Lonely Planet, the global travel authority, revealed its top destinations to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025. The 15th edition of this best-selling book features 30 must-visit destinations from around the world, and for the first time, the title includes the top 10 travel trend predictions for the year ahead.
Lonely Planet’s team of international experts, including editors, writers and other contributors from around the world curated the 30 must-see global destinations across three categories: cities, countries and regions. Each category features 10 destinations, chosen for their topicality, unique attributes and experiences, including food, history, architecture, art, vibrant local culture and natural beauty, along with their ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.
Known as La Ville Rose, Toulouse, in France is named top city for its ever-expanding art scene, carefree riverside wandering and its many unmissable things to see and do. The West African nation Cameroon tops the country list for its pristine beaches, less crowded national parks, and the variety of exciting nightlife found in its major cities. Named as the top region, Low Country and Coastal Georgia, including Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, stood out for its historical and cultural significance, striking a careful balance between acknowledging the past and embracing a better future. For passionate, off-the-beaten-path explorers, Lonely Planet recommends hiking the Jordan Trail and exploring the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Panama’s Chiriqui region.
Exclusive to Best in Travel 2025 is the all-new travel trends list, focused on the passion and enthusiasm driving decision-making right now. For each individual interest – like birdwatching, trains, local markets and underrated outdoor adventures – Lonely Planet names the 10 best destinations where readers can explore and experience those passions.
Available globally for purchase at shop.lonelyplanet.com, the Best in Travel 2025 hardcover book features stunning photography, local advice and insider experiences for each of the destinations on this year’s list. To accompany the print edition, travelers can check out Lonely Planet’s website and follow social media accounts to engage with interactive digital content from each of this year’s selections, including immersive video showcasing the beauty of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Genoa, Vanuatu and Armenia.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025
Best Cities:
01. Toulouse, France
02. Pondicherry, India
03. Bansko, Bulgaria
04. Chiang Mai, Thailand
05. Genoa, Italy
06. Pittsburgh, USA
07. Osaka, Japan
08. Curitiba, Brazil
09. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
10. Edmonton, Canada
Top Travel Trends for 2025
• Train Hopping – From cross-continental epic voyages to slow travel branch lines, rail-based adventures are more popular than ever with contemporary travelers.
• Taking it Easy – Slow travel emphasizes the value of being present in the natural world, to escape from the stress and worry of an always-on digital world.
• Following the Music – Experience-based travel continues to resonate with music-lovers in search of iconic venues around the world.
• Extreme Birdwatching – Now more than ever, bird enthusiasts are planning entire vacations around viewing their favorite feathered friends.
• Marvelous Markets – Interest in local markets continues to soar as travelers seek sensory ways to immerse themselves in local life.
• What a Drag – The most spectacular drag shows in the world are celebrations of inclusivity and connection, bringing people together through artistic and human expression.
• Underrated Parks – Intrepid adventures are vying to find the most under-the-radar parks and reserves, reclaiming the outdoors from the masses to experience the natural world without waiting in line.
• Local Flavors – Eating and travel are inextricably linked, and more and more travelers are seeking out destinations where distinctive and delicious cuisine and local food culture get top-billing.
• Arboreal Adventures – Places known for their remarkable trees and forests are in high demand as travelers discover novel approaches to connecting with their surroundings.
• Best Beaches – Offering relaxation, unspoiled beauty and a connection with nature, beach vacations will always be on trend.
For more information on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, please visit:
lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel