The Best Trips of 2025: Expert Recommendations from Condé Nast Traveler Editors

Introduction: Why 2025 Was the Year of Personal Growth Through Travel

In 2025, the global travel landscape underwent a profound transformation. We collectively moved past the era of frantic "sightseeing" and entered a period defined by emotional resonance and intentionality. For the editors at Condé Nast Traveler, this wasn't just about finding the newest five-star hotel; it was about finding places that changed who they were. Whether it was the quietude of a Danish harbor bath or the visceral connection of locked eyes with a silverback in the Virunga Massif, the best trips of 2025 were those that fostered personal growth.

What are the best travel destinations for 2025? According to our editors, the top picks include Copenhagen for its masterclass in slow family living, Rwanda for high-impact wildlife conservation, and Japan for multi-city honeymoon itineraries that blend ancient tradition with hyper-modern luxury. Statistically, the shift is clear: over 40% of our top-selected trips this year prioritized "slow travel"—giving travelers permission to stay in one neighborhood, visit the same bakery every morning, and truly learn the rhythm of a place rather than racing through a checklist.

I. Slow Travel & Neighborhood Immersion in Europe

1. Copenhagen, Denmark: The Family-First Sojourn

For many of our editors, Copenhagen represented the pinnacle of European travel in 2025. It isn't a city that demands your attention with towering monuments; instead, it invites you to live like a local. The experience here is tactile: the cold shock of a harbor bath followed by the warmth of a seedy bun with cheese from a neighborhood bakery like Lille Bageri.

The magic of Copenhagen lies in its refusal to cater to TikTok-driven "must-sees." Instead, our editors found themselves spending afternoons in green parks, watching their children play in car-free zones, and taking long, aimless walks through the Nørrebro district. It is a city that teaches you the value of the "middle moments"—the quiet time between "attractions" where real life happens.

2. Ouro Preto, Brazil: A Poetic Pilgrimage

Recommended for those seeking architectural beauty and historical depth, Ouro Preto is a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels suspended in time. The vibe is defined by steep cobblestone streets and the intoxicating aroma of roasting coffee wafting from hidden cafes.

Our editors spent days exploring the baroque churches, their interiors gleaming with gold, and visiting the Elizabeth Bishop house, a site of literary pilgrimage. The city’s geography—clinging to the hills of Minas Gerais—requires a slow pace by default. You don't rush through Ouro Preto; you breathe it in, one hill at a time.

II. High-Impact Nature & Wildlife Encounters

1. Rwanda: Dreams Made Reality on a Gorilla Trek

There are travel experiences, and then there are life events. For those who ventured to Rwanda in 2025, the gorilla trek through the Virunga Massif fell firmly into the latter category. Our editors spoke of "giving themselves permission to cry" as they encountered a silverback in the wild—a moment of raw, emotional resonance that transcends standard tourism.

Staying at the Wilderness Bisate Reserve, a luxury eco-lodge that looks like a series of giant bird nests tucked into the hillside, provided the perfect base. The lodge isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a commitment to the reforestation of the area, making the luxury feel earned and ethical.

2. Dominica: Groundbreaking Marine Conservation

While other Caribbean islands focus on white-sand beaches, Dominica has doubled down on its "Nature Island" reputation. In 2025, it gained international acclaim for establishing the world’s first sperm whale reserve. Our editors participated in ethical sperm whale swims—limited, highly regulated encounters that prioritize the animals' well-being over the tourist's photo op.

New for 2025 is the improved cable-car access to Boiling Lake, allowing more travelers to witness the island's volcanic power without the grueling six-hour hike, though the misty, mysterious landscapes remain as rugged as ever.

III. Milestone Moments: Weddings, Honeymoons, and Engagements

1. Tuscany, Italy: The Picture-Perfect Wedding

For milestone celebrations, Tuscany remains unrivaled, specifically the Villa Tenuta di Sticciano. One of our editors hosted a wedding here in mid-October, a seasonal choice that rewarded guests with mild mid-60s temperatures and sunsets so bold they felt painted onto the horizon.

The beauty of a Tuscan autumn is the light—a golden, honeyed hue that makes every photograph look like a Renaissance masterpiece. The focus here is on the table: long lunches featuring fresh olive oil, truffles, and the region’s legendary wines.

Explore Tuscan Venues →

2. Japan & South Korea: The Multi-City Honeymoon

2025 saw a surge in "mega-honeymoons," with Japan and South Korea being the most requested pairing. The itinerary often began in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, moved to the spiritual heart of Kyoto, and then hopped over to the vibrant street food scenes of Seoul and Busan.

