I travel nonstop. Here are 5 places you can't miss in 2025.

Daftar Isi

I've spent the majority of this year on the move, starting in South America and making my way through Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East. However, there are only five places I'd consider returning to in 2025.

They range from a relatively off-the-beaten-path tropical island to a peaceful college town on the Baltic coast. And if you'd told me last year that I'd want to go back, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

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I pen a travel column that appears in newspapers across the country, and my approach is to immerse myself in the destinations I write about. I don't just bring an outsider's perspective - I actually reside there long enough to get to know locals, sample the local cuisine, and genuinely explore off the beaten path.

Here are the five top destinations you shouldn't miss in 2025 – and the one iconic experience you must have while you're there.

This problem has reached a major crisis point. But what's the solution going to be?

Berlin

The German capital is hardly recognizable from its former self - the dark, Cold War city I saw when I first visited in the 1970s or the construction site I witnessed in the 1990s after reunification. And that's what makes Berlin so cool: it's always transforming itself and looks forward to the future. I stayed in a Blueground apartment near Charlottenburg during the summer and found the city to be a bright and welcoming place.

One of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Europe is Berlin. The sidewalks in Berlin are particularly wide, which makes it safe and easy to walk without encountering cyclists, motorcyclists, or cars. Individuals who have visited Croatia can attest that this is anything but a joke. Furthermore, Berlin is a city with a rich cultural diversity and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, boasting some of the best shopping and dining options in Europe. What's more, since it's not overrun with tourists like other European capitals, visitors can experience the city in a more authentic and genuine way.

Near the German parliament building, a museum open to everyone invites visitors to think about the future with its displays. Just as Berlin does.

Dublin

The United States is a top destination for Americans heading to Ireland, and Dublin is usually their first stop. A great choice. I stayed in the capital for two months in an Airbnb with a view of one of the famous pubs on Temple Bar, and I'm here to advise that timing is everything. If you visit in late summer, right as the tourists are leaving, you can enjoy a more peaceful and laid-back Irish experience. I'm thinking about taking a stroll along the River Liffey to Phoenix Park without having to navigate the crowds waiting for the hop-on, hop-off bus.

Ireland's capital, Dublin, has a rich cultural scene. There are museums, such as the massive National Museum of Ireland, right nearby the Guinness brewery along the river. You'll find plenty of shopping on Grafton Street, and the Docklands area offers a lively atmosphere with good food and entertainment options. What struck me most about Dublin, though, were the locals. Even on the days it rained almost nonstop - and it seemed like it poured every day - everyone I met was friendly and cheerful, and they seemed pleased to see me.

Also free, has a vast collection of Irish art and Renaissance artworks, and serves as an ideal refuge from the rain.

I'm happy to help you with anything you need.

Grenada

I spent nine weeks in the Caribbean researching articles on sustainability and tourism. It quickly became clear I didn't fit the typical audience profile. To be honest, I'm not one to spend my time lounging on the beach all day, and a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or timeshare vacation isn't my cup of tea.

After arriving in Grenada, also known as the Spice Island, I discovered that the island has a lot more to offer than just beautiful beaches. Despite its great scuba diving in a unique underwater sculpture park and endless hiking opportunities in Grand Étang National Park, the island's most attractive feature is its chocolate. However, what truly makes Grenada stand out is the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people, making it distinctly superior to other Caribbean islands in terms of local charm.

They see how cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and turned into chocolate.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Lake? Check. Gorgeous mountains breathtakingly towering above, like the Alps? Check. Historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, including medieval architecture? Check. Lucerne checks off all those tourist must-haves. But what sets it apart from other Swiss cities? It has everything that makes it an almost irresistible destination – many even consider it Switzerland's most beautiful city – but one thing is missing. The people I met in Lucerne lacked the confidence and swagger of Zürich residents or the serious attitude of those from Geneva. Instead, they seemed genuinely happy to share their city with me, and in a way that's unique to Lucerne, a true sense of community and welcome.

If you haven't already got a light wallet, you might want to prepare for a trip to Lucerne, but don't let the high costs deter you. If you can make it in for a weekend, make sure to take it. Take a stroll along the northern shore of the lake, find a bench, and take in one of the most breathtaking views you'll ever encounter in your travels.

Head to the top of the mountain and take in the breathtaking view.

Turku, Finland

You won't find Turku on many tourist maps, which is a shame because it's the perfect place to disconnect and unwind during the summer. It offers a vibrant cultural scene, top-notch restaurants, and one of the best farmers' markets in all of Europe. But what really sets it apart is its laid-back atmosphere. While the rest of Europe grapples with scorching summers, Turku remains delightfully cool.

This region is also a launching point for trips to the breathtaking Finnish archipelago, a chain of islands spanning across the Baltic to Sweden. However, it wasn't the site itself, which is in the process of developing a reputation as one of the most eco-friendly cities in Europe, that was the main draw – it was the locals. Finns tend to be low-key and modest compared to people from the United States. Nonetheless, the individuals I met in Turku never failed to express their gratitude for my having taken the time to visit their often underappreciated part of the world. I'm almost hesitant to mention Turku because I don't want it to become another over-touristed destination like Amsterdam.

Take a scenic drive along the Archipelago Trail from Turku to Naantali, a 250-kilometer loop voyage through a unique islands region. You'll pass by farms, ancient towns, castles, and an abundance of wildlife, making for a truly one-of-a-kind Earthly experience.

Whether it's scaling the mountains in Lucerne or hiking the Finnish coast, 2025 is the year to push your limits. My top picks aren't just stunning, they also have a unique spirit that makes them worth visiting again.

Christopher Elliott He is a writer, consumer advocate, and journalist. He started Elliott Advocacy, A non-profit organization that assists with consumer difficulties. He publishes Elliott Confidential I didn't receive a text to paraphrase. Please provide the text. Elliott Report According to a customer service news site, if you require assistance with a consumer issue, you can reach out for help. reach him here Can I contact him by email instead? You can reach Chris by emailing him at chris@elliott.org.

I'm constantly on the go. Here are 5 destinations you shouldn't miss in 2025.