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Beyond borders: 20 best places to visit in 2025 for a memorable year

Manasi Gadgil

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Nothing hits quite like travel. Experiencing new places and cultures (and, of course, food) is as enriching as it is exciting, no matter where you end up flying to. With that said, the very best places to visit have something extra special about them, whether it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (or several) on their doorstep, a top notch food scene, or fairy tale city centres that also house incredible nightlife. 

If you’re dreaming of packing your suitcase and hitting the road, then check out our list of the 20 best places to visit in 2025 for a memorable year of adventures!

1. Sushi, sake, and shrines in Japan

There’s nowhere in the world like Japan. The island nation punches well above its weight on a global scale, having spread its delicious food and intriguing culture throughout the world. But, even if you frequent the best omakase spots in your hometown nothing can prepare you for actually visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.

From the neon dreams of capital city Tokyo to Kyoto’s quiet beauty (and all the world class transport to get you between the two), a Japan Unrivalled trip will amaze and delight in equal measure. 

travel to Japan

Image source:Contiki

2. Trek through paradise in South Africa

Combine the best of a modern, thriving city with some of the world’s most exquisite natural beauty via a road trip through South Africa’s famous Garden Route.

Beginning in Cape Town, already one of the best places to visit in the world thanks to its cultural and natural highlights, this trip will take you through idyllic coastal routes, into awe inspiring caves, and even give you the chance to spot the safari Big 5. A bucket list trip in every sense of the term.

3. Ride the road through Peru

It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t have Machu Picchu on their bucket list. So, naturally Peru belongs on this list of the best places to visit in 2025. On the Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip, you’ll have the chance to sail Lake Titicaca, check out the oh-so-fascinating Nazca Lines (seriously, google it), tour a Pisco vineyard, and of course, see Machu Picchu – all while hitting the road with an awesome crew of 18-35s from around the world. Heck. Yes.

machu picchu, peru

Image source:Contiki

4. Discover paradise in the Philippines

Turquoise waters. Lush greenery. Golden sunsets. Vibrant food. Remote islands. The Philippines is often referred to as “the pearl of the orient”, and rightly so. From discovering secluded coves, snorkelling in the cool blue sea, riding a classic Jeepney, and even tasting Gramma’s food Filipino style, if there’s one place you need to visit in 2025, it just has to be the Philippines (lucky for you, our Philippines Island Hopping trip is exactly what you need)!

5. Visit Vietnam’s vast treasures

Vietnam is a dream destination for many, and when you see what’s possible to do in the Southeast Asian nation, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered to be one of the best places to visit in the world. On a Vietnam Experience trip, travellers can indulge in the insanity of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, relax in the heavenly Ha Long Bay, and of course eat some of the region’s best food.

Then there’s the ancient and intriguing indigenous cultures to explore, as well as other natural highlights like its beautiful beaches. If you have time, you can even explore the relatively untouched northern reaches of the nation too. Pro tip: we recommend taking on Vietnam solo to really get immersed…

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

Image source:Contiki

6. Pizza and Pisa

If you love incredible food, a rich historical tapestry, and beautiful weather, then Italy remains one of the best places to visit in the world. With an Ultimate Italy trip you’ll check out the galleries of Rome and Florence, while also falling in love with the quaint small towns that make up the stunning Cinque Terre. Although Spring is the ideal time to head to the European nation, the off-season is just as wonderful to experience, making it an ideal year round destination to visit. 

7. Engrossed in England

If you’ve only got 7 days in England, what do you do? Live out your period drama dreams in Bath and Windsor? Check out the famed Oxford? Tour the streets of Liverpool? Soak in all the historical feels in York and Carlisle? Cruise England’s largest lake? Yep! You can do it all with our England in a Week trip. From charming castles to jaw-dropping natural beauty – this place is enchanting  in the best way possible.

Cliffs of Dover, England

Image source:Contiki

8. Revel in the wonders of Costa Rica

Looking at the sheer wealth of natural beauty that Costa Rica is home to, it can almost seem unfair that the Central American nation seems to have so much. Cloud forests, fairytale-like waterfalls and lakes, and bone white beaches are just some of the places you can lose yourself in, and that’s not mentioning the hot springs to relax in and explosive volcanoes to trek. When on your Viva Costa Rica trip, you’ll soon realise just why this country is considered one of the best places to visit in the world.

9. Live our your French fantasies

There aren’t many places quite as iconic as France. But there’s so much more to France than just Paris. So come live the dream – chateaus, champagne, cabaret and croissants with our new France in a Week trip. You’ll visit charming mediaeval towns, historical beaches in Normandy, and even learn how to make Chantilly cream! It’s an all-round treat. 

Paris, France

Image source:Contiki

10. Rough it in the Canadian Rockies

Rugged, untouched, and absolutely gorgeous: Canada’s vast mountains are a treasure trove of awe inspiring natural beauty, just waiting for you to explore. A trip through British Columbia and Alberta will allow you to enjoy the best of this gorgeous region, before ending up in cool, classy Vancouver. Here, you’ll be reintroduced to society through the city’s various cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as other cultural touchstones like museums and galleries. 

