Top 10 Places to Visit in the World in 2025 (According to Travellers)

Remember that travelling feeling? The one right after the plane safely lands, and everyone’s already halfway out of their seats, waiting for the moment the seatbelt sign turns green. The feeling of being 50% tired, 50% thrilled, and somewhat unprepared.

You already know you’re in for an adventure, packed with unforgettable views, random chats in broken English, and odd detours that somehow become trip highlights.

When it comes to deciding on your next destination, there are a million places to visit. Do you head somewhere cheap? Somewhere beautiful? Somewhere with excellent food and an okay WiFi connection? Ideally, it’s all of the above.

To make this compilation as authentic as possible, we asked the top travel enthusiasts on our team about what spots had really stuck with them. Locations they’d revisit in a heartbeat if given the chance.

Here’s what they said…

1. Japan

Inner Peace, Quirky Traditions, and Outrageously Good Food

Japan gets under your skin in the best way. You think you're ready for it, but you're not. One moment, you’re elbow-deep in Tokyo vending machines. Next, you're sipping tea in a peaceful bamboo grove, where you can literally hear your own thoughts.

The food? Outrageous. Outrageously good, that is. Conveyor-belt sushi that becomes your obsession for the duration of your stay. Bowls of ramen that arrive piping hot and vanish in minutes. And convenience store egg sandwiches that are somehow better than anything you’ve ever made yourself.

When visiting Japan, don’t hesitate to go beyond the big cities. While big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are iconic, consider visiting the picturesque little towns of Takayama or Nara. These destinations are where the real magic lives (especially in winter, when the air smells like cedar and there’s a decent chance you’ll spot snow monkeys).

You’ll also come across Buddhist temples, serene old city districts, and plenty of cultural experiences along the way.

2. Portugal

Perfect For Travellers Seeking Beach Days and Big Plates

Lisbon, the capital city, is full of street music and old tram wheels. The old quarter is laid-back and authentic; even the statues seem moments away from relaxing with a glass of wine in hand.

Portugal is forgiving on the wallet, too. It’s cheaper than most of Western Europe, with better coffee and fewer crowds (depending on where you go). The Algarve is all golden beaches, fishing villages, and surf towns, while Porto has this overcast, moody charm that somehow works better with a custard tart in hand.

The country moves slow. Meals stretch out. Walks become wanders. You go for a coffee and wind up watching the ocean for three hours. No one rushes you. The locals will stop what they’re doing to help, offer directions, or tell you where to find the best sardines.

Portugal is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. If you're lucky, you’ll stumble upon tucked-away olive groves or take scenic short hikes with endless coastal views.

3. South Korea

Tech, Temples and Fried Chicken at 2 AM

Seoul hits you like an energy drink. It’s loud, fast, and somehow perfectly organised at the same time. The metro system makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re eating ice cream at 4 am outside of a 24/7 convenience store. Live music spills out of laneways and neon-lit bars.

Then you hike up a hill, and suddenly everything is quiet. Buddhist temples with curled rooftops sit quietly under pine trees. You hear chanting, smell incense, and forget you’re in a mega-city with 9 million people.

Korean food? Incredible. Tteokbokki that will make you hiccup for ten minutes because of how fast you gulped it down. Cold noodles that tickle your tastebuds. Barbecue that might convert you into a protein lover for life. The fried chicken here? Not just overhyped. It’s a travelers choice awards level of good!

Beyond Seoul, there are green spaces, hot springs, quirky art deco cafés, and hiking trails that bring you face-to-face with untouched nature. A trip here strikes a balance between modern and traditional elements.

4. Argentina

Big Landscapes and Even Bigger Steaks

Argentina stretches wide in every sense. From the subtropical north to icy southern mountain peaks, it’s got range.

Buenos Aires is pure character: cobblestone streets, art galleries, steak dinners at midnight, and bookstores hidden inside old theatres. It's rich in vibrant culture, and if you're a fan of fine dining, this is the place for you.

Then there’s Patagonia. You wake up, sip your instant coffee, and walk straight into the kind of stunning landscapes that overwhelm your brain a little. Vast skies, sharp winds, and condors that seem to be judging your hiking form.

Overall, Argentina is great for outdoor activities, long road trips, and quiet moments. However, a trusty Travel e-SIM goes a long way if you're trying to Google your way out of a mountain town or book a hostel in Bariloche. It's a wild, beautiful slice of South America that doesn’t apologise for its size.

