The allure of the unknown, the joy of discovery or the excitement of new things – these are just some of the driving forces behind wanderlust. As we prepare to welcome a new year, the world beckons with a tapestry of cultures, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures.
The year ahead promises to be one of extraordinary travel, with a diverse range of destinations vying for your attention. To help you decide, The National has put together a guide highlighting 12 of the most exciting destinations.
Be inspired by the vibrant energy of Glasgow as it commemorates its 850th anniversary, immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Lithuania, a champion of sustainable tourism, and embark on a cultural journey to Algeria, now more accessible than ever from the UAE with direct flights from Abu Dhabi. Music lovers will rejoice with the opportunity to witness Ed Sheeran perform an international pop concert in the stunning surrounds of Shillong, while Siargao in the Philippines is making waves as Asia's next Bali.
1. Shillong, India
Famed for its misty mountains and green fields, Shillong in India’s north-east is a bucket-list destination for many Indian travellers, but it’s a place that’s only just starting to find international fame. That could all be about to change as Ed Sheeran is heading to the Hill Station in February as part of his Mathematics Tour, which will also take in Bhutan and Nepal.
Often called the Scotland of the East due to its natural beauty, Shillong offers breathtaking vistas, cascading waterfalls and lush, green landscapes. Travellers can explore local markets, indulge in traditional regional cuisine such as momos and jadoh, and head out on a hillside adventure with excellent trekking trails and serene lakes. The capital of Meghalaya, the colourful city blends modern India with old-time charm, and is easily reachable by connecting flights from Delhi, Kolkata or Bengaluru.
2. Nuuk, Greenland
The first international airport in Greenland opened in November, connecting the remote territory with direct flights from Copenhagen and Iceland. From the summer of 2025, United Airlines will also offer direct flights between Nuuk International Airport and New Jersey, making the country more accessible.
Having long been off the beaten tourism path, Greenland is carefully controlling its visitor numbers, prioritising sustainability over mass tourism. The country’s recent "anti-tourism" advert, which details "Why Greenland may not be for you", proves this. But if the destination is for you, you’re in for a treat.
As with holidaymakers seeking out The Big Five on safari in Africa, Greenland offers the Arctic equivalent, with a bucket list of dog-sledding, northern lights, ice and snow, whales and indigenous culture. Get ready to see polar bears, narwhals and seals as you take in dramatic fjordscapes and monolithic glaciers, and venture off grid to learn more about the region's Inuit communities.
3. Algiers, Algeria
Africa's largest country will become more easily accessible to UAE travellers in 2025 as Etihad Airways launches non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Algiers. Nicknamed Algiers The White for the glistening hue of its buildings rising from the Mediterranean Sea, the city might not be on most tourists' travel plans, but that's what makes it an ideal destination for 2025. Visit before authorities go all out on boosting tourism numbers, working toward its self-imposed goal of 12 million visitors by 2030.
Look beyond some of the dust in Algiers and you'll find a charm-filled city with beautiful buildings in the French Quarter and a fascinating Kasbah, a place where time seems to stand still. Further afield, the country is home to seven Unesco world heritage sites, ranging from Roman towns at Timgad and Djemila to fortified hill villages, and an abundance of natural scenery with everything from blue coastlines to pine-covered mountains and vast tracts of Saharan desert.
Ghardaia, in the middle of the Sahara, is a must-visit. Old alleyways, rising sand dunes and ancient mosques combine here, and local women cover themselves with white sheets. Despite being one of Islam's holiest cities and a place where non-believers are welcome to visit in daylight hours, it remains well off the tourist radar.
4. The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
With Saudi Arabia having been officially named the host of the World Cup for 2034, the kingdom is expecting more international visitors in the run-up to the global sporting spectacle. And one destination that’s been drawing a lot of attention is the Red Sea, where the first cluster of hotels welcomed guests this year.
Thuwal Private Reserve, an exclusive-use private island property, has just opened for reservations, and there's a host of new resorts joining it next year, including the Red Sea Edition and Fairmont The Red Sea.
