Top 10 Best Places to Travel in Summer 2025

With essentially every country now open for international travel, 2025 could be one of the most incredible years in travel. Whether you are searching for a mountain getaway in the unbearable heat of summer, travels across deserts describe the escape from reality or perhaps a tropical getaway that sparks a level of excitement which enables you to travel and forget your day-to-day routine. Here is a list of the best places to travel in summer 2025, featuring some amazing destinations from around the globe for travelers who want to create more shared experiences with new friends across the globe.

1. Slovenia: Europe’s Hidden Gem

Slovenia is a small but extremely diverse country that has everything from the Julian Alps to beaches along the Adriatic. In a matter of hours from the city of Ljubljana, you can be skiing in the mountains or enjoying a beach day along the coast.

Here are some of the top highlights:

• Lake Bled: Features an island church and stunning vantage points.

• Soca River: Crystal freshwater, turquoise water for swimming and floating.

• Postojna Cave: A massive underground cave system (can be accessed by a train) for a very unusual underground experience!

• Church of St. Thomas: Church with brilliant views of the alps atop a hill.

2. Austria: Alpine Adventure and Village Charm

Austria exhibits storybook charm with its alpine peaks, pristine lakes and historic villages. It is an enticing alternative to neighboring Switzerland, but without the astronomical price tag.

Top Highlights:

•Hallstatt: A lakeside village that looks like it should be on a postcard.

•Schafberg Mountain: Ascend to the peak via Austria's steepest cog railway, and enjoy sweeping views.

•Sky Ladder via Ferrata: For the daring thrill-seeker, this alpine climbing route will give you both a challenge and rewarding scenery.

3. Namibia: A Desert Destination for Scenic & Wildlife Lovers

Namibia is home to some of the most spectacular and surreal landscapes on this planet, and located in Southern Africa, it is safe, road-tripping suitable, and unique enough for an adventure. If you take a trip to Namibia, don't miss these highlights:

• Deadvlei: A disquieting clay pan with 700-year-old tree skeletons.

• Big Daddy Dune: 325 meters in the air and worth it for the challenging views.

• Sandwich Harbour: An otherworldly place where golden dunes meet the Atlantic— these dunes are desperately hard to get to by anything other than expert 4x4 drivers.

• Damaraland Desert Elephants: Rare and beautiful wildlife in their natural environment.

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4. Vietnam: Southeast Asia's Base of Adventure

Vietnam is a backpacker’s dream with an amazing combination of natural attractions and cultural treasures.

The highlights are:

•Ban Gioc Waterfall: The largest waterfall in Southeast Asia - in a stunning jungle environment.

•Ha Long bay: Emerald waters and limestone islands. Best discovered by a multi day boat cruise and hiking experience nearby.

•Lung Cu Tea Fields: Wonderful terraced hills filled with bright green tea plantations.

•Ha Giang Loop: Multi day motorbike trip through an unreal landscape.

5. El Salvador: Central America's New Favorite Destination

El Salvador is on the rise as once an under appreciated country! Famous for its surf beaches and adventure travel, it's becoming the favorite of surfers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Highlights:

- El Tunco : surf beach and beach town with beautiful sunsets

- Santa Ana Volcano : moderate hike with beautiful views

- Lago de Coatepeque : stunning crater lake with swimming and cliff jumping

6. Norway's Lofoten Islands: Arctic Paradise

Located in the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands seem to have weather that is far more mild than their location would indicate, and absolutely stunning scenery.

Top Highlights:

• Henningsv A scenic fishing village that is made up of islands.

• Kvalvika Beach: Remote and stunning with a win-win on sunset views.

• Reinebringen Hike: Beautiful stone steps switchbacking to jaw dropping fjord views.

• Midnight Sun (June–July): The phenomenon where the sun does not set.

7. Greece: The Island Hopping Mecca

As a Mediterranean country made up of over 6,000 islands, there is a lot of choice for the traveler.

Top Highlights:

•Santorini: Famous for its Cycladic white houses and views of the volcanic caldera.

•Milos: An easy-going island with lunar-like landscapes and wonderful cool waters and beaches.

•Sarakiniko Beach & Sikia Cave: Beautiful geographical features and sea caves.

•Zakynthos (Zante): Home to Shipwreck Beach and some of the bluest waters in Europe.

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8. French Polynesia: Tropical Luxury in Moorea

Consulted to be the "Pearl of the Pacific," Moorea is the island paradise.

Top attractions:

•Mount Mouaputa: A drastic peak with a distinctive shark tooth shape.

•Temae Beach: A calm public beach that is perfect for relaxation and swimming.

•Boat Tours: Choose to swim with marine wildlife in pure and pristine waters.

•Humpback Whale Watching (Aug - Nov): Swim alongside these enormous mammals.

9. New Zealand: Nature’s Ultimate Playground

With its very diverse and spectacular terrain, New Zealand is a dream destination for outdoor adventurers and film fans alike.

Top Highlights:

•Cathedral Cove: An iconic combination of a sea cave and beach visit on the North Island.

•Hobbiton: The filming locale for The Lord of the Rings, The Shire.

•Mount Cook National Park: With the country’s highest peak and glacial lakes.

•Milford Sound: Steep cliffs and waterfalls in the untouched fjord landscape.

10. Australia: Wildlife, Coastlines, and Sunshine

A summer in Australia can be as chill as sitting on the beach, or as wild as a day spent with wildlife.

Top Highlights:

•Beaches: Bondi to Whitsundays.

•Wonders of Nature: Kangaroos, koalas and colorful sea life to name a few.

•Busy Cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane buzzing with culture, food and festivals.

Final Thoughts

Summer 2025 is your opportunity to head back into the world and make up for the lost adventures. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Vietnam, climbing alpine peaks in Austria, or trekking into the deserts of Namibia, one of the destinations on this list will spark your adventure flame.

So fuel the imagination, pack your bags, dust off your passport and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime this summer.

Where will your adventure begin ? ????

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