5. Jordan

Ancient Ruins and Desert Silence

Jordan’s full of surprises. The tea’s sweeter than you expect, and the people are even warmer.

Petra is the big draw, and rightly so. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that really delivers. That walk through the Siq? Get ready for some major goosebumps. The ancient ruins are cinematic yet real, and they hold stories that date back to ancient civilizations.

Wadi Rum resembles Mars, but with better food and no need for helmets. It’s perfect for history buffs, desert lovers, and stargazers. However, don’t expect full bars of signal or strong WiFi. It’s smart to sort your e-SIM early, especially if you’re planning on posting a pic and captioning it as: "Just rode a sandworm!"

6. Mexico

Food That Raises Your Standards

Mexico doesn’t ask for your attention. It grabs attention with its loud, colourful, and layered design. You’ll eat tacos under fairy lights in Mexico City, then see a donkey wandering through a fishing village like it’s running for mayor.

The food? Not fair to the rest of the world. Fresh tortillas puffing on a grill. Salsas that slap. Fruit so sweet you’ll assume it’s been tampered with. And if you think tacos are a casual snack, wait until you visit a proper taquería during high season.

You’ll also find art scenes and history woven into every city and town. Oaxaca is a fascinating place, and even the smallest pueblos offer more cultural experiences than some Western cities. Just be ready to let go of your schedule and trust the process.

7. Georgia (The Country)

Good Wine, Mountains, and Chaos You’ll Grow to Love

Georgia remains under the radar, but it's sure to match your expectations. And then do a back flip and completely exceed them.

Someone described Tbilisi as a half-finished novel, and it still sounded like a compliment. The city is packed with colourful balconies, graffiti, old Ladas, and wine bars carved into basements. Every corner has a secret. And the people? They’ll toast to anything. Literally. Friendship, good weather, your face. Doesn’t matter.

Up in Svaneti, the roads make you pray, but the views pay you back in full. You’ll see well preserved medieval towers, sleepy cows, and dramatic snow-covered peaks. Ideal for short hikes, photography, or just sitting on a step with a glass of homemade wine.

For those chasing the unusual, this country is the travel jackpot. Few places balance chaos and charm as well as this one.

8. Sri Lanka

Tea Hills, Trains and Coastal Adventures

Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise that costs less than you think and offers more than you expect.

One day, you’re riding a rusted train through rice terraces and misty hills. Next, you’re at the beach, dodging monkeys and slapping on aloe. There’s a reason this island has started creeping onto every serious travel bucket list.

The food? Simple and spicy. Egg hoppers in the morning, dhal with everything, and mangoes so good they count as dessert.

Kandy and Ella offer some of the best green spaces for wandering and slow mornings. And if you’re into zip lining, waterfalls, or wildlife enthusiasts moments (hello, elephants), head to the interior.

Don’t rely on perfect infrastructure. Embrace the chaos. And yes: get your SIM sorted before the monkeys steal your snacks.

9. Turkey

Street Food, Sea Breezes and Stray Cats

Turkey is generous. With flavour, history, and surprises. Istanbul is a sensory parade: roasting chestnuts, honking ferries, coffee so strong it will launch you into orbit.

You’ll wander through world class museums, stumble into historical sites, and eat things you can’t pronounce but will never forget. One bite of unexpected fine dining in a side alley, and you’re hooked.

Down south, places like Kaş and Fethiye offer picturesque beaches, bright water, and quiet moments. Cappadocia feels like a fairytale: hot air balloon shadows on rocky valleys, and a sunrise that seems to pull you in. You’ll feel like you’re living inside a dream.

The contrast of natural beauty and rich history here is addictive. And whether you're into ruins, ruins-turned-wine-bars, or ancient cats stealing your breakfast, Turkey delivers.

10. The Philippines

Island Hopping Without the Price Tag

The Philippines isn’t a place. It’s 7,000+ places. Each island has its own unique attitude. Some are relaxed, some are more active, and some feel like an abandoned film set for a romcom that never got made (this hypothetical was too funny to discard).

Palawan will seduce. Bohol will charm you. Siargao is all about hammocks, mopeds, and boards stuck in the sand. It’s paradise, but unfiltered. The kind with pristine beaches, karaoke at midnight, and no one remembering what day it is.

You’ll find coral reefs off every coast, deserted beaches if you ask around, and endless opportunities for boat trips. The real beauty? It’s still possible to find quiet corners, even in the busiest areas.

