by Travel the world, which countries would you visit first : Unforgettable food. Cutting-edge design. Engaging experiences: these are some of the key criteria used to judge hotel quality – including those belonging to spa, resort and island hotels. As we counted 575,048 votes during the 37th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey and were truly amazed with your enthusiasm to open your mind and love of classic movies from yesteryears, we were truly inspired. Your favorite hotel among New York City’s five boroughs is two years old Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad; however, legendary French Polynesian resort The Brando remains on your itinerary as an absolute must. At The Brando, you have undoubtedly visited Istanbul International Airport, booked adventure cruises to Antarctica or experienced fascinating historical cities such as Copenhagen. Explore this article to begin planning your travel adventure; these top locations were selected based on votes by our readers!
United Kingdom
With Brexit voting results and the election of a new monarch, it seems safe to conclude that Britain hasn’t witnessed such rapid change since Margaret Thatcher took power nearly 30 years ago. No matter the changes that have taken place over time, all the elements we appreciate about this country remain. These include its vibrant dining scene and extensive range of free museums (the National Portrait Gallery opened its doors again for business in July 2012 after 3 years of renovations). As part of its evolution, London continues to change and reinvent itself through iconic landmarks and places like The OWO (formerly Old War Office) which recently saw itself transformed into Raffles London; or newly renovated 1511 Thornbury Castle which allows guests to don Tudor period clothing while staying overnight if desired. As one of England’s Northern regions, Sussex made our top-10 list for travel within Europe by 2025 due to its flourishing culinary scene and abundance of adventures beyond English borders – such as foraging for mushrooms in Wales; exploring maritime history in Northern Ireland or swimming in tide pools off Scotland.
Germany
Germany is an irresistibly alluring travel destination, boasting beautiful fairytale castles and charming small towns as well as festive christmas markets that attract millions of visitors annually. Travel can take many forms; whether its trains, river cruises or driving. Though traditionally thought to be an attractive tourist destination, Germany isn’t afraid to experiment and venture outside its comfort zone by hosting innovative art exhibits that fill unimaginable spaces in Berlin or even opening an extravagant $120 million spa in its idyllic north Frisian Islands. There are now many contemporary art-filled places to stay, lively neighborhoods (such as Munich’s Schlachthofviertel meatpacking district) and even eco-friendly trains that only emit steam and condensed water emitted by hydrogen power sources. But traditional trains remain as attractive as ever when taking a dip in Baden-Baden’s therapeutic thermal waters, for instance. By engaging with this ancient tourism culture that dates back centuries – even to pre-Roman Celts! – and taking part, for instance.
Iceland
Iceland, famed as an extreme adventure outpost, can sometimes wreak havoc with your plans by means of volcanic eruption or mini earthquakes–but is worth waiting out! Nowadays, its city life matches geothermal activity below ground with many vibrancy eateries such as Ox – an eatery similar to speakeasy – along with iconic hotels (The Reykjavik Edition) featuring see and be seen amenities and impressive bars & lounges as well as innovative food halls making pilgrimages worthwhile.
While IcelandAir’s “stopover” program has made the Golden Circle increasingly attractive to foreign tourists, Iceland has taken steps to divert them away from main roads with their brand-new Diamond Circle tour, covering approximately 155 miles through Northeastern Iceland with stops at mud pits, waterfalls, lave caves and hot springs en route. Furthermore, in 2023 Blue Lagoon –known for their Michelin star restaurant on Moss island–expanded its facilities by creating their Highland base Kerlingarfjoll located deep within their rugged interior of Iceland which even most Icelanders had yet not visited.
India
India is an incredible South Asian destination with an ancient and captivating past; we are delighted to add it to our selection! India will make for an exciting adventure travel experience and unique tour experience. Mumbai is truly captivating city – Marine Drive offers up all its charm, with colonial-style architecture filled with Art Deco mansions and Buddhist pagodas standing witness to its long and eventful history that includes periods under Gujarati, Portuguese and British rule before India gained freedom in 1947. However, if the chaos of rickshaws, mopeds, and buses doesn’t appeal to you then make your way through historic Kochi as one of our recommended travel destinations in Asia for 2025 and hike the beautiful countryside at Hampi or Goa as Portuguese homes nestle along The Andaman Islands – they all make for unforgettable destinations to discover!
