Picture this: your suitcase is partly packed, your playlist is already on repeat, and your mind is drifting toward far-flung horizons. The countdown to the end of 2025 is ticking, but the globe is still wide open—an endless list of places where adventure, culture, and serenity wait.
Maybe you crave the drama of mountain peaks, the warmth of a sun-washed beach, or the buzz of a city that never seems to sleep. Perhaps you’re after that one trip you’ll still be telling stories about years from now, with photos that stop friends mid-scroll.
The clock is running, so here are ten destinations to set your sights on before the year wraps up. I’ll walk you through how to get there, where to stay, and what to do once you’ve arrived.
Hotels (Top 4 Picks)
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Bali
- The Mulia, Nusa Dua – Bali
- The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Experiences (Top 4 on GetYourGuide)
- Paris: Louvre Reserved Access and Boat Cruise
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour with Gardens Access
- Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit or 2nd Floor Access
- Best Bits of Paris: 40 Favourites Walking Tour
1. Bali, Indonesia
How to Get to Bali
Most visitors arrive via Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Direct flights are plentiful from hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha, which makes Bali far more accessible than many travelers expect.
Where to Stay
For serene luxury tucked into the jungle, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers villas overlooking rice paddies. If you’d rather wake up to waves, The Mulia in Nusa Dua blends grandeur with ocean views. Clifftop rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali bring dramatic vistas, while Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay is famous for its private pools and unbeatable sunsets.
Best Things to Do in Bali
Start the morning with a trek up Mount Batur to watch the sun push through clouds. Visit the photogenic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, floating on a lake in the highlands. Ubud’s rice terraces and spas make the perfect mid-trip recharge, while Seminyak’s beach bars and Canggu’s surf breaks offer that signature Bali energy.
2. Paris, France
How to Get to Paris
International flights touch down at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. The RER train zips you downtown, though a taxi ride past the Eiffel Tower is a pretty great first impression, too.
Where to Stay
Parisian stays run the gamut: boutique hotels in Le Marais, sleek hideaways on the Left Bank, and Belle Époque grande dames near the Champs-Élysées. Many come with balcony views of the city’s rooftops—or the tower itself if you’re lucky.
Best Things to Do in Paris
Cruise the Seine after a priority visit to the Louvre on this combined boat and museum experience. Step into royal shoes with a skip-the-line Versailles tour, or climb the Eiffel Tower to its summit for a view that never gets old. If you’d rather wander, the Best Bits walking tour strings together 40 of the city’s icons in one afternoon.
3. Kyoto, Japan
How to Get to Kyoto
Fly into Kansai International near Osaka, then hop on the shinkansen to reach Kyoto in under an hour. The ride itself is part of the experience.
Where to Stay
Kyoto is known for its ryokans—traditional inns with tatami floors and hot spring baths. Many are tucked into neighborhoods near famous shrines. For extra comfort, modern hotels around Kyoto Station make exploring easy.
Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Wander the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit the shimmering Golden Pavilion, and take part in a tea ceremony. In spring, cherry blossoms blanket the Philosopher’s Path, while autumn brings fiery maples to temple gardens.
4. Montana, USA (Bozeman & Big Sky)
How to Get to Montana
Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. From there, Big Sky and Yellowstone are within easy reach by car.
Where to Stay
Choose between rustic mountain lodges, cozy cabins, or upscale resorts that cater to skiers and hikers alike. Many offer fireplaces and sweeping alpine views.
Best Things to Do in Montana
Hit the slopes in winter or hike alpine trails in summer. Yellowstone National Park dazzles with geysers, bison, and canyons. Fishing, rafting, and horseback riding round out the experience for those who love the outdoors.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
How to Get to Edinburgh
Flights land at Edinburgh Airport, with easy tram rides into the city. The approach over the Firth of Forth alone feels like a preview of the drama ahead.
Where to Stay
Stay in a castle-view hotel along Princes Street or choose a stone-walled B&B tucked into one of the Royal Mile’s secret closes. Many historic guesthouses make you feel part of the city’s layered story from the moment you arrive.
Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
Climb Arthur’s Seat for a sweeping view of rooftops and sea. Step back in time at Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a volcanic rock. Brave a late-night ghost tour through underground vaults, or time your trip to catch the world-famous Festival Fringe, where comedy, music, and theater spill into every street corner.
6. New York City, USA
How to Get to NYC
With three international airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—it’s easy to find a direct flight from nearly anywhere.
Where to Stay
Choices are endless. Think boutique lofts in SoHo, glass-clad skyscraper hotels in Midtown, or stylish brownstone apartments in Brooklyn; you can book for a local feel.
Best Things to Do in NYC
Catch a Broadway show, stand atop the One World Observatory, or stroll Central Park with a bagel in hand. The city was recently crowned the number-one U.S. destination of 2025 by TripAdvisor, proving that the Big Apple keeps its bite.
7. Patagonia (Chile & Argentina)
How to Get to Patagonia
Travelers usually fly into Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina. From there, buses and tours connect to the remote national parks.
Where to Stay
Eco-lodges scattered around Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares provide warm meals and panoramic windows overlooking snow-capped peaks.
Best Things to Do in Patagonia
Trek the W Circuit in Torres del Paine, witness glaciers calving into turquoise lakes, and ride horseback across endless pampas. Patagonia’s raw beauty has a way of making travelers feel both small and infinite at the same time.
8. Albania
How to Get to Albania
Most visitors land in Tirana. From there, a rental car unlocks both rugged mountains and the sparkling Adriatic coast.
Where to Stay
Boutique hotels line the seaside towns of Sarandë and Ksamil, while stone guesthouses in Berat and Gjirokastër let you live inside history.
Best Things to Do in Albania
Swim in the electric-blue waters of the Albanian Riviera, wander ancient ruins like Butrint, or sip coffee in Tirana’s vibrant cafes. Albania’s tourism has soared recently, and it’s easy to see why.
9. Romania
How to Get to Romania
Most international flights land in Bucharest. From there, trains cut through valleys and mountains, making the journey as scenic as the destination.
Where to Stay
Guesthouses in medieval towns like Sighisoara feel like stepping into a fairy tale, while modern hotels in Bucharest provide comfort with a contemporary twist.
Best Things to Do in Romania
Explore Bran Castle, often linked with Dracula’s legend, or admire the ornate interiors of Peles Castle. The Carpathian Mountains are perfect for hiking, while painted monasteries in Bucovina showcase centuries-old artistry. Romania’s charm lies in its blend of folklore, history, and nature.
10. Sardinia, Italy
How to Get to Sardinia
Flights from Rome, Milan, or major European cities arrive in Olbia and Cagliari. Ferries from mainland Italy are another scenic option.
Where to Stay
Sardinia’s coast is dotted with villas and cliffside hotels, many just steps from turquoise water. Rustic agriturismos inland offer homemade meals and warm hospitality.
Best Things to Do in Sardinia
Swim at Cala Goloritzé, explore Bronze Age nuraghe ruins, or feast on seafood paired with local Cannonau wine. The island’s mix of beach life, history, and cuisine makes it one of Europe’s most rewarding escapes.
Final Thoughts
Ten destinations, each with its own rhythm and allure, are waiting for you to step into before the clock runs out on 2025. Whether it’s Bali’s temples, Paris’s boulevards, Patagonia’s peaks, or the buzz of New York City, each place gives you more than just sights—it gifts you stories. So pack that bag, book that ticket, and let the rest of the year unfold in places that will linger long after you’ve returned home.