TIME reveals 100 extraordinary destinations for 2025 travel

In 2023, the tourism industry experienced a significant rebound, reaching pre-pandemic levels and even surpassing them throughout 2024. This resurgence set new consumer spending records, with the sector accounting for an estimated 9% to 10% of global GDP. Responding to this revitalization, TIME undertook its annual survey in search of unique and exciting travel destinations across the globe. The publication's international correspondents and contributors jointly nominated a range of places, including hotels, museums, parks, and restaurants, aiming to highlight options that deliver authentic experiences. TIME’s rigorous selection process resulted in the compilation of 100 extraordinary destinations that travelers could explore in 2025. Among the standout locations is AWA, a restaurant in Lima, Peru, gaining attention for its innovative approach to traditional Amazonian cuisine. In the United States, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, emerged as a must-visit site, particularly with its open-air planetarium that enhances the visitor experience. In Europe, travelers are drawn to luxury train travel, exemplified by the L’Observatoire carriage on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express, which was intricately designed by French artist JR, featuring detailed puzzles and spectacular scenic views through its observation windows. Through this annual initiative, TIME aims not only to celebrate the beauty and diversity of travel destinations but also to encourage travelers to seek out experiences that are immersive and culturally enriching. As global travel continues to evolve, this carefully curated list represents a blend of luxury, adventure, and authenticity that travelers are increasingly seeking. The publication urges readers to browse the entire list and defines the importance of discovering places that offer something unique amid familiar landscapes, pushing the boundary of what constitutes a travel experience. In summary, with travel now more accessible than ever, the 2025 World's Greatest Places list serves as a guide for those looking to explore the world afresh and enhance their understanding of different cultures through authentic travel experiences. By showcasing a myriad of destinations, TIME fosters curiosity and excitement in travelers hoping to journey beyond conventional tourist paths.