Haida Gwaii leads National Geographic’s list of the most exciting and meaningful travel destinations for 2025 alongside nine other unique places.
Haida Gwaii stands out for its spectacular scenery, including rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife. This stunning archipelago is home to the Haida Nation, showcasing one of North America’s oldest Indigenous communities.
Visitors can explore ancient totem poles, participate in guided cultural tours while savouring wild cuisine and also witness the incredible biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At Keenawaii’s Kitchen in Skidegate, Chef Keenawaii Roberta Olson crafts unforgettable meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including wild-harvested foods from Haida Gwaii.
Each multi-course dining experience immerses guests in Haida culture, featuring traditional dishes like sguu dried seaweed, K’aaw herring eggs on kelp, and gilgii dried salmon, all prepared with care and cultural significance.
Video by Coastal First Nations
Other Destinations Around the World
Following Haida Gwaii, National Geographic highlights nine more exceptional destinations for 2025. Boise, Idaho, features a vibrant culinary scene and outdoor adventures for families and foodies.
Ocala National Forest, Florida, offers serene nature escapes, while Los Angeles, California, innovates in arts and food culture.
Barbados boasts sun-soaked beaches ideal for relaxation, contrasting with Cerrado, Brazil, known for its rich biodiversity. Antigua, Guatemala enchants with colorful colonial architecture, and Guadalajara, Mexico captivates food lovers with its culinary traditions.
From charming Cork, Ireland, to the hidden trails of the Stockholm Archipelago, there’s something for every traveller.
This year’s list also includes Greenland, with its stunning icy landscapes, and Brasov, Romania, famous for its medieval charm. The spiritual allure of Italy’s Cenobitic Monasteries invites introspection, while Abu Dhabi, UAE, promises luxury.
Adventurers can seek wildlife in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, or immerse in Senegal‘s vibrant culture. Suru Valley, India offers thrilling rock climbing, and the pristine waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, attract nature lovers.
The bustling energy of Bangkok, Thailand, and the cultural richness of Kanazawa, Japan, complete the list. The luxurious Eastern and Oriental Express in Malaysia and scenic wonders in Northland, New Zealand, and Murray River, Australia, add to the allure.
In a National Geographic news release, Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief, stated “I like to think of BEST OF THE WORLD as National Geographic’s annual invitation to get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world.” He added that “…through travel, we can connect with joy and hope”
National Geographic’s social audience voted Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as this year’s “Readers’ Choice,” enriching the list further.
National Geographic’s BEST OF THE WORLD 2025 List
- Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- Boise, Idaho
- Ocala National Forest, Florida
- Los Angeles, California
- Barbados
- Cerrado, Brazil
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Cork, Ireland
- Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
- Outer Hebrides, Scotland
- Greenland
- Brasov, Romania
- Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Tunisia
- Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Senegal
- Suru Valley, India
- Raja Ampat, Indonesia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kanazawa, Japan
- Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia
- Northland, New Zealand
- Murray River, Australia
BEST OF THE WORLD 2025 is now available online at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld. Readers can explore each destination through spectacular photography and insightful reporting.
