Featuring its top 30 must-visit destinations across three categories – cities, countries and regions – Lonely Planet has revealed its Best in Travel 2025 list – and as usual, there are some interesting inclusions among the top spots.
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:
- Jordan Trail for hiking adventures
- Chiriqui region, Panama for stunning natural beauty
- Genoa, Italy for its underrated charm
- Lithuania for its unique culture and history
- Valais region, Switzerland for its stunning landscapes
- Pittsburgh, USA for its vibrant food scene and cultural renaissance
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain for its sustainable tourism practices and off-season attractions
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:
- Train hopping is becoming increasingly popular.
- Slow travel is gaining momentum as people seek to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Music-based travel is a growing trend, with travellers seeking out iconic venues around the world.
- Extreme birdwatching is attracting dedicated enthusiasts.
- Local markets are a must-visit for travellers seeking authentic experiences.
- Drag shows are celebrating inclusivity and connection.
- Underrated parks are being rediscovered by travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Local cuisine is a top priority for many travellers.
- Arboreal adventures are gaining popularity as travellers seek to connect with nature.
- Beach vacations remain a timeless classic.
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.
