If you’re lucky, then you’ll still have a vacation to look forward to in 2024. After all, the year isn’t over yet! However, for most people, their adventuring is done for the year, which means now’s the perfect time to begin thinking about the adventures you’ll take in 2025.

It’s a big old world out there, and that makes it difficult to figure out where to visit. That’s why we thought it’d be a good idea to round up the trending destinations for 2025. We’ve put together thirteen fantastic countries to consider visiting. Book now, and you’ll have a great adventure to look forward to once the new year rolls around!

Slovenia

Slovenia has a lot going for it, which makes it somewhat surprising that it’s still considered a relatively alternative destination within Europe. If you’ve been to the crowded — and often expensive — countries of Western Europe, then Slovenia will be a breath of fresh air. And we mean not that literally; there’s plenty of stunning outdoor space to be found here. Aside from beautiful national parks and lakes, visitors can enjoy a thriving food scene and architecture that is straight out of a fairytale.

Scotland

Visitors to the UK often focus exclusively on London, and that’s a shame because the United Kingdom has a lot more to offer beyond its capital. The further north you go, the more interesting — and beautiful — things become. Exploring Scotland is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that can take you through ancient highlands, deeply inviting pubs, castles, and much more. You’ll need to do a bit of work to make the most of Scotland (a car is recommended), but the trip will be well worth the effort. There are simply few places on earth more magical than Scotland.

Bolivia

South America has been an increasingly popular travel destination for some time now, yet for some reason, Bolivia has been largely overlooked. That makes now the perfect time to plan a trip because you have to imagine that, sometime soon, Bolivia is going to become a lot more popular than it is now. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to visit its colorful cities, trek through the Andes, and experience the mind-bending Uyuni Salt Flats. It’s a landlocked country, which gives it a slightly different air to what you typically find in South America. In other words, it’s a fascinating place to explore.

Sri Lanka

Beautiful beaches, thriving cities, and some of the world’s finest national parks (and plenty of wildlife!)? Sign us up. Sri Lanka has something to offer every type of traveler, from luxury-focused explorers to wildlife-spotting adventurers, and everyone in between. To get the most from this fascinating, beautiful country, it’s recommended to take a look at joining a tour; there’s so much to see and do here, and there are plenty of Sri Lanka tours available that can help you to get the traveling experience you’re looking for. In any case, whether you’re trekking through tea plantations, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying its beaches, you’re sure to have a memorable time in this one-of-a-kind corner of the globe.

Morocco

Morocco is one of the world’s best travel destinations. It offers a nice mix of adventure and comfort — you’ll eat and sleep extremely well here, but you’ll also get lost in the Labyrinth medinas, have a chance to sleep out in a desert under a billion stars, and travel across the country in a shared ‘Grand Taxi.’ It’s only a stone’s throw from Spain, Morocco is very much its own place. Spend a week or two traveling around Morocco, and we promise that you’ll return home having found your new favorite travel destination.

Nepal

It doesn’t take much to see what makes Nepal such a captivating travel destination. There aren’t too many places on the planet that can offer such an intimate connection to natural wonders that’ll take your breath away. Aside from trekking near Mount Everest, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the country’s new assortment of culturally-integrated hotels, view wildlife, and taste magnificent cuisine. Visiting Nepal does require a big sense of adventure, and it’s unlikely that things will run smoothly all the time, but you’ll leave feeling highly satisfied that you made the effort.

Latvia

Latvia, as with many countries in that part of Europe, is often overlooked by visitors to the continent. And that’s exactly why you should go. There’s no mass tourism here, which means appealing prices and your choice of hotel rooms. What the country does possess is a lot of charming cities — especially Riga — great hiking, history, and an interesting food scene. As with other countries on this list, Latvia might become a go-to destination in the coming decade, making 2025 the perfect time to plan your trip.

Brazil

Does Brazil need any introduction? This fascinating, gigantic South American country has a lot to offer all types of travelers, though the ones who will be most rewarded by a trip to Brazil are the ones with a big sense of adventure. Take an adventurous spirit with you, and you may well end up exploring The Amazon, Iguazu Falls, and the country’s extensive rainforest. But visitors who stick to the main cities will also have a pretty great time — there’s not a city on earth that can match Rio’s energy, and there are plenty of great hotels and a jaw-dropping food scene, too.

South Africa

South Africa is very much a “choose your own adventure” kind of arrangement. You can stay in the cities, and enjoy some of the most thriving, cosmopolitan towns on the continent, or you can take a journey out into the wilderness to see wildlife in its natural habitat. When you’re not viewing the Big Five, you can enjoy the main cities, such as Cape Town, which offer sandy beaches and a near-endless number of activities and excursions. You’ll also find some of the world’s best wine here — make sure you plan a trip to the country’s best wineries.