Austria
Vienna has long been one of Europe’s favorite travel destinations, yet despite its Hapsburg era splendor and beauty it does not resemble a dusty museum. Indeed its authorities recently unveiled plans for carbon neutrality by 2040! Foodies today can find guidance in an increasingly local food scene that embraces innovative practices – like snail farming in the city and building mushroom cultivation grounds on coffee house grounds in urban communities. Tourists remain drawn to alpine ski resorts as well as jewel-box-style Salzburg; however, others are beginning to break through into public consciousness. Comodo Comodo was built as an elegant health spa during the 1960s on Germany’s biggest national park near Bad Gastein in Bad Ischl and renovated during that same decade, drawing in royalty, other distinguished visitors, and others since at least 2009. Since 2003 it had served as European Capitals of Culture along with Graz (2003/2003) and Linz/2009 respectively – and then in 2023 was named European Capitals of Culture again by becoming its third consecutive host town after Graz 2003/2003 and Linz 2009/10 respectively! With therapeutic salt water springing waters which have attracted royalty as well as others since before the 1840s!
France
Paris was on everyone’s lips this year as its host city for its inaugural Summer Olympic Games. Following restoration work on Notre-Dame Cathedral as well as battles against bedbugs, Paris seemed intent on renewing itself through hostilities of this kind. Today is an auspicious occasion marked by several fashion hotel debuts and Dominique Crenn’s inaugural restaurant within her homeland, alongside fresh approaches to physical and athletic expression, along with French Asian artisans and chefs changing up the culinary scene. Beyond Paris there are exciting places to be explored beyond its borders; from Hossegor’s laidback surfing scene, Nimes’ buzzing African restaurant and contemporary French Riviera openings.
Canada
There’s nowhere that captures Canada better than in its vast and varied outdoors. From tropical rainforests along the Pacific coastline and mountains in Western mountain ranges to prairie grasslands and glacier-churned Atlantic shorelines, Canada boasts some of the world’s most iconic scenery. Near some of Canada’s iconic landmarks lie some impressive urban areas that stand as modern marvels as well. Start off your winter travels off right by visiting Montreal’s bustling restaurant scene; discover new cultures by touring Toronto where Little India, Chinatown, Greektown, Koreatown Portugal Village and two Little Italys all thrive together alongside over 150 languages; or avoid Alberta’s frigid tunnels which run underfoot to save yourself some time on winter trip planning!
Switzerland
Swiss culture boasts green pastures grazed with cows and snow-capped mountain ranges with extravagant ski resorts; yet many take for granted that this nation situated in central Europe deserves another look. Zurich is considered Switzerland’s most expensive capital city but doesn’t receive due recognition for its forward-thinking culture and urban skyline which was created by notable architects like Le Corbusier, Santiago Calatrava and Shigeru Ban. Ski resorts like Verbier, Davos and Zermatt in Switzerland boast notable names like Verbier, Davos and Zermatt; each offers year-round activities to residents. An example would be St Moritz’s Engadin Valley which not only hosts St. Moritz but has many kilometers of hiking trails as well as electric mountain bikes available for rental as well as kitesurfing paragliding kiteboarding as well as class-4 rafting in Giarsun Gorge! Though your journey to Luzern may have ended, its adventure continues at Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern – an impressively restored Belle Epoque grand dame hotel dating back to 1906 that will welcome you with open arms!
Norway
There is much discussion regarding whether it would be possible for any single individual or even small groups of people to live as economically successful societies without regard to how long this would take or whether any significant advances had already taken place within that nation-state. Oslo has made strides over recent years to shed the shadow of more affluent Scandinavian rivals like Stockholm and Copenhagen by opening innovative facilities like Sommerro Hotel, National Museum as well as vibrant areas like Bjorvika harbour-side district where one can find newly inaugurated Munch Museum. However, Oslo serves as a starting point to explore Norway and its coastal fjords – recently estimated as being second longest after Canada! Bodo Bodo stands out as this year’s must-see location in the region as being the first European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle and home to Sami traditions as well as an innovative hotel made almost entirely out of wood.
Croatia
Truth be known: Serbia was long undiscovered; now however it’s becoming an increasing focus due to air travel, cruise ships and Game of Thrones popularity. Croatia is becoming more and more populated as its popularity soars, putting strains on both Dubrovnik and Split compared to Venice or Amsterdam. But Croatia offers many unique attractions: eating out at family-owned eateries while sampling olive oils produced locally in Istria; taking speedboat tours along Trogir’s shoreline, driving past oyster farms and vineyards on Dalmatia Coast or sailing serene Kornati Islands with oak trees filled with ancient churches as well as fortified villages for an idyllic “fjaka”, that feeling of doing absolutely nothing at all!