WiFi’s flaky. Ferries are late. But the views make you forget your plans. And if you’re lucky, you’ll leave with a tan, a scooter bruise, and a friend named JR who owns three boats and a bar with a broken jukebox.

More Iconic Destinations: An Honourable Mention from ZenSim

Unfortunately, this is a “top ten” list, so we could only list ten destinations. And while those spots hit hard for adventurers and slow travellers, there’s a whole bunch we left out because they're already tattooed on the walls of every airport lounge. You know the ones. The classics.

So, just to do them justice, here’s a quick shout-out to a few of the best destinations worthy of adding to your bucket list:

• Paris, France – Bit of a cliché? Maybe. Still, standing under the Eiffel Tower with a warm baguette and zero plan feels oddly right. France's iconic capital city is full of world class museums, lazy afternoons, and the kind of art galleries where no one talks above a whisper. And, yes, we know the Eternal City is technically Rome, but Paris wears that title quite well.
• New Zealand’s South Island – If you want a magical place, head over to New Zealand. You'll quickly find yourself surrounded by mountains, lakes and fluffy sheep. Locals recommend “quick walks” that somehow turn into alpine missions, and everywhere you look is just... big. There’s natural beauty in every direction, and the kind of stunning landscapes that make you question what your phone camera’s even doing. Remember to bring snacks. And layers.
• Dubai, UAE – Loud. Flashy. Ridiculously hot. Beautiful beaches. But there’s something kind of fascinating about it. Wander around Dubai Creek, disappear into some air-conditioned corner of a world class shopping centre, and then end up drinking mint tea in a gold market you didn’t mean to find. It’s a bit much. But in a good way.
• Bali, Indonesia – Bali is one of the most hyped-up places to visit, yet it still somehow manages to surprise you. The air smells like incense and engine oil. You’ll pass a diverse array of temples on the way to breakfast and still stop to gaze at one more. Perfect relaxed days, surfy types, lovers of ancient temples, and off-switch moments, Bali gets it right.
• Australia’s Northern Territory – Hot. Empty. Brilliant. A refreshing alternative to going on another trip to the Sydney Opera House. There are national parks the size of small countries, and sunsets that hit different when you haven’t seen a proper building in a few days. Take your time out here. The North doesn’t do fast, and, honestly, neither should you.
• The Grand Canyon, USA – Doesn’t matter how many photos you’ve seen of the surrounding scenery. The Grand Canyon still knocks the wind out of you. If you make it down to the Colorado River, good on you. If not, just standing near the edge is plenty. And if you've already made it to the US, why not head to Arizona and explore another natural wonder, Monument Valley?
• Barcelona, Spain – Loud, messy, brilliant, all in equal measure. That's the capital city of Spain for you. Tapas at 9 pm, bottles of wine you don’t remember ordering, and alleyways that always seem to lead to another plaza. Park Güell is quirky, but in the best way. If you like cultural history and arts scenes but also value three hearty meals a day, Barcelona’s your spot.
• Banff National Park, Canada - One of the most picturesque national parks, even when it’s raining cats and dogs. You’ll see a lake, think it’s too blue to be a real lake, and then stumble onto another one that’s somehow even more scenic. Banff will charm you with its cold air, early starts, sore legs, and natural wonders you feel like gatekeeping.
• Italy’s World Heritage Sites - Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. Venice, Naples, Florence... even the highways are photogenic. From crumbling ancient ruins to polished coastlines and absurdly good pasta, this country knows how to show off. No surprise it’s stacked with world heritage sites.
• Norway’s Northern Lights - You wait. Then you wait some more. Maybe you’re freezing. Maybe you’re a little grumpy. But when it happens, when the sky turns green and starts to shimmer, you forget all of it. No noise. Just light. Just you, looking up at one of the most unforgettable natural wonders of the world.

Everyone’s travel bucket list is never finished — there’s always another adventure waiting.

A Final Thought Before You Book

You don’t need to tick off all ten. Pick one — or none. Go somewhere you’ve never heard of and see what happens.

The world is big. Messy. Friendly. Wild. Sometimes you end up at the Eiffel Tower; other times you’re in a tuk-tuk near a national park, unsure if the driver actually knows where you’re going. Either way, it’s worth it.

Just don’t forget to sort your ZenSim Travel e-SIM before boarding. It won’t save you from missed buses or sunburn, but it’ll help you find your way back, locate your pre-booked wine tasting session, or at least load a map when you need it most.