Best Places to Travel in 2025: Where Adventure Meets Luxury.
As the New Year approaches, it’s never too early to start planning your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a remote African safari, a rugged expedition through Alaska, or perhaps a deep dive into Japan’s history, culture and fabled snowfall, we can help curate an unforgettable trip.
Our team of travel experts is constantly scouring the globe for the most inspiring destinations and most luxurious hotels, and these are our top picks for where to go in 2025. What they have in common is that elusive combination of jaw-dropping scenery, adrenaline-fueled experiences, delectable cuisine and outstanding accommodations.
Alaska - The Call of the Wild
Imagine taking a helicopter ride deep into the Alaskan wilderness to see bears fishing for salmon, feeding their cubs or even expertly clamming in the mudflats. The Alaska Peninsula boasts one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world, and one of the best ways to spot these majestic creatures is by helicopter. You’ll venture to remote locations inaccessible by road and may even have bear sightings from the air.
Seeing Alaska’s stunning glaciers is also a must. Get up close to them from a kayak, jetski or from the air. For more adventures, try a dogsled tour or time your visit to witness the legendary 1,150-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome.
Where to Stay: Book a modern igloo at Borealis Basecamp, cubes nestled in the boreal forest outside of Fairbanks, and catch glimpses of the magical aurora borealis through your roof!
Japan - Where Honor and Heritage are one
Traveling to Japan is a life-changing experience and there’s never been a better time to visit, thanks to a historically weak yen. The Land of the Rising Sun fuses its ancient heritage and spirituality with cutting-edge modernity. It could take a lifetime to discover everything Japan has to offer but start in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo. Soak up its buzzing energy and futuristic shops and bring an appetite. Tokyo has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, but we also recommend feasting at its tiny ramen and noodle shops.
Head to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and spiritual center, to explore Buddhist temples and exquisite gardens as well as the city’s rich tradition of arts and crafts. Nara, an ancient capital of Japan located in the Kii Peninsula, has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than anywhere else in the country. Skiers must make a pilgrimage to Hokkaido to experience legendary “JAPOW” (Japanese powder). Nature and outdoor lovers can trek the ancient Nakasendo Trail in the Japanese Alps.The slopes of iconic Mount Fuji also offer options for gentle hikes.
Where to Stay: Aman Kyoto offers an elevated, elegant take on a ryokan with guest rooms housed in stand-alone pavilions.
Peru - Where Ancient Spirits Linger
Peru is often at the top of travel bucket lists and it’s easy to fathom why. This vast country is renowned for its rich cultural and archaeological treasures as well as its biodiversity and gastronomy. Start your trip in Lima, South America’s culinary capital and home to some of the world’s best restaurants. Experiencing the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, the sprawling Inca citadel, is a must but there’s much more to explore like the fortress of Ollantaytambo and traditional local markets.
Cusco offers a beguiling mix of Inca culture and Spanish colonial influences, seen in its cobblestoned streets and Baroque churches. Explore the fortresses and villages of the Sacred Valley, and hop on a plane to view the mysterious Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs stretching across the sands of the Ica desert. Don’t miss stunning Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, as well as the Peruvian Amazon, which spans across 60% of the country and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Where to Stay: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba embraces sustainable luxury and has an on-site organic farm.
Namibia - Endless Horizons and Surreal Beauty
While each safari experience is unique, what sets Namibia apart is its otherworldly landscape and raw beauty. This sparsely populated country is home to an endless expanse of desert and towering sand dunes as tall as the Empire State Building. Spotting desert-adapted lions, giraffes and elephants is an extra treat in this remote landscape, while Etosha National Park offers the chance to see endangered black rhinos at close quarters. Namibia is also home to the largest cheetah populations in the world.
While Namibia doesn’t offer the abundance of wildlife found in other safari destinations, the surreal landscape sets it apart as do its active pursuits. Try a walking safari or hiking up the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, or go dune boarding. The mysterious and wind-swept Skeleton Coast, often shrouded in fog, is home to shipwrecks, bleached bones of whales and some of the largest concentrations of seals and walruses. Cap off your adventure with a stay at some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa.
Where to Stay: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is home to luxurious canvas tents and is located in the ancient Kaokoveld region.
Patagonia - A Place Where Only the Wind is in a Hurry
Nothing on Earth compares to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, with its endless expanses of land and massive glaciers. In a region renowned for its astonishing natural beauty, deciding where to start exploring can be a challenge. For an unforgettable experience, head to Los Glaciares National Park. It’s home to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s only growing glaciers, which can be viewed from a boat or through an easy ice trek.
Some of Patagonia’s most awe-inspiring sights include the snow-capped Andes, the imposing granite face of Monte Fitz Roy, and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Argentino. Immerse yourself in the gaucho lifestyle with a stay at an estancia, and go horseback riding in Torres del Paine National Park. The region’s wildlife is equally extraordinary, with pumas, guanacos, condors and penguins adding to the magic.
Where to Stay: Soak up views of the Electric Valley and the Marconi Glacier from Explora El Chaltén, which has a contemporary design and a Michelin class restaurant.
Come xplorearth with us - Let us plan your travel in 2025, to the best places you want to visit.
From the deserts of Namibia to the ancient cities of Japan, our 2025 destinations are designed to awe and inspire. These extraordinary countries offer a perfect blend of nature and luxury, and our hand-picked experiences provide deeper cultural and personal connections.
Let us bring your dream trip to life—we’re here to make it happen.
Xplorearth’s travel expert, Harsh Patil, specializes in crafting once-in-a-lifetime journeys that seamlessly combine luxury and adventure—from the icy landscapes of Patagonia to the golden dunes of Namibia.
Planning your 2025 or 2026 getaway? Reach out to Harsh via hpatil@xplorearth.us for a personalized consultation.
Don’t miss our next blog, where Harsh Patil shares the highlights of his extraordinary Patagonia experience.
