10 off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit in 2025

Wilson Santiago Burgos
Updated ·3-min read

Puedes leer esta historia presionando aquí.

The new year promises to be a year focused on sustainable tourism and responsible interactions with the planet.

Many places are becoming fashionable (and crowded), but here I recommend the 10 destinations you should consider in 2025 if you are looking for a unique experience.

Here's a list of places that will give you the best trip of your life!

Is it safe to travel there? Why this question bothers me

1. Mavecure, Colombia

View of Mavicure Hills by the Inirida river, at El Remanso community, in the Guania Department on August 11, 2024. The Mavicure Hills are a group of three monoliths -Pajarito, Mono and Mavicure 712, 480 and 170 meters high, respectively- located in southeastern Colombia, 50 km south of the city of In’rida.
View of Mavicure Hills by the Inirida river, at El Remanso community, in the Guania Department on August 11, 2024. The Mavicure Hills are a group of three monoliths -Pajarito, Mono and Mavicure 712, 480 and 170 meters high, respectively- located in southeastern Colombia, 50 km south of the city of In’rida.

Located in the Colombian Amazon, this destination is perfect for those looking for disconnection and contact with nature. The Mavecure Hills offer spectacular views and unique experiences with Indigenous communities. Costs are affordable, and sustainable tourism is a priority in the region.

2. Bora Bora and Moorea, French Polynesia

A photo taken on July 16, 2015 on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, shows a view of Mount Otemanu. Each year, 20,000 tourists visit Bora Bora, which received the 'Pavillon Bleu' (Blue Pavillion) eco-label for the seventh consecutive year in reward for its efforts in terms of water management and environment protection.
A photo taken on July 16, 2015 on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, shows a view of Mount Otemanu. Each year, 20,000 tourists visit Bora Bora, which received the 'Pavillon Bleu' (Blue Pavillion) eco-label for the seventh consecutive year in reward for its efforts in terms of water management and environment protection.

Although it is known as a luxury destination, in 2025, there will be more budget options, such as accommodations in local homes and flights at competitive prices. The crystal clear waters and the beauty of its lagoons make Bora Bora and Moorea ideal for travelers looking for a unique tropical paradise.

3. Zhangjiajie, China

People walk on a glass-bottomed skywalk in Zhangjiajie, in China's central Hunan province on June 20, 2021 .
People walk on a glass-bottomed skywalk in Zhangjiajie, in China's central Hunan province on June 20, 2021 .

The place that inspired the floating mountains of "Avatar" offers unreal landscapes with glass bridges and natural parks. By 2025, tourism to China will grow thanks to new air routes and favorable prices. The flexibility of the visa process will make it easier to reach this Asian destination. Now, you can stay up to 10 days with a "transit visa." Zhangjiajie combines adventure, culture, and nature in one place.

4. Auroras and glaciers, Greenland

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are visible on September 10, 2021 in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are visible on September 10, 2021 in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Greenland remains a remote and exclusive place. In 2025, new flights from the U.S. will make it more accessible to tourism, and the Northern Lights season from September to March promises magical experiences. An ideal destination for adventurers in search of icy and unique landscapes.

5. Carretera Austral, Chile

This iconic route is perfect for exploring Chilean Patagonia at your own pace. With landscapes including glaciers, mountains, and forests, lodging and transportation costs can be moderate in the off-season. Improvements to infrastructure will make this epic journey even easier. in 2025

6. Kyrgyzstan's Mountains

Mounted Kyrgyz riders play the traditional central Asian sport Kok-boru, know also as Buzkashi or Ulak Tartis ("goat grabbing"), near the village of Besh-Kungey, some 20km from Bishkek, on February 4, 2018. Mounted players compete for points by throwing a stuffed sheepskin into a well.
Mounted Kyrgyz riders play the traditional central Asian sport Kok-boru, know also as Buzkashi or Ulak Tartis ("goat grabbing"), near the village of Besh-Kungey, some 20km from Bishkek, on February 4, 2018. Mounted players compete for points by throwing a stuffed sheepskin into a well.

Known as "the Switzerland of Central Asia," Kyrgyzstan offers mountainous landscapes ideal for hiking, all at affordable prices. In 2025, events such as the Festival of Nomadic Culture will allow for full immersion in their unique traditions.

7. Tsavo, Kenya

Elephants are pictured at the Voi Wildlife Lodge in Tsavo East on August 22, 2018.
Elephants are pictured at the Voi Wildlife Lodge in Tsavo East on August 22, 2018.

Tsavo National Park offers a less crowded alternative to Maasai Mara safaris. It is cheaper and stands out for its diverse fauna, including red elephants and big cats. By 2025, sustainable activities that support local communities will be promoted. There are different conservation initiatives in the place that you can participate in, including the elephant nursery.

8. Alberta, Canada

Outdoor shinny hockey action during the 7th Annual Lake Louise Pond Hockey Classic on the frozen surface of Lake Louise on February 27, 2016 in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
Outdoor shinny hockey action during the 7th Annual Lake Louise Pond Hockey Classic on the frozen surface of Lake Louise on February 27, 2016 in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

With iconic attractions like Banff and Jasper, Alberta is perfect for nature lovers. In 2025, the Lake Louise Ice Festival and new hiking trails make this one of the most exciting destinations to explore in North America.

9. Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

Tourists watch the sunset over the sand dunes and fresh water lakes of the Lencois Maranhenses national park, near the city of Sao Luis in northeastern Brazil, whose more than 150 square kilometers of dunes are one of the region's biggest tourist attractions in this August 21, 2006 file photo.
Tourists watch the sunset over the sand dunes and fresh water lakes of the Lencois Maranhenses national park, near the city of Sao Luis in northeastern Brazil, whose more than 150 square kilometers of dunes are one of the region's biggest tourist attractions in this August 21, 2006 file photo.

This national park combines white dunes and turquoise lagoons that fill with water in the rainy season. The costs of exploring this natural wonder are affordable, and 2025 promises to be an ideal year to visit it, with improved tourist infrastructure.

10. Canary Islands, Spain

A scenic view of Playa del Bollullo on the north coast of Tenerife in La Orotava, showcasing black sand, blue ocean, and beachgoers.
A scenic view of Playa del Bollullo on the north coast of Tenerife in La Orotava, showcasing black sand, blue ocean, and beachgoers.

These islands offer a warm climate all year round and landscapes ranging from volcanic beaches to laurel forests. In 2025, festivals such as the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival and more competitive airfares make them an ideal destination for Europeans and Americans alike.

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Wilson "Wil" Santiago Burgos is the founder of Mochileando.com, one of the largest travel platforms in Puerto Rico and the Latin American market in the U.S.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mochileando's 10 destinations to visit in 2025

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