11. Live the American Dream in the country’s national parks

When it comes to the best places to visit in terms of unique scenery, nothing quite beats America. Road tripping through the nation’s impressive and varied national parks is a classic adventure of the best kind, and with the National Parks Road Trip you’ll see some of the most iconic sights the country has to offer, including the Grand Canyon. The trip also ends in Las Vegas, where you can do things like take a hot air balloon over the desert, or check out nearby attractions like Red Rock.

Contiki Travellers travelling in Las Vegas, USA

Image source:Contiki

12. Incredibly beautiful Balearic Islands

Spain’s dripping with culture, great views and even more great food, which is why the Balearic beauties of Barcelona, Ibiza and Mallorca are undoubtedly some of the best places to visit in the world (especially in 2025). And on our trip, you’ll be partying in Ibiza one day, and checking out the gorgeous architecture of Barca the next. You’ll also get to float aboard a boat, spend time by the sea, and even stay in luxurious shoreside hotels on the islands. What’s not to love?

13. G’days galore in Australia

It’s mind boggling how huge Australia is, and the chance to explore the massive island nation is one that shouldn’t be missed. The Ultimate Australia Trip covers most of the highlights of this incredible country, mostly focusing on the gorgeous Eastern coast and its sizzling outback, which is home to natural highlights not found anywhere else on earth. Without a doubt one of the best places to visit, especially if you have the chance to see as much of the country as possible.

Travel to Australia

Image source:Contiki

14. Albanian adventures

Europe has a secret, and you could be one of the first to uncover it. Wanna take us up on the offer? Come check out our Albania Beaches & Peaks trip, and get ready for one untouched gem after another. Think: show-stopping beaches, vineyard dinners and panoramic hiking and even music that is millennia old (no joke!). Just one look at all that Albania has to offer, and you’ll know why it’s one of the best places to visit in 2025.

15. Traverse all of Thailand

Thailand has long been considered one of the best places to visit for backpackers and fancier tourists alike, and with the Total Thailand trip you’ll have the opportunity to take in the beautiful sights and sounds, while also getting to grips with the country’s fascinating ancient culture and its world class food culture. From nights out in thrumming Bangkok to chilling by the beach in Phuket, you can have every kind of holiday and more in this charming nation.

A group of women enjoying social travel on a boat in Thailand.

Image source:Contiki

16. Buzzing beaches and historical highlights in Greece

The Ancient Greeks were convinced their little slice of earth was the centre of the universe, and when you spend time there you understand where they were coming from. While the mainland holds plenty of charm, there’s nothing quite like island hopping around places like Myknonos and Santorini. There, you’ll get to relax on golden sands, check out ancient ruins, and party the night away while devouring the delicious halloumi that the country is famous for producing. 

17. Indulge in incredible India

Few countries capture the imagination like India. The subcontinent stretches for hundreds of miles yet every inch seems to be jam packed with incredible cultural and historical sites, delicious and varied food, and enough colour and energy to make you feel like you’ve entered a fever dream of the best kind. With the Eternal India trip you’ll be dropped into Delhi’s madness, have the chance to feel like royalty at heavenly hill stations in the north, and be able to relax on Goa’s beautiful beaches, as well as plenty more!

India with Contiki

Image source:Contiki

18. K-drama stories in Seoul

Do you have a South Korean Soul? Well, even if you don’t, this epic destination will have you completely mesmerised. From the bustling streets of Seoul to tranquil escapes on Jeju Island, there’s something for everyone here. Plus, you’ll have the chance to star in your very own K-pop video, enjoy some sizzling Korean BBQ, and zoom across cities on a bullet train. You’ll be riding the K-wave for days after…

19. Explore the edge of the world in New Zealand

Rugged, isolated, and truly special: New Zealand might be hundreds of miles from any other landmass, yet its ethereal beauty makes it a dream destination for many, and rightfully so. Adrenaline pumping activities and majestic landscapes make it well worth visiting the two islands that make up this beautiful land, and that’s not even mentioning the stunning array of wildlife you’ll have the chance to see. With the Big Tiki trip you’ll really get to grips with everything this stunning nation has to offer.

Franz Josef Glacier New Zealand

Image source:Contiki

20. Zip through Europe’s Eastern Treasures

Although it’s just as jam packed with historical highlights and delicious eats as the rest of the continent, Eastern Europe remains an underrated destination. On the Eastern Road trip, you’ll explore ancient city centres, party in Berlin and Prague, and learn about the ancient and modern history that shaped this part of the world. Plus, you’ll never be more than a few minutes away from a cheap beer! What else could you ask for?

Ready to start your 2024 holiday planning? No matter what you’re looking for, Contiki has a trip that will help you get through your bucket list and then some. 

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