Celebrate World Tourism Day 2025 by exploring 10 offbeat destinations across India and the world—hidden villages, surreal landscapes, and untouched adventures await.

Travel isn’t just about ticking boxes on a map—it’s about discovering places where silence tells stories, where landscapes shape culture, and where the journey feels personal. Celebrated every year on September 27, World Tourism Day 2025 is the perfect occasion to step off the tourist trail and wander into villages above the clouds, valleys frozen in time, and landscapes so surreal they could belong to another planet. From India’s hidden corners to remote wonders across the globe, here are ten destinations waiting to enchant the explorer in you.

1. Nongjrong, Meghalaya, India

Imagine waking up above a floating sea of clouds—that’s Nongjrong in the East Khasi Hills. Untouched by commercial tourism, this tiny village offers sweeping valley views and a calmness that feels like stepping back in time. The hospitality of the Khasi community adds warmth to the breathtaking scenery.

What to explore: Sunrise viewpoints, traditional Khasi culture, and tranquil hikes through mist-draped hills.

2. Faroe Islands, Denmark

Halfway between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands look like something out of a Norse saga. Turf-roofed cottages perch on emerald cliffs, seabirds sweep across dramatic fjords, and waterfalls tumble straight into the sea. It’s raw, moody, and wildly photogenic—a perfect escape for those who crave solitude in nature.

What to explore: Mulafossur Waterfall, the village of Gásadalur, puffin-spotting, and hiking across windswept cliffs.

3. Hanle, Ladakh, India

At 14,000 feet, Hanle is a hidden jewel of Ladakh’s Changthang region. Known for the Indian Astronomical Observatory—the highest of its kind—it’s a stargazer’s paradise where the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. Add to that a centuries-old monastery and vast open valleys, and Hanle becomes a place where silence itself feels sacred.

What to explore: Stargazing under crystal-clear skies, Hanle Monastery, and high-altitude drives across remote passes.

4. Socotra Island, Yemen

Socotra often feels like it belongs to another world. Nicknamed the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” it’s home to alien-like Dragon Blood trees, pristine white-sand beaches, and species found nowhere else on Earth. Remote and largely untouched, it’s a living museum of biodiversity and culture.

What to explore: Dragon Blood tree forests, Qalansiyah Beach, Detwah Lagoon, and hidden caves echoing with folklore.

5. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Ziro Valley is where pine-clad hills meet lush rice paddies, and where tribal heritage thrives. Home to the Apatani tribe, it offers a slow, soulful travel experience far from the rush of city life. Famous for the Ziro Music Festival, it’s equally enchanting in its everyday rhythm of farming and folk traditions.

What to explore: Tribal villages, paddy walks, pine forests, and folk experiences beyond the festival.

6. Matera, Italy

Matera, carved from limestone cliffs in southern Italy, is a city that seems frozen in time. Its Sassi cave dwellings, once abandoned, now hum with boutique hotels, art studios, and candlelit restaurants. Walking here feels like wandering through a living museum where history and modern creativity coexist beautifully.

What to explore: The Sassi districts, rupestrian churches, Palombaro Lungo (underground cistern), and cinematic backdrops used in films.

7. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

Patagonia is the ultimate adventure landscape—where granite towers rise above turquoise lakes, glaciers groan into fjords, and endless pampas stretch to the horizon. It’s wild, untamed, and unforgettable, attracting explorers who crave both adrenaline and awe. The region’s sheer scale makes you feel small yet profoundly alive.

What to explore: Torres del Paine treks, Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, and wildlife safaris spotting guanacos and condors.

8. Svalbard, Norway

Tucked deep in the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is a world of ice, auroras, and polar bears. Life here moves to the rhythm of the midnight sun in summer and endless night skies in winter. Remote and extreme, it’s a rare chance to witness Earth’s rawest edges.

What to explore: Polar bear safaris, Northern Lights, glacier hikes, dog-sledding, and abandoned Arctic settlements.

9. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Step onto Salar de Uyuni after rain, and you’ll find yourself walking across the sky. This vast salt flat transforms into the world’s largest natural mirror, creating a surreal horizon where heaven and earth merge. Even when dry, the landscape is striking, like a dazzling white desert of infinity.

What to explore: Mirror-like salt flats, Incahuasi Island with giant cacti, salt hotels, and nearby colored lagoons.

10. Chopta, Uttarakhand, India

Nicknamed the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a Himalayan haven of rolling meadows, ancient temples, and crisp mountain air. Less crowded than other Uttarakhand spots, it offers both spirituality and adventure. Whether you’re chasing sunrise over Chaukhamba peaks or trekking to Tungnath Temple, Chopta is pure Himalayan bliss.

What to explore: Trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila, birdwatching in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and meadow camping.

We’ve curated a list of 7 of the best countries to visit in October that will make your autumn getaway truly unforgettable.