Amaala, the Red Sea's new wellness-focused destination, will also launch next year. Clinique La Prairie Resort will be one of the flagship resorts with divisions focused on medical care, nutrition, movement and well-being. Jayasom Wellness Resort will also open in 2025, offering escapes centred around holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy and nutrition. New beachfront resorts such as Six Senses and Four Seasons, as well as sports-centric Equinox resort, are also planned for the destination.
The Amaala Yacht Club, meanwhile, will appeal to marine-conscious travellers when it opens its doors. This futuristic will engage in marine life research but is also welcoming tourists keen to find out more about the teeming waters in this part of Saudi Arabia.
5. Glasgow, Scotland
In 2025, Glasgow will celebrate its 850th birthday and the Unesco City of Music has a whole host of events and activities planned for the occasion. The party will start at Celtic Connections, Glasgow's annual winter music festival, with a concert that pays tribute to the city's rich artistic heritage through music, spoken word, dance and film. A pop-up social history exhibition and a new food trail through the city will also mark the big anniversary.
Visitors can learn more about Scottish traditions by trying their hand at playing bagpipes at the National Piping Centre and, while Glasgow might not have a reputation as being as pretty as its sister Edinburgh, it's definitely one to visit with its Gothic architecture, friendly locals and own herd of Highland Cattle, in the fields of Pollok Country Park. There's no shortage of culture here either, whether you want to take in the works at Glasgow Museum of Modern Art, step back in time at the Riverside Museum or wander elaborate and ancient tombstones at Glasgow Necropolis.
6. Vilnius, Lithuania
The southernmost of the Baltic States, Lithuania's Vilnius has been named Europe’s Green Capital of 2025. And the city is a great place to begin your discovery of this forward-thinking nation. Get to grips with the bike-friendly and walkable Vilnius, which is 60 per cent green space. Go exploring at Vingis Park or along the Neris riverbank and wander in the grounds of Vilnius University Botanical Garden. To take in the city from a different perspective, try kayaking on the Vilnele River and tuck into modern Lithuanian cuisine at some delightful eateries, all of which are relatively affordable.
Given Lithuania's relatively small size, it's also a destination where you can easily explore outside the capital to really get under its skin. And with four distinct seasons, it’s a year-round destination with winter bringing snowscapes and sledging, and spring boasting seasonal markets and a unique fish festival. Summer is the time for exploration in Lithuania's many lakes and rivers, while autumn is for forest exploration as the trees turn shades of crimson and gold.
7. Medan, Indonesia
Nothing like its famous Indonesian sibling Bali, Medan in Sumatra is a destination that remains largely unexplored by international tourists. Perhaps that's because the city, which is the third-largest in Indonesia, lacks the coastal views, mountain backdrops and island escapes that its neighbour boasts. But with Etihad Airways launching new direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Medan in 2025, it's a fascinating place to add to your travel list.
With a rich history, diverse culture and plenty of urban character, Medan offers travellers somewhere new to explore. Wander Dutch Colonial-era buildings and stop at Tjong A Fie Mansion to learn more about the significant Chinese-Indonesian community that lives here, and if you're here during Chinese New Year expect big celebrations. The Great Mosque of Medan is a must-see for any visitor to the city, as are the bustling traditional markets that are a feast for the senses and a great place to try local speciality foods or shop for handicrafts. Away from the city, visitors can head out on day trips to some fascinating places including Lake Toba, the world's largest volcanic lake, and the cultural melting pot that is the historic Binjai.
8. Siargao, Philippines
Often called the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is a tropical paradise that's making a name for itself as one of the best places in the country to visit. At the moment, the tiny island remains something of a tropical paradise with its palm-covered hills and pristine waters drawing surfers from around the world, but not yet drawing huge international crowds of tourists. But that won't last for long.