Italy

Is there ever a bad time to visit Italy? Not in our book. The Italians figured out how to live well a long time ago, and that’s not going to change anytime soon. If you like food, wine, and art, then there’s arguably no better place on the planet to spend a week or two. If it’s your first time visiting Italy, then it’s recommended to visit Rome and Florence. If you’re looking to take a deeper dive into the country, then look at visiting the Lake Como area, Sicily, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast. Wherever you go, we’re confident you’ll have an exceptional time — it’s a country that’s easy to love.

Japan

There’s no country on the planet like Japan. Take a trip to this Asian country, and you’ll find mountains, beaches, and the most futuristic cities on earth. Given the distance and expense involved in taking a trip to Japan, it’s recommended to make a pitstop at as many cities as you can. The classics include Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Osaka, but it’s also worth looking beyond those popular destinations. Ine, for example, might just be the most beautiful village in the country and also offers easy access to nearby islands.

Botswana

Botswana’s popularity has been steadily increasing in recent years, and today it’s one of the most popular destinations in Southern Africa. The country offers a wide range of activities for the adventurous traveler, including boat safaris and canoe boating, and sightings of some of Africa’s most elusive wildlife, including rhinos. A trip to Botswana can be expensive, but there’s a good reason why — only low-level, eco-friendly tourism is permitted here, which has resulted in what is perhaps the best-preserved wilderness in all of Africa. If you do go, be sure to stay in one of the rural, wild camp accommodations that are available. There’s no experience like it.

Switzerland

As with Botswana, if you want to visit Switzerland then you’ll need to pay for it — while there are plenty of budget-friendly destinations in Europe, Switzerland is not one of them. The country is relatively small, which makes it great for train travel lovers — you can get virtually everywhere, including many rural places of interest, via train. And these aren’t any old train journeys; along the way, you’ll pass some of the finest scenery you’ll find anywhere on Earth. Even if you’re not normally a hiker, it’s recommended to pack your hiking boots for this trip. There are simply too many magnificent places to explore.

Conclusion

And there we have it! In truth, we could have made this list a lot longer — in recent years, many historically overlooked destinations have grown in prominence, and that trend is set to continue. The list above includes highly diverse countries where visitors can choose what type of adventure they want, from exploring the great outdoors to enjoying the best cities that the world has to offer. So keep our recommendations in mind when you begin planning your next adventure; we’re sure you’ll have a great time!

A functional medicine physician weighs in on simple things you can do to avoid getting sick.

Why do so many people get sick when they travel? “When traveling, people commonly get sick due to exposure to pathogens—germs—in close quarters, like planes or public transportation,” says Dr. Lauren Davis, a functional medicine physician and the founder of Latched Nourished Thriving. “This includes the viruses that cause cold and flu symptoms and bacteria that can cause traveler’s diarrhea.” She explains that when we travel, the combination of increased stress from the changes in our routine, the decline in sleep with early morning flights, dry air in airplane cabins, and the exposure to new and different pathogens is what make our systems vulnerable. “Don’t stress, because we can help reduce our chance of illness by addressing key factors and getting the nutrients our immune system needs to keep us healthy while we travel.”

As a functional medicine physician, Dr. Davis is frequently asked how to stay healthy when traveling—especially with children, who often have developing immune systems that make them more vulnerable. “Traveling with children adds an extra layer of complexity, but it’s entirely possible to enjoy your trip without compromising your family’s health,” she says. Below are her tips.

5 things to do to stay healthy while traveling

1. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for our bodies for proper immune function, encourages Dr. Davis. Especially on long flights where cabin air is dry, extra water is needed. Stay away from sugary beverages which can actually dehydrate us.
2. Nourishing your body: Give your body the nutrients it needs. “Vitamin C, Zinc, B vitamins and magnesium are crucial for your immune systems function,” says Dr. Davis. When traveling you can bring your own healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and fruit, so you’re not dependent on unhealthy airport or roadside food options.
3. Sleep hygiene: Adequate sleep is essential for keeping your immune system strong. If you’re traveling across time zones, try to adjust your schedule a day or two before you leave to help minimize jet lag. “Use melatonin, 1-5 mg, the first night you arrive at your destination to help reset your circadian rhythm,” says Dr. Davis.
4. Immune support: Consider taking immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics before and during travel encourages Dr. Davis.
5. Move around: On long flights, get up and stretch or walk up and down the aisle to keep your circulation moving. “This helps prevent blood clots,” says Dr. Davis.