October is almost here, and with it comes the breathtaking beauty of autumn. The atmosphere is filled with warmth and charm, making everything feel more vibrant and inviting. The crisp air, vibrant colours, and cosy atmosphere make this season a favourite for many. If you’re an autumn enthusiast looking for the perfect fall experience, you’re in luck! We’ve curated a list of 7 of the best countries to visit in October that will make your autumn getaway truly unforgettable. Take a look below!

1. Japan

Japan in October is a feast for the senses. The maple trees (momiji) transform temple gardens, mountainsides, and city parks into fiery shades of red and orange. Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove framed by autumn leaves and Nikko’s shrines surrounded by golden forests are must-sees. Pair the scenery with seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes for the full experience.

2. Canada

Few countries celebrate fall quite like Canada. The provinces of Ontario and Quebec are famous for their fall foliage, especially around Algonquin Provincial Park and the Laurentian Mountains. October also means fewer crowds at Niagara Falls and Banff, where the landscape glows in autumn tones against snow-dusted peaks.

3. Germany

Autumn in Germany is about more than just Oktoberfest. The Rhine Valley, with its vineyards and medieval castles, looks particularly enchanting in October. Bavaria’s alpine trails are wrapped in golden leaves, and towns like Heidelberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber offer fairytale-like views under the fall sun.

4. Italy

Italy’s countryside comes alive in October. Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and Umbria’s olive groves shine in warm autumn light, making it harvest season at its best. Beyond wine and truffles, head north to the Dolomites, where the jagged peaks are framed by forests bursting with autumn colour. The trees turn red and orange, creating a beautiful landscape.

5. United States

The United States is synonymous with fall foliage road trips. New England, particularly Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, is world-famous for its dramatic displays of crimson and gold. The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina also offer stunning hikes under fiery canopies. Pumpkin patches and Halloween festivities add to the charm.

6. France

October is wine harvest season in France, which means scenic vineyards glowing in shades of orange and red. Head to Burgundy or Alsace for countryside charm, or stroll through Paris where tree-lined boulevards and gardens like Jardin du Luxembourg radiate autumn warmth. The soft light of autumn makes France a perfect destination for a cosy and romantic getaway.

7. South Korea

South Korea’s autumn is short but dazzling. In October, Nami Island, Seoraksan National Park, and the palaces of Seoul are surrounded by brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange. Crisp weather makes it the perfect time to hike, explore, and enjoy seasonal treats like hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Why Is October Considered An Ideal Time To Travel?

• Perfect Weather For Sightseeing: Enjoy comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes, ideal for exploring cities, national parks, and outdoor attractions without the sweltering heat of summer.
• Fewer Crowds, More Relaxation: Beat the crowds and experience a more relaxed atmosphere at popular tourist spots, allowing you to soak in the sights and sounds without the chaos.
• Immerse In Seasonal Festivals And Harvest Celebrations: Join in the vibrant festivities and harvest celebrations that take place in October, offering a glimpse into local cultures and traditions.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: Witness the stunning autumn foliage, picturesque landscapes, and unique natural beauty that only appears once a year, making October a photographer’s paradise.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to plan a getaway, let this month be your window into fall’s most unforgettable views.

Discover 10 cities worldwide you can fully explore in just 24 hours, featuring compact layouts, iconic attractions, and vibrant local experiences perfect for a quick but memorable trip.

All cities cannot take days to explore. Others are full of history and culture as well as food and great iconic locations that can fit into a walkable district, so they are ideal when a quick yet memorable trip is needed. These are 10 cities that travellers can experience to the full within a day of 24 hours:

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges has medieval beauty, cobblestones and peaceful canals. In just one day of exploring, visitors can explore the Markt square, the Belfry, take a boat ride along the canals and taste the Belgian chocolates.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a mixture of bohemian culture and narrow streets. Travel activities that one can do in a day here can include visiting Hallgrimskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, visiting a local hot spring, and trying Icelandic food in the local cafes.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is easy to view in a day with its baroque architecture, locations of the Sound of Music, and the views of the fortresses. Take a walk at Mirabell Gardens, see the birthplace of Mozart and walk around the old town.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The castle and the Holyrood Palace are connected by the historic Royal Mile of Edinburgh. Travellers can visit the castle, the National Museum, the hiking trails on the top of Arthur’s Seat, and have fun in the bustling pubs in the city in a single day.

Kyoto, Japan (Central Districts).

Although Kyoto may be a big city, its inner areas consist of temples, tea houses, and markets that can be totally visited as a day trip. In 24 hours, visitors can visit Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the historic streets of Gion.

Florence, Italy

Florence is pedestrian and full of art. Visiting the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and having an authentic gelato are only a few things you can do in one day and admire the Renaissance architecture at every turn.

