The top 5 destinations to get to in 2025 before they’re too popular

Illustration of two people laying in a hammock on the beach.

2025 is set to be the year of epic adventures. With some Americans investing upwards of $18,000 on bucket-list destinations for the new year, the hunt is on for places that feel untouched—at least for now. The catch? Hidden gems don’t stay hidden for long. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up five top places to visit in 2025 before they become the next big thing.

Important tip: Before leaving on your journey, make sure to check your destination’s visa requirements, as many countries now require visas for U.S. citizens.

1. Greenland

Greenland!? That was our reaction, too. But believe it or not, Greenland is the new ultimate destination for those looking to explore the edge of the world. With its fjords, vast ice sheets, prime Northern Lights viewing and welcoming local communities, it’s no wonder it’s slowly becoming every traveler’s dream vacation. And now, thanks to new direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport, Greenland is no longer out of reach–it’s just a few hours from the U.S.–making it one of the top places to visit in 2025. Throughout the year, Icelandair will also begin launching flights from other U.S. cities like Chicago and New York, so keep an eye out for that!

Where to stay: Enjoy cozy luxury at Hotel Arctic known for its views of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Weather: Cold, but magical, all year round with the best visibility for the Northern Lights from September to April.

Best time to visit: Summer (June to August) for warmer days and midnight sun, or winter for the aurora borealis. 

How to get there: Direct flights to Greenland’s capital city airport, Nuuk Airport, are now available from Newark Airport, making it more accessible than ever. 

What to do: Take a boat tour through Ilulissat Icefjord to snap photos of breathtaking glaciers–it’s a must-see for any 2025 bucket list. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few whales during your journey.

Ice fjords in Greenland.

2. The Albanian Riviera

Imagine Greece before it went mainstream–that’s the Albanian Riviera. It’s quickly becoming Europe’s new Mediterranean obsession with turquoise waters, charming villages and affordable luxury. The region runs deep with history, too. Wander through the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the Hellenistic period, or take a day trip to the ancient stone city of Gjirokaster–it’s the kind of adventure you’ll be telling everyone about. 

Where to stay: Stay at the Manta Resort in Ksamil for that true beach resort feel or go for cliffside living at Hotel Liro in Vlorë. 

Weather: It’s the Mediterranean, so expect hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. 

Best time to visit: May to September for perfect beach weather and vibrant seaside bars.

How to get there: Fly into Tirana International Airport, then drive 3-5 hours to the Riviera. If you don’t want to drive, fly to the Greek Island of Corfu and take a quick 30-minute ferry to the Riviera’s unofficial capital, Sarandë. 

What to do: Visit The Blue Eye (or Syri i Kalter, as the locals say)–a crystal-clear, freshwater spring–and end the day at one of the many beachside restaurants in Ksamil for fresh seafood. 

View of the Albanian Riviera with the ocean and mountains

3. Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is about to be everyone’s dream destination–but it’s not too late to discover it first. It’s a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, lush coastal hills and friendly culture. In 2025, it’s stealing the spotlight as the filming location for Season 3 of White Lotus, meaning it won’t stay secret for long. Koh Samui has so much to offer from its historic temples, like Wat Plai Laem, to hidden waterfalls and a bustling night market scene.

Pro tip: Don’t leave the island without trying the local coconut ice cream–it’s as dreamy as the island itself. 

Where to stay: If you want the full White Lotus experience, stay at the Four Seasons Resort with private villas and jaw-dropping views. For a more budget-friendly option, check out Crystal Bay Beach Resort, located on one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful coves. 

Weather: The island has tropical weather year-round, but the dry season (December to April) is when the sun is out all day and the waves are calm. 

Best time to visit: February to April, when the island is at its sunniest and it’s less humid. 

How to get there: Fly to Samui International Airport via Bangkok or directly from regional hubs like Singapore. 

What to do: Rent a scooter and explore the island’s hidden beaches and markets. And don’t leave without seeing the sunset at Lipa Noi Beach. 

An overhead shot of the beach in Koh Sumai, Thailand.

4. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast is the new Costa Rica but with fewer tourists and way more adventure. Think sandboarding down beach dunes and catching some waves at sunrise. With its endless sandy beaches, green jungles and laid-back, beach town vibes, this underrated gem offers world-class surfing, eco-lodges and a sense of nature that feels untouched by the crowds. 

Where to stay: Indulge in eco-luxury at Mukul Resort, the area’s first luxury resort that opened in 2013. For a more rustic experience, book a stay at TreeCasa Resort where you’ll be surrounded by nature in one of their eco-friendly suites.

Weather: Warm and sunny, with a dry season from November to April.

Best time to visit: December to March for picture-perfect beach weather and epic surf conditions. 

How to get there: Fly into Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua, then drive 2.5 hours to the coast. 

What to do: Sandboard down the golden dunes of Playa Duna or head inland and hike up a volcano at Masya Volcano National Park for an up-close look at bubbling lava–it’s a thrill you’ll never forget. 

An active volcano in the Emerald Coast, Nicaragua.

5. The Azores, Portugal

The Azores are Europe’s best-kept secret, hidden in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Think lush volcanic peaks, emerald crater lakes and steaming thermal pools–it’s no wonder this spot is known as the ‘Hawaii of Europe.’ While Europe’s hotspots like the Amalfi Coast and Santorini steal the spotlight, The Azores remain blissfully under the radar…for now. São Miguel, the largest island, is famous for its twin crater lakes at Sete Cidades while Pico Island is home to Portugal’s highest mountain. 

Where to stay: São Miguel is the most popular island for visitors and offers many different accommodation options. Stay at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel for its botanical gardens and thermal pools. For a more offbeat experience, check out Aldeia da Fonte on Pico Island.

Weather: Mild and temperate, with occasional rain that keeps the islands green and beautiful. The Azores is a year-round destination, with warmer temperatures in the summer (68º-79ºF) and cooler temperatures in the winter (53º-64ºF). 

Best time to visit: April to October for pleasant weather and endless outdoor activities. 

How to get there: Fly into Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel from Lisbon or Porto, or directly from Boston or New York. 

What to do: Visit the vineyards of Pico in Criação Velha–a UNESCO World Heritage Site–for wine that has been produced the same way since the 15th century. 

A park in the Azores, Portugal overlooking the ocean.

Explore the unknown, insure the unexpected

No matter which hidden gem you choose to explore this new year, one thing is certain: travel is always more enjoyable when you’re prepared. So pack your bags, book your dream trip and let Faye handle the ‘what ifs’–because every adventure deserves peace of mind. 

These activities and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for vacation destinations in 2025.

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