One of the things to look forward to the most with a new year is all the new trips there are to plan. Twelve months are a blank canvas to fill with destinations, escapes, cultural immersion, and memories. Whether you prefer to go on grand adventures scaling mountains and reaching high peaks or cozy, slow travel leisurely walking down old, historic cobblestone streets, dipping in and out of bookstores and cafes while getting to know the local people, a new year is a new opportunity to fill as many moments as possible with curiosity and enriching experiences. We'd love to take off for hundreds of places in the world, but these eight are currently at the top of our minds. Keep reading for our top destinations we’d like to visit in 2025, and head over to Instagram to tell us what’s on your bucket list this year.

Alsace, France

Known for the town that inspired Beauty and the Beast, Alsace is a region in France famous for its fairytale aesthetic, diverse culinary scene, and festive Christmas markets. The food and culture have a mix of French, German, and Swiss influences, with the French town resting along the border of the other two countries. Whether you visit in summer or winter, Alsace is endlessly picturesque, making it a magical destination year-round. It’s a unique region, different from what would typically be expected from a French village, and that’s part of what makes it so charming.

From the bright energy of Strasbourg to a 100-mile wine route, Alsace has no shortage of things to do, see, or taste. Visit Little Venice in Colmar, stroll down the cobblestoned streets of Strasbourg’s Old Town, and take in castle ruins while imagining what life was like centuries ago. Indulge in one of many white wines famous in the region, from crisp Rieslings to bold Gewurztraminer, while tasting dishes like Spatzle, Tarte Flambee, and Coq au Riesling - a dish similar to Coq au Vin but with white wine and a touch creamier. Alsace is a destination you can visit several times without running out of things to see, do, and taste.

*Photo by* *Jaleel Akbash* on *Unsplash*

Dublin, Ireland

The home of literary icons such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, Dublin has become known for its literary heritage. It is also famous for its electric music scene, strong pub scene, and being the home of Guinness. As the capital of Ireland, Dublin has so much to offer new and returning visitors. It’s no secret that the music scene in Dublin is important to the culture, especially with legendary bands such as U2 getting their start here. Dublin has a rich history and culture to explore, from catching performances of Riverdance to sitting in pubs where famous Irish writers once spent time. Perhaps we’ll find a little inspiration ourselves!

Dublin has no shortage of historical sites, from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to Ha’penny Bridge. Wander through castles, churches, libraries, and more between hearty pub meals. While the city has much to offer, the surrounding region is worth exploring. With spectacular coastal views, there are several options for hiking near the sea, including Howth Cliff Path Loop, which has nearly eight miles of landscapes and sites to see. Fans of Guinness can visit the Storehouse to “experience the history, heart, and soul of one of Ireland’s most famous beers.” Game of Thrones fans will also find themselves in luck, with a few tours to choose from.

Edinburgh & Inverness, Scotland

A UK road trip in 2025 is beginning to sound like a great idea. With so many beautiful cities and sites in between to explore, why not take a little extra time and see as much of it as possible? It takes approximately four hours to drive from Edinburgh to Inverness (with a direct route), but taking a few detours on the way there and back is not a bad idea. With additional destinations like Aberdeen and Isle of Skye, there’s so much to see, from medieval castles to fairy glens, lochs to museums, and so much more. Those looking for an experience a bit more off the beaten path won’t be disappointed with a road trip centered around the North Coast 500 – considered the most beautiful route in the country. Fans of the show Outlander can prioritize sites throughout the trip that are significant to the show and filming.

Spend a few days in Edinburgh, acclimating to the people and culture while exploring the country’s capital. Make sure to see the city’s top sites, including Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and the Royal Mile, but allow extra time to get lost in the nooks and crannies littered throughout the city. Visit Dean Village for a unique escape from the urban landscape and head to Victoria Street – supposedly what inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter - where there are a plethora of bookstores and other shops to explore. Inverness can be tackled in a weekend. Perfect for a cozy break during your journey, the capital of the Scottish Highlands is a smaller city worth visiting. Visit the Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, Clava Cairns, and the Victorian Market. Aberdeen, lesser known than other Scottish cities, has much to offer, including one of Scotland’s oldest bridges, sweeping views of the North Sea, and a significant street art scene, which is a unique juxtaposition to the old granite buildings the city is known for. And, of course, Isle of Skye hardly needs an explanation. Known for spectacular landscapes and stunning views, this island is about two hours from Inverness and worth a few days to explore and take everything in properly.

*Photo by* *Mitchell Hartley* *on Unsplash*

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

North Carolina’s Outer Banks have received much attention recently thanks to the Netflix series. A bit farther south, South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island is an equally delightful coastal escape. Located within driving distance of Savannah and Charleston, Hilton Head Island has received numerous awards and is considered the best island in the US by CondeNast Traveler. The combination of sandy beaches, mossy oaks, and historic charm is a near-perfect combination for vacation destinations.

Hilton Head Island is a good spot for any stay, whether it’s a long weekend away or you’re looking to relocate for a month or two and settle into a slower pace of life. Hilton Head is meant for a quiet, relaxing escape thanks to miles of beaches with calm waters. There’s a vast culinary scene to enjoy between beach visits, along with plenty of nature activities during the warmer months. There are a handful of historical landmarks worth checking out, such as the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Stoney Barnyard Ruins. Overall, Hilton Head is ideal for catching up on reading, working remotely if you stay a while, and enjoying quiet nights by the sea.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The sun shines bright in Puerto Rico, where beautiful beaches, colorful cities, and friendly natives are all eager to greet visitors and share in the rich, bold culture. The home of pina coladas and the place where Reggaeton music gained popularity, Puerto Rico has a passionate soul felt with every step, bite, sound, and sip. Old San Juan boasts a cityscape with vibrant architecture and cobblestone streets for a picture-perfect vacation where every corner holds a new discovery. The second oldest city of the New World, San Juan is home to a bustling art scene with several museums and exhibitions to explore and too many historical sites to see in one trip, like “La Casa Blanca” - Ponce de Leon’s mansion and Teatro Tapia - the oldest permanent theater in Puerto Rico.

Aside from the historical and culturally diverse Old San Juan, Puerto Rico has much to offer for those who enjoy spending time in nature. It’s one of only three places with bioluminescent bays for magical glowing water and sea life. Kayaking is a great way to explore the island on water or go snorkeling to get closer to life under the sea. Many hiking trails provide an up-close experience for seeing waterfalls, hidden coves, and rivers. See how great your core strength is by giving surfing a try, or simply grab a swimsuit and relax on the beach or a boat, soaking up the sun while listening to the sound of ocean waves.

Oregon Coast

Another road trip idea for 2025 is the Pacific Northwest - specifically, the Oregon Coast via Highway 101. California has received the most attention for its stunning rugged coastline, largely thanks to Big Sur’s unbelievable landscape and views. While it’s well-deserved, driving farther north gets arguably more stunning and, as an added bonus, less crowded. Part of that is because California receives most of the attention; another reason is because Oregon’s coast is a bit more remote, not to be confused with being inaccessible. Regardless, it deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list at least once.

One of the picturesque elements the Oregon coast is known for its historic lighthouses that span the entire length. If lighthouses aren’t enough for you to book a ticket, Depoe Bay is considered the whale-watching capital of the world, particularly in the winter when “nearly 20,000 gray whales can be seen from mid-December through mid-January.” Coastal towns like Cannon Beach and Newport provide ample opportunity to rest and dine among locals, and beer aficionados can also look forward to various breweries along the way. Don’t miss Cape Perpetua, the highest point of the Oregon coast and home to several nature hot spots, including Thor’s Well and Devil's Churn. The coastline is also home to a thriving natural environment and wildlife. You never know what you're going to see during this PNW adventure.

Petoskey, Michigan

Located in the northwest corner of the Mitten on Lake Michigan, Petoskey is one of Michigan’s underrated cities. With sweeping views of Lake Michigan, Midwestern charm is at its finest, with endless nature activities, year-round festivals, glittering winters, and more. Visit early in the season to see the vibrant colors of spring and summer as everything comes into bloom, wait until fall as the leaves change spectacularly, or brave the winter chill as snow blankets the land in an enchanting embrace.

Visit the Historic Gaslight District, known for its old streets, gas lights, boutiques, and strong art scene. Head to Bayfront Park for stunning sunset views, and wander the beach to find the unique Petoskey Stones - a prehistoric fossil that is the official state stone of Michigan. While Petoskey has plenty to offer, the city is near several other fantastic Michigan towns to visit either on their own or as a day trip. Charlevoix is a two-mile town bordered by both Lakes Michigan and Charlevoix, with a charming downtown. Boyne Mountain, a popular destination for winter sports and cabin getaways, is in Boyne Falls. Those looking for an adventure a little farther out can plan on visiting Mackinac Island, only 2.5 hours from Petoskey.

Seattle, Washington

The finale of our hopeful PNW road trip, Seattle is known for Pike Place Market, an elevated coffee scene, gloomy weather, and the Space Needle. What’s on our radar: bookstores, the gorgeous waterfront, and a dynamite food scene. If you plan to visit the Space Needle, that’s also a great opportunity to wander through the Queen Anne neighborhood known for its beautiful Victorian homes. According to Jess Watts via Medium, 2025 is the year to visit Seattle, thanks to infrastructure upgrades, a finished waterfront, new art installations, a burgeoning food scene, and more.

There’s plenty to do within Seattle, but we’d be remiss not to mention all the incredible parks nearby, including Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. Olympic National Park is known for its “glacier-capped mountains, 70 miles of coastline, old-growth temperate rainforests, tidepools, and more.” Mount Rainier is home to Paradise - the park’s most visited area, Longmire Historic District, wildlife, and vast fields of wildflowers. If you’re a more advanced hiker and up for the challenge, Rattlesnake Ledge is a nearly two-mile uphill hike with particularly picturesque views at the top.

8 Destinations to Visit in 2025

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