This is the year to venture further afield. For some, that might mean a trip to the wintry landscapes of Greenland, making stops along the Silk Road, or exploring the heart of West Africa's history. For others, it could be a visit to Japan's "third city," swimming through Sydney's seafood scene, or spending more than just a stopover in the creatively electric Cairo. Perhaps it means choosing a cooler European summer in northern Spain and the Scottish Highlands or making Vietnam the centerpiece of a Southeast Asian itinerary. It could even be as simple as a subway ride from downtown to the Upper East Side, which, for some New Yorkers, feels as far-flung as anywhere.
While we acknowledge that the barrage of "where to go" lists published at this time of year can often seem arbitrary (sometimes a single hotel, gallery, or restaurant doesn’t necessarily justify a place being deemed a hot destination), we strive to strike a balance. The destinations listed below are those we believe possess either a palpable sense of energy and timeliness or the allure of timelessness. Ideally, they have both. However, take this as just our mix of observations — after all, it is your travel life, and we are simply here to keep you curious about where you might want to go next…
Where and when to go in 2025
January: Benin, West Africa
The rightful return of notable artifacts and bronzes looted during the colonial era has reignited global interest in the vivid history of regal Benin. This cultural renaissance sees it join a rising tide of dynamism in West Africa as seen through its vibrant arts, music, fashion, and burgeoning ecotourism scene. Be sure to take in the region's ancient statues as well as works by contemporary artisans through the new Museum of West African Art, opening this year in Benin City under the design of architect David Adjaye.
February: Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum has finally been unsealed, a fleet of new feluccas are setting sail, and the mud brick candle-lit desert oasis of Siwa is calling. But above all, it is the creative class of magnetic Cairo bringing the country into a new age — one example resulting in the new touring collective Egypt Beyond. A collection of Egypt’s most unique properties and authentic experiences around various locations, it promises to give travelers a way to experience the country outside the confines of the more traditional tours that have dominated the scene for close to a century.
March: Vietnam
Marking fifty years since the fall of Saigon, the Southeast Asian country is now a powerhouse of culture and commerce. The bright flavors of their food and enduring cultural celebrations like the monthly Hội An Lantern Festival have made it a perennial destination, with an alluringly modern street life that sizzles. Hotel openings to look forward to? The Four Seasons Nam Hai in Hoi An has undergone a recent refresh, sprucing up one of the city’s grandest stays and bringing it into a new era.
April: Osaka, Japan
The nation’s third largest city comes into focus as the host city for the World Expo 2025 as it begins to forge an identity unique to its more familiar rivals. It stands out for its nightlife, its status as “Japan’s Kitchen,” and for the Nemophila Festival where vast fields are covered not in the signature pink blossoms but in millions of tiny, bright blue flowers — only in bloom for these few precious weeks. On the hotel front, a new Four Seasons with an entire floor designed in the style of the traditional ryokan just opened its doors. Moving further south, only a 2.5 hour train ride away is the island of Kyushu, where travelers can experience the Mirukashi Salon — countryside culinary sessions educating travelers on the region’s unique terroir.
May: Upper East Side, NYC
The Frick Collection reopens in a newly renovated space and The Metropolitan Museum’s latest wing, dedicated to Modern and contemporary art, expands its collection with newly renovated galleries designed by Mexican architect Frida Escobedo. Robin Birley’s private club brings Mayfair buzz to the Upper East Side and new hospitality concepts like the reopened and much talked about restaurant Le Veau d’Or, The Surrey hotel (home to Casa Tua’s newest New York outpost), piano lounge Le Bar Penelope, and glossy retail experiences — contemporary fashion labels like Toteme or luxury outposts like book publisher Assouline’s new shop are bringing the energy back to the East.
June: Greenland, Arctic Circle
An Arctic final frontier, where you can witness polar bears in their natural habitat and celebrate the return of sunlight with kaffemik gatherings — a tradition of storytelling and hospitality — is now more accessible than ever before. The new airport in Nuuk is expanding their direct flights beginning this summer. Stateside visitors can experience the rugged wonderland of the country with fresh ease, visiting untouched hideaways like Ilimanaq Lodge, known for its culinary legacy. Formerly hosting Koks, the first restaurant in Greenland to be awarded a Michelin star, the property is set to reopen their Restaurant Egede — continuing their commitment to cuisine.
July: Gobi Desert, Mongolia
In summer, tented camps become a hub of traditional Mongol culture, with the Naadam Festival featuring archery, wrestling, and horse racing and the Tsaatan Reindeer Festival — a spiritual celebration from the nomadic Tsaatan people. Identifying as “the last great riding country,” the country solidifies itself as the premier horseback riding destination in Eastern Asia through rebranding its GK Polo Club to the amped up Genghis Khan Retreat. Now with increased accessibility to the region, it’s never been a better place to grow one’s equestrian skills.
