Skip to main content

These 25 places should be on your radar for 2025 travel, according to Wanderlust Magazine

Head off the beaten path in 2025

Slovenia
detait / Pixabay

Wanderlust Magazine has just released its highly anticipated 2025 Good to Go List, spotlighting destinations that offer something truly special for the curious, intrepid, and responsible traveler. The list is full of lesser-known spots, chosen for their ability to take you off the beaten path and away from overcrowded tourist hotspots.

Popular spots to check out this year

Namibia
pvdberg / Pixabay

While well-known destinations like Japan, Germany, and Rio de Janeiro continue to top the list of must-visit places, there are also plenty of lesser-known gems to explore in 2025. For example, Namibia earns a spot with its breathtaking Namib Desert, which became the first wilderness reserve in Africa to receive Quiet Park status from Quiet Parks International.

Recommended Videos

Small-town Slovenia also makes an appearance, offering charming destinations like Piran, a Venetian-Gothic beauty perched on the Adriatic coast, and Novo Mesto, a medieval town featuring one of the finest castles in the country.

Other unexpected yet exciting spots on the list include Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Vilnius, Lithuania, each offering unique cultural experiences.

The United States off the beaten path

Mississippi
clarencealford / Pixabay

The U.S. cities on this year’s list encourage travelers to step off the well-worn path of classic tourist spots like Los Angeles and New York City. Instead, the focus is on lesser-explored destinations.

New York State makes the cut, inviting visitors to go beyond NYC and discover gems like Buffalo and Long Island. Meanwhile, Mississippi shines for its deep musical heritage, being the birthplace of legends like BB King and Elvis Presley. In 2025, Tupelo will commemorate Elvis’s 90th birthday, while Indianola will host celebrations for BB King’s 100th birthday.

Other standout U.S. destinations include Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina, all offering something different from the typical travel experience.

The full list of the top 25 places to travel

mountains and river in Alberta, Canada
Pixabay / Pixabay
  1. Abu Dhabi, UAE
  2. Alberta, Canada
  3. Azerbaijan
  4. Bermuda
  5. Colombia
  6. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
  7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
  8. El Salvador
  9. Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina
  10. Germany
  11. Japan
  12. Malaysia
  13. Mississippi, USA
  14. Namibia
  15. New York State, USA
  16. Qatar
  17. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  18. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  19. Rwanda
  20. Salzburg and Vienna, Austria
  21. Singapore
  22. Small-town Slovenia
  23. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Australia
  24. Uzbekistan
  25. Vilnius, Lithuania
Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
National parks in Washington state: 7 hidden treasures you should know about
We love these national parks and we think you will, too
Mount Rainier, Washington state

Washington state is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest corners of America. I admit, I'm totally biased, having been stationed here for about two years from the scorching state of Arizona. Don't get me wrong, the desert definitely has its charms, but I've always been a pine trees, waterfalls, and green mountains kind of gal, so when we moved up here, it honestly felt like heaven.

During the past couple of years, my husband and I have discovered so many jaw-dropping NPS sites, from Mount Rainier to the Cascades, and I can't wait to share some of our favorite treasures. Some of these spots will be famous and well loved, and others are definitely ones that should be in the spotlight.
Mount Rainier National Park

Read more
These are the top campgrounds in America, according to the 2025 Campspot Awards
Verde Ranch RV Resort in Camp Verde, Arizona, took the top spot
Verde Ranch RV Resort in Camp Verde, Arizona

The results are in! The 2025 Campspot Awards have officially crowned the top campgrounds in North America, highlighting the best places to pitch a tent, park an RV, or indulge in a little luxury glamping. With over 3 million data points analyzed, this year’s list features campgrounds that offer unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Taking the top spot this year is Verde Ranch RV Resort in Camp Verde, Arizona, a dream destination for every kind of camper. From full hookup RV sites to furnished vacation cottages and even glamping in Conestoga Wagons and Luxury Safari Tents, this resort has it all. Plus, with a heated pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, and more, you’ll never run out of things to do. And with its prime location just off Interstate 17, Verde Ranch makes a great base for exploring the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and beyond.
Other key findings

Read more
NYC travelers can sign up for TSA PreCheck at exclusive pop-up events
Overhead sign showing security check point lanes designated for first class and TSA Precheck passengers.

Travelers in the New York City area looking to simplify their airport experience have a unique opportunity next week. ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services, the trusted provider that has processed over 2 million passport and visa applications, has teamed up with Telos Corporation, an authorized TSA PreCheck® enrollment provider, to host exclusive TSA PreCheck enrollment pop-up events.

The events will take place from Tuesday, March 25 to Saturday, March 29, 2025, at two easily accessible NYC office locations, within the iconic MetLife Building and Rockefeller Center (Concourse Level). Whether you're a local or visiting the city, this is a convenient chance to get TSA PreCheck and breeze through airport security.
Event details

Read more