Authorities have plans for a cruise terminal, larger resorts and airport expansions, meaning the secret will soon be out on this south-eastern Philippines escape. So if you want to get there before the crowds, now is the time to go. Apart from world-class surfing, the island has golden beaches and water that is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. It has lush forests, mangrove swamps and cascading waterfalls all served up with a laid-back atmosphere and slow-paced lifestyle. Authentic barefoot luxury awaits travellers at Nay Palad Hideaway, which has recently joined luxury hotel group The Set Collection. This eco-luxury resort nestled between ancient mangrove forests and the Pacific Ocean is a wonderful choice for travellers hoping to explore the destination in style.
9. Rabat, Morocco
Morocco could overtake Egypt as Africa's most-visited destination in 2024, according to the latest data from the country's Ministry of Tourism. If it happens, it will be a remarkable achievement for the North African country, which has recovered quickly after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that shook its High Atlas Mountains last year.
And while Marrakesh remains the country's tourism hotspot, and one that will continue to grow in 2025 given the launch of the first non-stop flights from the US to the country, travellers in the know will be heading to up-and-coming Rabat. The unassuming capital is evolving with new hotels and resorts, not least among them the Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Sale. Located in the Mohammed VI Tower, one of Rabat's most famous landmarks, the first Waldorf Astoria in Morocco will occupy the top 18 floors of the tower, offering expansive views of Rabat, Sale and the Atlantic Ocean. It's one of several Hilton hotels planned for the group's Moroccan portfolio in 2025. Rabat will also be on the radar for football fans, as it's home to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, one of six stadiums involved in Morocco's hosting of the 2025 African Cup of Nations. Billed as the cultural capital of Morocco, Rabat is also a place for bookish travellers who can explore what will be Unesco's World Book Capital for 2026.
10. Gabon, Africa
Set on the equator in western Central Africa, Gabon is a destination that's making waves. Championing eco-tourism, the small country is made up of more than 80 per cent equatorial rainforest, and is the most carbon-positive nation on the planet, according to the World Bank and the UN. More than 20 per cent of the country is designated as protected and the country remains largely unexplored, making it a dream destination.
Gabon's coastlines boast beautiful palm-lined beaches where travellers can also spot elephants wandering or see hippos frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean surf. It's also a place where amazing encounters await through gorilla trekking in the forests and watching humpback whales from the water. The Kongou Falls here are one of the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Africa and the country also offers a unique cultural experience where travellers can learn more about some of the 50 indigenous tribes that call it home.
11. Brussels, Belgium
Shaking off its reputation as a boring business destination, Brussels is one of 2025’s trending destinations. The Belgian capital has recorded an increase of 427.27 per cent in the past three years on Google searches.
Famed for its delicious chocolate and Flemish culture, the tiny capital is an excellent choice for a city break with plenty of landmarks to explore and everything within easy reach. It’s also well-connected for train travel across Europe, making it popular with responsible travellers trying to limit their carbon footprint.
For those seeking unusual attractions, the Belgian capital has plenty to offer from its 100-metre-tall, futuristic Atomium to the colourful Comic Strip trail that winds across more than 80 frescoes dotted around the city.
12. Santa Catalina, Panama
This year, Panama welcomed the world's largest group of adventure travellers as it hosted the 2024 Adventure Travel Trade Association's World Summit, inviting tourism leaders to explore the Central American nation to discover its wonders, among which was the pretty village of Santa Catalina.
Nestled on the Azuero Peninsula, this tiny surfing village is home to about 1,000 people, but draws wave-seekers from across the country. With its Pacific Ocean views and unbridled rainforest surrounds, it's quickly becoming one of Panama's most popular escapes. World-class scuba diving, snorkelling and island-hopping adventure await off its shorelines and, despite its tiny size, the village boasts excellent dining options and seafront boutique resorts. Life here is entirely laid back, so don't go expecting hustle and bustle. Instead, put it on your 2025 visit list as the place to go when you want to slow down, get back to nature and bask in the Panamanian sunshine.
