Travel can inspire, connect, and even change us. Standing on the edge of a roaring waterfall in Newfoundland or climbing the jagged peaks of the Dolomites reminds us how incredible the world can be. But in recent years, we’ve also seen how tourism can damage popular destinations. Many places are now putting rules in place to control crowds and protect their environment.
In Gate of Wise’s first guide to the best places to visit this year, the focus is on destinations doing things differently. These 25 spots are not just welcoming visitors — they’re using tourism to support local communities, protect nature, and keep cultural traditions alive.
As global tourism returns to record levels and climate change threatens many beautiful locations, traveling thoughtfully is more important than ever. Choosing destinations that make a positive impact is a powerful way to give back.
Here’s a look at 10 of the best places to visit in 2025:
1. Dominica
Dominica offers visitors the chance to swim ethically with sperm whales, thanks to the world’s first sperm whale reserve. The island is leading the way in marine conservation and sustainable tourism, limiting whale swim permits to protect the animals.
Traveling to Dominica is getting easier, with new direct flights from Miami and Newark. New hotels, like the Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and eco-friendly Secret Bay, are expanding options for visitors.
Dominica is also home to Project CETI, a major effort to understand whale communication. Beyond the ocean, travelers can hike through lush gorges, visit waterfalls, and enjoy farm-to-table meals at places like Lacou. Dominica isn’t just a vacation — it’s a commitment to eco-tourism and conservation.
2. Naoshima, Japan
Naoshima, known for its bold contemporary art (like Yayoi Kusama’s famous pumpkin sculpture), is opening a new museum in 2025. Designed by top architect Tadao Ando, the Naoshima New Museum of Art will showcase Asian artists and play a big part in the Setouchi Triennale, a major art festival spread across 17 islands.
The island’s transformation from a polluted copper smelting site to a vibrant cultural hub has inspired the revival of nearby Teshima and Inujima as well. Travelers can explore unique museums, stunning coastal art, and stay at stylish inns like Roka or Espoir Inn.
3. The Dolomites, Italy
While cities like Rome face growing tourist crowds, Italy’s Dolomites offer a quieter alternative. These spectacular mountains stretch across Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, offering excellent hiking, skiing, and hearty Alpine cuisine.
Preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics are upgrading local infrastructure, with new lifts and better transport connections. New trails, like the Cammino Retico, invite visitors to explore remote villages on foot. Luxury seekers can look forward to the reopening of the Aman Rosa Alpina hotel in 2025.
4. Greenland
Greenland’s remote wilderness is now easier to reach thanks to a new international airport in Nuuk. More airports will follow, making it simpler to explore the island’s breathtaking fjords, glaciers, and Inuit culture.
Greenland is committed to responsible tourism, directing travel income back to local communities. From hiking and whale watching to experiencing the northern lights, this Arctic destination offers adventures unlike anywhere else.
5. Wales
Wales is celebrating 2025 as the “Year of Croeso” — croeso meaning “welcome” in Welsh. The year-long event highlights the country’s culture, language, and breathtaking landscapes, encouraging visitors to experience the joy known as “hwyl.”
Wales is investing heavily in sustainable tourism, including mobility bikes for adventurers and environmental upgrades to attractions. The Wales Coast Path, the only trail that circles an entire country’s coastline, is a must for nature lovers.
6. Western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
With the final section of the 1,200km Trans-Labrador Highway complete, this rugged Canadian region is now easier to explore. Visitors can travel a scenic loop connecting Labrador to five provinces — and even detour into the US and France.
In 2025, major upgrades will open at historic sites like Red Bay and L’Anse aux Meadows. New exhibits at Gros Morne National Park will showcase the area’s striking landscapes and wildlife, making this region perfect for adventurous travelers.
7. Tucson, Arizona, US
Tucson is celebrating two major anniversaries in 2025: 250 years since its founding and 10 years as a Unesco City of Gastronomy. The city’s rich Native American and Mexican heritage will be on full display at events like the August celebration at Presidio San Agustin del Tucson.
Beyond its history, Tucson’s desert hiking trails, ancient gardens, and unique food scene — featuring local ingredients like chiltepin chilies and prickly pear — make it a standout destination. The city is also being recognized for its sustainability efforts.
8. Western Australia
Often overshadowed by Australia’s east coast, Western Australia is emerging as a must-visit region. Perth’s airport is undergoing a $5 billion upgrade, improving connections to Europe and Asia.
Travelers can explore WA’s wild beauty, from pink lakes and towering forests to the world’s longest electric vehicle highway. Authentic Aboriginal experiences are also a focus, with new tours and cultural programs enriching the visitor experience.
9. Sri Lanka
After facing economic hardships, Sri Lanka is bouncing back with renewed energy. From misty tea plantations and ancient temples to beaches perfect for surfers, this island nation offers rich culture and natural beauty.
New leadership is working to rebuild the country’s tourism sector sustainably, creating new opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
10. Panama
After decades of managing the Panama Canal, the United States officially handed control over to Panama at the end of 1999 under a treaty signed by the late President Jimmy Carter. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Panama’s sovereignty over its iconic waterway. As President-elect Donald Trump hints at the possibility of using military force to reclaim it, a series of new permanent exhibits at the Museo del Canal, chronicling the nation’s journey to full control, feels especially timely.
But Panama offers far more than its famous canal. In 2024, the Meaningful Travel Map to Panama was launched in partnership with the non-profit Tourism Cares, making it easier for travelers to find locally led experiences across the country. After joining a Localinpty walking tour through Panama City’s Casco Antiguo and El Chorrillo neighborhoods, head southwest to La Pintada, where artisans hand-weave traditional sombrero pintao hats—a UNESCO-recognized cultural practice. In El Valle de Antón, recently named one of UN Tourism’s Best Community Tourism Villages for 2024, you can hike the newly opened Cerro Gaital Lookout Trail through a lush cloud forest. On clear days, the summit offers breathtaking views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The trail is part of Panama’s ambitious 1,000 km of Trails project, designed to promote sustainable tourism in rural communities and showcase the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.
