Explore the Most Popular Destinations and Activities to Avoid in 2025

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The year concluded with two fatal plane crashes, one in South Korea and another in Kazakhstan, making 2024 an exceptionally nerve-wracking year for air travel.

25 places for 2025

An island resembling a lightning bolt, an archipelago exuding Maldives vibes without the excessive international brands, England's footpaths, Vermont's rail trails, and Italy's stylish trains are some of the many attractions awaiting you in 2025.

CNN Travel has curated a list of 25 places to add to your bucket list — from Bequia in the Caribbean to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Here's the rundown and some insights into our choices.

Explore the upcoming developments in aviation and rail travel in 2025. And don't miss our compilation of the most misbehaved travelers of 2024 as a cautionary reminder for the year ahead.

Our favorite stories of 2024

As we gear up for another year of trips and stories, the writers and editors at CNN Travel reminisce over their favorite assignments from 2024:

  • Lilit Marcus (Hong Kong) visited one of Asia's most enigmatic destinations: "Bhutan is an awe-inspiring place, largely thanks to the kindness of the Bhutanese people. It was an honor to showcase their voices."
  • Julia Buckley (Italy) spent a day with Monica Poli, the volunteer who safeguards tourists from pickpockets in Venice: "Living in Italy, I've noticed the rise in petty crimes - it was refreshing to witness Monica and her volunteers in action."
  • Forrest Brown (Atlanta) chose American food: The 20 greatest dishes as his favorite assignment: "The research was intriguing, and I started enjoying poke bowls thanks to this assignment."
  • Tamara Hardingham-Gill (London) appreciates writing for our Living the Dream series: "This story about a gay man and his female best friend, who moved to the same town in Italy with their husbands, is one of my favorites as it highlights the strength of friendship and chosen family."
  • Karla Cripps (Bangkok) delved into one of Thailand's famous desserts this year — mango sticky rice: "I've lived in Bangkok for over 20 years and have had countless servings of this popular dish. But speaking with the city's oldest mango sticky rice vendors gave me a newfound appreciation for it."
  • Maureen O'Hare (London) took a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper train from bustling London to the wilds of Scotland: "The journey was mesmerizing, being lulled to sleep by the train carriage and waking up in the stunning Scottish Highlands." Come witness the journey through this video.
  • Francesca Street (London) enjoys penning love stories for Chance Encounters, but this year, she was particularly fond of a friendship-based story: "I loved chatting with the four friends who recreated a photo they took on vacation in 1972 - it was touching and inspiring to hear about their enduring friendship, and their recreated photo is stunning!"
  • Marnie Hunter (Atlanta) hit the road to Macon, Georgia for our inaugural America's Best Towns to Visit project: "This town is brimming with historical charm and musical history - including the Allman Brothers and Little Richard. And Ocmulgee Mounds, a prehistoric Native American site, is likely to become Georgia's first National Park."

An open-door policy

Recent openings worldwide are encouraging travelers to explore and discover in 2025.

In Ohio, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History unveiled a $150 million transformation, allowing visitors to explore a wildlife center and garden, learn about Ohio's ancient oceans, and even experience an earthquake simulation.

In Italy, two significant openings caught our attention: A hidden passageway was opened to the public in one of Italy's iconic cityscapes, and Rome's beloved Trevi Fountain reopened after renovation work, just in time for the Jubilee Holy Year.

Over in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line finally launched after years of delays.

To explore these wonders, a passport is essential. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a product recommendations guide, have found 13 superior passport covers and cases to protect your valuable document while keeping it stylish.

Taking coffee to new heights

Would you venture to Laos for a coffee break with a breathtaking waterfall view, or savor your brew suspended 1,000 feet in the air while ziplining?

Another unauthorized traveler is apprehended on a Delta flight.

The individual without a ticket was found out on Christmas Eve.

The globe's sole underwater rotary intersection lies in the Faroe Islands.

A web of underwater tunnels is decreasing travel durations in this distant archipelago.

In 2025, you might consider adding Laos to your travel itinerary for a unique coffee experience, suspended 1,000 feet in the air while ziplining. (taking coffee to new heights)

To protect your passport during your 2025 travels, CNN Underscored recommends considering one of their 13 superior passport covers and cases. (13 superior passport covers and cases)

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