Singapore City Core

The small size of the downtown area enables one to walk around Singapore and enjoy Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, and Little India in a single day. Due to high-quality transportation and properly thought-out routes, rapid exploration is possible.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is an entire day trip with its medieval walls and red tiled roofs. Visitors will be able to walk the city walls, have a sightseeing tour of old churches and relax in cafes with coastal views.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The centre of Ljubljana, Dragon Bridge and cafes along the riverside make it the best place to spend 24 hours. Visitors may visit the castle, art galleries and bustling market, capturing the young atmosphere of the city.

Quebec City, Canada

Old Quebec has cobbled streets, old plazas and French-style allure. Within a single day, it is possible to visit the Citadel, walk in Terrasse Dufferin and have real food in bistros along the small streets.

These cities make you realise that you do not have to take one week to have a destination. One day can be a deep culture, an eventful day with some serious planning, and even an experience of what a city really is.

To curate the list, TimeOut evaluated neighbourhoods on the basis of several criteria: culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food & drink, street life, and more.

Nowadays, global cities are not known solely by their most famous landmarks or tourist hotspots. Instead, wanderers increasingly seek the hidden veins of urban life: neighbourhoods pulsing with creativity, community, grit, and aspiration. Time Out’s latest list of the “coolest neighbourhoods in the world” captures that impulse, offering a curated guide to the places where culture, everyday life and youthful energy collide. You live in their moods for a few hours, letting their local cafes, murals, underground bars or second-hand shops seep under your skin. They’re not always polished; often, they’re still in flux. It’s precisely for that reason they feel electric.

How The List Was Compiled

The list of the 39 “Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World in 2025″ was curated by insiders. The methodology is rooted in the network of Time Out writers and editors across dozens of cities, each nominating the “vibiest district” in their home town. These nominations were then judged across several criteria: culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food & drink, street life, and a sense of “nowness”. In other words, a neighbourhood scores well not because it’s already on every tourist map, but because it has momentum: independent shops thriving, locals creating new spaces, artists or musicians pushing boundaries, and a street-level life that feels more alive than polished.

The Top 10 Coolest Neighbourhoods In The World For 2025, As Per TimeOut

1. Jimbocho, Tokyo

Jimbocho, once known as Tokyo’s book district, remains a bibliophile’s dream with around 130 second-hand bookstores. But it’s also evolving: tucked between its quiet low-rise streets are new music venues, indie cafés, and curry houses that layer in youthful energy.

2. Borgerhout, Antwerp

Often overlooked by tourists in favour of Antwerp’s historic core, Borgerhout is beloved by locals for its multicultural mix and DIY spirit. Turkish and Moroccan shops mingle with artist-run galleries, community labs turning parking spots into mini-parks, and a long communal table event that annually bridges religious celebrations.

3. Barra Funda, Sao Paulo

Barra Funda is a striking example of urban transformation: old warehouses and industrial facades are being repurposed as art studios, galleries, cafes and nightlife venues. It’s where Sao Paulo’s subterranean creative scene pulses, bridging raw urban texture with refined new culture.

4. Camberwell, London

Camberwell perfectly encapsulates southeast London’s creative spirit in a compact form. It combines community life, green pockets, and a booming food scene: Camberwell Church Street alone hosts Kurdish, Lebanese, gastropub, and Xinjiang offerings. Add in indie art venues and record shops, and you have a microcosm of London’s evolving edges.

5. Avondale, Chicago

As Logan Square gentrified, Chicago’s arts and locals uprooted to places like Avondale. The neighbourhood retains its red-brick industrial bones and a working-class grit, enriched now by wine bars, specialty markets, retro bowling alleys and music venues. It’s a district in flux, a mix of old and new.

6. Mullae-dong, Seoul

Mullae-dong retains echoes of its heavy-industry past, such as steel workshops and factories. Now, those same structures host design studios, cafés, galleries and nightbars. The contrast between raw industrial architecture and contemporary creative use makes it one of Seoul’s most atmospheric enclaves.

7. Menilmontant, Paris

Menilmontant retains a bohemian spirit that resists Paris’s usual glamour. It’s built from cobbled streets, working-class history, street art, budget bars, activist bookstores, and a quietly thriving gastronomic side. You won’t find grand museums here. But you’ll feel Paris’s heartbeat in its smaller, restless corners.

8. Nakatsu, Osaka

Nakatsu feels like a time capsule: narrow alleys, mom-and-pop shops, wooden houses and ancient shrines, all nestled close to Osaka’s modern towers. Yet it’s also a site of renewal. For instance, you can find boutiques, experimental restaurants under train tracks, fusion cafes and vibrant diversity.

9. Vallila, Helsinki

Vallila was once a district for tram drivers and factory workers; now it’s reinvented itself with bars, underground music scenes, pastel wood houses and charming alleyways. Compared to its noisier neighbour, Kallio, Vallila feels quietly intense, romantic, gritty and full of surprises.

10. Labone, Accra

Once a quiet residential pocket, Labone has transformed into Accra’s creative magnet for expats, artists and local professionals. Galleries, wine bars, new restaurants, dance clubs and cultural institutions like Limbo have turned this mango-tree suburb into a buzzing micro-scene.