Air travel is expected to soar in 2025, reflecting our unquenchable desire for exploration around the globe.
Like many, I maintain a comprehensive list of places I wish to discover in the coming year. Some locations are selected for their stunning views or exquisite culinary offerings. Yet, it is cultural immersion that truly inspires my travels. I enjoy engaging in community-based activities that connect me with locals, allowing me to ensure that my travel expenses support them and enhance my appreciation of their customs.
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This philosophy makes my travels both enjoyable and sustainable; I aim to strike that balance with every journey.
With this perspective, here’s where I hope to travel to in 2025 — alongside the cultural experiences I can’t wait to experience in each destination.
Egypt
The majestic pyramids of Giza loom over the gardens of the Mena House hotel in Cairo, Egypt. Image: Shawn Baldwin/Bloomberg
Egypt.
Naturally, I would visit the renowned pyramids of Giza and the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum. Following that, I would make my way to Aswan, situated along the Nile in southern Egypt, to explore Nubian villages famed for their vibrant murals, blue-and-orange mud houses, riverside cafes, and bustling local markets.
Read: A 3,000-year-old ‘lost city’ may provide a new boost for Egypt tourism
On Agilkia Island, I would visit the temple of Isis, the goddess linked to magic and fertility, who holds an important place in Egyptian mythology. Next, I would head to Abu Simbel, famed for the colossal statues and temples erected by Ramses II. I would also treat myself to a stay at Luxor’s Hotel Al Moudira, highlighted in our Where to Go in 2025 guide, allowing me some much-needed relaxation after my explorations.
The cultural experience I’m most excited about: a day trip to Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center in Harrania village, Giza, where I will witness and learn from female artisans who create stunning handwoven tapestries. The setting is beautiful, and it provides an opportunity to acquire a distinctive souvenir or gift.
Greece
Image: Shutterstock
The Greek islands have piqued my interest primarily because I have a friend in Athens, but the appeal of indulging in exquisite mezes, gyros, and baklava is undeniably enticing as well.
I’m particularly drawn to the idea of skipping Santorini and Mykonos to explore the tranquil island of Paros, a recommendation from my Pursuits colleagues. The rocky beach coves along the Aegean Sea look stunning, and I’m eager to visit local taverns as well as the car-free village of Lefkes in central Paros, known for its charming Cycladic architecture featuring whitewashed walls and blue-hued shutters.
Though, I’d gladly venture on a long weekend trip to Athens, staying at a hotel along the Athens Riviera. United Airlines has a solid summer transatlantic flight schedule from Newark, New Jersey, to the Greek capital, starting March 6.
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With new coastal hotels just a short drive away, it’s straightforward to plan both urban and beach getaways in a single trip before the peak tourist season begins.
The cultural experience I am eager to enjoy: a pottery-making workshop with Volto, a design and art space located in Antiparos village. This will let guests delve into pottery history while learning fundamental techniques. By the end of the workshop, participants will paint and finish a piece to take home as a unique keepsake.
Japan
Visitors near the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto, Japan. Image: Buddhika Weerasinghe/Bloomberg
Fun fact: I completed enough Japanese language classes in college to communicate effectively, but I’ve yet to set foot in the country, and I believe it’s time for a visit.
October would be an ideal month to go — it’s when Japan showcases its stunning autumn foliage, a local favorite that rivals the cherry blossom season. This tradition is called momijigari, meaning “red leaf hunting.” I would also attend the Expo 2025, centering on sustainable innovations — a subject that particularly captivates me.
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Read: Disney ventures into the cruise industry with a new Japan-based liner
For anyone visiting Japan for the first time, trying sushi at Tokyo’s fish markets and experiencing a night in a traditional Japanese inn is a must. I plan to check both off my list. Additionally, I’m looking forward to riding the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyushu, as suggested by Pursuits’ Brandon Presser, to enjoy a stay in the famed hot springs resort towns of Beppu or Yufuin, where I also hope to enjoy onsens and authentic Fukuoka tonkotsu ramen. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
The cultural experience I intend to pursue: a self-guided hiking adventure in central Kyushu, starting in Beppu, that features scenic routes around Omyijuma Island and includes a night at a rural farm, all organized by a community-focused tour company called Oku Japan.
Seychelles
This stunning archipelago located 1,000 miles off the eastern coast of Africa has captured my imagination, especially as it is rapidly developing into a competitive alternative to the Maldives. Take Bernard Arnault’s luxury hotel brand, Cheval Blanc, which debuted on Mahé on December 1. The world’s attention will also turn to the Seychelles as it prepares to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup from May 1-11, marking the first time this event takes place in Africa.
Combining my favorite sport with stunning island scenery and Creole culture creates a perfect blend of experiences.
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With a predominantly Creole populace, the Seychelles also boasts descendants from various immigrant backgrounds, including Europeans, Indians, Chinese, and Arabs. I’m excited to immerse myself in the islands’ multicultural heritage—perhaps through a culinary tour and exploring the market in Mahé.
Island hopping is essential too, whether I’m visiting the lush forests of Curieuse to meet giant tortoises or exploring the famed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, known for its towering sea coconut palm trees. (Fun fact: Sea coconuts are solid and devoid of water and grow in very few places in the Seychelles.)
The cultural experience I’m most eager to partake in: The Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts is offering activities aimed at preserving the islands’ cultural heritage. I would love to join “Grandmas Savoir Faire,” a full-day workshop at Le Domaine de Val de Près, a Creole cultural village on Mahé, where I can learn various Seychellois traditions, from coconut basket weaving to preparing traditional Creole seafood dishes.
This workshop also features a moutya dance lesson—a vibrant tradition performed with drums, introduced to the islands by enslaved Africans in the 18th century.
Brazil
Buildings along the beach in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Image: Dado Galdieri/Bloomberg
Duolingo is assisting me in acquiring basic Portuguese phrases—I plan to visit Brazil in February and want to feel prepared! My primary goal is of a personal nature: to recreate a photograph of my parents by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. That picture graced our home for years, sparking my love for travel.
After that, I aim to dive into the vibrant Carnival festivities in Rio, characterized by colorful attire and energetic dance performances. By building rapport with the locals, I hope to be invited to join in and learn some samba rhythms.
The cultural experience I’m eagerly anticipating: The “Rio Little Africa” walking tour that highlights Rio de Janeiro’s African heritage and its ties to the transatlantic slave trade. This is a key part of a movement I reported on in 2024, emphasizing Brazil’s newfound focus on Black heritage tourism.
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