As a full-time travel writer, I constantly get access to insider tips, new hotel openings and flight routes, and general tourism trends. Because of this, I often have a hunch about emerging destinations before they get hugely popular.
With a serious increase in adventure travel in recent years, more tourists seeking authentic experiences over mere bucket-list ticks, and new hotels or flights that will make planning easier, there are numerous factors that influence travel trends. That said, here are my predictions for 8 destinations that will see an increase in tourism in 2025.
Dominica
We all know at least a dozen people who have been to Jamaica, the Bahamas, or the Dominican Republic, but assuming the Caribbean is a monolith is an insult to the region’s diverse nature and culture. One of the underrated gems of the region, Dominica, remains comparatively untouched by tourism. Part of that is likely due to limited flight options out of the U.S.–but that’s about to change.
Starting in February 2025, United Airlines will offer nonstop flights from Newark International Airport (EWR) to Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), the island’s major hub. Before this initiative, the only direct flight from the mainland was from Miami via American Airlines. This new flight addition will undoubtedly attract more visitors to “The Nature Island.” (With black sand beaches, plenty of waterfalls, a boiling lake, and some of the best diving in the world, it’s no secret as to how Dominica got its nickname.)
For one of the most pristine hotels on the island, check out InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa.
Sardinia
More and more European cities are balking at the idea of too many tourists—from Malaga and Barcelona limiting the number of holiday rentals to Venice imposing a tax for day-trippers. But there are other destinations bucking the trend and encouraging responsible tourism.Sardinia is a prime example. While the Mediterranean island has been popular among Italians for years, foreign visitors have caught on in recent years, with July and August being the busiest months thanks to the island’s pristine beaches.
Sardinia sees no signs of tourism slowing down, with more hotels coming to the island each year—the luxe Rocco Forte Hotels plans to open a resort in Porto Cervo in 2026. Should you choose to come to Sardinia, be sure to venture inland and check out some of the island’s archaeological sites. And while it’s easy to associate any European beach getaway with non-stop partying, Sardinia’s regional councilor for tourism Franco Cuccureddu encourages slow travel focused around hiking, walking, and cycling. A shoulder-season cycling tour with Exodus Adventure Travels is an ideal way to experience the island in a more authentic way.
Quito
South American cities like Lima, Rio de Janeiro, and Cartagena are no strangers to travelers. Because of this, some argue that these cities have started to feel more like a tourist’s playground than a local’s home. According to a 2024 report from travel industry analysts Skift Research travelers are veering away from the perceived artifice of major hotspots in favor of more authentic experiences.
Quito is an underrated gem for just this kind of traveler. The oldest capital on the South American continent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is a charming city perched at 9,350 feet above sea level. The city’s Old Town is full of centuries-old architectural marvels, and the Andean foothills offer stunning natural scenery.
Don’t make the mistake of just using Quito as a connecting hub, and book a stay at either Hilton Colon Quito or Hampton by Hilton Quito La Carolina Park to properly explore.
Mauritius
Mauritius, a small African island in the Indian Ocean, allows travelers to experience luxury on a budget. But aside from its affordability, the country is a nature lover’s paradise, and home to some of the continent’s best beaches, like Mont Choisy, Le Morne Beach, and Flic en Flac Beach. Beyond sunbathing on its white sandy shores, visitors will want to check out Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, one of the world’s best botanical gardens, and get in the pristine blue waters by scuba diving through Djabeda Wreck or the stunning Carpenter Reef. One of the most unique aspects of Mauritius is it’s the world’s only home to the now extinct Dodo bird.
Due to its remote location, it doesn’t see nearly as many tourists as other island hotspots. While getting to Mauritius is a journey in itself, the reward is sweet: the island is home to luxury hotels like Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas and InterContinental Resort Mauritius, each with prices as low as $250/night. There’s also a Four Seasons on the island, Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita, which will be undergoing a major renovation this year.
Boise
Between an influx of new hotel openings, a booming craft beer and wine scene, and a perfect balance of urban buzz and rural tranquility, Idaho is finally receiving the clout it so well deserves. The entire state is beautiful, and could easily be an Iceland dupe with its natural hot springs, waterfalls, and even a chance at sighting the northern lights. Boise landed a spot on National Geographic’s best travel destinations for 2025 list.
If you need extra motivation to get there, let potatoes lead the way. In Boise, there is a hotel shaped like a giant potato that you can sleep in, appropriately named the Big Idaho Potato Hotel. It’s not just sleeping in potatoes, though; you can also take the Boise Idaho Potato Trail, where you can try anything from potato donuts to mashed potatoes with peanut butter. And don’t miss the chance to party with city’s vibrant Basque community,which you can also do with potatoes via potato vodka from Grand Teton Distillery.
Bhutan
With a blend of Buddhist culture, 16 monasteries, and otherworldy mountainous scenery, Bhutan makes for one peaceful escape. Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is a moderate hike that has become the main draw for tourists, but taking the time to explore Bhutan’s unique culture is just as strong a reason to visit. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in the country, and each year (between October and November), a festival is held where Tercham (“The Naked Dance”) is performed. Just as it sounds, naked men dance as a nod to the eighth century, when a similar ritual was performed to distract demons. You might not think of Bhutan as a foodie’s paradise, but there are some unique dishes and ingredients native to Bhutan. These include Dalle Khursani, one of the world’s hottest peppers, and chhurpi, a traditional Yak cheese.
Bhutan measures its development and progress as a nation through “Gross National Happiness,” weighing factors such as living standards, psychological well being, cultural diversity, health, and work-life balance. Up until 2023, Bhutan charged a daily tourist fee of $200 per day per tourist, but as the nation has struggled to get back to the numbers it saw pre-Covid-19 pandemic, they’ve officially slashed that tourist fee in half to $100 a day. This cut-in daily fee paid off in 2024, where, in the first four months of the year, Bhutan welcomed 41,394 tourists, compared to 26,465 in the first four months of 2023. This rise is predicted to continue in 2025.
Mongolia
Convenient flights can often make or break a trip, and starting in 2025, United Airlines will become the first U.S. carrier to offer regular service to Mongolia from Tokyo. From learning about nomadic culture, to hunting with eagles, to exploring nature like the Flaming Cliffs and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia is an ideal destination for an extended digital detox. As the world’s 18th largest country, you’ll want some help in planning, so consider NUBA, an award-winning international luxury travel agency.
Svalbard
The adventure tourism sector is predicted to be worth $1,491.5 billion by 2033, in part due to a serious increase in tourism in places like Antarctica and Khumbu (the Everest region). And of the most unique destinations in this vein is a Norwegian island located 580 miles north of mainland Norway.
Svalbard is an adventurer’s paradise—there are allegedly more polar bears than people, the world’s largest secured seed vault (aka the “Svalbard Global Seed Vault”) is located here, and there are five straight months where the sun doesn’t set. While there are direct flights from Oslo and Tromsø, the best way to explore Svalbard is via an expedition ship, specifically designed to explore remote regions. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is the best of the best in this sector.