A new year means new traveling opportunities! Find out the best travel destinations for 2025, both economically and for experiences.
Traveling is always a factor of what people can afford and what places can provide unique experiences.
As the economy starts to improve, so will travel prices and everything associated with it. The travel recommendations listed below are based on price, activities, and the touristy atmosphere.
Here are the five destinations to consider going into the new year:
#5: Honolulu
Hawaii is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but Honolulu would be the best place to visit for first timers in Hawaii.
For starters, it is the capital of Hawaii, so people are more likely to find popular restaurants and shops. In addition, Honolulu offers some great hiking destinations and beaches for those who enjoy both.
The atmosphere is very lively at all times of day in Honolulu, making it a great place to wander around and explore. Furthermore, the nightlife in the city looks amazing and it feels safe to walk around to explore.
Flights to Honolulu can be expensive, so it’s best to plan as much in advance as possible. A one-way flight from NYC can be as cheap as $250, while from LAX it can be as little as $150 for one person.
#4: Paradise Island
The Bahamas offers great beaches to bathe in the sun and a lively atmosphere full of tourists and locals. Out of the one hundred and change islands belonging to the Bahamas, Paradise Island is a great place to visit first.
There are several tours that depart from the island, including those to other islands. Paradise Island is also home to the Atlantis Resort, a beautiful hotel area with an aquarium and water park.
Similar to Honolulu, the island has its own beaches, and there are more activities to do, such as jet skiing and parasailing. Also, Paradise Island connects to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, meaning it is easy to explore the local areas whenever desired.
Flights to Nassau can be as cheap as $100 from NYC and $150 from LAX (one-way).
#3: Curacao
Curacao is a travel destination most people have never heard of, making it great for those who don’t want to visit a popular destination.
The island is close to Venezuela, but still falls underneath a Carribean island title. As one would expect, there are beaches to visit, but one of the highlights are Willemstad.
The city acts as Curacao’s capital and offers plenty of life for the tourists on the island. All the restaurants and touristy hotels are located there, and the Queen Emma bridge paves the way to explore both sides of the city. For those who enjoy caves, Curacao also has many to visit.
Flights from NYC can be as little as $150 one-way and $350 from LAX.
#2: Portugal
One of Europe’s trendy travel destinations, Portugal, offers a lot to do at a relatively cheaper price than other European nations.
Porto and Lisbon are the two cities often visited by tourists. Both are wonderful cities to explore, full of culture and friendly people. One can choose to explore either city all day, visit the many castles, or visit the vineyards in Portugal.
If soccer is a passion, there are plenty of stadiums to visit and teams to watch play. A meal at a restaurant can be as little as 30 euros per person, including appetizers and desserts.
Above all, there are countless beautiful sceneries to take photos of, making it a perfect destination for Instagram worthy content. Portugal has been slowly getting more tourists after COVID, so it isn’t as crowded yet.
Flights from NYC one-way to Lisbon can be as cheap as $280 and $350 from LAX.
#1: St. Lucia
Perhaps the least known travel destination on the list, St. Lucia is a perfect vacation spot for anybody. Beaches, mountains, city life, volcanoes, you name it, and St. Lucia has it.
This Carribean island has some of the most beautiful atmospheres and views in the world. In addition, there are plenty of activities to choose from. People can make their own chocolate, visit the mud baths, hike the mountains, or swim at the many beaches on the island.
Everyone of all ages can find something to do in St. Lucia. Experience the island from head to toe within a week, with the variety of things to explore and try. With all honesty, this island is one of the best places to visit at least once in life.
Cheap flights from NYC one-way can be as little as $150 and $300 from LAX.
Picking a travel destination is tough. There are so many great places to choose from, but ultimately, it comes down to the experience. Vacations are meant to be a place to unwind and relax, but also try new things.
Traveling in general is to expand one’s horizons and see the world in different lenses. The places mentioned above are great places to visit and people will feel safe, it’s only a matter of exploring the country.
May the new year bring new opportunities for all!