This year, Toulouse (France), known as “La Ville Rose”, tops the city list for its expanding art scene and laid-back riverside vibe.
Cameroon leads the country category, with LP flagging the African country’s pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, while the Low Country and Coastal Georgia region, including Charleston and Savannah, claims the top regional spot for its historical significance and cultural charm.
Australia is represented by just one destination – and it’s perhaps a surprise inclusion (or perhaps not, for those who’ve actually experienced the beautiful region): Tasmania’s Launceston and the Tamar Valley, which finished in fourth spot.
Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia Executive Officer Sarah Myers said northern Tasmania has warranted its place among the top tourism spots for next year.
“Tasmania is known for its famous attractions – Hobart, Wineglass Bay and Cradle Mountain – but Launceston and the Tamar region have so much to offer,” she said.
“House of Arras is Australia’s most awarded producer of sparkling wine, and Josef Chromy is an iconic producer of exceptional cool-climate Tasmanian wines.”
Closer to home, Fiji is ranked third among the top countries to get to in 2025, while Vanuatu is placed eighth. Unsurprisingly, both are favoured for their almost endless water-based experiences and are Aussie hotspots.
Other highlights include:
In its 15th edition, the Best in Travel list also introduces its top 10 travel trend predictions for the year ahead.
The top travel trends for 2025 include:
Lonely Planet’s experts based the must-see destinations on their unique experiences, cultural appeal and sustainability efforts.
Best in Travel 2025 – the complete lists
CITY | COUNTRY | REGION |
Toulouse, France | Cameroon | Low Country and Coastal Georgia |
Pondicherry, India | Lithuania | The Terai, Nepal |
Bansko, Bulgaria | Fiji | Chiriqui, Panama |
Chiang Mai, Thailand | Laos | Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia |
Genoa, Italy | Kazakhstan | Valais, Switzerland |
Pittsburgh, USA | Paraguay | Giresun & Ordu, Turkiye |
Osaka, Japan | Trinidad & Tobago | Bavaria, Germany |
Curitiba, Brazil | Vanuatu | East Anglia, England |
Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Slovakia | Jordan Trail |
Edmonton, Canada | Armenia | Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon, USA |
Using Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Department of Infrastructure data to August 2024, the latest Australian Travel Industry Association ATIA Travel Trends Report shows Aussies are travelling at record levels with unprecedented growth in 2024. Find out which destinations Aussies just can’t get enough of right now here.