Greece
Greece continues to attract record visitor figures, drawing people back from all corners of the globe with its crystal blue Aegean waters beckoning us back. Islands like picture-perfect Santorini and mythology-soaked Mykonos as well as massive Crete which is experiencing an incredible vineyard revival are drawing you in like never before! These exotic islands continue to expand rapidly with increased tourist numbers venturing to lesser-known spots like Paros and Hydra (without cars) as well as remote Zakynthos with beaches on Ios and Tinos that remain relatively untouched and windswept – not forgetting Athens of course! After recovering from its debt crisis, Athens was able to harness the spirit and innovation that emerged with its ancient city redevelopment process and develop into one of Europe’s premier capital cities with cutting edge dining establishments, avant garde museums and fashionable hotels that has helped Athens remain among the continent’s coolest capital cities. Are You Searching for Adventure? Look No Further. Zagorohoria offers traditional stone towns scattered through Greece’s rugged Northwest Pindus Mountains where truffle hunters, hot bubbling springs and monasteries displaying Orthodox friezes are more likely than sun worshipers to meet.
Ireland
Ireland has always provided American travellers with an environment similar to an old-fashioned cardigan: comfortable, simple and relaxing. Visit with many generations of your family to explore your genealogy or tour centuries-old castles with fireplaces. All across this destination there’s also an uplifting breeze blowing. Capital City of Malta has earned international renown as an innovator. Dubbed Silicon Docks by tech startups headquartered on Grand Canal Dock, Malta now enjoys recognition among Europe’s technological hubs for being home to an abundance of start-ups and tech titans that thrive there. A surge of big thinkers with deep pockets has shaken away some of its traditionalist heritage to give way to innovative thinkers with significant pockets who dominate decision making on this island nation. Alongside visiting Trinity college’s Long Room, other options you might encounter while there include hunting through Miceal Murray’s nettles or pears of Takingaleaf creation as well as visiting Teeling distillery which opened more than 100 years ago! Ireland boasts many small hotels and Airbnb rentals outside the capital city, from lighthouse-laden islands in County May to modern Scandi-chic homes located throughout County Monaghan. If you want something more adventurous there’s nowhere quite as rustic than The Aran Islands which were used as filming locations and sources of inspiration for The Banshees of Inisherin film series.
New Zealand
Since Peter Jackson cast New Zealand in the Lord of the Rings film series as Middle-earth, tourists have enjoyed its incredible and almost mythic beauty: from sparkling mountains lakes and vast Fjords to misty forests with geothermal ravines. Auckland is an eclectic, culturally vibrant destination. International tourists visit Auckland annually; yet recently lodges and trails make exploring further into nature much simpler than before. Flockhill Lodge, one of the newest lodges to open is situated on 36,000 acres in the high country. South Island of New Zealand boasts several innovative establishments which celebrate both their natural surroundings (sustainable farming) and Maori culture, in ways beyond mere celebration of Mother Earth. One such example of such innovation can be seen at The Southern Alps Farm which now operates as an ultra-luxe resort; other establishments have discovered innovative methods of celebrating both environments simultaneously (sustainable farming). Alternatively, take an unforgettable journey aboard New Zealand’s first winery-focused airline; Invivo Air, that travels between Auckland and Queenstown offering eight step wine tasting experiences located up 18,000 feet!
Vietnam
While searching, make a point to visit other parts of town if possible as this will also give a greater view. Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful nations that made Conde Nast Traveler readers’ list of 10 Most Beloved Nations Worldwide, provides an exquisite study in vibrant street life, bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi and stunning natural spots like Ha Long Bay – not forgetting beaches offering relaxation or dancing the night away! Ho Chi Minh has also been selected as one of the Asia’s top travel destinations in 2025 to mark celebrations marking Vietnam’s unification, more vibrant in design and food scene than ever. Not to be forgotten is Ho Chi Minh’s Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel as well as numerous new openings such as Indigo Hotel Indigo from IHG or Kengo Kuma-designed Kempinski Saigon River which will soon see major revamps or even complete restorations.
Thailand
Bangkok remains at the top of most-visited cities worldwide and excite all your senses like a pinball machine going wild! Indulge your senses with temple incense and tuk-tuk exhaust aroma, as you admire gold-colored Buddha statues shining bright in sunlight; taste smokey chicken satay or Michelin star noodles followed by cocktails from one of Bangkok’s many bars or restaurants; take pleasure from its silk touch or intense pressure massage, then discover idyllic beach life along its picture perfect coastlines that stretch east coast from Koh Samui to Phuket Krabi Koh Lanta
Spain
At the start of 2018, The World’s 50 Best Bars list was unveiled and one of its winners, Sips from Barcelona earned one of two top spots alongside Paradiso Paradiso located within a pastry shop located in El Born district. Have you experienced Spain at night, particularly during the festivities, then it should become evident to you that its inhabitants enjoy partying? From bars serving sherry to flamenco bars in Andalusia or Boheme beaches of Formentera as well as tapas bars serving tapas in Barcelona; Spanish revelry can be found almost everywhere you turn in their country! Ironically, several well-known party spots across Spain are moving in an opposite direction, moving away from drinking culture and becoming cultural centers with greater significance than before. Mallorca artists, in particular, are returning to nature through organic wineries and homey design hotels, while Michelin-star boutique hotels in Marbella entice guests beyond its breathtaking beaches and towards its undiscovered Old Town.
