Top travel destinations of 2025: Inspiring wanderlust for your next adventure

February 06, 2025

With more countries courting tourists and finding new ways to facilitate global travel, 2025 promises a wealth of incredible destinations, each with its own unique attractions and improvements in accessibility and infrastructure. We’ve pulled together a list of top travel destinations of 2025, so whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore, you can start considering must-see spots for your bucket list. Remember to also plan on being well-prepared with the right travel insurance plan, tailored to your specific adventure.

Up-and-coming destinations around the world

As you consider upcoming travel plans, take a look at the destinations that are becoming the new travel hotspots — and be sure to add travel coverage such as SafeTrip to protect your trip and fellow travelers from unexpected delays or challenges.

Greenland: Glaciers, fjords and fascinating culture

Only three times the size of Texas, 1 Greenland has invested in tourism by expanding its Nuuk International Airport and introducing direct flights from the U.S. From stunning ice fjords to vibrant Inuit communities, Greenland offers unique and unforgettable experiences with distinctive landscapes and wildlife including humpback whales, narwhals, polar bears and musk oxen. For your trip, consider a travel insurance plan with robust medical coverage including medical evacuation, as the remote and harsh conditions can pose challenges to your health if you’re not used to them.

Vietnam: Ancient traditions next to dynamic megacities

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam, and the country is rolling out new dining experiences and infrastructure improvements to celebrate. The dry season from November to April is the perfect time to explore the glories of the 2,000-mile-long coastline, while cities such as Hanoi offer Michelin-starred restaurants, speakeasies and countless attractions, galleries and museums. Be sure to add a travel insurance plan to your to-do list, just in case any schedule shifts or cancellations have a ripple effect on an extended stay in the country.

Italy: Discover the local-secret Umbria region

Many travelers put Italy’s Tuscany at the top of their must-do lists thanks to its Renaissance architecture and sweeping views — but the Umbria region offers a similar tapestry of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and culinary delights, plus is much less crowded. If you’re planning to hike through the rolling hills or visit ancient ruins, a travel insurance plan can provide extra protection in case of an injury along the way.

Greece: The Athens Riviera plus ancient wonders

The Athens Riviera region stretches from Piraeus toward the north to Sounion at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, just outside of Athens. Visitors can enjoy all the fun of a beach vacation, including family-friendly watersports and luxe resorts. Plus, they can visit some of the most incredible ruins in the world, including the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. Consider a travel insurance plan that includes coverage for cancellations or disruptions, as this region has unpredictable heatwaves which often disrupt flight schedules.

Japan: Historic temples and shrines next to the World Expo

Osaka will host the 2025 World Expo this year, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an incredible international event as well as dive deep into the free temples, parks and shrines that are found throughout Japan. In addition, Japan’s renowned culinary experiences and the high-tech innovation in its ultra-modern cities are like no other. When planning your itinerary, be ready for possible transportation disruptions or cancellation with trip coverage that protects you against unforeseen changes.

Portugal: Exceptional beaches and must-try cuisine

The popularity of Portugal continues to pick up steam, with travelers exploring the vibrant streets of Lisbon, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, and marvelling at the UNESCO-listed streets of central Oporto. Don’t miss the World of Wine district, which draws epicureans from around the globe with food- and wine-themed museums, fascinating classes, and world-class dining galore. A combination travel insurance plan including medical coverage and trip protection can help you enjoy your trip with less worry.

Scandinavia: Check Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland off your list

Cooler temperatures, magnificent natural beauty and unique cultural offerings draw many to Scandinavia, with no end of canyons, fjords, waterfalls, lagoons and hot springs to explore. Larger cities also include pristine historic districts, while off-the-beaten-path tours and cruises allow stunning views of the Northern Lights. Consider a travel insurance plan such as International Travel Medical that includes medical evacuation and assistance services. If you plan to add outdoor activities to your to-do list, add the extreme sports add-on so you can confidently get adventurous and enjoy mountain climbing under the midnight sun or skiing under the Northern Lights.

Brazil: Beyond the Rio Carnival

In Bahia, a Brazilian state considered the epicenter of the country’s Afro-Brazilian heritage, you’ll discover pristine, uncrowded beaches plus a culture rich with music, dance and cuisine that combines hearty Brazilian fare with fresh-caught seafood. For a trip to Bahia, a travel insurance plan that covers adventure sports and activities can be beneficial, given the region’s active and cultural scene.

Alaska, U.S.: Astonishing untouched wilderness and rich, colorful cultures

Whether cruising along massive glaciers, skiing or hiking through breathtaking mountains, visitors to the U.S.A.’s largest state have no shortage of jawdropping experiences. If you’re taking on only-in-Alaska  activities like glacier trekking, Denali wildlife spotting, or cultural tours and festivals in remote regions, be sure to choose a travel insurance plan that includes coverage for extreme sports and evacuation services.

Comparing 2024 and 2025 travel trends

UnitedHealthcare Global provides travel insurance plans for vacationers around the world, and as such, gets an insider view of the most-popular picks with seasoned travelers. In 2024, the most-visited countries based on plan purchases were the United States, Italy, United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Spain, France, Japan, Germany and Australia. These destinations offer a fascinating mix of cultural, historical and natural attractions, and are sure to continue to be popular places to explore on holiday.

For 2025, while some of these countries remain top choices, new destinations like Greenland and Vietnam are gaining traction. These emerging destinations offer unique experiences and improvements in accessibility, making them exciting options for any traveler.

Ready for your 2025 travel adventures?

To ensure all travelers are well-prepared and protected for 2025 vacations, UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip offers a variety of travel insurance plans tailored to different types of travel:

• The International Travel Medical plan offers essential health coverage for illness or accidents.
• The International Travel Medical Plus plan combines medical insurance with trip protection, covering cancellations, delays and non-refundable fees due to health issues or travel interruptions.
• Student travel insurance plans are designed for students studying abroad, ensuring they have the necessary medical and trip protection coverage when starting a new, exciting chapter in their life.
• Business travel insurance plans provide medical coverage and assistance in case of emergencies, allowing business travelers to focus on their work. In addition, these plans can make sure your family is covered too if you extend a work trip into a family vacation.

For those adding the thrill of a daring adventure, consider adding an Extreme Sports Add-On to your travel insurance plan. This add-on provides extra protection for activities like mountain climbing, water sports, skiing and safaris.

Whether you’re planning a cultural immersion, a beach getaway or an into-the-wild adventure, the right travel insurance can make all the difference in terms of your confidence. UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip plans can provide you with the backup you need for your 2025 travels — and it all starts by getting more information and a quote right now.

¹https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/greenland/