Lists, lists, lists…
It’s that time of year again, when lists of ‘Best places in the world to visit in 2025’ seem to be everywhere. I wholeheartedly agree with CN traveller’s view that the problem with creating these destination lists is that I want to go everywhere, so reading them is like being a kid in a sweetshop – I just think…yes I’d like to go there, oh and there, and there….and on it goes! However, it’s helpful to be able to narrow it down, or at the very least, put them in an order of which you’d like to visit first! However, instead of following the crowd, I thought I’d create an ‘Untrendy destinations’ list.
Why ‘Untrendy’?
With the recent focus on overtourism around the world, it seems illogical to be adding to the ‘trendy destinations for 2025’ lists as that inevitably encourages a concentration of tourists in the most popular places, so I thought I’d compile an ‘untrendy’ list. ABTA’s ‘Destinations to Watch‘ research shows that people are of the same opinion with 45% saying they are likely to try a country they haven’t been to before. I think the point should be not to go where the crowds are going, but instead to explore the lesser-known countries or regions where visitors on their 3rd or 4th trip to a country might explore.
So here goes….
- Wilsons Prom, Australia – Just a 3 hr drive form Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory is at the Southern-most point of the Australian mainland and is a haven for nature lovers. You can hike some of the many trails, take a swim off one of the stunning beaches or go to the next level and camp in the National Park itself. There’s abundant wildlife from Australian Fur Seals to whales and you should keep your eyes peeled as you might even spot a wombat or emu.
- Oregon, USA – Sitting on the Pacific Coast to the north of California, Oregon is quite different to it’s neighbour with volcanic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, world-class wineries, music and art in Portland and a beautiful coastline. Outdoor activities abound such as hiking, kayaking and windsurfing and you can even ski in the Cascade Range.
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden – Take a ferry from the picturesque city of Stockholm and within 30 mins you’ll be amongst the 30,000 islands of the Stockholm Archipelago. They have a true back-to-nature feel with wild berries growing in pine forests, stunning lakes and beautiful beaches all surrounded by the brisk Baltic sea. Try your hand at fishing or kite-surfing or hike the newly established Stockholm Archipelago Trail.
- Columbia – You need to put aside everything you think you know about Columbia and prepare to experience the beautiful landscapes, Caribbean islands, lively festivals, charming cities and rich wildlife. Historical Bogota is a great starting point which can be followed with a trip into the Amazon rainforest, visiting the coffee region, seeing vibrant Medellin or colourful Cartagena and relaxing at the beautiful Rosario islands in the Caribbean Sea.
- Zambia – For an all-round safari experience on both land and water, try Zambia. It offers a diverse range of game reserves but also the chance to see the mighty Zambezi River. You can enjoy a walking safari amongst the ebony trees, try canoeing or fishing on the Zambezi or spot wildlife in the wetlands of the Busanga Plains. Of course, there’s also the chance to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls.
Other places to consider are:
- Corsica
- Laos
- Uganda
- Lithuania
- Panama
- St. Martin
- Tasmania, Australia
- Tennessee, USA
- Atlantic Canada
- Greenland
- Madagascar
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Extremadura, Spain
- Northland, NZ
- Kwazulu-Natal, SA
- Tunisia
- The Philippines
- Muscat, Oman
- Dominica
If you are looking for even more inspiration, try Wanderlusts ‘25 exciting new trips to booking for 2025‘ or Lonely Planet’s ‘Where to go in 2025‘ which also suggests which month to visit their Best in Travel winners.
Happy adventure dreaming and happy New Year!!!
