Lonely Planet’s best countries to travel to in 2025

Looking for travel inspiration for 2025? Lonely Planet has revealed its top picks for the best countries to visit, offering something for every traveller. From cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cities and off-the-beaten-path destinations, these countries promise unforgettable adventures. 

Let’s explore Lonely Planet’s top recommendations for where to go in 2025: 

“From a mass tourism perspective, Armenia remains relatively undiscovered - for now. This is the time to visit before everyone else gets wise.” 

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus, is a hidden gem rich in history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. Known as the world’s first Christian nation, it boasts ancient monasteries, including the iconic Tatev and Geghard, nestled in dramatic mountain settings. Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, blends modern energy with history charm, offering vibrant markets, cosy cafés and views of the majestic Mount Ararat. The country’s natural beauty is equally captivating, with crystal-clear Lake Sevan, lush forests and rugged canyons. 

1. Visit UNESCO-recognised monasteries Geghard, Haghpat and Sanahin, as well as the 2000-year-old Garni Temple.
2. Feast on traditional dishes like tolma (beef-stuffed vine leaves), ghapama (stuffed pumpkin), lavash (flatbread) and khorovats (grilled meat) at Lavash in Yerevan.
3. Stroll through wildflowers in springtime and visit the finely restored Haghartsin Monastery on hikes around Dilijan. 

“Cameroon celebrates the 65th anniversary of its independence in 2025, bringing overdue, well-deserved attention to the African nation’s extraordinary offerings.” 

Cameroon, known as “Africa in Miniature,” offers a diverse blend of landscapes, cultures and wildlife. Located in Central Africa, it boasts lush rainforests, towering mountains like Mount Cameroon, savannas and golden beaches along the Atlantic coast. Its national parks, such as Waza and Lobéké, are home to elephants, gorillas and unique bird species. The country’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its over 250 ethnic groups, vibrant festivals and traditional crafts. 

1. Enjoy Kribi and its beautiful palm trees, waterfalls, white sands and fishing villages.
2. Head to the capital, Yaoundé, to check out Art Deco and African Modernist architecture.
3. Go looking for mandrills, gorillas and forest elephants in Parc National de Campo-Ma’an. 

“This 330-island archipelago, surrounded by 1.3 million square miles of cerulean waters, has 460 protected marine areas brimming with life.”

Fiji, a tropical paradise in the South Pacific, is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and warm hospitality. Made up of over 300 islands, it offers something for everyone - luxurious resorts, vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving, and lush rainforests with waterfalls and hiking trails. Beyond its natural beauty, Fiji is rich in culture, with traditional ceremonies, friendly locals, and unique crafts. 

1. Scuba dive or snorkel Fiji’s protected marine areas to explore its coral reefs.
2. Enjoy Fijian hospitality through a cultural experience such as those offered by the sustainable tourism collective Duavata. 
3. Head to the country’s highlands and waterfalls for an authentic jungle and nature encounter. 

“Kazakhstan is an immersive destination for travellers in search of an unspoiled adventure awash in natural beauty, history and culture.” 

Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, is a land of vast steppes, towering mountains, and modern cities. Located in Central Asia, it offers incredible contrasts - from the futuristic skyline or Nur-Sultan (Astana) to the ancient Silk Road city of Almaty, surrounded by stunning natural wonders like the Charyn Canyon and Big Almaty Lake. Its diverse landscapes include deserts, forests and alpine meadows, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. 

1. Dine at Auyl, outside Almaty, where design, history and neo-nomad cuisine meet.
2. Visit the singing dunes in Altyn-Emel National Park and hear the organ-like hum emitted from the sands and the wind.
3. Try beshbarmak, a celebratory dish made with horse or mutton, at restaurant Bozjyra in Shymkent. 

“Take a ride on Laos's newly launched, high-speed international rail connecting its sedate mountainous plains with China’s bustling southwestern Yunnan Province.” 

Laos, a serene gem in Southeast Asia, is known for its lush landscapes, ancient temples and laid-back charm. Nestled along the Mekong River, it offers stunning natural beauty, from misty mountains and cascading waterfalls to the iconic Kuang Si Falls. The historic town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a cultural treasure with golden temples and French colonial architecture. 

1. Pick your favourite adrenaline-fuelled adventure amongst the picturesque rivers and mountains of Vang Vieng, where biking, zip lining, tubing, rock climbing, and trekking await. 
2. Visit Vientiane’s Pha That Luang temple and Patuxai, a recreation of France’s Arc de Triomphe. 
3. Disembark at Luang Prabang for day trips to Kuang Si Waterfall and the Old Quarter and to join a sunrise alms-giving ceremony. 