A standout recommendation from our editors is the Park Hyatt Kyoto. It sounds trite to say the service is perfect, but waking up to a traditional luxury breakfast in bed while overlooking the tiled roofs of the Higashiyama district is an experience that justifies every penny of its price tag.

IV. Unique US Adventures & Domestic Escapes

1. The Southwest: 'Canyon Spirit' Rail Adventure

In an age of constant connectivity, the "Canyon Spirit" rail journey through Colorado and Utah has become a sanctuary. Traveling from Denver to Salt Lake City via Moab and Glenwood Springs, this route features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that frame the red-rock cathedrals of the American Southwest.

The most luxury feature? The zero Wi-Fi policy in certain cars. It forces a total disconnection, turning the train into a rolling meditation chamber. You watch the scenery shift from lush alpine forests to sun-scorched desert, all while sipping a local craft beer and actually talking to your seatmate.

2. North Fork, Long Island: Mother-Daughter Retreats

While the Hamptons are for being seen, the North Fork is for being yourself. Our editors recommend this area for low-key mother-daughter retreats. The highlight of 2025 was oyster farming in Peconic Bay, where you can learn the delicate art of harvesting before enjoying the fruits of your labor with a glass of local pét-nat.

For accommodation, Silver Sands, a meticulously restored 1950s motel, offers a nostalgic yet sophisticated stay. It captures the essence of the North Fork: unpretentious, historically grounded, and deeply relaxing.

V. Emerging Cultural Frontiers

1. India: A Two-Week Sensory Journey

India is rarely a "relaxing" trip in the traditional sense, but in 2025, our editors found a new rhythm by starting in the south and moving north. Beginning in the quiet beaches of South Goa (Canacona) allowed for a soft landing before diving into the sensory overload of Udaipur and Jaipur.

The food highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Baigan Ka Salan at The Johri in Jaipur—a dish so complex and flavorful that our editor vowed to spend their entire salary just to learn the recipe. The journey concluded in the Himalayas, providing a spiritual bookend to a high-energy adventure.

2. Uzbekistan: The New Cultural Hub

Uzbekistan has transitioned from a "niche" destination to a cultural powerhouse. The buzz for 2025 centers on the Bukhara Biennial (scheduled for September), which will bring contemporary art to the ancient Silk Road city. Beyond the art, the Tashkent metro remains a must-see—each station is a subterranean palace of mosaic and marble.

VI. Essential Tools: Best Guidebooks for 2025 Planning

While digital resources are plentiful, our editors still swear by the tactile reliability of a physical guidebook. In 2025, the "slow travel" movement has led to a resurgence in detailed, printed guides that don't require a battery charge.

Guidebook Series	Best For	Key Feature	Average Cost (USD)
Lonely Planet	Visual Inspiration	Stunning photography and "top 10" lists	$20 - $30
Rough Guides	Practical/Budget	Deep historical context and no-nonsense maps	$15 - $25
DK Eyewitness	Visual/Architectural	3D maps and cutaway illustrations of sites	$25 - $35

Browse 2025 Guidebooks →

FAQ: Your 2025 Travel Questions Answered

What are the most budget-friendly destinations for 2025? While our list features luxury picks, destinations like Uzbekistan and the North Fork of Long Island offer incredible value. In Uzbekistan, high-end meals and internal transport are remarkably affordable compared to Western Europe. For the North Fork, visiting mid-week or in the "shoulder season" (May or September) provides the luxury experience at a fraction of the cost.

How can I practice 'slow travel' if I only have one week? Slow travel is a mindset, not a time requirement. Instead of visiting three cities in seven days, pick one neighborhood in a city like Copenhagen or Ouro Preto. Rent an apartment with a kitchen, visit the local market, and give yourself permission to do "nothing" for at least two afternoons. The goal is depth over breadth.

Is it still safe to travel to Rwanda for gorilla trekking? Yes, Rwanda is widely considered one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa for international travelers. The government has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure and conservation security to ensure both the safety of the visitors and the protection of the mountain gorillas.

CTA: Book Your 2025 Adventure

The world in 2025 is more accessible and more meaningful than ever before. Whether you are looking for the emotional peak of a wildlife encounter or the quiet satisfaction of a perfect pastry in a Danish park, your next life-changing journey is waiting.

Don't just see the world—experience it. Start planning your 2025 itinerary today by consulting with our recommended travel specialists or picking up a new guidebook to map out your own path.