The 5 best places to travel

From bubblegum-pink lakes in Australia to a solar-powered safari lodge in Botswana, these are the BBC’s top travel destinations of the year.

Travel can connect us, inspire us, and even transform the way we see the world. Standing at the edge of a thundering waterfall in Newfoundland or climbing the jagged peaks of the Italian Dolomites reminds us of the planet’s raw beauty. But while travel can be a powerful force for good, recent years have also shown how it can strain fragile ecosystems and cultural landmarks. As overtourism continues to take a toll, many popular destinations are imposing new limits to protect what makes them special.

In response, the BBC has released its first-ever guide to the best places to travel this year—highlighting 5 destinations that are not only welcoming visitors, but also using tourism to benefit local communities, conserve natural environments, and preserve cultural heritage. The list draws on insights from BBC Travel journalists and leading sustainable tourism experts, including the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance, and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

With global tourism rebounding beyond pre-pandemic levels and climate change threatening some of the world’s most iconic sites, choosing where and how to travel matters more than ever. Thoughtful travel means exploring places where your presence can contribute to long-term sustainability.

1. Dominica
Dream of swimming alongside sperm whales? In Dominica, that dream is becoming a reality—ethically and sustainably. The Caribbean island has launched the world’s first sperm whale reserve, a protected marine zone dedicated to safeguarding these majestic creatures. With strictly limited permits, visitors can now enjoy respectful, close encounters with resident whales—an unforgettable experience that also supports marine research and empowers local communities through sustainable tourism.

In 2025, Dominica is enhancing its appeal with expanded visitor infrastructure. Travelers will benefit from streamlined digital immigration forms and a new cable car system connecting Roseau Valley to Boiling Lake, one of the world’s largest thermal springs. Getting there is easier than ever: along with existing American Airlines flights from Miami, United Airlines begins direct service from Newark on 15 February. The island’s accommodation options are also growing, with nearly 500 new hotel rooms opening in 2025—a 25% increase—including the luxurious six-star Hilton Tranquility Beach Resort and Spa in Salisbury. For those seeking an eco-luxury classic, Secret Bay remains a top-tier option, frequently recognized for its sustainability leadership.

Dominica is also the base of Project CETI, a groundbreaking international initiative aimed at decoding the language of sperm whales through their clicks and codas. Led by National Geographic Explorer David Gruber, the project underscores the island’s role at the cutting edge of marine science and conservation. Beyond the ocean, visitors can uncover hidden gorges, dramatic waterfalls, and savour local flavours at distinctive spots like Lacou, a standout farm-to-table restaurant.

Dominica isn’t just a place to visit—it’s part of a growing eco-tourism movement that harmonizes biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic development. Every adventure here contributes to the island’s long-term mission: to protect its extraordinary natural heritage while empowering local communities for generations to come. – Pier Nirandara

2. Naoshima, Japan
Once an obscure island marked by a polluting copper smelter, Naoshima has reinvented itself as a global beacon of contemporary art and architecture. Anchored by Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow polka-dotted Pumpkin and transformed through the vision of Benesse Art Site Naoshima, the island is now a must-visit for art lovers. Nestled in Japan’s tranquil Seto Inland Sea, between Honshu and Shikoku, Naoshima’s creative revival has sparked a broader cultural renaissance throughout the region.

In spring 2025, the much-anticipated Naoshima New Museum of Art—designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, who already has nine projects on the island—will open its doors. The museum will spotlight contemporary works by Asian artists and serve as a central attraction during the Setouchi Triennale, Japan’s premier contemporary art festival. Spanning 100 days across spring, summer, and autumn, the 2025 edition is set to be the largest yet, featuring new art installations across 17 islands and coastal towns.

Beyond Naoshima, visitors can explore neighboring Teshima, home to the ethereal Teshima Art Museum—a seamless blend of art, architecture, and landscape by Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa. On Inujima, the ruins of a historic copper refinery have been transformed into a dramatic, immersive art space.

For accommodation, consider Roka, a sleek, modern ryokan in Naoshima, or the refined Espoir Inn on Teshima, which offers minimalist elegance and easy access to nearby installations.

– Simon Richmond

3. The Dolomites, Italy
Italy is never short on global attention—especially in 2025, when Rome is expected to draw even larger crowds for the Jubilee Year. But for travelers looking to escape the throngs while still soaking in the country’s magic, the Dolomite Mountains offer a refreshing detour to the north.