“Named the European Green Capital of 2025, there’s never been a better time to explore its protected forests, lakes and sandy dunes along the Baltic Sea.” 

Lithuania, a Baltic gem in Northern Europe, is a country of rich history, stunning nature, and vibrant culture. Its capital, Vilnius, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its charming old town, baroque architecture, and lively arts scene. Beyond the cities, Lithuania boasts pristine forests, rolling hills and the unique Curonian Spit, a breathtaking sand dune peninsula. 

1. Toast Vilnius after dark with craft cocktails at Champaneria, followed by live music and dancing at Bardakas. 
2. Follow pilgrims to the emotive Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, a powerful remembrance site made up of 100,000-plus crosses. 
3. Get lost in ancient oak forests and a labyrinth of wild boating lakes in the untouched Aukštaitija National Park.

“In the heart of South America, uncrowded Paraguay teems with life of all sorts and has a laid-back, welcoming vibe.” 

Paraguay, a landlocked country in the heart of South America, is a hidden treasure of cultural richness and natural beauty. Known as the “Heart of South America,” it offers a blend of colonial towns, vibrant traditions and untouched wilderness. The capital, Asunción, is filled with historic sites and bustling markets, while the Itaipu Dam showcases modern engineering marvels. Nature lovers can explore the wetlands of the Pantanal and the forests of the Chaco region. 

1. Sunbathe on the golden beaches of Carmen del Paraná.
2. Voyage upriver to the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, aboard the Siete Cabrillas floating hotel from Concepción.
3. Pogo with chanting football fans at the Superclásico showdown between top clubs Olimpia and Cerro Porteño.

“Now is the time to visit Slovakia, thanks to a focus on outdoor adventures, ecotourism and multiple ongoing restoration projects in the capital and beyond.” 

Slovakia, a Central European gem, is known for its fairy-tale castles, charming towns, and stunning natural landscapes. The capital, Bratislava, sits along the Danube River, offering a mix of medieval and modern architecture. Nature lovers will be captivated by the High Tatras, a paradise for hiking and skiing, and the picturesque Slovak Paradise National Park with its canyons and waterfalls. Slovakia’s rich history is reflected in its UNESCO-listed sites like Spiš Castle and traditional folk villages. 

1. Admire Brutalist architecture with Bratislava’s topsy-turvy Slovak National Radio Building or Banská Bystrica’s sci-fi domed Museum of the Slovak National Uprising.
2. Go snow-shoeing in the High Tatras or scale ladders above thrashing waterfalls in Slovenský Raj National Park.
3. See underground wonders, including Europe’s largest stalagmite inside Krásnohorská Cave and explore the shimmering perma-freeze of Dobšinská Ice Cave.

“This twin-island Caribbean nation’s food scene is a panoply of flavours with African, East Asian, French, Spanish, English, Dutch, Chinese and Indigenous influences.” 

Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean, is a vibrant blend of culture, nature and festivities. Trinidad is known for its lively energy, hosting the world-famous Carnival, and its diverse wildlife, including lush rainforests and wetlands like the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Tobago, on the other hand, offers a laid-back vibe with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and the rich biodiversity of the Buccoo Reef and Main Ridge Forest Reserve. 

1. Go birding, hiking and turtle-watching at the Hadco Experiences Asa Wright Nature Centre.
2. Enjoy Tobago’s water sports and popular food spots at Pigeon Point Beach. Try the delectable curried crab and dumplings at Miss Trim’s nearby. 
3. Check out the sacred Hindu pantheon, Temple in the Sea, a colourful, octagonal-shaped structure that sits on a causeway in the Gulf of Paria. 

“With fewer than 45,000 tourists a year, Vanuatu is a largely untouched island escape, swatched in jungle, fringed by deserted beaches, dotted with volcanoes and laced with scenic trails.” 

Vanuatu, a Pacific Island paradise, is a haven of natural beauty, adventure and rich culture. Known for its vibrant coral reefs, volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests, it offers unforgettable experiences like snorkelling in the Blue Holes, hiking up Mount Yasur, an active volcano and relaxing on pristine beaches. The islands are also home to unique traditions, warm hospitality and the famous land diving ritual on Pentecost Island. 

1. Stand on the rim of Tanna Island’s Yasur volcano as lava spurts into the air. 
2. Sample Vanuatu’s signature beverage, kava, at a local bar on any island.
3. Scuba dive famous wrecks and coral reefs, or splash around in Efate Island’s idyllic Blue Lagoon and Mele Cascades.