National Geographic anoints top travel destinations for 2025 from Barbados to Boise (yes, the one in Idaho)

Next stop, the Spud State? National Geographic has published its annual list of “Best of the World” travel destinations for 2025 — and it’ll have you jetting everywhere from obscure Indonesian islands to less exotic locales, like Idaho.The picks reflect what the publication said is a hunger for more obscure destinations over the usual tourist haunts.

The pronouncement comes at a time of extreme fatigue related to overtourism in popular spots like Italy and Spain.An emphasis was placed, editors said, on “locations where visitors are welcomed and support the destination’s environment and community.”The rationale is that visiting these specific destinations will be “beneficial for both locals and travelers,” they said.“I like to think of Best of the World as National Geographic’s annual invitation to get out and explore for yourself the incredible diversity of places and experiences around the world,” said editor-in-chief Nathan Lump, who added, “that through travel, we can connect with joy and hope.”Here is a glimpse at some of the more unexpected picks on the lengthy list.This beautiful archipelago is making a splash for having thousands of reef fish, manta rays, dugongs, zebra sharks, plus 500 coral species.

And, the highly remote region is becoming more accessible to adventurers as yacht tours are slated for 2025.National Geographic tapped Idaho’s fast-growing capital as a center of Basque-American culture, dating back to the 1800s.Join the locals as they celebrate their heritage during next year’s Jaialdi festival, returning after a ten-year hiatus.Linger for the lingonberries.

The 30,000 islands that comprise the Stockholm Archipelago are an enchanting and cozy opportunity for a unique take on Nordic life, according to the outlet.It’s best to go between late summer and early fall, a time locals call the magic season for being still warm but very calm.The Caribbean island is taking new initiatives to revisit, in an inform...