For Italians, the Dolomites are a beloved retreat—a rugged alpine paradise known for family getaways, luxury escapes, and year-round adventure. Stretching across the regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, these jagged limestone peaks are home to storybook villages, legendary ski resorts (especially during the “white week” holidays), challenging hiking trails, and hearty Alpine cuisine that rivals any in Europe.

Despite their popularity with domestic tourists, the Dolomites remain something of a hidden gem for international travelers—a fact that’s likely to change as more people seek out less-crowded, high-impact travel experiences. Whether you're carving down powdery slopes in winter or trekking wildflower-filled meadows in summer, this UNESCO-listed mountain range delivers Italy in a whole new light.

The Dolomites, Italy
Cortina d'Ampezzo, known as the "Queen of the Dolomites," is gearing up to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, bringing a wave of excitement and infrastructure improvements throughout 2025. As the countdown to the Olympics begins, visitors to the Dolomites can expect enhanced ski lift networks in the Dolomiti Superski area. Towns like Alta Badia and Val Gardena are launching upgraded lifts and improved public transit connections, while new cable cars, gondolas, and lifts will be introduced across the region, making the area even more accessible.

However, the Dolomites aren’t just a winter wonderland. Year-round, this majestic mountain range offers breathtaking landscapes and exhilarating outdoor adventures. In spring, summer, and autumn, hikers can explore exceptional trails, like the Cammino Retico (The Rhaetian Way), a new 170km, seven-day trek connecting remote villages between the Veneto and Trentino regions.

For those seeking rest and luxury, the renowned Aman Rosa Alpina hotel will reopen in 2025 after a major renovation, offering 51 guest rooms, two presidential suites, and the exclusive Chalet Zeno. With its blend of relaxation and adventure, now is the perfect time to visit the Dolomites—before the crowds of the Winter Olympics arrive.

– Eva Sandoval

4. Greenland
There’s nowhere quite like Greenland. Spanning over two million square kilometers, the world’s largest island is home to fewer than 57,000 people, making it a land of vast, untouched beauty. With its massive ice cap, towering mountains, and dramatic fjords, Greenland offers some of the world’s most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it more than just a coveted geopolitical location—it’s a bucket-list destination for adventurers.

Greenland offers a wealth of experiences throughout the year. In summer, visitors can enjoy stunning hikes and incredible whale watching, while winter brings the excitement of dog sledding and the chance to witness the magical aurora borealis. However, Greenland’s remote location and high travel costs have long been obstacles—until now.

With the opening of a new international airport in Nuuk, the capital city, and the promise of two more airports by 2026, reaching Greenland is now easier than ever. The country is welcoming mindful adventure travelers who are eager to explore while respecting Greenland’s pristine nature and rich Inuit culture. Greenland is also committed to sustainable tourism, with a new law designed to direct tourism funds toward benefiting local communities.

Nuuk, a vibrant town with a historic waterfront, informative museums, and art galleries, is the perfect base for hiking, fishing, and glamping excursions. It’s also the gateway to exploring the stunning Arctic territory. Farther north, Ilulissat offers jaw-dropping views of the icebergs in Disko Bay and the UNESCO-recognized Icefjord. In the south, visitors can explore scenic fjords, rolling green hills, and historic Viking settlements—alongside charming sheep farms.

– Adrienne Murray Nielsen

5. Wales
Though it’s just one-sixth the size of England and often overshadowed by its more famous UK neighbors, Wales is a hidden gem filled with breathtaking national parks, awe-inspiring medieval castles, and an unmistakable sense of solitude—perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds. In 2025, Wales has even more reason to be on your radar as it celebrates the Year of Croeso ("Welcome"), a year-long celebration of Welsh culture, language, and hospitality. The campaign invites visitors to "Feel the hwyl"—a unique Welsh word that captures a deep, joyful sense of being fully immersed in the present moment.

In recent years, Wales has emerged as a leader in sustainable travel, blending cultural experiences with environmental responsibility. Tourism has played a significant role in revitalizing the Welsh language, and the nation is currently investing £5 billion into a multi-year initiative to make its destinations more eco-friendly. As part of the Year of Croeso, Wales is also rolling out mobility bikes to help more travelers access the country’s wild, rugged beauty.

One of Wales’ standout attractions is the Wales Coast Path, the world’s only hiking trail that runs the entire length of a country’s coastline—making it a must-see for avid adventurers. Whether you're exploring its dramatic landscapes or immersing yourself in its rich culture, Wales offers a travel experience that’s both enriching and environmentally conscious.

– Eliot Stein