Are you looking for the ideal destination for your next big trip? With 2025 approaching, many people are already planning their vacations and dreaming of places that offer unforgettable experiences, stunning landscapes, and great value. The question is: where to travel this year? Here’s a complete comparative guide to the six best destinations to visit in 2025, grouped into three key categories: Latin American gems, Asian cultural giants, and wilderness havens.
This isn’t just a list of beautiful places, but a comparison of pros and cons that will help you make a decision based on your travel style, budget, and what you’re really looking for. Let’s get to it.
Why is it important to choose your destination wisely in 2025?
With global tourism fully recovering after years of restrictions, prices, accessibility, and conditions in many countries are changing rapidly. Some destinations are in their “sweet spot” for tourism development, while others may begin to become overcrowded or even limit access to certain attractions. Choosing wisely can mean enjoying a more authentic experience, spending less, and avoiding crowds.
1. Colombia vs. Peru
(Vibrant and diverse Latin America)
Colombia: the jewel at its best
Colombia is the breakout destination of 2025. Its geographic diversity—Caribbean beaches, Amazon rainforests, and Andean mountains—is complemented by a human warmth that makes all the difference. It’s affordable, safe, and not yet oversaturated by tourism.
- Ideal travel time : between 10 and 20 days.
- Estimated cost : low, ideal for tight budgets.
- Gastronomy : focused on meats and tropical fruits.
- Climate : Very variable; consult region-specific guides.
Perfect if you’re looking for authenticity, low cost, and nature with good infrastructure.
Peru: Living History and Epic Landscapes
Peru is a classic for a reason. From Machu Picchu to its snow-capped mountains and culturally rich coasts, it’s a transformative journey. But you’ll have to act fast: free access to Machu Picchu is expected to become increasingly restricted. 2025 may be the last year to experience it freely.
- Best time to visit : May to September.
- Estimated expenditure : medium-high, especially if you visit Machu Picchu.
- Gastronomy : considered one of the best in the world.
- Suggested duration : 15 days for a complete route.
Ideal if you love history, high-quality food, and breathtaking scenery.
2. Japan vs. China
(Culture, contrasts and good food in Asia)
Japan: modernity, tradition and a weak yen
Japan is cheaper than ever thanks to the falling yen. It’s a destination that perfectly combines futuristic technology with ancient temples, clean and tidy cities, and magical nature. In 2025, your money will be worth more, making this opportunity unique.
- Ideal seasons : spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November).
- Minimum duration : 10 days.
- Estimated expenditure : medium-high, although more affordable than other years.
- Gastronomy : based on animal protein, limited for vegetarians.
Perfect for those looking for an aesthetic, comfortable, cultural, and gastronomic trip.
China: The next big destination… and visa-free
China is opening up to tourism, and starting in December 2024, many travelers will be able to enter visa-free for 30 days. While still relatively uncrowded, it offers unique cultural experiences, from megacities to villages lost in time. It’s diverse, affordable, and surprising.
- Ideal seasons : spring and autumn.
- Suggested duration : minimum 15 days; ideally 30.
- Gastronomy : Rich in vegetables, tofu, and rice. Ideal for vegetarians.
- Overall cost : cheaper than Japan.
Choose China if you’re curious, love stepping out of your comfort zone, and want to save money without sacrificing quality.
3. Iceland vs. Patagonia
(Wild paradises to lose your breath)
Iceland: another planet within reach of the road
Iceland is a natural spectacle. Every corner is a picture-postcard treat: giant waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and black beaches. Although expensive, renting a campervan and taking a road trip along the Ring Road is an experience worth every euro.
- Ideal time : Summer (June-August), or May/September to avoid crowds.
- Minimum duration : 7 days; ideally 10.
- Estimated expenditure : high.
- Accessibility : Excellent. Many attractions are just a few minutes’ drive away.
Ideal if you’re looking for comfort, otherworldly scenery, and have the budget to fully enjoy it.
Patagonia: remote beauty and wildlife
Patagonia—divided between Argentina and Chile—is one of the world’s most impressive natural destinations. From the Perito Moreno Glacier to Torres del Paine, every spot is a gift for the adventurous soul. Of course, it requires physical effort.
- Ideal time : from October to April.
- Minimum duration : 12 days or more.
- Estimated cost : medium-high depending on the country of departure.
- Requires : good physical condition for trekking.
Perfect if you’re passionate about wild animals, physical challenges, and extreme landscapes.
Quick comparison to help you decide
| Destination | Budget | Cultural access | Nature | Adventure | Comfort | Veg-friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Peru | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Japan | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| China | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Iceland | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Patagonia | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Tips for saving and traveling safely in 2025
- Avoid bank fees : Use cards like N26 to pay abroad without fees and with the real exchange rate.
- Adaptable travel insurance : Especially for high-altitude destinations like Peru or adventure destinations like China or Patagonia. Make sure your policy covers sports or trekking above 3,000 meters.
- Plan with reliable guides : Consult updated guides and creator channels like “Welcome to the World” for routes, budgets, and tips.
Don’t wait for prices to rise or for certain destinations to close their doors. Choose the one that resonates most with you, pack your backpack, and start planning the adventure of a lifetime.
The world is ready for you in 2025. And you, do you already know where you’re going?