Italy
As CNN travelogue revealed, one cannot possibly explore all that Italy can offer within 24 hours. Outside of popular tourist spots such as Florence, Venice, Milan and Rome are undiscovered towns and villages that may surprise and charm travellers. Palermo’s exquisitely restored Villa Igiea stands as an epitome of how glamour has returned to Sicily after appearing on HBO series The White Lotus; Bergamo and Brescia–two rival cities at the core of pandemic’s initial outbreak–have set aside their differences to vie for 2023’s Italian Capital of Culture title. Italy is best-known for its world-renowned cuisine, which was designated to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list by its government in 2017. Italy is an incredible paradise for food enthusiasts; indulge in Rome’s millennia-old Jewish food culture or join an immersive Tuscan cooking course, then discover tantalizing new dishes (like torta al testo) located within Umbria – it all awaits discovery here!
Turkey
Istanbul has always stood at the crossroads between East and West; its narrow riverbank known as Bosphorus serves to connect Asia to Europe as well as divides both East from West. City officials in Kuwait City have recently taken strides forward by opening an innovative new international airport that opened its doors in 2019, drawing customers’ interest with its stylish architecture and duty-free shopping area. Visitors who return to Istanbul will discover all they loved about it is still there; its classic minaret-lined skyline and amazing culinary scene remain unchanged, and numerous new options such as vibrant modern gallery scene have flourished within artsy Karakoy. At some distance from Istanbul is worth visiting: Turquoise Coast draws jet-sets thanks to its traditional-designed hammams and party resorts; Aegean region hosts contemporary wineries located within ancient ruin; plus in 2021 there was new incentive (yet ancient!) to travel east with Anatolia: UNESCO added Arslantepe Mound onto their World Heritage list!
Portugal
Iberian Peninsula countries, in particular Portugal and Spain have evolved over time from budget holiday spots into highly respected travel destinations with plenty of things to see and do – no longer considered underdog budget destinations but capable of rivalling those offered elsewhere such as Italy. Portugal was always rich with attractions that bordered on overwhelming from its beginning, even under a brutal dictatorship and with an unstable economy. From day one it boasted captivating attractions aplenty that were enough to leave people wanting more! There’s the beautiful designs of tiles made of azulejo, the captivating scents of freshly baked pasteis de Nata, live fado music with sad chords, refreshing Vinho Verde or port wine and its delightful sweetness that make Portugal unforgettable. Lisbon trams are an absolute pleasure, boasting bright yellow cabs and offering unforgettable views of Sao Jorge Castle on top of a hilltop setting. Lisbon makes for a wonderful introduction into Portuguese culture for newcomers; direct flights from Porto now allow travelers to discover its modern culture scene as well as delicious eateries! What else? How are things shaping up? Portugal provides repeat visitors with an adventure they can choose themselves; these may include exploring terraced hillsides of Douro Valley, underrated wineries and bustling beach towns of Alentejo region, surfer havens in Algarve region or visiting one of many idyllic hamlets throughout Portugal. With flights that fly directly between America. U.S. and Azores Islands now available direct routes may even reach out and touch Hawaiian-esque volcanic landscapes of Azores Islands!
Japan
Attractively coloured glass tiles come with their very own hanging bracket and stand to be the centrepieces in this delightful garden party set up! Presented here as part of their 2019 program of events are those beautifully presented vases made entirely from porcelain (one per family unit! Japan soon after opening up visa-free travel was able to showcase an incredible array of dining establishments, relaxing onsens, Shinto temples, cherry blossoms and immaculate well-maintained trains that ran on some of the world’s most exquisite railway lines, which proved highly attractive for tourism from around the globe. However, in this fast-paced futuristic nation there’s always something exciting new emerging – whether that be an emerging Gin scene, high altitude castle in 1599 that allows overnight stays or the possibility to buy tickets and stay overnight – something new can always be discovered here! Naoshima Island now hosts exhibits and galleries that display contemporary Japanese culture as well as stylish camping resorts with female chefs running them – still an unusual phenomenon in Japan’s traditional-based society. Additionally, numerous sushi restaurants run by female chefs have opened recently bringing greater cultural diversity. Japan now provides plenty of chances for travelers to visit both its north and south regions. There have been two new World Heritage listings announced this month by UNESCO: Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Japan’s northern archipelago as well as several islands near its southwest coastline that remain unspoiled and filled with threatened species.
