17 Must-See Global Destinations To Explore In 2025, As Recommended By A Recent Study
Shebara Resort in the Red Sea stands out as a top destination to explore in 2025.
Which destinations should be at the top of your travel list for 2025?TimeTIME recently unveiled its yearly compilation of the World’s Greatest Places, showcasing 100 remarkable destinations to explore and experience—ranging from hotels and voyages to dining spots and landmarks.
In its seventh year,TimeThe selection for ’s list is based on recommendations from global correspondents and contributors, as well as an open application system. The aim is to uncover extraordinary destinations worldwide that provide life-changing encounters, inspiring travelers to explore further and immerse themselves in genuine experiences.
“Because TimeEmma Barker Bonomo, the editorial director, explained in an interview that as a worldwide news outlet, their travel edition highlights noteworthy global destinations—from hotels, museums, and restaurants to attractions and national parks, covering all budget ranges. “We provide a comprehensive perspective on locations that aren’t merely trendy or high-end but are meaningful for modern travelers,” she said.
This year’s selections cover destinations worldwide, from Florida to Japan, with the U.S. featuring the highest number of entries at 22. The current rankings mirror last year’s results, where the United States similarly topped the list.
Besides locations,Time’s list highlights evolving travel trends. “There’s growing interest in indigenous cuisines globally, which led us to spotlight Amazonian dining spots like AWA in Lima, Peru. Luxury rail journeys are also booming this year, so we added L’Observatoire in Europe and The Ghan in Australia to our selection,” Bonomo notes. “At the forefront of astrotourism, we showcased the Astronomy Discovery Center at The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., featuring an open-air planetarium with live sky narration from heated seating.”
Another major trend: the resurgence of travel. “In 2023, the tourism sector recovered to its pre-pandemic benchmarks, then accelerated further in 2024, breaking consumer-spending records and contributing roughly 9% to 10% of the world’s GDP. This year, the industry is poised to generate even higher revenues,”TimeThe editors of ’s released a statement.
Here’s a glimpse of 17 remarkable locations featured inTime’s 2025 lineup, featuring legendary sites, fresh cultural hubs, innovative retreats, and beyond.
The Viewpoint Hotel in Maine overlooks the Nubble Lighthouse.
United States of America
Viewpoint Hotel – York, Maine
Maine’s 1879 Nubble Lighthouse stands as one of the state’s most recognizable symbols. Thanks to Joseph Lipton and Michelle Friar, visitors can now experience it in a fresh way—with elegance—from the waterfront accommodations at the Viewpoint Hotel.Timedescribes these contemporary spaces featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows as “a polished aesthetic for an otherwise classic New England beach town.”
The Lowell Observatory, located in Flagstaff, Arizona
The Lowell Observatory, famed as the location where Pluto was first identified in 1930, has now introduced an open-air planetarium. Visitors can experience breathtaking views of the night sky, sparking curiosity about the next astronomical breakthrough to emerge from this historic site.
Wine Spa – Willamette Valley, Oregon
At entrepreneur Kelly Lewis’s new venture in the Willamette Valley, “wine and wellness are deeply connected,” she explains.TimeVisitors can enjoy a luxurious wine bath, sipping a glass as they relax, and experience the benefits of vinotherapy. The process is eco-friendly, as many of the wines utilized in these treatments are sourced from recycled bottles.
A secluded pool nestled within the stone formations at Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico.
Mexico &The Caribbean region
Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe
Timeis thrilled by Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe, a sleek hilltop escape featuring an exclusive winery. A highlight: “Every villa includes a personal plunge pool, perfect for evening stargazing with a glass of red,” mentionsTime.
Sandals Saint Vincent – St. Vincent and the Grenadines
TimeThe newest Sandals resort in Buccament Bay, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is dubbed “Sandals 2.0,” a testament to Adam Stewart’s efforts in upholding the legacy of his father, the late Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon “Butch” Stewart.
South America
The Roxy – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Roxy Theater, a historic venue built in 1938 and located in Copacabana, has undergone restoration and conversion, now presenting a fresh experience while preserving its iconic charm.Timedescribes as “an engaging four-hour event blending cuisine, live performances, and movement.”
AWA – Lima, Peru
Lima has consistently been recognized as a gastronomic hub, and it is now gaining worldwide acclaim for its commitment to authentic Amazonian dishes. The restaurant’s offerings provide an immersive exploration of the rainforest’s distinctive tastes and native components, andTimepraises it for “rethinking how regional flavors can blend using contemporary culinary techniques and worldwide influences.”