5 things to carry with you to stay healthy when traveling

1. Hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes: “These are essential for cleaning high-touch surfaces like airplane trays, seats, and rental car handles to keep you and your loved ones healthy,” says Dr. Davis.
2. Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is easier if you have your own bottle, which you can fill after passing through security. “We prefer a collapsible silicone bottle for easy packing,” says Dr. Davis.
3. Healthy snacks: A mix of protein-rich snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables and dried meats, nuts and seeds can help you avoid less nutritious travel food.
4. First-aid kit: Band-aids, blister protectors, and natural remedies like arnica gel and peppermint and ginger teas for headaches or nausea.
5. Grounding bands: “These are helpful for reducing inflammation and improving circulation, especially during long flights or drives,” says Dr. Davis. “Grounding helps reduce the effects of jet lag and keeps your body more connected to its natural rhythms.”

4 things to avoid when traveling in order to stay healthy

1. Overindulging in new foods: While it’s fun to explore new cuisines, eating unfamiliar foods—especially those from street vendors on international trips—can increase the risk of digestive issues. “Always be cautious with water quality in countries where sanitation may be an issue,” says Dr. Davis.
2. Touching your face: Avoid touching your face after handling shared surfaces like doorknobs or airplane seats, as this is a common way for germs to enter your system.
3. Over-exerting yourself: Trying to cram too many activities into one day can deplete your energy, leaving you vulnerable to illness.
4. Avoid close contact: If someone near you is coughing or sneezing, try to politely distance yourself, or turn your air vent to create airflow that directs pathogens away from your body or face.
5. Avoid removing your shoes on the plane. The floor is often unsanitary.
6. Wash your hands often. After going to the bathroom, before eating, after touching something—when it doubt, wash your hands.

4 things to do if you get sick when traveling

1. Prioritize rest, hydration, and nourishing foods.
2. For minor ailments, natural remedies such as ginger for nausea or chamomile tea for relaxation can be beneficial.
3. It’s also wise to carry basic over-the-counter medications with you on the trip. For international travel, many pharmacies allow the pharmacist to prescribe medications without a doctor’s prescription. They can be a great first contact to reach out to at your destination if you do find yourself sick.
4. For more severe symptoms, seek medical care, and make sure you have travel insurance that covers healthcare in the country you’re visiting.

Barcelona is an incredibly popular destination with visitors from all over the globe and with good reason – its wealth of stunning architecture, incredible food scene, charming neighborhoods and a thriving nightlife is enough to rival any major city.

But that popularity can also bring complications and confusion – especially if you fail to escape the usual tourist pitfalls. There’s been quite a bit of coverage of the city’s overtourism problem and local resentment makes itself known through aggressive graffiti near popular attractions.

In some cases, this has even forced city officials to restrict access to once off-the-grid spots like the Carmel Bunkers, simply because the crowds have gotten out of control. It’s entirely possible to visit Barcelona without adding to these problems with some planning and insider info.

In my years of living in Barcelona, I’ve learned how to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and enjoy the city as a local would. Here’s everything you should know before you come to Barcelona, from the essential safety tips to the cultural landscape.

1. You can’t see everything in a day

Barcelona may not be the biggest city you’ve ever visited but it is massive when you consider all the ways you can entertain yourself. Because there is so much to see, the ideal number of days for a trip to Barcelona is between two and five.

That should be enough to cover the must-sees, but if you want to explore more in the surrounding area, 10 days would give you additional time to plan day trips either to nearby cava wineries, the Costa Brava or even as far north as the Pyrenees for a day of skiing.

2. There will be lots of tourists

There’s no use denying that overtourism is an issue in Barcelona, but you can avoid the crowds by traveling during the off-season or trying to get an early start on the day before the cruise ships pull in and the streets fill up with visitors.

You can also book many tickets in advance to avoid long queues but there are some places where you won’t be able to avoid the crowds. Try to space out the big attractions in your itinerary so you have some breathing room in between; for example, don’t go from the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batllò.

3. Avoid visiting during major events if you can

Barcelona draws big acts from around the world every summer as a mainstay on the music festival circuit. But unless you’ve got your ticket to Primavera Sound or Sonar already, you may want to avoid traveling during these weekends or any other time when large trade fairs, like the Mobile World Congress, take over the city. It’s already an expensive destination but accommodation rates skyrocket when a big influx of visitors is on its way.

4. Know what cultural events to look for

If you want to have an authentic cultural experience in Barcelona, you can look for local events that embrace Catalan traditions like the parades of giants, human tower gatherings, Sardana dance circles and the Correfoc fire parades.

You may stumble across them if you’re traveling over a holiday like Holy Week but if you want to secure your odds, make a trip in September when the city celebrates La Mercè, one of Barcelona’s patron Saints, with a week of festivities that include cultural events and free concerts.

5. There’s more than one Rambla

Everyone will tell you La Rambla is a must-do, but for me, walking the Rambla feels a lot like walking through Times Square back at home – crowded, touristy, and to be avoided whenever possible. Thankfully, the city has more than one Rambla, where you can actually enjoy the slow strolling these city features were built for.

