-blowing.
Sandwich Harbour: This place is where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. It was an adventure to get there. We chose an experienced driver to handle the deep sand. Driving on those dunes was both nerve-wracking and exciting.
Desert Elephants: My favorite moment was tracking these rare elephants in Damarland. After an hour with our guide, we found a herd of 14. Seeing them thrive in the harsh desert was one of my best wildlife experiences.

Namibia’s landscapes and wildlife are on another level. After that, we headed to Asia.

4. Vietnam: Adventure Paradise in Southeast Asia

Vietnam is a backpacker’s dream, and I couldn’t leave it off my 2025 list. Southeast Asia has adventure and stunning views that kept me engaged on my trip.

My Vietnam Favorites

Ban Gioc Falls: This waterfall is in northern Vietnam, near the Chinese border. It is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. The karst mountains in the background made the scenery insane—I couldn’t stop staring.
Ha Long Bay: This place in the Gulf of Tonkin is amazing. It features emerald waters and countless limestone islands, all blanketed in vibrant greenery. I recommend an overnight cruise to catch the sunset and sunrise—it’s pure magic.
Mù Cang Chai Rice Terraces: In the blog, I said “tea fields of Lan Coke,” but I meant the rice terraces of Mù Cang Chai. Sorry for the confusion! These dome-shaped hills and neat fields are among the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
Ho Chi Minh Highway Loop: This adventure on a motorcycle spans several days across the rough mountains of northern Vietnam. The scenery looked like something from a Dr. Seuss book—definitely a 2025 bucket-list item.

Vietnam’s adventure vibe had me hooked. Next, we’re off to Central America.

5. El Salvador: Surf, Volcanoes, and Memories

El Salvador holds a special place in my heart—I lived here 10 years ago, and revisiting it was a blast. This Central American gem offers everything from world-class surfing to stunning volcanoes.

Why El Salvador Stole My Heart

El Tunco Beach: Probably the country’s most famous beach, it’s a surfer’s paradise with killer waves. We hit it at sunset, and the scenery was unforgettable.
Santa Ana Volcano: We hiked to the rim in about an hour, and the landscapes up top were insane. At the base, Lago de Coatepeque (not “Lago deat pek”—sorry!) added next-level beauty. I found a restaurant with a diving board and had a blast jumping into the lake.
San Salvador: The capital’s got cool spots like the Centro Histórico, perfect for a quick cultural dive.

El Salvador’s mix of adventure and nostalgia made it a standout. Next, back to Europe.

6. Lofoten Islands, Norway: Arctic Paradise

The Lofoten Islands in northern Norway blew my mind. Even in the Arctic Circle, it feels like a tropical paradise with great beaches and warm weather. We visited last summer, and the scenery was next-level.

My Lofoten Highlights

Henningsvær: This fishing village on a few islands has one of the world’s most scenic soccer fields. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Kvalvika Beach: A decent hike down, but the sunset views were some of the best I’ve ever seen—worth every step.
Reinebringen Hike: The most famous hike here, with nearly 2,000 stone steps to the top. The views of fjords, villages, and mountains were stunning, especially with the midnight sun in June and July.

Lofoten’s unique vibe was a highlight. Next, we’re island-hopping in Greece.

7. Greek Islands: Santorini, Milos, and Zakynthos

Greece boasts more than 6,000 islands, offering countless choices. For 2025, I chose three highlights: Santorini, Milos, and Zakynthos. Each offers something special.

My Greek Island Adventures

Santorini: Famous for its whitewashed houses, it’s got all the Greek island vibes you’d expect. It can get crowded, but the landscapes are iconic.
Milos is more relaxed than Santorini. Sarakiniko Beach has lunar-like cliffs, great for jumping. Klima’s bay features stunning white rocks. The nearby Sykia Cave, with its collapsed ceiling and clear water, was one of the most unique spots I’ve explored.
Zakynthos: My favorite! Shipwreck Beach is beautiful, featuring a shipwreck from the 1980s. The Blue Caves, with their towering cliffs and blue waters, are breathtaking. Watching sunset at Myzithres’ rock formation was breathtaking.

Greece’s islands are spectacular. Next, we’re off to French Polynesia.

8. Moorea, French Polynesia: Pearl of the Sea

Moorea is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Known as the “pearl of the sea,” we stayed several nights and were blown away. Fly into Tahiti first, then take a ferry or quick flight to get there.

Why Moorea Amazed Me

Mount Rotui: This jagged peak, rising 880 meters, looks like a shark’s tooth—stunning and unique.
Ta’ahiamanu Beach: A chill public beach with sailboats and killer sunset views.
Boat Tour: Swimming with black tip sharks and humpback whales from August to November was amazing, even in the rain. The water felt so warm!

Moorea’s beauty is unreal. Next, we’re heading Down Under.

9. New Zealand: Middle Earth and More

New Zealand’s scenery is a dream come true. It has fjords like Norway, beaches like Hawaii, and landscapes from Middle Earth. We flew into Auckland on the North Island and explored both islands.

My New Zealand Must-Sees

Cathedral Cove: A hike or boat ride leads to this cave archway with Te Hoho Rock—classic New Zealand.
Hobbiton: A Lord of the Rings filming spot, with guided tours of the Shire.
Mount Cook: On the South Island, this 3,724-meter peak had a scenic drive and a 10 km hike to its windy base.
Milford Sound: This boat tour in Fiordland National Park was epic. It took us through a fjord filled with waterfalls and alpine parrots.

New Zealand’s a bucket-list must. Finally, we’re off to Australia.

10. Australia: Beaches, Wildlife, and Paradise

Australia’s got world-class beaches, tons of wildlife, and good vibes galore. I spent time here in early 2024 and loved every minute.

My Australian Favorites

Western Australia: Esperance’s pristine beaches with kangaroos hopping around were unreal.
Uluru: The Outback’s massive sandstone monolith is an icon.
Tasmania: Watching wombats graze near Cradle Mountain was so peaceful.
Lord Howe Island: A 2-hour flight from Sydney, this “Hawaii of Australia” limits tourists to 400. Ball’s Pyramid, a 572-meter sea stack, and Lagoon Beach sunsets made it paradise.

Australia wrapped up my list perfectly.

Final Thoughts

That’s my top 10 for 2025. From Slovenia’s compact beauty to Australia’s island paradise, these places have it all. Let me know in the comments where you’re planning to travel this year—I’d love to hear your picks. I’ll see you on the next adventure. Safe travels, everyone.

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