Europe
Trosten – Oslo, Norway
Trosten—a floating sauna in Oslo constructed with sustainability in mind—enables guests to “engage with nature and each other,” as stated byTimeAdditionally, it is designed to be accessible for individuals with mobility challenges—a feature often overlooked in the wellness industry.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
Following meticulous restoration efforts after the 2019 blaze, Notre Dame has at last reopened—though it lacks the rooftop pool and glass spire proposed in some designs, the outcome is breathtaking. “By the close of 2024, its reopening revealed a masterpiece of reverent, faithful restoration,” observesTime.
Asia
Raffles Jaipur – Located in Jaipur, India
According to recent studies, the impact of climate change on global agriculture is becoming increasingly severe. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and extreme events such as droughts and floods are disrupting crop yields and food production. These challenges threaten food security, particularly in vulnerable regions where farming communities rely heavily on seasonal conditions. Without immediate action to mitigate these effects, the situation could worsen, leading to widespread shortages and economic instability. Policymakers and stakeholders must prioritize adaptive strategies and sustainable practices to safeguard the future of agriculture. Time,The newly opened Raffles Jaipur stands apart as more than just another luxury hotel—it is truly “in a league of its own.” Designed to evoke the elegance of a royal queen’s palace, the property boasts exquisite touches such as intricately carved marble, Mughal-inspired arches, and delicate latticework screens.Timecalls it “a design masterpiece.”
Nintendo Museum – Uji, Japan
The long-awaited Nintendo Museum brings together years of gaming heritage in a single location. “You don’t have to distinguish a Shino from a Mario or a Zelda to enjoy the Nintendo Museum, but those who spent their youth—or even their weekends, no shame—immersed in their Nintendo Switch or classic Game Boy might feel a wave of nostalgia,” notes the review.Time.
Australia and the Oceania region
Bluey’s World – Located in Brisbane, Australia
The beloved animated series featuring a family of Australian cattle dogs is brought to life at Bluey’s World. However, this isn’t a traditional theme park, as stated byTime“Instead, it’s a 60-minute immersive journey set within the Heeler family residence, meticulously recreated in vibrant detail inside a 43,056-square-foot pavilion by the river.”
Africa and The Middle East
Shebara Resort – Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
TimeShebara Resort, located in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, is described as an “eco-conscious retreat.” This cutting-edge resort is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to emerge as a premier global travel hotspot.Time describes the mirrored, steel-clad overwater villas as “appearing like a strand of pearls gliding over the water’s surface.”
Mbano Manor Hotel – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Timepraises Mbano Manor Hotel, an exclusive high-end getaway located mere moments from Victoria Falls, as the pioneering establishment of its category in the area—owned by a Black Zimbabwean woman.
Transportation
Celestia – Indonesia
With an emphasis on unhurried journeys and time-honored artisanship, the seven-cabinCelestiais transforming the essence of luxury at sea.Timedescribes it as “a pandemic-inspired endeavor created by siblings Jason Tabalujan and Jasmine Chong.”
The Carriage Observatory – Venice Simplon-Orient Express
Onboard the vessel, the crew members diligently carried out their assigned tasks, ensuring smooth operations throughout the journey. The captain monitored the navigation systems while the engineers maintained the machinery. Passengers relaxed in their cabins or enjoyed the amenities available on deck. The atmosphere remained calm and orderly as the ship progressed toward its destination.The Venice Simplon-Orient Express trainthe new —a carriage crafted by celebrated artist JR—is capturing attention. AsTimeexplains, it belongs to a fresh category of rail journeys that “provide a peek into an elegant bygone era of leisurely travel, blending luxurious comfort with the allure of exploration.”
The Ghan – traveling from Adelaide to Darwin in Australia
Australia’s iconic luxury train, the Ghan, offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the continent. Traveling from Adelaide to Darwin, this legendary rail experience showcases breathtaking landscapes, from rugged outback deserts to lush tropical regions. Guests enjoy world-class service, gourmet dining, and elegantly appointed cabins, making it a premier way to explore Australia’s vast and diverse terrain. The Ghan’s rich history and unparalleled comfort ensure a truly remarkable adventure for every traveler.The Ghan is an iconic Australian passenger train that travels between Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Darwin. Known for its luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of the outback, The Ghan offers a unique journey through the heart of the continent. The service is operated by Journey Beyond and has become a symbol of Australia’s rich rail history. Passengers can enjoy gourmet dining, spacious cabins, and immersive off-train experiences during the trip. The Ghan’s route covers nearly 3,000 kilometers, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Australia’s interior., enchants travelers with its grand, nation-spanning adventures.Timehighlights its “fresh, immersive off-train adventures that enrich the journey through the expansive Outback.” It’s no surpriseTimeselected it as a top global destination to explore in 2025.