In the center, you can venture down the Rambla del Raval with its famous Botero cat sculpture, or go a little bit out of the way to walk the Rambla del Poblenou from Diagonal all the way down to the beach.

6. The beaches get better the further out you go

Barceloneta is the most famous beach in Barcelona, and the adjacent neighborhood is worth checking out for its narrow streets and great tapas spots, but travel further down the coast if you actually want to lay out on the beach.

Barceloneta can get very crowded and noisy with tourists, so walk or cab your way past Port Olímpic to Platja de la Mar Bella. Because all the beaches in Barcelona are artificial, built for the 1992 Olympic games, the sand isn’t the nicest, to be frank. If you can travel outside the city to Sitges or up the Costa Brava, you’ll find more tranquil and scenic beaches.

7. Get to know Catalan culture

An autonomous region of Spain, the subject of Catalan independence is still touch-and-go, but you should be respectful to the locals by learning about all the distinct characteristics that give Catalans their cultural identity. Show a little curiosity, and locals will be more than happy to tell you all about their favorite traditions, from wintertime onion barbecues to the cheeky caganer (“the pooper”) a beloved Christmas icon.

8. Catalan is not a dialect of Spanish

If you’re looking for the quickest way to offend a Catalan, this is the one. Almost everyone in Barcelona can speak Catalan and Spanish, and the tourism circuit is well set up for English-speaking clientele, so you should have no problem getting around.

However, you can make a good impression on your hosts by learning a few words. Some are similar to Spanish and French, like “Hola” and “Merci” for “Hello” and” Thank you,” but you can also try “Bon día” for “Good morning” and “Adéu” for “Goodbye.”

9. Pickpockets are a real issue

Just about everyone in Barcelona has a first or second-hand pickpocketing story, including me (they slipped two credit cards out of my wallet while I was working on my laptop in a crowded cafe). You should never let your guard down, especially when riding the metro or walking down crowded tourist areas like La Rambla. Put your phone away whenever you’re not using it, and never leave it sitting on the table if you’re dining outside.

10. Public transportation is safe and efficient

Although you do have to mind your belongings from the nefarious pickpockets, one of the best things about living in Barcelona is how easy and efficient public transportation is. I’ve had generally positive experiences, and it’s easy to connect to the major train and bus stations for adventures outside the city.

You may also see the red shared bikes called Bicing, but they’re only available for rent to residents. If you want to take advantage of Barcelona’s bike lanes, you’ll have to get a rental from a shop. Be strategic about how and where you lock it – bike thieves are as common as pickpockets.

Planning a solo trip? Heres a guide to safe and fun solo adventures. Use these tips to plan the perfect holiday.

Solo travel is an incredible way to experience the world on your own terms. It offers the freedom to explore the destination at your own pace, immerse yourself in different cultures, and discover yourself. But travelling alone also comes with challenges. While it can be daunting to do it all by yourself, with a little planning and preparation, solo travel can be a truly rewarding experience. Here are some key tips for solo travellers to stay safe, have fun, and make the most of their adventure.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your solo adventure:

1. Choose Your Destination Wisely

• Safety First: Prioritize safety by choosing destinations with a good reputation for traveller safety. Research the local customs, laws, and potential risks.
• Language Barrier: Consider your language skills. If you’re not fluent in the local language, choose a destination where English is widely spoken or where you can easily find English-speaking locals.
• Solo Traveler-Friendly Destinations: Countries like Thailand, Iceland, and New Zealand are known for their friendly locals and breathtaking landscapes, making them ideal for solo travellers.

2. Plan Your Itinerary

• Research: Thoroughly research your destination, including transportation options, accommodation, and popular attractions.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Pack Light: Pack a versatile wardrobe that can be mixed and matched.
• Stay Connected: Purchase a local SIM card or international roaming plan to stay connected with friends and family.

3. Stay Safe and Secure

• Inform Loved Ones: Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and check in regularly.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
• Blend In: Dress modestly and avoid flashy jewellery or expensive gadgets.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be cautious, especially at night.
• Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases in the local language can be helpful.

4. Embrace the Experience

• Join Group Tours: Group tours can be a great way to meet other travellers and explore new places.
• Stay in Hostels: Hostels are a budget-friendly option and offer opportunities to socialize with other travellers.
• Eat Local Food: Try local cuisine to immerse yourself in the culture.
• Capture Memories: Take plenty of photos and videos to document your journey.
• Journaling: Keep a journal to record your experiences and reflect on your journey.

5. Be Flexible and Open-Minded

• Embrace the Unexpected: Be open to spontaneous adventures and unexpected detours.
• Adapt to Change: Be flexible and adaptable to changing plans.
• Embrace Solitude: Solo travel can be a great opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.

By following these tips, you can embark on a fulfilling and unforgettable solo travel adventure. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey.